AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 2-core LGA 775
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 2-core LGA 775
The Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 is widely praised as a fast and overclockable dual-core processor, especially for gaming where its high clock speed beats many quad-cores. A few reviewers note a common issue with a stuck temperature sensor, but overall satisfaction remains high, with users emphasizing value and compatibility. Q&A confirms it includes a stock cooler and is LGA 775 compatible.
Pros
- High overclocking potential
- Excellent gaming performance
- Great value for money
- Compatible with LGA 775 motherboards
- Includes stock cooler
Cons
- Temperature sensor may stick at 33°C
- Stock cooler can be bulky for some boards
- Outdated for modern multi-threaded tasks
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core 2 Duo |
| Model | 9800X3D | E8500 |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Wolfdale |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 45 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8★ | 2 |
| P-cores | 8★ | 1 |
| E-cores | — | 4★ |
| Threads | 16★ | 6 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8★ | 6 |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 8 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Max Speed | No data | |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 775 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | 14 |
| TDP | 120 | 65★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 200 | 29★ |
| Unlocked | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | UHD Graphics 48EU |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 2-core LGA 775
- Strong efficiency (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong platform (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong single thread (68th percentile)
Pricing
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 2-core LGA 775 offers 11.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 5 of 6 usage categories and 15 of 28 specs.