AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D — the new beast of gaming CPU

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is AMD's latest powerhouse for gaming, debuting on November 7, 2024, and swiftly claiming the crown as the best CPU for pure gaming. Built around AMD’s advanced 3D V-cache technology, this processor is specifically designed to enhance gaming speeds by expanding the cache capacity, delivering smoother frame rates and faster load times for even the most demanding games.

What sets the 9800X3D apart is AMD’s new design approach. By positioning the cache chaplet beneath the compute die, it reduces the thermal insulation issues of previous generations. This repositioning not only keeps the CPU cooler but also pushes its performance to new heights, increasing the base clock by 500 MHz and boost clock by 200 MHz compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Combined with the eight-core, 16-thread architecture and a 120W TDP, this CPU is primed for high-intensity gaming sessions without sacrificing stability.

Available at a $479/£449 MSRP, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has dominated early benchmarks. In our review, it outpaced Intel’s latest Core 9 285K by an impressive 35% on average across gaming tests, offering significant gains in both single-thread and multi-thread performance. For gamers seeking the ultimate in processing power without delving into custom cooling or high-power requirements, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a perfect match, and it’s available now through all major tech retailers.

Gaming Performance Benchmarks

Test benchmark credit: Tom's Hardware

In our benchmarking chart, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D shows a significant performance leap across a 13-game test suite at 1080p on high/ultra settings. When compared to both previous-generation AMD CPUs and Intel’s top processors, the 9800X3D consistently leads, showcasing its capability as a high-performance gaming CPU. This processor stands out for its ability to handle demanding titles with ease, pushing frame rates and minimizing latency to enhance overall gaming smoothness. The improvements are clear, making the Ryzen 7 9800X3D a standout choice for gamers looking for maximum power and efficiency in their setups.