AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop Processor Review

What we have here for review is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This is a top of the line Ryzen 9000 series desktop processor from AMD, featuring a 4.7 GHz base and 5.2 GHz boost clock along with 96 MB of L3 cache. Price is at $479 MSRP, thought we’ve seen it rise north of $600 due to demand.

Disclosure: AMD sent the Ryzen 7 9800X3D desktop processor for the purpose of this review. The brand did not ask me to say anything particular about it.

Technical Specifications

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a high-performance desktop processor featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. Built on the Zen 5 architecture and fabricated with a 4 nm FinFET process, the CPU features a large L3 cache, enabled by its 3D V-cache – enhancing memory access speeds and reducing latency. The processor comes with a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.2 GHz, and supports the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 interfaces.

CPU
Core/Thread	8-cores/16-threads
Base/Boost Clock	4.7 GHz/5.2 GHz
Architecture	Zen 5 (Granite Ridge)
Manufacturing Process	TSMC 4 nm FinFET (CPU), 6 nm FinFET (I/O Die)
TDP	120 W
Memory
Memory Speed	5600 MT/s
Memory Channels	2
Memory Capacity	192 GB
Memory Type	DDR5
Graphics
Model	AMD Radeon Graphics
Core	2
Frequency	2200 MHz
Connectivity
PCI Express	PCIe 5.0
PCI Express Lanes	28 (24 usable)
Dimensions
Length	40 mm
Width	30 mm
Height	8 mm
Weight	104 grams (package)

Packaging and Accessories

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is packaged inside a slim packaging and thus, a cooler is not included.

Scope of delivery are as follows:

• AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D desktop processor
• AMD Ryzen badge (excluded in my sample)
• Documentation(s)

Design, Layout and Connectivity

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is based on the Zen 5 architecture for the AMD AM5 platform, which is basically a redesign of the previous Zen 4 architecture. Branch prediction, integer units, vector engines and instructions are among the many things that the new architecture improved upon along with a beefier cache.

Speaking, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes with a whooping 96 MB of shared L3 cache. Combined with the L1 and L2 cache’s per core memory, the model offers a total of 104.64 MB cache.

Previously, the 3D V-cache has been layered on top, but with the 2nd Gen AMD 3D V-cache, it has been placed below the processor cores – offering a massive 46% better thermal resistance. On that note, the CPU could maintain higher single- and multi-threaded clock speeds, explaining its 500 MHz faster base clock, and a 200 MHz faster maximum boost clock compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Cache and Memory

We got the Ryzen 7 9800X3D tested with the Trident Z5 Neo RGB from G.SKILL. This memory kit is offered in a 32 GB capacity (kit of two 16 GB) with a speed of DDR5-6000. Having the kit tested with the available CPU power profiles has shown that the default profile is the best – though not by much when compared to others.

Encryption

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D’s encryption performance has shown that running the system at its default nets the best result – with the 105 W Eco Mode coming in a close second.

3D Rendering

Blender 4.0 has shown similar results, with the default (Eco Mode disabled) offering the best rendering performance out of the three modes tested.

AI Inference

Procyon’s AI Inference benchmarks follows the pattern between the power profiles: Default is yet again the fastest, Eco 105 W trails at second place, and Eco Enabled is the slowest.

Content Creation

The trend continues with Procyon’s photo and video editing benchmarks.

Productivity

As for Microsoft Office 365 applications, the 9800X3D is predictably faster overall at it default profile, only bested by the Eco 105 W at Word processing.

Compression

With 7-Zip, it is evident that the stock profile is the fastest, with the Eco 105 W profile closing in. The normal Eco profile is obviously the slowest and it shows. For compression or memory related tasks, stock and 105 W are the profiles to go.

Gaming

Now gaming performance is pretty much neck to neck across the profiles tested. However, at Final Fantasy and Civilization VI, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at its default profile is actually the slowest – though not by much. Still, the gaming performance of the CPU, together with the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT proved to be a great combination no matter what.

Temperature

The Eco mode of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out for its thermal performance, delivering excellent temperature results even under full load. The 105W Eco mode follows, but it aligns more with the stock profile’s thermal performance. Note that the thermal performance of the CPU has been tested with the Noctua NH-U12A.

Power

Power output aligns well with the thermal performance of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D with the tested profiles. We see excellent results with the Eco mode enabled, while the 105 W profile remains close to what the stock profile offered.

Final Thoughts

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out as a high-performance desktop processor that caters to a wide range of user’s needs, be it from demanding productivity tasks to immersive gaming experiences. With its innovative Zen 5 architecture and 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache technology, AMD has delivered a CPU that pushes the boundaries of desktop processing capabilities.

Throughout our testing, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D consistently demonstrated its capabilities. In productivity tasks like Microsoft Office and content creation workflows, it delivered exceptional performance, leveraging its advanced architecture and high core/thread count. AI inference, encryption, and 3D rendering benchmarks reaffirm its suitability for creative professionals and data-heavy workloads. The processor also excels in handling memory-intensive operations, thanks to its substantial 96 MB of shared L3 cache and support for high-speed DDR5 memory.

When it comes to gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D performs admirably across a variety of titles, offering smooth frame rates which is excellent for competitive games. While the differences between power profiles in gaming were minimal, the default profile delivered the best overall performance in most benchmarks – with the 105 W mode coming in at close second.

On that note, the multiple power profiles provide system builders, creators, and gamers with options to tailor performance and energy consumption to their specific needs. This adaptability makes the 9800X3D appealing not only to enthusiasts who demand maximum performance but also to those who prioritize energy efficiency and thermal management. The Eco mode for an instance offers excellent temperature management and reduced power consumption without compromising significantly on performance. The 105 W mode on the other hand, leaves much to be desired as it is too similar to the stock profile.

Overall, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a standout offering in the Ryzen 9000 series lineup. Its combination of significant technological leap, robust performance, and efficient power management over its predecessors makes it an ideal choice for gamers, content creators, and professionals seeking a powerful processor for the AMD AM5 platform.

Whether you’re building a new system or upgrading your existing setup, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional value and performance that justifies its position as a top-tier desktop CPU.