AMD’s second-best X3D CPU ever made
Updated: Dec 20, 2024 2:27 pm
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The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a CPU that continues AMD’s journey of pushing gaming performance to the next level. Built on the Zen 4 architecture and the successor to the 5800X3D, this 8-core, 16-thread processor incorporates AMD’s 2nd gen 3D V-Cache technology, offering a massive 96 MB of L3 cache for superior gaming performance. Released in April 2023, it became a good mid-high-tier option in the ever-competitive CPU landscape. It was positioned squarely for gamers and enthusiasts who demand more from their games.
Despite now being overshadowed by the 9800X3D, the 7800X3D has carved out a unique identity. Its focus on gaming efficiency and value places it as a strong contender in today’s market, even compared to newer competitors like Intel’s 14th Gen and Core Ultra lineup. But is this chip still worth its current price in a post-9800X3D world?
Specifications
- Cores:: 8
- Thread: : 16
- Boost speed: : 5.0GHz
- Cache:: 96MB
- TDP: : 120W
What We Think
The 7800X3D is one of the best CPUs that AMD has ever made, it is leaps and bounds ahead of the first X3D CPU, the 5800X3D. With that being said, it’s a couple of years old and has still not dropped below MSRP thanks to high demand and low availability.
Reasons to Buy
- Very strong gaming performance
- Very efficient even compared to the 9800X3D
- AM5-based offers longevity and allows you to upgrade easily
Reasons to Avoid
- Still very expensive
- Poor availability
Right off the bat, we will say that half of the reason the 9800X3D performs better than the 7800X3D is that it is no longer power-limited. This seems counterintuitive because AMD strongly focused on efficiency when releasing the 9000 series. So much so that it had to release a patch to make some of the lower-end SKUs less efficient to meet performance demands; if efficiency is your thing, we can tell you right now that this chip is the one to beat. Let’s find out about raw power.
Specifications and comparison
While the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a fantastic gaming processor, it inevitably draws comparisons to its successor, the 9800X3D. Both processors share the same AM5 socket and core configuration but vastly differ under the IHS.
| Component | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Base frequency | 4.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Boost frequency | up to 5.2 GHz | up to 5 GHz |
| Memory speed | 5600 MT/s | 5200 MT/s |
| PCI Express lanes | 24 (Gen 5) | 24 (Gen 5) |
| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| L3 cache | 96 MB (shared) | 96 MB (shared) |
| TDP / PPT | 120W / 162W | 120W / 162W |
| Process size | 4 nm | 5 nm |
| Core architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 |
| Socket | AM5 (compatible with X870, X670, B650, A620) | AM5 (compatible with X870, X670, B650, A620) |
The differences seem small on paper, but the 9800X3D’s improvements hit hard in practice. It boasts a 500 MHz higher base clock and an additional 200 MHz on the boost clock. Combined with its Zen 5 architecture and 4nm process, these changes translate to better IPC performance, an important metric in CPU efficiency.
The increased IPC, achieved through higher transistor density and a smaller manufacturing process, means the 9800X3D can process more instructions per cycle, offering a notable performance uplift over the 7800X3D. If you’re a gamer, the 7800X3D still holds its ground as an exceptional choice, but if you’re seeking the absolute best, the 9800X3D sets a new standard in performance—albeit at a higher price point.
Performance
We tested the 7800X3D using our WePC test bench, which is comprised of the latest components to ensure unhindered performance. We use the same or similar components when testing all CPUs to keep the results comparable.
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Here are the components we use in our testing rig:
| Component | WePC test rig |
|---|---|
| CPU | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
| Cooler | Corsair H150i Elite LCD |
| Motherboard | ASUS Crosshair Hero X870 |
| Memory | Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR5 @6800 MHz |
| GPU | MSI RTX 4070 Ti |
| PSU | ASUS Thor Platinum II 1000W |
| Case | Cooler Master Masterframe |
We try to keep the testing components comparable across platforms and generations where possible; this helps us create results that can be compared universally. Of course, if you have a different rig at home, your results will likely differ. You can read our full resource to learn more about how we test our CPUs. We aim to give you the best information possible, so we emphasise standardized test conditions and comparisons to serve you with the best recommendations we can.
Gaming benchmarks
| Metric | CS2 | Days Gone | Doom Eternal | Horizon FW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (FPS) | AVG: 348.4 99%: 151.62 |
AVG: 258.4 99%: 152.7 |
AVG: 526.4 99%: 398.1 |
AVG: 207.8 99%: 164.3 |
| AVG temp (package) °C | 52 | 62 | 57 | 65 |
| Max temp (package) °C | 55 | 65 | 61 | 67 |
| Average PPT (W) | 55.6W | 61.6W | 68.4W | 67.4W |
In CS2, the 7800X3D achieves an average of 348.4 FPS, with a 99th percentile of 151.62 FPS. While impressive, this is overshadowed by the 9800X3D, which delivers a massive 601.52 FPS average and a much higher 99th percentile of 211.30 FPS. This trend of dominance by the 9800X3D extends across other titles as well.
In Days Gone, the 7800X3D records 258.4 FPS on average, but the 9800X3D outpaces it significantly at 328.39 FPS. The gap widens further in more demanding games like Horizon Forbidden West, where the 7800X3D manages an average of 207.8 FPS, while the 9800X3D pushes ahead with 219.33 FPS. It’s clear that the additional optimizations and architectural advancements in the 9800X3D provide a leap in gaming performance – particularly at higher frame rates and in CPU-intensive scenarios.
| CPU | CS2 | Days Gone | Doom Eternal | Horizon FW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | AVG: 601.52 99%: 211.30 |
AVG: 328.39 99%: 174.21 |
AVG: 513.22 99%: 393.93 |
AVG: 219.33 99%: 152.19 |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | AVG: 348.4 99%: 151.62 |
AVG: 258.4 99%: 152.7 |
AVG: 526.4 99%: 398.1 |
AVG: 207.8 99%: 164.3 |
Another important consideration is efficiency. The 7800X3D demonstrates respectable thermal performance, with package temperatures averaging between 52°C and 65°C, depending on the game. Power consumption is also efficient, peaking at around 68.4W in Doom Eternal. However, the 9800X3D still manages better thermal efficiency, which could appeal to builders focused on quieter, cooler systems.
Synthetic benchmarks
| Metric | CPU Z | Cinebench R23 | Geekbench | Blender render |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (points) | Single 668.9 Multi 7,248 |
Single 1,720 Multi 17,646 |
Single 2,671 Multi 15,051 |
Monster: 117.19 SPM Junkshop: 81.60 SPM Classroom: 57.59 SPM |
| AVG temp (package) °C | 65 | Single: 57 Multi: 72 |
53 | 69 |
| Max temp (package) °C | 72 | Single: 68 Multi: 77 |
74 | 72 |
| Average PPT (W) | 63.35W | Single: 40.97W Multi: 81.8W |
39.32W | 84.98W |
Shifting the focus to synthetic benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s relative limitations in compute-heavy workloads become evident. In Cinebench R23, the 7800X3D scores 1,720 in single-core and 17,646 in multi-core tests. These numbers, while solid, pale in comparison to the 9800X3D’s 2,039 single-core and 22,753 multi-core scores, which reflect its superior threading and cache capabilities.
In Geekbench, the disparity is even larger. The 7800X3D delivers 2,671 points in single-core performance and 15,051 in multi-core workloads, while the 9800X3D again leads with 2,894 and 17,900 points, respectively. Even in Blender rendering tasks, the newer CPU consistently finishes workloads faster, with lower power consumption.
| CPU | Score | AVG temp (package) °C | Max temp (package) °C | Average PPT (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Single 1,720 Multi 17,646 |
Single: 57 Multi: 72 |
Single: 68 Multi: 77 |
Single: 40.97W Multi: 81.8W |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Single 2,039 Multi 22,753 |
Single: 44 Multi: 72 |
Single: 52 Multi: 79 |
Single: 45.56W Multi: 137.23W |
| Core Ultra 285K | Single: 2,134 Multi: 42,399 |
Single: 45 Multi: 62 |
Single: 51 Multi: 73 |
Single: 29.98W Multi: 160.06W |
The power draw differences between the two chips are also something to note. The 7800X3D averages 81.8W during multi-core tasks in Cinebench R23, while the 9800X3D maintains slightly higher consumption but offsets this with drastically better performance. In single-core scenarios, the 7800X3D remains power-efficient, drawing just 40.97W, yet the higher scores of its successor make the power-to-performance ratio more favourable for the newer chip.
While the Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains a strong gaming CPU, these results illustrate why the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has become the go-to choice for gaming enthusiasts. In every major metric—average FPS, 99th percentile performance, and synthetic benchmarks—the 9800X3D sets a new standard, offering better efficiency and performance headroom over the 7800X3D.
If you’re considering the 7800X3D right now, it’s worth questioning whether its price is still justifiable given the significant gains offered by the 9800X3D. The older chip may still be a viable choice if you’re budget-conscious, but the 9800X3D is clearly the better option for cutting-edge gaming.
(If the price has decreased since this review went live, it might be worth an investment)
Price
At launch, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D entered the market with an MSRP of $449, positioning it as a compelling option for gamers who wanted cutting-edge performance without stepping into premium territory. However, in 2024, its price has crept up to $476, raising questions about its value in a highly competitive CPU landscape.
When you compare it to other options currently available, the 7800X3D starts to feel like a harder sell. The Ryzen 9 7900X, for instance, is priced at $351.97, offering a more versatile 12-core configuration at a significantly lower cost. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 9900X, available for $382.55, also brings 12 zen 5 cores to the table for less than the 7800X3D’s current price. Intel’s Core Ultra 7 265K ($381.64) and Core i9-14900K ($433.11) also offer compelling alternatives, especially if you’re looking for strong performance across gaming and productivity workloads.
While the 7800X3D still delivers top-tier gaming performance thanks to its 3D V-Cache, its price premium makes it difficult to recommend over these alternatives. Options like the Ryzen 9 7900X and Intel Core Ultra 7 265K strike a better balance between performance and cost, making them more attractive choices for a wider range of uses that aren’t pure gaming.
Don’t even get me started on the availability of the 9800X3D; it’s been sold out everywhere since launch because it’s basically the only CPU worth buying this year. AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series CPUs are good now, and Intel reckons it’s working on a new microcode to improve the Core Ultra series’ gaming performance; we’ll have to wait and see.
Is the 7800X3D it worth it?
Whether the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is worth it boils down to your priorities. For gamers, particularly those focused on high-refresh-rate titles, the 7800X3D remains one of the best gaming CPUs available. The massive 96MB of L3 cache directly benefits gaming workloads, offering smoother frame rates and better performance consistency than most competitors. This advantage becomes even more pronounced in CPU-bound scenarios at 1080p and 1440p resolutions as long as you have the best GPU to back you up.
However, you can’t get a better CPU for gaming than the 9800X3D; the advancements made over the previous generation of 3D V-cache have enabled overclocking and stripped the power limits to allow the 9800X3D to stretch far beyond its predecessor.
If you need a more versatile CPU that can handle gaming, heavy multitasking, or content creation, options like the Ryzen 9 7900X or 9900X deliver better value. These chips bring more cores at a lower price, making them ideal for mixed-use scenarios. Additionally, the 7800X3D’s price increase weakens its value proposition. With Intel’s aggressive pricing on the Core Ultra 7 265K and the availability of more affordable AMD options, it’s harder to justify paying a premium unless your use case heavily favours gaming.
Final word
