Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs 7800X3D: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best for: Gamers who want X3D for less
The short answer
The 9800X3D is the faster chip: a little quicker in games and much quicker in work like video editing and compiling, and it can be overclocked. But the 7800X3D gets you most of the gaming performance, so if it's noticeably cheaper it's the smarter buy for a pure gaming PC.
Choose the Ryzen 7 9800X3D if…
You want the fastest gaming CPU available, you also do productivity work, or you play at high frame rates with a high-end graphics card.
Choose the Ryzen 7 7800X3D if…
Your PC is purely for gaming, especially at 1440p or 4K where the graphics card does most of the work, and you can find it at a good discount.
Specifications compared
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost clock | 5.2GHz | 5.0GHz |
| L3 cache | 96MB (3D V-Cache) | 96MB (3D V-Cache) |
| TDP | 120W | 120W |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Fastest gaming CPU available
- Now fully overclockable
- Runs on long-lived AM5 platform
- Premium price for an 8-core chip
- No cooler included
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Superb gaming performance
- Very efficient
- Often heavily discounted
- Slower than the 9800X3D in productivity
- Limited overclocking
Is it worth upgrading from a 7800X3D?
No. If you already own a 7800X3D, the gain in games isn't worth the cost; put the money towards a faster graphics card instead.
Both chips use the AM5 socket and need a separate cooler. See our processor buying guide for alternatives.
Our scores are editorial ratings based on specifications, pricing and published performance data. How we choose and score products.