Ryzen 9 9900X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D Which CPU is better?

What will happen if we compare the Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D ? A Zen 5-based Ryzen 9 vs a Zen 4-based Ryzen 7, but with 3D V-Cache. Let’s take a look at the results, especially on the gaming side, to see which of the two is more worthwhile for your setup.

Table of Contents

  • Technical specifications of the Ryzen 9 9900X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D
  • Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D: Zen 5 vs Zen 4
  • Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D: Performance Tests
    • Benchmark results
    • Gaming performance
    • Consumption and temperature
  • Conclusion

Technical specifications of the Ryzen 9 9900X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D

As for the technical specifications , here we have the table for the Ryzen 9 9900X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D:

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Manufacturing node TSMC 4nm / IOD 6nm TSMC 5nm / IOD 6nm
Number of transistors 16.63 billion CCD and 3.4 billion cIOD

FinFET type

11.27 billion CCD and 3.4 billion cIOD

FinFET type

Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) AM5 (LGA 1718)
Microarchitecture Zen 5 (Granite Ridge) Zen 4 (Raphael)
Number of cores 12 physicists

24 logical (SMT)

8 physicists

16 logical (SMT)

Clock frequency 4.4 Ghz

Turbo up to 5.6 Ghz

4.2 Ghz

Turbo up to 5 Ghz

iGPU Radeon RDNA3.5 Dual Core 2200MHz (on cIOD) Radeon RDNA3 at 2200 Mhz (on cIOD)
NPU Not included Not included
Cache memory L1: 80 KB per core

L2: 1 MB per core

L3: 64 MB shared

L1: 64 KB per core

L2: 1 MB per core

L3: 96 MB shared

Unlocked Yeah No
Tj max 95ºC 89ºC
TDP 170W 120W
Memory support DDR5 5600 MT/s Dual Channel DDR5 5200 MT/s Dual Channel
PCIe lanes 28x Gen 5 (24x usable) 24x Gen 5

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Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D: Zen 5 vs Zen 4

Even though the Ryzen 9 9900X is a Zen 5-based R9, versus a Zen 4-based R7, don’t be fooled by first impressions, as the 7800X3D has a massive L3 cache , which reduces the need for RAM accesses, and the impact this has on clock cycles. So that can make a difference in some workloads that need to access a lot of data and instructions, such as gaming or multimedia, as well as AI.

This new generation, built on TSMC’s N4P manufacturing process , offers a quantum leap in performance and energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, Zen 4.

One of the key features of Zen 5 is its higher IPC (instructions per cycle) , which has been achieved thanks to a series of architectural improvements. These include an increase in the width of the front-end, optimization of the floating point unit (FPU), and improved branch predictor accuracy. In addition, the L1 cache has been enlarged, which reduces latency and improves performance in demanding applications.

Zen 5’s floating-point unit (FPU) has undergone a significant evolution , going from 256-bits in Zen 4 to 512-bits. This improvement translates into exceptional performance in tasks that require a lot of floating-point calculations, such as artificial intelligence and scientific simulation.

On the other hand, the memory management unit (MMU) has been optimized to take full advantage of the high-speed DDR5 memory , allowing for faster data access and improving overall system performance. The question now is whether those improvements are enough to see a real-world change or whether the 3D V-Cache can override these improvements…

I recommend you read our guides to choose the best RAM and the best motherboard for these processors

Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D: Performance Tests

To put the Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D to the test , and see if a new generation Ryzen 9 can surpass a previous generation Ryzen 7, thanks to the 3D V-Cache, which will be the one that inserts the most excitement to the comparison:

Benchmark results

We start by looking at the RAM latency, write and read results in AIDA64 for the Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D, where the 7800X3D is slightly superior, as is logical given the specifications of both units:

In the case of single-core and multi-core performance with the benchmarks, the results are very different, since here Zen 5 wins over Zen 4, as expected by everyone:

If we compare the Ryzen 9 9900X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D in workloads such as VR and rendering, the test results also leave the Ryzen 9 in a better position , given the greater parallelism it achieves thanks to having more cores:

Gaming performance

This is one of the most desired tests by gamers, and it is that units with 3D V-Cache obtain great results in gaming, but enough to surpass the new generation in video games? Well, let’s see by comparing the performance of the Ryzen 9900X vs 7800X3D in different AAA titles (more FPS is better):

As you can see, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D unit holds its own quite well , outperforming the Ryzen 9 9900X in most games.

Consumption and temperature

If we consider what the result is when comparing the Ryzen 9 9900X vs 7800X3D in terms of consumption , the results are more equal, since although the more advanced manufacturing node is better in this sense, the Ryzen 7 has fewer cores running and is somewhat more restricted in terms of frequency (less watts is better):

For the temperature , this time measured in degrees Celsius, we have again for a unit at rest and under load (lower is better):

Conclusion

The price difference between the two units is approximately €50, with the cheapest being the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. A minimal difference, but as you can see, in the case of video games, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still the best option given its higher L3. Therefore, for gamers you should not think twice, and choose the processor with 3D V-Cache, not so much for the savings, but for the results you have seen in gaming…

Finally, it is important to note that by choosing the 7899X3D, you already know that you will have to have good cooling, given its lower Tj, and give up an unlocked unit like the Ryzen 9 9900X, so it will not be suitable if you plan to do OC.