The video compares AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D and 9800X3D processors, concluding that while the 9800X3D offers up to 20% better gaming performance in some titles, most gains are modest and do not justify its significantly higher price. Therefore, the presenter recommends the 7800X3D as the best value high-end AM5 CPU for gaming due to its strong performance and more attractive pricing.
The video provides an updated comparison between AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D (Zen 4) and Ryzen 7 9800X3D (Zen 5) processors, focusing on gaming performance and value. The presenter revisits previous findings that showed only marginal performance improvements of about 8% on average for the newer 9800X3D over the 7800X3D across various games. This update includes testing with the latest hardware, including an RTX 5090 GPU, and covers 12 popular games to validate those earlier results.
Performance differences between the two CPUs varied depending on the game and settings, with some titles showing negligible gains, while others like Baldur’s Gate 3 and ACC demonstrated up to 20% better performance with the 9800X3D. However, most games exhibited single-digit percentage improvements, often between 5% and 10%. The analysis also highlighted that in GPU-heavy or ray-tracing scenarios, the CPU’s advantage was less pronounced due to GPU bottlenecks.
A key point discussed is the pricing and availability dynamics between the two processors. The 7800X3D was initially available at a very attractive price point around $340 USD, but AMD strategically limited its supply ahead of the 9800X3D launch, causing prices to spike close to $450 USD. This move helped AMD justify the 41% price premium for the 9800X3D, despite its modest performance gains. Recently, the 7800X3D prices have dropped again, making it a compelling value option.
Given the current market situation, the presenter recommends the 7800X3D as the best high-end AM5 CPU for gaming right now, especially considering its strong performance at a significantly lower price compared to the 9800X3D. While the newer Zen 5 chip is faster, the small performance uplift does not justify the much higher cost for most users. The presenter suggests that if immediate gaming performance improvement is the goal, the 7800X3D offers the best bang for the buck while supplies last.
In conclusion, the video emphasizes that AMD’s pricing and supply strategy played a major role in shaping consumer perception of these processors. The 7800X3D remains a highly attractive option at current prices, and although the 9800X3D is the fastest gaming CPU available, its premium price limits its value proposition. Viewers are encouraged to consider the 7800X3D for excellent gaming performance at a reasonable price, while keeping an eye out for future discounts on the 9800X3D.