AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: The best gaming CPU
6/4/2023
Translation: machine translated
The latest AMD processor with 3D-V cache is available from today. Initial reviews show that the 7800X3D is convincing across the board in games. However, it is not suitable for productivity applications.
AMD has created the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the X3D CPU for those who just want to play games. The CPU is equipped with the 3D-V cache. This is a memory stored above the compute unit, which gives the CPU a boost, especially in games. However, it clocks at a maximum of 5.0 GHz, 400 MHz slower than the 7700X on which it is based. In the reviews by Techpowerup and Computerbase, the new CPU offers the best gaming performance, but lags behind in productivity applications Here is a summary of the most important findings of the two reviews.
Techpowerup
5.6 per cent faster than the i9-13900K from Intel. 5.8 per cent faster than the 7950X from Intel. Compared to the 7700X, it is even 16 per cent. Reviewer W1zzard from Techpowerup comes to these results when gaming in 1080p resolution. As usual, this difference disappears at higher resolutions. In 2160p resolution, the top processors of the Zen 4, Alder and Raptor Lake series and the predecessor 5800X3D are separated by just five per cent.
W1zzard also advises against upgrading from the 5800X3D to the 7800X3D. Despite the better gaming performance, the upgrade, which requires a new RAM and motherboard in addition to the CPU, is not worth it.
The situation is different in productivity applications. Here, the 7800X3D is behind the 7700X. Compared to the competition, the CPU doesn't come out on top, even against the weaker models.
But the CPU is one of the most efficient. In games, the 7800X3D requires an average of 49 watts of power with peaks of 60 watts. The 13900K from Intel draws an average of 143 and reaches peak values of 200 watts.
W1zzard also mentions overclocking. This is not possible in the classic sense by changing the multiplier as with the predecessor. However, various power limits can be adjusted with the Curve Optimiser. This enables around three per cent more performance in gaming and productivity applications.
Computerbase
If you are looking for good gaming performance on the AM5 platform, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the right choice. This is the conclusion reached by the trio of reviewers at Computerbase.
The 7800X3D virtually achieves the performance of the top model Ryzen 9 7950X3D. The 7900X3D and all current CPUs from Intel are behind it. They absorb more than twice the performance.
However, the 7800X3D does not quite manage to follow in the big footsteps of the 5800X3D. The in-house competition is stronger than with the Ryzen 5000 processors. In addition, the switch to the AM5 platform is expensive.
The 7800X3D's biggest competitor is the 13700K from Intel. In Computerbase's tests, it is on average 10 per cent behind the AMD CPU (in 720p resolution). In productivity applications, however, the Intel CPU outperforms the 7800X3D by 30 to 50 per cent. This is mainly thanks to the four more cores and the higher usable TDP.
The new processor with eight cores, 16 threads and 3D-V cache is available to pre-order from 3 pm today. Cost point: 469 francs. Unfortunately, the processors have not yet arrived in our warehouse. They are expected next week. However, you can still get one today.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.