AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: An Ideal CPU For PC Gamers
AMD offers an array of tools for overclocking Ryzen 9000 series processors, including "one-click" methods like Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and auto-overclocking via Ryzen Master, or manual overclocking via Ryzen Master and/or the system BIOS. Since all Ryzen 9000 series processors are unlocked manual overclocking is only a matter of altering a few multipliers, tweaking voltages, and dealing with the additional heat and power requirements. These processors can be overclocked by adjusting base clock frequencies as well, so it's possible to really fine-tune the end result if you so choose, but the quickest and easiest gains will be come by tweaking multipliers or by using one of the "one-click" options in Ryzen Master. If you've got adequate cooling, a good motherboard with power headroom for the CPU socket, and a high-quality PSU, overclocking Ryzen 9000 series processors should be fairly straightforward.
Overclocking The Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Unfortunately, when we tried to manually alter settings with Ryzen Master, our test system would hang upon rebooting with a POST code of 15 (memory related issue). We ultimately didn't have much luck overlocking the Ryzen 7 9800X3D with Ryzen Master, so we stuck to altering most settings via the system BIOS, kept it simple, and tweaked the settings most users would, like AutoOC, PBO and memory clocks.
After Repeated Cinebench Runs, The Ryzen 7 9800X3D's Temps Peaked In The Low 80°C Range...
PBO allows the processor to consume more power through the socket and exploit any additional current headroom available on motherboards with robust VRM configurations. AutoOC works similarly to PBO, but adds a small frequency boost override. Using PBO or AutoOC at stock memory speeds, we saw similar results, with small performance improvements in some tests. We also enabled the memory's EXPO profile to increase the memory speed to DDR5-6000, which also provided a small performance increase.
In the end, we saw small performance improvements in Cinebench, which hots all cores with a 100% load throughout the benchmark run. The LAME MT encoder works on multiple two-thread encodes simultaneously, depending on the number of files being encoded. As a result, there's some time between encodes, when certain cores aren't fully utilized and the processor has some additional power and thermal headroom. With our custom LAME MT benchmark, we shaved a second off the encode time.
Temperatures and power were non-issues while we experimented with overclocking. The processor typically ran in the high 70°C range, with peaks into the low 80's. And total system power hardly changed at all. We think some BIOS and software updates will improve the experience as it relates to overclocking, so we'll revisit the Ryzen 7 9800X3D when that time comes.
Temperatures and power were non-issues while we experimented with overclocking. The processor typically ran in the high 70°C range, with peaks into the low 80's. And total system power hardly changed at all. We think some BIOS and software updates will improve the experience as it relates to overclocking, so we'll revisit the Ryzen 7 9800X3D when that time comes.
AMD's Ryzen 9000 Series: Our Deep-Dive Review Verdict
If it wasn’t obvious throughout this article, we really like the new AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. AMD’s X3D processors clearly target gamers, which is where their massive L3 caches have the largest impact on performance. While every generation of X3D processors has shown clear benefits to gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D takes things a step further. The enhancements made with AMD’s second generation 3D V-Cache and the inherent benefits that come by way of the Zen 5 architecture make the Ryzen 7 9800X3D a no-compromise processor for gamers and one heck of an all-around performer as well, for an 8-core processor. This processor’s higher clocks and big cache, and relatively tame power profile, result in a great all around experience – AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D is easy to cool and topped the charts in our gaming tests, while offering great general performance too.
Find The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D @ Amazon
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D arrives at the same price point as the previous generation 7800X3D as well -- $479. While not exorbitant, that price makes the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D about $100 more expensive than the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X, which will perform better with multi-threaded workloads. To get arguably the best PC gaming processor available today, we suspect most folks won’t balk at the Ryzen 7 9800X3D’s price premium, but we do wish AMD was a bit more aggressive with pricing.
That said, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a great CPU. Any hardcore gamer that doesn’t need a high core count processor needs to give this processor a serious look. Performance is excellent all-around, it led in our game tests, and its power and thermals are easy to manage. You can’t ask for much more than that. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an easy Editor's Choice winner.
