AMD recently introduced the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, claiming it to be the “world’s fastest gaming processor.” This is a significant assertion for a chip that shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 5800X, which was released a year and a half ago. But what sets the Ryzen 7 5800X3D apart is its innovative 3D V-Cache technology, which could potentially propel it to the top of our best CPU list. However, the older Ryzen 7 5800X still has its own advantages. Let’s compare the two CPUs to see how they stack up.
Specs
Pricing and Availability
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The Ryzen 7 5800X has been on the market since November 2020 with a list price of $450. On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which is part of AMD’s Ryzen 5000 range, was launched in April 2022 at the same list price of $450.
Due to the age of the Ryzen 7 5800X, its price has significantly dropped. Currently, it can be purchased for around $340. Even if the prices go up slightly, it is unlikely to exceed $400.
As for the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, it still carries the list price of $450. While prices may fluctuate, the price difference between the two CPUs is approximately $100.
Performance
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Comparing the performance of the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 7 5800X3D is challenging, as they target different applications despite their similarities. If raw processor performance is your main concern, the older Ryzen 7 5800X is the better choice. However, for gamers, nothing seems to beat the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
In traditional CPU benchmarks like Cinebench, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D falls behind the Ryzen 7 5800X, as observed in ExtremeTech’s testing. However, memory-sensitive applications benefit from the 3D-stacked part. In tasks such as H.264 encoding, the increased cache allows the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to even outpace Intel’s Core i9-12900K.
The performance gains are impressive, with leaked benchmarks prior to launch showing the Ryzen 7 5800X3D outperforming the Core i9-12900K by as much as 30% in some tests.
When it comes to gaming, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D truly shines. TechSpot discovered that it is up to 50% faster than the Ryzen 7 5800X in open-world games like Far Cry 6. Even more noteworthy, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D achieved a 5% increase over the Core i9-12900KS in Far Cry 6, despite Intel’s processor costing nearly twice as much.
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However, the improvements are not always as dramatic. In frequency-sensitive games like Rainbow Six Extraction, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D only managed a 5% increase over the Ryzen 7 5800X. Nevertheless, it still holds the lead.
It is important to note that within AMD’s Ryzen 5000 range, performance remains relatively similar across processors when it comes to gaming. Even the Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 9 5950X perform within a few frames of each other. As a result, not only does the Ryzen 7 5800X3D outperform the Ryzen 7 5800X, but it also surpasses AMD’s most expensive processors currently available.
Overclocking
AMD
Despite being a newer version, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D actually has slower clock speeds compared to the Ryzen 7 5800X. It is 200MHz slower in terms of the max boost clock and a full 400MHz slower for the base clock. This may not seem significant, but it’s worth noting that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D does not support CPU overclocking.
On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 5800X offers faster performance right out of the box, with a max boost clock of up to 4.7GHz on a single core. With a little overclocking, you can even push it up to 5GHz on a single core. If you enjoy pushing your hardware to its limits, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D may not be the ideal choice. Although it is possible to overclock the Ryzen 7 5800X3D with extra effort, it carries some risks.
As performance numbers demonstrate, frequency is not the only determining factor. The additional cache on the Ryzen 7 5800X3D compensates for the lower frequency, particularly in games. However, if you regularly use frequency-sensitive applications, the Ryzen 7 5800X offers greater bandwidth.
A significant cache
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Underneath its exterior, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 7 5800X feature the same processor, with a slight difference in clock speed. However, AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology sets the Ryzen 7 5800X3D apart. It allows the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to access an additional 64MB of L3 cache, bringing the total L3 cache on the chip to 96MB.
While this may not seem significant, benchmarks demonstrate that the extra cache can greatly enhance gaming performance. In summary, more cache means the processor needs to access the system RAM less frequently, resulting in a reduction in the time it takes for the CPU to process instructions.
Not all applications benefit from increased cache. Many older games, for example, thrive with the increased frequency provided by the Ryzen 7 5800X. However, newer titles are optimized to store multiple CPU instructions, making them better suited for the larger cache of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
A new champion for gamers
XanxoGaming
Based on initial testing, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is currently the best gaming CPU available. If you desire the highest frame rates, it is worth investing the extra money in the Ryzen 7 5800X3D over the base model, despite the lack of overclocking support and lower frequency.
While frequency may be superior in certain applications, benchmarks clearly show that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D outperforms other AMD processors and even competes with the best offerings from Intel.
Editors’ Recommendations
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