AMD's Zen 5 CPUs are now out and offer a significant boost in Instruction Per Cycle (IPC) numbers, one that AMD claims is as much as 16%, better AVX-512 performance, and a considerable amount of efficiency gains under the hood that makes it a compelling lineup to explore this year.
At the same time, most, if not all of AMD's Zen 5 CPUs have been greeted by a chorus of mixed reviews that often highlight last-generation Zen 4 CPUs and its X3D lineup as better value for money in general for productivity and gaming needs respectively. Much of this is due to the pricing that AMD's Zen 5 CPUs come with, even as their Zen 4 counterparts receive discounts across the board with retailers.
This does not mean that AMD's Zen 5-based CPUs are a write-off for gamers, but one that could be a credible upgrade option for gamers, power users, and enthusiasts alike - but it is worth considering the alternatives, especially for gamers.
Considering The Octa-Core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU As An Upgrade
AMD's mid-range hexacore Ryzen 5 9600X and higher-end octa-core Ryzen 7 9700X CPUs are expected to be the most mainstream CPUs of the current set of Zen 5-based offerings. The Ryzen 7 9700X is of particular interest as it not only has to supplant the Ryzen 7 7700X but also faces off with Intel's troubled 14th-generation 14700K/KF CPUs to justify its $360 MSRP.
More importantly, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a chip that remains undefeated even in the face of a newer architecture and Intel pushing past 6.2GHz on single-core clock speeds on the Core i9 14900KS when it comes to appeasing gamers.
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
An Efficient Player
- Brand
- AMD
- TDP
- 65W
- Cores
- 8
- Threads
- 16
- iGPU
- AMD Radeon Graphics
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a mid-tier offering in the latest Ryzen 9000 series of CPUs, and it brings eight cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock speed of 5.5 GHz. The new chip is more efficient than its previous generation counterpart, and it supports more DDR5 RAM clocked at 5600 MHz.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- CPU Model
- Ryzen 7 9700X
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- PCIe 4.0 Support
- Yes
- Architecture
- Zen 5
- Process
- 4nm
- Base Clock Speed
- 3.8 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 5.5 GHz
- Cache
- 32MB
- Offers strong single-threaded performance versus its peers
- Much more power efficient than older AMD and Intel Counterparts
- Leverages existing AM5 motherboards, making it a cost-effective upgrade
- Does get dwarfed by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D considerably in gaming
Despite mixed reviews as mentioned earlier, AMD's octa-core Ryzen 7 9700X CPU is a solid gaming and productivity contender thanks to the underlying optimizations to the architecture that Zen 5 offers. It is considerably more power efficient, offers significantly better performance per watt than its competition, especially during productivity workloads, while delivering excellent single-core performance that dwarfs Intel's 14th-generation offerings considerably, both clock-for-clock and often at higher clock speeds core-for-core.
It has the advantage of being on a maturing AM5 platform, running out of the box with AMD's existing motherboards, many of which can be had at a sub-$100 to 150 price tag, while offering better memory overclocking and lower temperatures than its peers. At the same time, users in the market for a gaming PC might be better off pushing for yesteryear's Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU that offers a similar octa-core configuration, but with Zen 4 cores instead while being available in the same ballpark as its new 8-core prodigy.
For those looking for a stellar performer that isn't a hassle to cool and can be overclocked fairly well, the Ryzen 7 9700X is a solid, if slightly more expensive choice versus its Zen 4-based peers.
The Best GPU Upgrades For AMD's Zen 5-Based Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs
AMD's Ryzen 9000 series CPUs offer a new Zen 5 core and better gen-on-gen performance. Here are some of the best GPUs to pair with them.
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU: Alternatives To Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Presiding AM5 Gaming Champion
- Brand
- AMD
- CPU Model
- Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Cores
- 8
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AMD's latest and greatest CPU when it comes to gaming. With an excellent and highly efficient gaming performance that tops the charts currently, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled prowess when it comes to gaming on a PC.
The octa-core CPU currently happens to be the fastest in the business for gaming even as it leads efficiency charts at the top, making it a very sought-after gaming upgrade.
- Threads
- 16
- PCIe 4.0 Support
- Yes, Supports up to PCI-E 5.0
- Architecture
- Zen 4
- Process
- 5nm
- Base Clock Speed
- 4.2GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 5.0GHz
- Cache
- 8MB L2 + 96MB L3
- TDP
- 120W
- iGPU
- Yes, Integrated Radeon 2 Core
- Outdoes the Ryzen 7 9700X In gaming considerably
- Trades at a similar price tag as its newer sibling
- Largely keeps up on efficiency when gaming
- Is slightly slower for productivity tasks than the octa-core 7700X/9700X offerings
Unsurprisingly for most who followed the transition from Zen 3 to Zen 4, the move to Zen 5 once again sees the last-generation Zen-based CPU take the lead in gaming thanks to its stacked L3 cache. The 7800X3D replaces its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in this story, but the rest of the message is on point: AMD's Ryzen CPUs with 3D V-Cache are a force unto themselves and nearly always a better bargain than even a generational architectural upgrade that lacks the extra L3 cache for gamers.
AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers an efficient CPU that games considerably better than its peers but also an option that trades at a significant discount over its $450 MSRP that puts it in direct competition with the 9700X while offering better performance to the tune of almost 10% in most benchmarked titles. While it does lose out on productivity tasks due to its lower clocks and older architecture, for those looking to get a CPU predominantly for gaming, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is worth more than just a second look for users eyeing a Ryzen 9000 series CPU currently.
The CPU above also comes with a complimentary copy of Unknown 9 Awakening and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 as part of an ongoing AMD promotion.
The Best Motherboards To Pair With The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Here are some of the best motherboards to consider pairing with the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Intel Core i7 14700KF 20-Core, 28-Thread CPU
Intel's Core-Heavy Offering
- Brand
- Intel
- CPU Model
- Core i7 14700KF
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Cores
- 20 (8P + 12E Cores)
The Intel Core i7 14700KF is the iGPU-less version of the unlocked Intel Core i7 14700K CPU, offering four additional efficiency cores and a lower price thanks to it skipping the integrated Intel UHD 770 that the latter offers. It requires a discrete graphics card for display and adequate cooling for one of the most power-hungry CPUs.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Threads
- 28
- Architecture
- Raptor Lake Refresh
- Process
- Intel 7 (10 nm)
- Base Clock Speed
- 3.4 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 5.6 GHz
- Cache
- 28MB L2 + 33MB L3
- RAM
- Upto 192GB DDR5 RAM
- PCIe
- PCI-E 4.0/5.0 Support
- Graphics
- N/A
- Power Draw
- 253W Turbo
- Offers well-rounded single-core performance versus its peers
- Offers excellent multi-core performance for productivity needs
- Benefits from an extended 5-year warranty
- Does suffer from ongoing voltage issues that require a motherboard BIOS upgrade to fix
- Requires much more powerful cooling to perform to spec
Intel's embattled 13th and 14th generation Raptor Lake-based CPU lineups did get a BIOS update rolled out to them earlier this month and that does mean that they can cautiously be considered a viable choice for users looking to stick it out with Intel this generation at a price tag that matches the Ryzen 9 9700X. For this, Intel offers decent single-core and considerably better multi-core performance, backed by an extended 5-year warranty for peace of mind for gamers and power users alike.
It also has the advantage of leveraging the older LGA 1700 socket, which is a dead socket in terms of future upgrades but one that comes with plenty of well-priced motherboards as well as upgrade options from older 12th and 13th-generation PCs making it worthy of consideration in 2024. The 14700K delivers stellar clocks and reliable performance but runs considerably hotter than the competition, something that could be weighed against it especially when it is firing on all cylinders.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
Hexa-Core Bargain Play
- Brand
- AMD
- TDP
- 65W
- Cores
- 6
- Threads
- 12
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the entry-level, yet very capable, gaming CPU from AMD that features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32MB of L3 cache. It has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600 is an unlocked processor with a default TDP of 65W. It also has integrated RDNA 2 graphics and is the cheapest offering in the lineup with an iGPU.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- iGPU
- Yes, RDNA 2
- CPU Model
- Ryzen 5 7600
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- PCIe 4.0 Support
- Yes
- Architecture
- Zen4
- Process
- TSMC 5nm FinFET
- Base Clock Speed
- 3.8 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 5.1 GHz
- Cache
- L1:384Kb, L2:6MB, L3:32MB
- RAM
- DDR5 Support
- PCIe
- PCI-E 5.0 and lower
- Graphics
- RDNA 2
- Handles most modern games and productivity use cases fairly well
- Comes factory unlocked despite lacking the 'X' moniker in its name
- Users can save money thanks to a stock cooler being included
- Does run very hot with the included stock cooler
For users looking at the 9700X or a potential X3D Zen 5-based CPU for gaming, it may also make sense to wait it out for now. Fortunately, there are capable Zen 4 CPUs across the board that deliver adequate performance without stretching one's budget. The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 offers a 6-core, 12-thread configuration that is both overclockable and highly power efficient in a relatively neat package.
It also bundles in a stock cooler, saving new system builders and those migrating to AM4 the added expense of a new air or liquid cooler while offering excellent performance in a variety of games and productivity workloads. The Ryzen 5 7600 offers acceptable performance for a price tag that is firmly under $200. Users on a smaller budget or those looking to stretch out more value before jumping to an X3D CPU on the next generation can turn to AMD's capable hexacore CPU for a price that makes it an alluring buy for now.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
When You Need All Sixteen Cores
- Brand
- AMD
- TDP
- 170W
- Cores
- 16
- Threads
- 32
- iGPU
- AMD Radeon Graphics
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X desktop CPU is the top-of-the-line offering in the latest Ryzen 9000 series of processors. It comes with 16 cores, 32 threads, and a boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz. The CPU has 64MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 170W. It delivers considerably higher multi-core and single-core performance than the Ryzen 9 7950X at the same power draw, which is a testament to its efficiency and IPC count gain claims.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- CPU Model
- Ryzen 9 9950X
- PCIe 4.0 Support
- Yes
- Architecture
- Zen 5
- Process
- 4nm
- Base Clock Speed
- 4.3 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 5.7 GHz
- Cache
- 64MB L3 cache
- Offers a monstrous 16-core, 32-thread configuration for power users
- Offers similar efficiency gains as the Ryzen 7 9700X
- Outdoes the competition in most single and multi-core benchmarks handily
- Trades at a pricey $650 ask while being outdone in gaming by its last-gen X3D counterpart
While the AMD Ryzen 9 9700X is a capable CPU in its own right, offering significant efficiency gains, better single-threaded performance, and better memory overclocking (along with the newer X870 chipset in tow), users wanting more throughput or even faster single-core performance will also find themselves considering the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X which offers twice the amount of cores and threads in on the same AM5 socket.
Not only is Zen 5's efficiency on full display but the processor outdoes its competition handily in performance especially when it comes to AVX-512 instruction sets being leveraged by productivity software. At an MSRP of $650, the 9950X is a pricey affair, but is cheaper core-for-core versus the 9700X, making it a great option to consider if one must have the latest and greatest in terms of CPU architecture.
AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D 16-Core, 32-Thread Desktop Processor
16 Core Zen 4 Meets Extra L3 Cache
- Socket
- AMD AM5
- Brand
- AMD
- TDP
- 120W
- Cores
- 16
The 16-core, 32-thread desktop AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor is AMD's answer to a resurgent Intel 13th generation processor lineup as it attempts to wrest back the gaming crown with the same technology that made the last generation 5800X3D such a powerful CPU.
With 128MB of L3 cache on offer, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D leverages its 3D V-Cache muscle in gaming as well as its powerful new Zen 4-based cores in productivity to make for a potent enthusiast-grade CPU in the offing.
- Threads
- 32
- iGPU
- Yes, RDNA 2
- L3 Cache
- 128MB
- Base Clock
- 4.2 GHz
- Boost Clock
- 5.7 GHz
- Offers well-rounded productivity and gaming performance
- Trades at a significant discount over the newer Ryzen 9 9950X CPU
- Considerably more power efficient than other last-gen CPUs
- Is slower in productivity versus the 7950X/9950X
For users looking to game and run thread-heavy applications on the same PC, while the Ryzen 7 9700X is no slouch for either and the Ryzen 9 9950X might be a better candidate for the latter, only the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D does both well, leveraging its stacked L3 cache on one CCD for games while offering 16 capable Zen 4 cores for users otherwise.
It does however perform slower than the 7950X and the 9950X in productivity and comes close to, but does not beat the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in gaming, making it a somewhat mixed bag, but one that can handle pretty much anything a gamer and a power user can throw at it while being ~$125 cheaper than the 9950X currently while costing only ~$150 more than the 9700X.
FAQ
Q: Is The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Overclockable?
Yes, the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is overclockable, and multiple users are already pushing it past its stated clocks with varying levels of success.
Q: How much power does the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Consume?
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X has a TDP of 65W and a maximum package power of 88W.