Core i7-9800X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Intel

Core i7-9800X

8 Cores16 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

8 Cores16 Thrd120 WWMax: 5 GHz2023
Ryzen family
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Core i7-9800X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-9800X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-9800X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-9800X

2018

Why buy it

  • 57.1% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 7800X3D across 37 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (13,067 vs 18,500).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 30.8 vs 76.4 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $449 MSRP).
  • 37.5% higher power demand at 165W vs 120W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Ryzen 7 7800X3D moves to AM5 and DDR5.

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +29.0% higher average FPS across 37 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $140 less on MSRP ($449 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
  • Delivers 148.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 76.4 vs 30.8 PassMark/$ ($449 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
  • Draws 120W instead of 165W, a 45W reduction.
  • Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 7800X3D better than Core i7-9800X?
Yes. Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 29.0% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data, 41.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 89.2% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 29.0% more average FPS across 37 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 96 MB versus 17 MB.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the stronger fit. You are getting 41.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 481.8% larger total L3 cache (96 MB vs 17 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in $140 cheaper on MSRP at $449 MSRP versus $589 MSRP, and it still gives you a 29.0% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 148.2% better value on MSRP (76.4 vs 30.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 7800X3D makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 3D V-Cache and a much larger 96 MB L3 cache instead of 17 MB, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 8/16. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9800X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-9800X

The Core i7-9800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,128 points. Launch price was $589.

AMD

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 34,293 points. Launch price was $449.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-9800X and Ryzen 7 7800X3D share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (base: 3.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core i7-9800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9800X scores 18,128 against the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's 34,293 — a 61.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 13,067 vs 18,500 (34.4% advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,372 vs 2,700, a 65.2% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,552 vs 15,000 (66.1% advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X vs 96 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

FeatureCore i7-9800XRyzen 7 7800X3D
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
8 / 16
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
5 GHz+11%
Base Clock
3.8 GHz
4.4 GHz+16%
L3 Cache
16.5 MB (total)
96 MB (total)+482%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
5 nm-64%
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023)
PassMark
18,128
34,293+89%
Cinebench R23 Multi
13,067
18,500+42%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,372
2,700+97%
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,552
15,000+99%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9800X versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D supports 95% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-9800X) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i7-9800X) vs 28 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) — the Core i7-9800X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-9800X) and X670E,X670,B650E,B650,A620 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D).

FeatureCore i7-9800XRyzen 7 7800X3D
Socket
LGA2066
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR5-5200+95%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
128 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
44+57%
28
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9800X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 7800X3D). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Core i7-9800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9800X targets Workstation, Ryzen 7 7800X3D targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT; Ryzen 7 7800X3D rivals Intel Core i7-14700K.

FeatureCore i7-9800XRyzen 7 7800X3D
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Workstation
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9800X was priced at $589, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D came in at $449. On launch pricing ($589 vs $449), Ryzen 7 7800X3D was $140 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9800X delivers 30.8 pts/$ vs 76.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — making the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the 85.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9800XRyzen 7 7800X3D
MSRP
$589
$449-24%
Performance per Dollar
30.8
76.4+148%
Release Date
2018
2023

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