Processor N97 vs Ryzen 7 3700X

Intel

Processor N97

4 Cores4 Thrd0 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2023
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Processor N97 vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Processor N97 vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Processor N97 vs Ryzen 7 3700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Processor N97

2023

Why buy it

  • Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,445 vs 22,430).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 32 MB).

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +179.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $329 MSRP, while Processor N97 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Processor N97 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Processor N97?
Yes. Ryzen 7 3700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 179.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 311.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 179.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 311.9% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $329 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 179.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Processor N97 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2019) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of AM4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Processor N97 vs Ryzen 7 3700X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Processor N97

The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The Processor N97 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Processor N97 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N97 scores 5,445 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 121.9% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

FeatureProcessor N97Ryzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
4.4 GHz+22%
Base Clock
2 GHz
3.6 GHz+80%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
32 MB+433%
L2 Cache
2 MB (total)
512K (per core)+25500%
Process
10 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-30%
Architecture
Alder Lake-N (2023)
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark
5,445
22,430+312%
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Memory & Platform

The Processor N97 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureProcessor N97Ryzen 7 3700X
Socket
FCBGA1264
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Processor N97 was priced at $0, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($0 vs $329), Processor N97 was $329 cheaper.

FeatureProcessor N97Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP
$0-100%
$329
Performance per Dollar
68.2
Release Date
2023
2019

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