Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen 7 9700X

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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen 7 9700X 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen 7 9700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $30 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $359 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,430 vs 37,145).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 68.2 vs 103.5 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $359 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen 7 9700X moves to AM5 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 7 9700X can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen 7 9700X

2024

Why buy it

✅Delivers 51.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 103.5 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($359 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core), while Ryzen 7 3700X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
9.1% HIGHER MSRP
$359 MSRPvs$329 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 9700X better than Ryzen 7 3700X?

Yes. Ryzen 7 9700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 65.6% better 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 9700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 9700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 65.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 7 9700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 9700X comes in 9.1% more expensive on MSRP at $359 MSRP versus $329 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 51.8% better value on MSRP (103.5 vs 68.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, Ryzen 7 3700X can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 7 9700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2019), a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of AM4, 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen 7 9700X Technical Specifications

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

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.

Ryzen 7 9700X

The Ryzen 7 9700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,145 points. Launch price was $359.

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Processing Power

Both the Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 7 9700X share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 5.5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 9700X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 7 9700X uses Granite Ridge (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Ryzen 7 9700X's 37,145 — a 49.4% lead for the Ryzen 7 9700X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 9700X.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Ryzen 7 9700X
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	5.5 GHz+25%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	3.8 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	32 MB	32 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+51100%	1 MB (per core)
Process	7 nm, 12 nm	4 nm-43%
Architecture	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)	Granite Ridge (2024−2025)
PassMark	22,430	37,145+66%

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 9700X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 5600 on the Ryzen 7 9700X — the Ryzen 7 9700X supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 9700X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X) and X870E,X670E,B650 (Ryzen 7 9700X).

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Ryzen 7 9700X
Socket	AM4	AM5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	5600+75%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	256 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	24

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X) / VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 7 9700X). The Ryzen 7 9700X includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Ryzen 7 3700X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 9700X rivals Core i7-14700K.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Ryzen 7 9700X
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	Yes
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Ryzen 7 9700X came in at $359. On launch pricing ($329 vs $359), Ryzen 7 3700X was $30 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 103.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 9700X — making the Ryzen 7 9700X the 41.1% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Ryzen 7 9700X
MSRP	$329-8%	$359
Performance per Dollar	68.2	103.5+52%
Release Date	2019	2024

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