CPU
GPU
Ryzen 9 5900X
Ryzen 7 3700X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 3700X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 5900X | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 5900X | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+44%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 7 3700X
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
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 Ryzen 9 5900X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 9 5900X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 5900X scores 38,955 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 53.8% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900X | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+50% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+9% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+3% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+100% | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 38,955+74% | 22,430 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,174 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,888 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the AM4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900X | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900X | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 5900X launched at $549 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 3700X debuted at $329. At current prices ($350 vs $140), the Ryzen 7 3700X is $210 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers 111.3 pts/$ vs 160.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 36% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900X | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $549 | $329-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $140-60% |
| Performance per Dollar | 111.3 | 160.2+44% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2019 |
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