Introduction
AMD revolutionized the PC gaming experience by introducing 3D V-Cache with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D launch in 2022. Now, AMD pushes the boundaries again, introducing 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache and the launch of the new AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU on November 7th, 2024 for $479 MSRP. This 8-core/16-thread CPU is loaded with L3 cache to bring not only gaming performance to new levels but also improve productivity performance as well. In this review of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, we will benchmark both productivity multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads, as well as gaming performance.
History of the “X3D”
It all started in April of 2022 when AMD launched the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on the AM4 platform for $449 MSRP. This was an 8-core/16-thread CPU based on the Zen 3 architecture, on the AM4 platform with DDR4. It had the key feature of introducing AMD’s 3D V-Cache, providing a massive jump in L3 cache up to 96MB (shared) (64MB of 3D V-Cache added), a number never heard of before on a consumer desktop CPU.
What was quickly learned was just how well this bump in L3 cache complimented AMD’s Zen architecture design and allowed for much better game performance that has proven to scale very well over time. In addition to raw performance, important factors like frametimes and one percent lows were improved as well, creating a better gameplay experience for gamers. This truly was, a gamer-focused CPU. Pretty much everyone can agree that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the G.O.A.T. CPU in AMD’s CPU lineup.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D was followed in January of 2023 with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU for $449 MSRP. This was also an 8-core/16-thread CPU but based on the newer Zen 4 architecture on the AM5 platform with DDR5. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D had massive performance improvements over the Ryzen 7 5800X3D due to the much-improved base architecture and the move to DDR5. It also increased the base clock from 3.4GHz to 4.2GHz and the boost clock from 4.5GHz to 5GHz. However, the 3D V-Cache remained the same, using the same generation, layout, and capacity of 64MB added 3D V-Cache for up to 96MB of L3 cache shared.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
November, 7th 2024 is introducing the next generation of the “X3D” chip, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The key points of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D are the use of 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache, higher core clocks, and unlocked overclocking ability. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D will retail for $479 MSRP, the first time the 8-core “X3D” chip has increased in price since its introduction.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an 8-core/16-thread CPU on the AM5 platform based on the newer Zen 5 architecture of the AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPUs. You can read about the Zen 5 architecture here, and view our CPU reviews here. Similar to the previous iterations, it contains an additional 64MB of 3D V-Cache providing a total shared 96MB of L3 cache. This is its claim to fame, and while the capacity stays the same, the 3D V-Cache implementation and placement have been completely redesigned.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is special because the 3D V-Cache is now placed underneath/below the CCD/die, instead of stacked on top. The benefits result in the CCD being able to be cooled more efficiently thus obtaining higher core frequencies for productivity and gaming performance. In addition, this is the first Ryzen CPU with 3D-Vache that is fully unlocked and overclockable, allowing enthusiasts to push it further, and squeeze out even more performance.
The 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache is placed underneath the CCD. In the first generation 3D V-Cache, it was stacked on top of the CCD, and surrounding the cache was filler structural silicon, to fill in the gaps due to the size difference between the CCD and cache chip. Due to very technical engineering reasons, the CCD was not able to receive the best cooling, as the 3D V-Cache and bonding agents acted as insulators to thermals. The CCD was never able to make direct contact with the Indium and IHS.
In the 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache, AMD has re-designed the cache so that it is the same size as the CCD itself, eliminating the need for structural silicon. In addition, it is now placed underneath the CCD. This is possible due to re-design choices with the Zen 5 architecture, allowing for different power interconnects. This allows the CCD/the cores, to directly make contact with the Indium and IHS, which means they can be clocked higher as thermal issues aren’t holding it back anymore.
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 | Zen 3 |
| Cores/Threads | 8/16 | 8/16 | 8/16 |
| L3 Cache | 96MB (2nd Gen) | 96MB | 96MB |
| Total Cache | 104MB | 104MB | 100MB |
| Base Clock | 4.7GHz | 4.2GHz | 3.4GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 5.2GHz | 5.0GHz | 4.5GHz |
| TDP | 120W | 120W | 120W |
| MSRP | $479 | $449 | $449 |
Indeed, the base clock on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is higher at 4.7GHz compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 4.2GHz. Also, the boosts clocks are now set at 5.2GHz on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D whereas they were just 5GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The TDP remains the same at 120W with a PPT of 162W, but because the frequency will be running higher the Ryzen 7 9800X3D will actually run closer to its PPT than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D was able to.
This will allow the core frequencies to remain boosted higher, for longer, on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. In turn, multi-threading and single-threading performance will improve, and of course gaming performance as well. Even though it still has the same single-CCD 8-core/16-thread configuration as the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, you will see multi-threading performance improvements for productivity.
In our review today, we are going to start with a balanced review for this launch review. This means we will show multi-threaded and single-threaded performance workloads, as well as gaming. The goal is to see how much faster the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is versus the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D for various workloads because, at the end of the day, most people do more than just gaming on their PC.
This CPU is most definitely geared and marketed for gaming performance, so we will include 8 games in our initial launch review, which will paint the picture for you. In subsequent follow-ups, we will deep dive into gaming performance a lot more, with a very gaming-focused review with a lot more games, so stay tuned.