AMD Unveils the 9800X3D - Has The Next Gaming King is Arrived?

The 9800X3D is an evolution of the 7800X3D that came before it, so even though it does have some under-the-hood changes that make it an exciting design with serious potential in games and out, its specifications aren’t drastically different from what’s come before.

It still features eight cores with 16 thread support thanks to simultaneous multi-threading. Clock speeds are much higher this generation, though. Its base clock is 4.7GHz, rising by 500MHz from its predecessor, while the maximum boost clock is listed at 5.2GHz. That’s a more modest 200MHz increase, suggesting overall that this CPU will have more consistent boosting this generation.

As with the last-generation X3D CPUs, though, the new 9800X3D is still clocked lower than its counterparts, shedding a full 500MHz from the boost clock of the 9700X. This may mean that it isn’t as strong in some productivity applications where the additional cache doesn’t benefit it. The gaming performance uplift of that cache, however, should be impressive.

Still, one major upgrade of this generation of X3D processors is that they’re fully unlocked for overclocking. Want even more performance? Get a high-end cooler ready and see what you can do.

A second-generation of V-Cache

To help bolster performance further this generation, AMD has re-designed its 3D V-Cache chip, and how it fits into the processor itself. This time, the additional 64MB of L3 cache has been located below the processor, allowing the Zen 5 cores themselves to sit closer to the integrated heatspreader, and the cooler sitting on top of it. That should help this chip run cooler, which is probably at least partly why we’re seeing much higher base clocks this time around.

AMD claims that the added performance uplift of Zen 5, with the new generation of V-Cache means these processors should perform around 8% faster than the 7800X3D. That’s on average, though. There are some games which should perform far better. AMD claims that we can expect a more-than 10% uplift in Star Wars Outlaws, and up to a 26% improvement in Hogwarts Legacy, among others.

Better than that, we’re told that these chips should offer an even greater uplift to minimum frame rates, leading to more consistent frame times for smoother gameplay, with reduced stutter. AMD claims that in The Last of Us Part 1, the 9800X3D was able to deliver a 31% improvement in the 1% low frame rates.

Working with game partners

It was only a matter of time until this chip arrived, so just like we’ve all been excited to play games with it, game developers have been excited to optimize their games for it. AMD has reportedly been working with a number of high-profile developers while working on the 9800X3D, so we are likely to see notable performance uplifts in games made by those companies.

AMD name drops Saber Interaction, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2; 11 bit Studios, and Frostpunk 2, and Activision, specifically talking about the latest Call of Duty games. Keep an eye out for new performance patches in these games and more once the CPU launches.

Get excited

The only downside to this news is we have to wait a whole week for the 9800X3D to actually launch on November 7. It’s tough, but we’re here to wait it out with you. And hey, if you don’t have a Ryzen 9000-compatible gaming PC ready to fit the new fastest gaming CPU in the world into, then now’s a great time to upgrade to one.

If you want a pre-built gaming PC, we have some awesome options for you. Equally, if you’re more of a DIY enthusiast, here are some of the best motherboards for a Ryzen 9800X3D CPU.

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