7800X3D or 7950X, which one to buy?

Question

I'm looking to upgrade my CPU and trying to decide between the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X. This would be for primarily gaming usage, with some streaming and content creation on the side.

The 7800X3D seems great with its large L3 cache resulting in fantastic gaming performance. However, the 7950X is no slouch in games either and has the benefit of higher core/thread count and unlocked overclocking potential.

My main questions are:

For 1440p gaming, would the extra cores of the 7950X make much of a difference compared to the 7800X3D? Or does the 3D V-Cache give the 7800X3D a solid gaming lead?
How much longevity can I expect to get out of each chip for high refresh rate 1440p gaming? Would one have an advantage here?
Is the 7950X worth the premium price tag if gaming is my primary workload? Or is the 7800X3D the smarter buy?
Any considerations around motherboards, cooling, RAM configurations etc for these two CPUs?

Appreciate any advice from those running either of these chips currently! Interested to hear your experiences.

Damer Yaoer · Accepted Answer

Love my 7800X3D, cheaper than 7950X, and great for gaming.

F_Looker · Answer

7800x3d is better and with a higher value.

Charlotte · Answer

Let’s break down your questions and compare the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X for your specific use case:

Gaming Performance at 1440p:
- Both CPUs are strong contenders for gaming, but the Ryzen 9 7950X has a slight edge. During gaming tests at 1080p resolution, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D outperformed the Ryzen 7 7800X3D by approximately 1.9%. However, the difference may not be very noticeable in practice.
- The 3D V-Cache in the 7800X3D does provide a solid gaming lead due to its large L3 cache, which can positively impact gaming performance.
Longevity and High Refresh Rate 1440p Gaming:
- Both CPUs should serve you well for high refresh rate 1440p gaming. The Ryzen 9 7950X has more cores and threads, which could potentially extend its longevity as games become more multithreaded in the future.
- The 7800X3D, with its excellent gaming performance, should also hold up well. It’s essential to consider how long you plan to keep your system before upgrading again.
Value and Price Tag:
- The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is more budget-friendly, while the Ryzen 9 7950X comes with a premium price tag.
- If gaming is your primary workload, the 7800X3D might be the smarter buy due to its competitive gaming performance and better value for money.
- However, if you’re willing to invest in the higher-end 7950X for its additional cores and potential future-proofing, it could be worth it.
Other Considerations:
- Motherboard: Ensure you choose a compatible motherboard with good VRM (voltage regulator module) design for stable power delivery. Both CPUs use the AM5 socket, so look for a suitable AM5 motherboard.
- Cooling: Invest in a quality CPU cooler, especially if you plan to overclock. The 7950X may generate more heat due to its higher core count.
- RAM: Opt for fast DDR5 RAM, as both CPUs support it. Higher RAM speeds can benefit gaming and content creation tasks.

Remember that individual experiences may vary, so it’s always helpful to check user reviews and benchmarks specific to your use case. Ultimately, consider your budget, performance needs, and future upgrade plans when making your decision.