AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D desktop processor, built on the Zen 5 architecture, is designed to boost gaming performance with second-gen AMD 3D V-Cache technology. Featuring 64MB of cache memory positioned below the processor, this layout brings the core complex die closer to the cooling solution, which helps lower temperatures, enabling higher clock speeds. The processor’s clock rates reach 4.7 GHz base and 5.2 GHz boost, and it supports extreme overclocking as the first fully unlocked X3D model. AMD reports an 8% frames per second increase over previous models, with enhanced performance in demanding games and lower frame rates.
AMD has introduced a new desktop processor aimed at enhancing gamers’ performance: the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It is based on the Zen 5 architecture and incorporates second-gen AMD 3D V-Cache technology.
The 7 9800X3D’s on-chip 64MB cache memory has been redesigned and repositioned below the processor, bringing the core complex die (CCD) closer to the cooling solution. This arrangement, according to AMD, helps maintain lower temperatures for the Zen 5 cores, enabling high clock rates and providing improved gaming performance compared to previous generations and competing products.
AMD says this new placement also allows for extreme overclocking capabilities, making it the first X3D processor to be fully unlocked. This feature should empower enthusiasts and gamers to maximize the processor’s performance potential.
With the combination of the advanced Zen 5 processor architecture and 3D V-Cache technology, AMD hopes to deliver top-tier processor gaming performance. While the average fps improvement is around 8% compared to the previous generation (according to AMD tests), certain games like Star Wars Outlaws may experience more significant performance gains.
The company says the 7 9800X3D processor also demonstrates improvements in minimum frame rates, even when average frame rates are similar to competing products. For example, in The Last Of Us Part I, AMD claims the Ryzen 7 9800X3D maintains a similar average frame rate to the competition but offers a 31% higher 1% low frame rate.
The 7 9800X3D is designed to cater to the PC gaming market and features eight high-performance Zen 5 processor cores and 16 processing threads. It runs at a 4.7 GHz base clock speed and boosts to 5.2 GHz, representing the highest clock speeds achieved on an X3D chiplet. With a 120W TDP and 104MB of total cache, as a result, AMD says the processor is equipped to handle both gaming and productivity tasks efficiently.
| Model | Cores/Threads | Boost/Base Frequency | Total Cache | TDP | SEP (USD) |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 8C/16T | Up to 5.2/4.7 GHz | 104MB | 120W | $479 |
Summary of the new AMD 7 9800X3D processor.
Several game developers, such as 11 Bit Studios (Frostpunk 2), Saber Interactive (Space Marine 2), and Activision (Call of Duty), have endorsed the new processor, and no doubt more will follow.
We’re building a new system with the 7 9800X3D and will have test results next week.
