AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D desktop CPU review: Faster than a Core i9-13900K thanks to 3D V-Cache and only 8 cores

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is now AMD’s third processor based on AM 5 with 3D V-Sync – after both of the Ryzen 9 models ( AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D). Together with the two larger models, the native 8-core processor was presented this past January at CES in Las Vegas. Although, you had quite a while to wait until the component was finally released onto the market on 6th April 2023.

We already tested the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D thoroughly and were impressed by its great performance and low power consumption. We will see how well the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D fares in comparison. In general, its 3D V-Cache should result in an increase in performance, meaning the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D based on AM4 should still be quite popular.

However, its internal build is different compared to both of the Ryzen 9 models which have this 3D V-Cache. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D only has one CCD with 8 cores including fast cache, and in turn, the Ryzen 9 models have two CCDs with 6 and 8 CPU cores, respectively. But, only one of the CCDs is equipped with the 3D V-Cache, whereas the other CCD is well-known from the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X .

A CCD is the actual CPU die underneath the heat spreader, which combines a maximum of eight cores. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, like all processors of the Ryzen 7000 series, requires the socket AM5 (1,718 contacts). Upgrading from a 5000-series Ryzen or older means buying a new motherboard and having to invest in new RAM.

With regard to power consumption, the manufacturer notes a TDP of 120 watts. Its maximum power consumption, however, is limited to 162 watts by the PPT (Package Power Tracking). We used this system for the following benchmarks and tests: We performed all performance tests using the energy profile “Highest Performance”.

We only deviated from this during the power consumption measurements. A DeepCool LT360 AiO solution was used as the cooling unit in this test. According to the manufacturer, this is listed among the compatible cooling units for the AMD Ryzen 7000 processors.

Subsequently, you will be on the safe side using this so as to not violate the manufacturer’s specifications. Before we take a look at the gaming benchmarks, we will first cast a glance at the processor’s pure CPU performance. With the help of a variety of benchmarks, we noted that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D achieved about as good a performance rating as an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X .

Compared to Intel, this was enough to defeat the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X . At this point, we would like to reiterate that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an 8-core processor. This means it is considerably worse off in the multi-thread benchmarks than a lot of its competitors.

Compared to the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D , the smaller Ryzen 7 7800X3D lay around 24 per cent behind. At this stage, the Intel Core i9-13900K did the best, coming in at one percentage point better than the previously top-of-the-range model from AMD. Further processor benchmarks can be found here .

With the help of the Cinebench R15 Multi Loop, we can at this point see that the DeepCool cooling system is enough to cool the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D reliably. For full disclosure, we should note that all of the tests were run with the case closed. The air circulation in the Lian Li O11 Dynamic wasn’t the best in our test system, as there were no fans installed that had access to fresh air.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s synthetic application benchmarks already look a little better than its CPU benchmarks. It didn’t come in far behind the Intel Core i5-13600K and the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X was clearly able to be outperformed. During the RAM tests, we would have expected similar results to the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D , as the test platform is the same and its RAM clock rate of 6,000 MT/s also remains the same.

However, you should be aware that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D runs outside the manufacturer’s specifications when the EXPO profile is enabled. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s usual clock rate is 5,200 MT/s. During our gaming tests, we noted that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D excelled in doing its main job.

The 8-core processor was even able to knock the in-house flagship off the first place, moving it down to the second spot. Of course, its lead is minimal and not noticeable in everyday use – but when it comes to crowning the king of performance, we have to stick to pure numbers. Our test sample won its comparison to the Intel Core i9-13900K quite easily and took a lead of 13 percentage points.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D sometimes struggled with load distribution problems between the two CCDs in some of the games we tested because, as we know, only one CCD of the 16-core component features the 3D-V cache. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D doesn’t have this problem, which is probably why it achieved slightly better gaming performance. Due to its CPU benchmarks, we can compare our test sample with an Intel Core i7-12700 at this stage.

It was on par with the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D before, but now we can document a gap of a good 30 per cent. In combination with the Palit GeForce RTX 4090 GameRock OC , the AM5 platform based on the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D currently offers the best combination when it comes to pure gaming. The overview of all the games we tested with this platform shows that all of them are currently smoothly playable in 2,160p with maximum details.

In principle, this is also possible with an Intel Core i9-13900K or an AMD Ryzen 9 7590X3D . However, you will have to pay more for these two. All 7000-series X3D processors are limited to a maximum power consumption of 162 watts (PPT).

As a result, the same can be said for our AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. In idle mode, we noted no record values at 120 watts, but in comparison to the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D , our measured values were almost identical. While gaming, we documented an average of 497 watts during our Witcher 3 game scene.

This means our test system is about on the same level as one based on an Intel Core i5-13400 . During our Prime95 stress test, the system based on an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D was actually the most frugal. Its median value was only 218 watts.

For our measurements under load, you have to take into account the graphics card’s power consumption. The Palit GeForce RTX 4090 GameRock OC alone already uses 450 watts. We noted quite high temperatures which result from the bad case cooling.

In this worst-case scenario, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D hit its thermal limit and had to be throttled. In order to not falsify our measurements, we didn’t run this test with the case open. We removed the side part, which led to CPU temperatures dropping quite quickly to uncritical values.

A case with good air circulation cools the 8-core processor well. However, we wouldn’t recommend forgoing an AiO. At this stage, we would advise to take a look at the manufacturer’s list of recommended coolers for the AMD Ryzen 7000 processors.

In this review, we took a closer look at the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D – the first full X3D processor from the new AM5 platform. What we mean by this is that this is a new processor that isn’t built on a hybrid design – instead, it only has one CCD die in the form of its 3D V-Cache. This is an advantage for lots of games and as a result, the 8-core processor is able to jump ahead of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D ever so slightly.

This doesn’t mean the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D can pass as a jack-of-all-trades. The 8-core processor didn’t do nearly well enough in the CPU performance tests and due to its limited multi-core performance, the component couldn’t keep up with the high-end models. But, it doesn’t have to.

As a pure gaming CPU, the 7800X3D can do exactly what it was developed for. A positive aspect is its low power consumption. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D delivers great gaming performance.

Price-wise, the 8-core processor will currently still have a bit of a hard time convincing buyers to choose this model. In summary, we can say that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is, as it stands, one of the fastest gaming CPUs on the market. We can’t quite name it as being the single fastest processor – for example, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D delivers just a bit better performance in quite a few games, as long as its correct thread allocation can take advantage of the CPU’s full performance.

Due to the Ryzen 9 models with 3D V-Cache’s hybrid structure, it unfortunately isn’t always guaranteed that the CCD with the 3D V-Cache will be prioritized. Here, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D benefits thanks to its simpler internal build. Although, this is complaining on the highest of levels – all of the games we tested could be run, regardless of the CPU used.

The component’s biggest issue at the moment is, in our eyes, its price. Currently, it sells for a minimum of $441. 99.

An Intel Core i7-13700K costs about the same and offers similar performance levels – but, it delivers better total CPU performance. If we take into account how future-proof these processors are, then no one can beat AMD. Believe them or not, rumors suggest the AM5 platform will continue to be supported until 2025.

The 1,700 socket, which is currently the case for Intel systems, will likely be replaced by its successor next year and no further processors will be released for socket 1,700. Currently, you can buy the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D from Amazon for $441. 99.

.