The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X are some of the highest-end processors introduced in the Zen 4 lineup. The former is the most expensive offering in the current lineup, while the latter is the cheapest Ryzen 9 you can get on the market. This raises the question — which processor is the best option in 2024? It isn't easy to make the decision from a buyer's point of view, especially if you haven't used either processor.
We have tested and reviewed both the chips. In this article, we will share our findings to help you determine the best option for you. Both processors have received some price revisions since launch, which alters the verdict.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer
Both AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X are capable of top-notch performance
Before delving into the comparison, it's worth noting that both the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D are some of the fastest CPUs in the market. They deliver performance levels only a few others are capable of.
If you are already rocking one of these chips, it's pointless to even consider upgrading to something else. However, if you are planning a purchase, choosing one over the other might prove beneficial.
Specs comparison
There are some remarkable differences between the Ryzen 9 7900X and the 7950X3D. While the former bundles 12 cores, the latter is packed with 16 cores and 32 threads. This is much like the Ryzen 9 7950X chip, which was originally introduced as AMD's flagship offering.
Besides, the newer processor also bundles 3D V-cache technology, which adds to the chip's performance in single-core workloads like gaming. This is an advantage the 7900X lacks and thereby sets in a backfoot.
The 3D V-cache technology also has some drawbacks, like operating clock speeds, which are remarkably slower for the 7950X3D. The processor has one slower CCX with eight cores, which makes it a worse option for multi-core workloads.
Here is a comparison of the on-paper specs of the two chips:
The flagship Ryzen 9 7950X3D, however, is much more expensive than the 7900X. It will cost you a whopping $649. Both processors include a free copy of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Performance comparison
There isn't a day and night performance difference between the Ryzen 9 7900X and the 7950X3D. The chips are pretty close to each other in terms of single-core performance. However, the high-end processor is capable of higher multi-core metrics thanks to its extra cores.
Here is a comparison of the performance marks of the processors alongside the competition:
The 3D V-cache tech powering the Ryzen 9 7950X3D isn't properly logged by synthetic benchmark software. These scores aren't a perfect representative of what you can expect in some real-life benchmarks. However, the difference in performance isn't large enough since the 7900X is capable of hitting the upper limit of most graphics cards, including the RTX 4090.
Given the massive price difference between the two chips, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D doesn't make much sense unless you want a no-compromises setup with the fastest chip in the market. The 7900X is powerful enough for both gaming and professional workloads and will easily last a few years without hiccups.
Check out Sportskeeda's other CPU comparisons:
Intel Core i9-14900K vs Ryzen 9 7900X || Intel Core i5-14600K vs Ryzen 5 7600X || Intel Core i9-14900K vs Ryzen 9 7950X