
The Reigning King of Gaming: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X 3D is Now Fully Overclockable!
Nov 6, 2024
7 min read
AMD is back with a banging new processor, the all new Ryzen 7 9800X 3D, a processor that’s soon to make waves for its revolutionary cooling and overclocking capabilities. AMD didn’t just boost the specs; they re-engineered how the processor operates at its core (literally), setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency in the gaming and productivity world.
Key Specs That Pack a Punch
The Ryzen 7 9800X 3D arrives ready for action with these impressive specs:
Model | Cores / Threads | Boost6 / Base Frequency | Total Cache | TDP | SDP (USD) |
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 8C/16T | Up to 5.2 / 4.7 GHz | 104MB | 120W | $479 |
These specs offer excellent multi-core and single-core performance, ideal for both heavy workloads and gaming.
What is X3D Technology?
Before we dive in, let’s break down what makes the X3D in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D so special. The X3D refers to AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. This is an extra layer of super-fast memory stacked right on top of the processor. The added memory allows the CPU to access data much faster, improving performance in tasks that need quick information, especially gaming and demanding applications.
Unlike regular AMD processors, which don’t have this stacked cache, X3D processors can handle more data without slowing down. The extra cache helps the CPU reach frequently used data faster. As a result, tasks get done quicker. For gamers, this means smoother performance and higher frame rates. For professionals, it means faster processing during heavy workloads.

AMD’s Cooling Revolution
The Ryzen 7 9800X 3D brings in AMD’s latest 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache technology, and it’s a game-changer. In previous models, AMD placed the cache on top of the processor cores, which was functional but had limitations when it came to thermal management. This time around, AMD has moved the cache below the cores in a strategic placement that offers direct cooling access and up to 46% better thermal resistance.
Why is this important?
Better Cooling = Better Performance: By reducing hot spots and making the cache less sensitive to temperature, AMD has essentially created a cooler-running chip that can sustain higher speeds. A cool processor is a fast processor, and the 9800X 3D proves that with its 500 MHz base clock boost over the previous generation. For users, this means more consistent performance without the worry of overheating or thermal throttling.
Higher and More Stable Clock Speeds: Thanks to these thermal improvements, the 9800X 3D runs at a 4.7 GHz base clock and can reach up to a 5.2 GHz boost. While a 200 MHz boost over its predecessor might seem minor, it actually means the processor can maintain these higher speeds longer, especially under heavy, multi-threaded loads. This isn’t just beneficial for gaming but also for intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and other productivity-focused applications.
Power Efficiency and Overclocking—A First for X3D
AMD has also made this processor fully overclockable. Overclocking means you can push the processor beyond its factory-set limits to get even more speed. For the first time ever, AMD has made this possible for the X3D Series of processors making this a game changer for tech enthusiasts and DIY builders who want to push the limits of their hardware.
With improved TDP and power utilization, it also achieves greater efficiency, performing on par with the Ryzen 7 9700X when set to a 105W cTDP. This means that the 9800X3D can fully utilize its power potential, something its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, struggled to achieve.

Why Gamers and Creators Should Pay Attention
AMD has designed the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D to be more than just another gaming processor. Thanks to these new engineering feats, it’s also a competitive choice for creators, streamers, and multitaskers who want top performance across the board. No longer is the X3D series only the fastest option for gaming; now it’s positioned to deliver on productivity just as well.
Imagine having a processor that excels at gaming and tackles heavy workloads without breaking a sweat. For users who want an all-in-one powerhouse, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D promises to blur the line between gaming and productivity performance.
Key Benefits of the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D:
Boosted Performance for Heavy Tasks: Thanks to better cooling, this processor runs about 8% faster than its predecessor. This means quicker render times and smoother workflows for creators who work with video editing, 3D modeling, graphic design, and other demanding tasks. It lets you finish intensive projects faster, which can save a lot of time in the long run.
Effortless Multitasking: With 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D is made for juggling multiple applications at once. If you’re someone who switches between editing software, design tools, and large files, this processor can handle it all smoothly without slowing down. It’s ideal for anyone who needs a machine that keeps up with their workload.
Stable, Reliable Performance: Because of its advanced cooling and power management, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D can maintain high speeds even during tough workloads. This means you can keep working on complex tasks without worrying about the processor overheating or performance drop. It’s built to handle whatever you throw at it, consistently.
Ready for the Future: AMD designed this processor to keep up with new technology. Its architecture and ability to be overclocked mean it can handle not only today’s software but also more demanding applications that may come out in the future. This makes it a smart choice for professionals who want a reliable processor that will last.
A New Era for AMD Processors
The Ryzen 7 9800X 3D isn’t just AMD’s latest release; it’s a statement. AMD is showing that they can innovate in cooling, power efficiency, and raw performance. This processor isn’t only about being the fastest gaming chip, it’s also built for serious productivity.
So, is this the future of CPUs? With its smart design and impressive specs, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D is certainly setting a new standard. In the sections below, we’ll dive deeper into tests and real-world performance to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Stay tuned to find out!
Benchmarks
To get a clear picture of the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D’s performance, we ran both gaming and synthetic benchmarks. These tests show how the processor handles gaming as well as productivity tasks, giving a full view of its capabilities.
For these tests, we used the following setup:
CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X 3D
Motherboard: ASRock X870E Taichi
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB (CL28)
NVMe: Samsung 990 Pro 1TB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4090
Cooling: Deepcool LT240 ARGB AIO (240mm/280mm liquid cooler recommended by AMD)
Gaming Benchmark Results
To test the true gaming capabilities of the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D, we ran a series of popular titles, including Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Guardians of the Galaxy. The 9800X 3D was put to the test against its predecessor, the 7800X 3D, and Intel's flagship processor, the i9-14900K.
In every game we tested, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D consistently outperformed both the 7800X 3D and the i9-14900K, showcasing its superior gaming performance. The added 3D V-Cache played a significant role in ensuring that the 9800X3D delivered higher frame rates and smoother performance, especially in titles that require quick access to large amounts of data.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D stacked up against the competition:





Across all titles, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D demonstrated its clear advantage, delivering faster, more consistent performance. Whether you're a gamer or content creator, this processor proves to be an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier gaming experiences without compromise.
Synthetic Benchmark Results
For synthetic benchmarking, we used the same setup to evaluate the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D’s performance in productivity tasks, such as rendering and multitasking. The tests included Cinebench R23, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2, Corona 10, and V-Ray 5. The 9800X 3D showed impressive performance across all these tests, outperforming its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X 3D, and coming close to the Intel i9-14900K in certain areas.
Here’s how the 9800X 3D performed in each test:





The Ryzen 7 9800X 3D showed solid performance across synthetic benchmarks, scoring well in both single-core and multi-core tasks. It definitely stands out as a strong choice for gaming and some productivity work. In a lot of the tests, the 9800X 3D outpaced the 7800X 3D and even got close to Intel’s i9-14900K. That said, its gains were sometimes just a little better, and in a few tests, it even lagged behind—especially in those heavy multi-core tasks where raw power rules.
So, while the 9800X 3D shines as a gaming star, it hasn’t quite claimed the “productivity king” title. It handles tasks like rendering and 3D modeling well enough, but Intel’s i9 lineup and even AMD’s own Ryzen 7 9700X still have the edge in some hardcore, multi-threaded workloads. Bottom line: the 9800X 3D gives solid productivity performance, but if you’re looking for the absolute best for a heavy workstation, it might not be your top pick just yet.

Conclusion
The Ryzen 7 9800X 3D, priced at $479, is one impressive piece of hardware. AMD’s pulled out all the stops with this one: the 3D V-Cache tech, slick cooling design, and the overclocking potential make it a real gaming beast. It doesn’t just beat out its older sibling; it’s even giving Intel i9-14900K some serious competition. And for gaming? It’s smooth, responsive, and just feels faster.
Now, let’s talk about value. At $479, the 9800X 3D hits that sweet spot of price-to-performance. You’re getting a processor that handles gaming like a champ, and it’s no slouch on the productivity side either. Compared to Intel’s i9, which costs more and guzzles way more power, AMD’s choice is just way better if you’re after top-tier performance without a big hole in your wallet.
Speaking of power, this part is kind of funny. After cranking up the 9800X 3D to see what it could handle, the max power draw I saw was around 153W, and that was with a 240mm liquid cooler keeping things icy. Cute, right? Meanwhile, Intel i9-14900K has been known to chug down 300-400W like it’s no big deal. So while the 9800X 3D stays cool and efficient, Team Blue’s processor is out there, well, trying to fry an egg. If that’s your thing, sure, but for most of us, AMD’s efficiency is the real game-changer here.
In short, the Ryzen 7 9800X 3D is just a smart choice overall. It’s got fantastic gaming performance, solid multitasking for productivity, and for $479, it’s a deal that’s tough to beat. Sure, Intel might still win in some heavy multi-core tasks, but the power efficiency and price-to-performance here make it the better pick for most of us.