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Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D – gaming or not?

How does one of AMD's CPUs compare to the incoming Intel?
Last Updated on October 17, 2023
Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D
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In the high-stakes arena of gaming processors, the Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D battle is an interesting one. This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of these two formidable contenders, offering insights that resonate with gaming enthusiasts. The official launch of the 14th gen CPU has been confirmed by Intel. Many are wondering if AMD, the biggest competitor, has CPUs that can still stand up. Let’s find out.

With the AMD Ryzen 9 7800X3D currently holding the crown as a gaming beast, will Intel’s Core i9 14900K bring more to the table? In navigating through performance, innovation, and gaming superiority, this comparison seeks to furnish you with essential perspectives to discern the processor that aligns best with your needs

Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D – Specs

This comparison brings forward intriguing variances. The Intel Core i9 14900K, boasting 24 cores and 32 threads, offers a foundational architecture aimed at optimizing multi-threaded performance. Its base clock is pegged at a sturdy 3.2 GHz, which can turbo boost up to an impressive 6.0 GHz. Such clock speeds, aligned with a robust core and thread count, solidify its standing as a performance powerhouse, aptly catering to an array of computational demands.


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Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 7800X3D is a processor that encapsulates a different philosophical approach. With 8 cores and 16 threads, its configuration might seem modest compared to Intel’s offering. However, a crucial differentiator lies in its substantial L3 cache of 96 MB, a feature that keenly amplifies its operational efficacy. Coupled with a base clock of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock reaching 5 GHz, the Ryzen CPU embodies a balanced symphony of specs that resonate with potent performance potential.

Analyzing these specifications in tandem, each processor unveils a unique narrative. Intel’s i9 14900K illuminates a pathway rich in cores and threads, complemented by a vibrant clock speed, catering proficiently to varied performance exigencies. Contrastingly, the Ryzen 9 7800X3D, despite a more conservative core and thread presentation, leverages its formidable cache memory to optimize and enhance its overall performance trajectory. Thus, the choreography of specs in each CPU illustrates a nuanced approach to achieving performance excellence.

SpecsIntel Core i9 14900KRyzen 8 7800X3D
CORES8+16 (24)8
THREADS3216
BASE CLOCK3.2 GHz4.2 GHz
BOOST CLOCK6.0 GHz5 GHz
L2 / L3 CACHE32 / 36 MB96 MB (L3)
TDP (PL1)125W120W
MSRP$599 US$449
Rumored Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D specs

Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D: Performance indicators

When it comes to performance, the stage is set between the Core i9 14900K and Ryzen 9 7800X3D, especially gaming. Leaked benchmarks unveiled that the Core i9 14900K holds a slender lead, being around 2.5% faster on average in gaming compared to the Ryzen 9 7800X3D. Intel’s flagship shows prowess in several gaming titles, outpacing the Ryzen in games such as Metro Exodus, Starfield, and Total War: Warhammer 3. However, the Ryzen 9 7800X3D counterbalances this narrative, showcasing compelling performance where it matches or even surpasses the 14900K in several titles, notably Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and DOTA 2.

Navigating through the performance of each processor, the Ryzen 9 7800X3D seems to emerge as a formidable gaming beast, demonstrating that a focused gaming design can achieve remarkable results even when the core and thread count seem conservative. It’s notable that in certain gaming workloads, the Ryzen processor is perhaps as efficient, if not more so, as its counterpart.

On the other hand, the Core i9 14900K, with its broader architectural design, aims to offer a more versatile performance portfolio beyond gaming, but it might not be the optimum choice for users specifically oriented towards gaming unless they are upgrading from significantly older platforms. Therefore, both processors bring to the table unique strengths.

Core i9 14900K vs Ryzen 9 7800X3D: Price

When evaluating the price-to-performance ratio, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D exhibits a clear advantage. Priced more competitively, it manifests as a value proposition that is hard to overlook for gaming enthusiasts. This aligns with AMD’s strategy of delivering powerful gaming performance at a price point that enhances its appeal, ensuring gamers receive outstanding value without a substantial compromise in performance.

Contrastingly, while the Intel Core i9-14900K does exhibit performance enhancements, the marginal gains might not substantiate the higher cost, especially when the improvements in gaming are relatively nominal, hovering around a 2.5% increase. The pricing aspect leans favorably towards the Ryzen, affirming its position as a cost-effective choice for gaming-centric users who seek proficient performance without a hefty price tag.

PC Guide view

In conclusion, for those zeroing in specifically on gaming performance, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D emerges as a more balanced choice. Its competitive pricing coupled with a robust performance profile makes it a remarkable contender, especially when price-to-performance is a pivotal consideration. The Ryzen doesn’t just stand out in affordability; it holds its ground firmly in gaming prowess, closely tailing the i9-14900K’s performance.

While the Intel Core i9-14900K does flaunt certain enhancements vs the 13900K, its higher cost may not wholly justify the incremental benefits received, particularly in gaming scenarios. For content creation and multitasking, the choice could sway differently. In the realm of gaming, vs AMD, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D holds a persuasive argument, aligning top-tier performance with value, making it a prime candidate for gamers.

As a tech and AI writer for PC Guide, Gloria is interested in what new technology means for the future of consumer electronics and digital and broadcast journalism.