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Ryzen 5 9600X Vs Ryzen 9 7900X – Can the latest entry-level CPU stand against the Zen 4 beast?

Learn the performance difference between the latest entry-level and an old high-end CPU
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Ryzen 5 9600X Vs Ryzen 9 7900X – Can the latest entry-level CPU stand against the Zen 4 beast?
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The Ryzen 5 9600X was released on August 8th, and it is a great option for those who are tight on a budget. It is available for purchase on Amazon, but plenty of other retailers are offering it too. Also, you can find our review of the 9600X if you want to find out how well it does and what we think of it.

While it’s common to compare the same type of processors, such as mid-range vs mid-range, we’ve decided to do something different and put the new entry-level Ryzen 5 9600X CPU against a high-end processor from the previous generation, the Ryzen 9 7900X. We reviewed the 7900X and found it to be a great CPU that can be used in a multitude of scenarios. But it is time to see how the upcoming entry-level processor will stand against it.

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Also, if you’re interested in getting your hands on the 9600X, you may want to check out our Where to Buy 9600X page, as it lists all the retailers from where you can buy the processor.

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

9600X ontop of box on table

Cores

6

Threads

12

Boost clock speed

5.4 GHz

Base clock speed

3.9 GHz

L3 Cache

32 MB

TDP

65 W

Platform

AMD Socket AM5

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AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

Ryzen 9 7900X

Cores

12

Threads

24

Boost clock speed

5.6 GHz

Base clock speed

4.7 GHz

L3 Cache

64 MB

TDP

170 W

Platform

AMD Socket AM5

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Specifications 

SpecificationsRyzen 5 9600XRyzen 9 7900X
ArchitectureZen 5Zen 4
Socket AM5AM5
ProcessTSMC 4nm FinFETTSMC 5nm FinFET
Cores612
Threads1224
Base clock speed3.9 GHz4.7 GHz 
Boost clock speed5.4 GHz5.6 GHz
L3 Cache32 MB64 MB
TDP65W170W
Integrated graphicsAMD Radeon GraphicsAMD Radeon Graphics

As you can see for yourself, there is a massive difference between the two CPUs when it comes to specifications, as the Ryzen 9 7900X seems to take the lead in almost everything. The 9600X comes with the latest Zen 5 architecture, but will it help beat the 12-core powerhouse? Let's find out.

AMD's new CPU spec comparison, Image by PC Guide

Foundation and cores

As discussed above, the Ryzen 5 9600X is built on the Zen 5 architecture. For those who don't know, this architecture uses the 4nmn CPU process technology and provides a 16% IPC uplift. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7900X is based on the Zen 4 architecture with a 5nm process technology. This means that the 9600X has a clear architectural advantage here, as it has more transistors on each core and can process more data.

Zen 5 vs Zen 4 (Image source: AMD)

However, when it comes to cores and threads, the 7900X takes the lead with 12 cores and 24 threads. The 9600X has half of this; 6 cores and 12 threads. So, even if it has the architectural lead, the 7900X may be able to outperform it thanks to the higher core and thread count.

During our tests, without being overclocked, the 7900X was able to achieve 778 points in CPU Z single-core benchmarks and 11,614 points in multi-core benchmarks. We then decided to test its rendering performance in Blender, and it scored 184.52 points. This is double of what we saw in our 7600X review. Even in CPU-intensive games, we were able to hit 299 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 276 in Days Gone at 1080p. For the GPU, we were using the RTX 4070 Ti Super.

Based on the results we got, we can’t expect the 9600X to deliver the same results, considering it is an entry-level card. However, if you compare it with entry-level cards from the previous generation, then you can definitely expect to see better performance than them. But who knows, maybe the Zen 5 architecture will help push the 9600X a little close to the 7900X.

Clock speed

When it comes to clock speed, the 9600X can operate at a base speed of 3.9 GHz, while the 7900X runs smoothly at 4.7 GHz. Again, even though the 9600X has the latest Zen 5 architecture and more transistors on each core, the 7900X should deliver better performance in both gaming and productivity. 

It is, however, important to keep in mind that the clock speed of both processors can be increased significantly. You can take the 9600X up to 5.4 GHz, while the 7900X can go up to 5.6 GHz. However, CPUs can get pretty hot at such high speeds, which is why we'd recommend getting one of the best AIO coolers to keep the temps low.

TDP and cache

As far as energy efficiency is concerned, the Ryzen 5 9600X has a clear lead. It comes with a TDP of only 65W, so you don't have to worry about getting a high-end PSU or a top-tier cooling solution for it. 

On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7900X has a massive TDP of 170W. As you'll be pairing with a high-end GPU like the RTX 4080, you can't expect to use a 500W PSU with it.

On top of that, the high power draw will also make it generate more heat, so you'll need to invest in an expensive AIO cooler for it. But the high TDP of the 7900X makes sense, considering its specifications are almost double that of the 9600X.

The 9600X’s L3 Cache size is 32 MB, while the 7900X’s is 64 MB. The latter can store more data and improve the PC’s overall performance, which again contributes to the higher TDP.

Pricing estimates

The Ryzen 9 7900X was launched back in 2022 with an MSRP of $549. However, now that years have passed, you can grab it for a much lower price. As seen on Camelcamelcamel, you can buy it for as low as $349. On the other hand, the 9600X is available for $279.

What has changed from the previous generations?

Specifications9600X7600X7900X5900X
Cores661212
Threads12122424
Cache 32 MB32 MB64 MB64 MB
Max boost clock5.4 GHz5.3 GHz5.6 GHz4.8 GHz
Base clock speed3.9 GHz4.7 GHz4.7 GHz3.7 GHz
TDP65W105W170W105W
ArchitectureZen 5Zen 4Zen 4Zen 3

As you can see in the table above, both processors have the same core and thread count as their predecessors, so there is nothing different there. The differences that we can spot are the clock speeds, TDP, and architecture. 

The 9600X consumes 40W less power than the 7600X, which is pretty impressive considering it has the latest Zen 5 architecture, the same cache size, and a slightly higher boost clock speed.

Alternate options

In case the 9600X or the 7900X don’t seem right for your rig, you can explore some other processors that may be suitable for you. We’ve reviewed most of these processors and found them to be a great option for multiple tasks.

Which one is right for you?

With its lower TDP and potential lower price point, the 9600X can be a more affordable option without sacrificing significant performance. Having a lower TDP means that the CPU will generate less heat as it will consume less power, so you won't have to worry about getting an expensive PSU or cooler for it.

On the other hand, the 12 cores and 24 threads of the 7900X make it a much better choice for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. However, the 7900X has a higher TDP, requiring a more powerful PSU and better cooling solution. If you’re building a compact or quiet system, the 9600X might be a better option.

That said, we may see a further drop in the 7900X's price after the 9600X launches, so we'd recommend waiting a bit. Considering it was able to deliver strong performance when we tested it in several software, the 7900X would be a solid choice if the price drops further.

About the Author

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.