We first were meant to get the new processors on July 31st, but with some issues, AMD delayed the 9000 series. That got us to the 8th of August where both the 9700X and 9600X were released as the first Zen 5 processors. Showing off what they are capable of.
But how far apart in performance are they among themselves? Now, this is an interesting question and one which we’ll explore in this article or, more specifically, pit the two processors against each other. In our 9700X review and 9600X review, we put the CPUs through intense testing, so we’re in a good position to discuss the performance difference between the two.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D launches today!
AMD has finally launched the highly anticipated 9800X3D, vowing for gaming CPU supremacy for another year. Below are the latest listings we can find
Prices correct as of November 7th, 2024.
So, let’s get right into it, shall we?
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
Cores
8
Threads
16
Boost clock speed
5.5 GHz
Base clock speed
3.8 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB
TDP
65 W
Platform
AMD Socket AM5
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CHECK PRICEAMD Ryzen 5 9600X
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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CHECK PRICESpecifications
To see the hardware difference between the two processors, we’ve listed their specifications below.
Specifications | Ryzen 7 9700X | Ryzen 5 9600X |
Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 5 |
Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
Process | TSMC 4nm FinFET | TSMC 4nm FinFET |
Cores | 8 | 6 |
Threads | 16 | 12 |
Base clock speed | 3.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
Boost clock speed | 5.5 GHz | 5.4 GHz |
L3 Cache | 32 MB | 32 MB |
TDP | 65W | 65W |
Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
While it might not look like that at first glance, the glaring difference between the 9700X and 9600X is the core count, threads, and clock speeds. We’ll dive deep to see what these differences mean exactly.
Foundations and cores
Since these two processors are from the same generation, they share the same CPU process technologies and are built for the AM5 platform. However, the 9700X has two more cores and four more threads, which means it should have better overall performance and efficiency.
This doesn’t mean the 9600X is underpowered; it just means that it’s built for different use cases and that the 9700X can pull heavier weights as it can complete more instruction cycles faster than the 9600X.
Clock speed
Looking at the clock speeds of these processors, there doesn’t seem to be much difference, as the 9700X has a 0.1 GHz lead in boost clock while the 9600X takes over the base clock by the same margin. While the difference might seem negligible, we need to remember that the 9700X has more cores, meaning every core is running 0.1 GHz faster, so the overall combined output would be significantly more than the 9600X.
In our tests, the 9700X scored 856 points in the CPU Z single-core test and 8,199 points in the multi-core test. On the other hand, the 9600X achieved 827 and 6,345 points, respectively. The 9700X again took the lead in Cinebench R23, where it scored 2,207 and 20,184 points, while the 9600X managed to hit 2,149 and 16,315 points.
Cache and TDP
These processors share the same 32 MBs of cache and 65W TDP, putting them at a stalemate. That said, since the 9700X has more cores and threads getting the job done, the data in the 32 MB cache is getting processed more frequently, which should result in better performance and efficiency. So, the 9700X also takes the win in this domain due to its higher core count.
Graphic capabilities
Once again, both processors share the same AMD Radeon graphics with 2200 MHz frequency and two cores, meaning neither has the upper hand. However, we don’t have to put one CPU over the other for them to be deemed good.
It just means that you can purchase either of these processors and get a decent iGPU, which should be more than enough for basic tasks like browsing the web, playing solitaire, or using the Microsoft Office suite. If you’re interested in exploring options for dedicated GPUs, we recommend you check out our best graphics card guide for the top picks.
Pricing of the 9700X and 9600X
AMD waited right until a couple of days before release to finally give us the Ryzen 9000 pricing. There we see how much the pricing changes between tiers, and which of them suits your needs better. Below is what they cost:
- Ryzen 5 9600X – $279
- Ryzen 7 9700X – $359
There is an $80 difference between the two processors. The cost of the extra couple of cores and threads inside the 9700X. This will likely mean the 9600X remains the better budget pick for gaming.
How have these CPUs changed from the last generation?
Specifications | 9700X | 7700X | 5700X |
Cores | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Threads | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Cache | 32 MB | 32 MB | 32 MB |
Max boost clock | 5.5 GHz | 5.4 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
Base clock speed | 3.8 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
TDP | 65W | 105W | 65W |
Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 | Zen 3 |
The first three specifications across all processors are the same, but the difference is between the architecture, TDP, and clock speeds. The 9700X has the fastest boost clock, while the 7700X takes over with the fastest base clock speed. However, a 1nm size difference between the two generations should turn the odds in 9700X’s favor.
The 7700X has the highest TDP, which is weird to see, but we’re glad to see it reduced to 65W in the next generation, back to what we saw with the 5700X. What this speaks toward is better efficiency as more transistors are fitted on the CPU cores.
Regarding the 9600X, we called in its predecessors, the 7600X and 5600X, for comparison.
Specifications | 9600X | 7600X | 5600X |
Cores | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Threads | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Cache | 32 MB | 32 MB | 32 MB |
Max boost clock | 5.4 GHz | 5.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
Base clock speed | 3.9 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
TDP | 65W | 105W | 65W |
Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 | Zen 3 |
The trend of the top three specifications being the same follows suit, while the TDP, architecture, and clock speeds vary.
The 9600X takes the lead with the highest boost clock speed of 0.1 GHz, while the 7600X fires back with a 0.8 GHz overhead in base clock speeds. That said, the 9600X has the Zen 5 architecture backing it up, so it should be more than able to make up for this difference.
Alternatives to the 9700X and the 9600X
There are some processors that you could opt for instead of the 9700X and the 9600X, and we’ve listed them below. We’ve reviewed some of these alternative options, and you can also check out their in-depth reviews.
9700X alternatives
-
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.5 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
-
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
- Cores: 8
- Threads : 16
- Boost clock speed : 4.6 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
-
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock: 4.1 GHz
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105
9600X alternatives
-
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
-
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : up to 4.6 GHz
- Base speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
Which one should you go for?
The Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X aren’t far apart in the performance hierarchy; rather, they are side-by-side, but what puts the 9700X ahead is its higher core and thread count, which are able to handle more IPC, leading to better overall output and efficiency.
So, while it might sound confusing at first, there is a pretty simple way of looking at it, if you’ve got the budget, go for the 9700X as it can do more heavy lifting, if your budget doesn’t allow for it, the 9600X is also an excellent CPU to go for which should be more than capable of powering your rig for gaming and productive workloads.
I asked our resident hardware experts and tech enthusiasts, Jack Howarth and Seb Kozlowski, what they thought of this matchup, and once again, all of us agreed on the same thing. This is what they had to say:
The Ryzen 9 9700X isn’t too much of a leap away from the 9600X but it will edge ahead in performance in terms of the extra cores clock speed. If you want a CPU that is just ahead of the entry level curve and more in the mid-tier, this CPU might be of interest o you.
However, if your on a tighter budget, you might want to opt for the 9600X, it’s limited number of cores helps keep the cost down, and serves as a placeholder for a future upgrade.
Jack Howarth
he two 9000 series CPUs are rather close to each other in tiers and so there’s not going to be a great leap in change. But the 9700X offers an extra core and a slight boost in frequency, but likely a higher price tag. Which makes the 9600X a better budget option and likely better choice overall as its unlikely the two extra cores are going to be a bigger difference to you worth the extra cost9
Seb Kozlowski