Leaked benchmark hints at new, cheaper X3D CPU to eventually replace the Ryzen 7 9800X3D
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If you’re looking for the best CPU for gaming, the most obvious choice is the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The 8-core/16-thread chip is the go-to for top-tier gaming performance, all the while helping ensure stable framerates by eliminating poor 1% lows. AMD’s X3D technology has been a massive success, and a new benchmark now hints at what could essentially be a cheaper version of the 9800X3D – the Ryzen 7 9700X3D.
The 9800X3D launched this time last year; AMD has since released two high-end Ryzen 9 9000X3D processors, but the Ryzen 7 option remains the best value for gamers, while the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are more for creators who favor the extra cores and threads.
Ryzen 7 9700X3D spotted on PassMark benchmark database
A PassMark benchmark for the Ryzen 7 9700X3D has appeared online and reveals a few specifications to think about. Since it’s a Ryzen 7 processor, it’s easy enough to expect the same 8-core/16-thread design. The boost clock speed has also been recorded as 5.8GHz – 600MHz higher than the 9800X3D, but as you can see (below), there are still some blanks to fill in.
| Specification | Ryzen 7 9700X3D (leaked) | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 5 |
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Base clock speed | — | 4.7 GHz |
| Boost clock speed | 5.8 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 96MB |
| TDP | — | 120W |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
The 9700X3D benchmark clocks in at 40,438 points for multi-threaded, and 4,697 for single-threaded. This actually represents a jump in performance ahead of the 9800X3D in both disciplines, which falls behind by 5.5% and 1.1%, respectively. However, it’s always safe to take these early scores with a pinch of salt, especially as we can’t be certain of the test conditions and/or overclock. All we know is that the boost clock speed is beyond what the 9800X3D can usually achieve.
If AMD does intend to release a Ryzen 7 9700X3D, it may mean that 9800X3D production will slowly be phased out. After Team Red launched the 5700X3D, we started to see the 5800X3D disappearing from retailers around the world, and it was eventually discontinued, less than a year after its cheaper sibling was released. This is speculation on our part for the time being, but it would make sense for the same scenario to happen with the 9000 series.
Looking in the other direction, there have also been rumors of a Ryzen 7 9850X3D. So, even if the 9800X3D does end up being discontinued in the near future, then supposedly AMD has two new SKUs to fill the gap in the market. Nothing has officially been confirmed just yet, so we’ll have to wait and see how this develops.
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