Ryzen 7 9850X3D reviews arrived yesterday, which means there is a wide range of benchmarks to delve into if you’re looking to see just how much faster it is than the 9800X3D. The short answer is: not much, but one reviewer has revealed an interesting test involving single vs dual channel RAM. Tests show the 9850X3D can keep up with the 9800X3D, even with 16GB of DDR5 RAM installed, versus 32GB – a notable bonus at a time when RAM prices are sky high.

It’s generally recommend you run dual-channel RAM, but if you’re putting together a brand-new PC, memory is one thing you might consider skimping on while prices are inflated. We’ve already seen AM4 CPU sales rising as people aim to dodge DDR5 RAM prices, but another route could simply be buying less of it – assuming you can find a single 16GB stick.

Dual channel vs single channel RAM for 9850X3D

These benchmarks, courtesy of German publication ComputerBase, show that the 9850X3D with just 16GB of RAM on a single channel can keep up with the 9800X3D with dual channel 32GB (2x16GB). Both chips are paired with DDR5 RAM running at 5600MHz. Average FPS across the ten games tested, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Forbidden West, is identical in these two benchmarks; the 9800X3D paired with 32GB pulls just 2% ahead in frame time results.

There are outliers for performance, however. For gaming, ComputerBase says frame times can drop by up to 20% in the worst case scenario, while average FPS drops by 16% at the worst. Both these benchmarks came from Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. However, overall performance across the board can be considered acceptable.

This kind of configuration, albeit not generally recommended if you want optimal performance, might actually be worth thinking about in the current climate. A stark contrast to just six months ago, when RAM wasn’t one of the most expensive components when building a new PC. With two sticks of 16GB DDR5 RAM in a 32GB kit costing you upwards of $400 these days, you may want to source a single stick for around half the price, with the intention of upgrading once prices settle down – though that may not happen until 2027 at the earliest.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.