AMD has just revealed the in-game performance of the next 9800X3D in a video, accompanied by a comparative graphic with the 7800X3D and the new Intel Core Ultra 285K processor. But that’s not all: AMD also shares several details on the design and modifications made to this new generation of X3D chips.
Changes between the 7800X3D and 9800X3D:
Before discussing performance, it’s essential to understand the changes made by AMD. One of the challenges of the 7000X3D series processors was related to the additional L3 cache placed on the processor, which considerably limited heat dissipation. This constraint forced AMD to restrict models like the 7800X3D in terms of frequency, power consumption and voltage.
With the new generation of X3D chips, represented by the 9800X3D, AMD has solved this problem. Second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, with a 64 MB cache, is now placed under the processor. This configuration brings the Core Complex Die (CCD) closer to the cooling solution, keeping the “Zen 5” cores at a lower temperature. Thanks to this modification, the 9800X3D reaches higher frequencies and offers an average 8% improvement in gaming performance over the previous generation, while outperforming the competition by an average of 20%. It’s also the first fully unlocked X3D processor, enabling manual overclocking on a 3D V-Cache-equipped chip for the first time.
The gaming performance of the 9800X3D :
| Gaming | 9800X3D vs 7800X3D (%) | 9800X3D vs 285K (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 100% | 159% |
| Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora | 101% | 106% |
| Black Myth: Wukong | 102% | 101% |
| Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail | 103% | 141% |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 106% | 128% |
| Starfield | 106% | 131% |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | 109% | 147% |
| Hitman 3 | 111% | 131% |
| Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 | 118% | 142% |
| Watch Dogs Legion | 118% | 155% |
| Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation | 121% | 110% |
| Far Cry 6 | 122% | 153% |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 125% | 126% |
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D shows good to very good performance gains compared to its predecessor, the 7800X3D, and the new Intel Core Ultra 285K processor.
In game comparisons, the 9800X3D outperforms the 7800X3D by a modest margin on some titles, with gains ranging from 1% in games like Cyberpunk 2077. In other games, however, it can outperform by around 25%, as in Far Cry 6 and Hogwarts Legacy.
Against the Core Ultra 285K, the gains are even more marked. The 9800X3D delivers up to 59% extra performance in Cyberpunk 2077, as well as significant improvements in games such as Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail ( 41%) and Watch Dogs Legion ( 55%).
Conclusion:
This difference in performance, compared with AMD’s previous generation and Intel’s new generation, highlights the effectiveness of next-generation 3D V-Cache technology. Placing the L3 cache under the processor keeps temperatures lower than with the 7800X3D. The 9800X3D seems to have everything it takes to succeed, and could seriously threaten the competition.
AMD seems to have worked in depth on its new X3D chip, with significant modifications to the architecture, without resting on its laurels.
