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New CPU: AMD Ryzen 9800x3D

 I have just upgraded my CPU from a Ryzen 9700x to a 9800x3D. The 9700x was plenty fast enough for my 5070ti  but I wanted to try one of AMDs much vaunted x3D cpus for myself. It is the most expensive CPU I have ever bought but then again my 5070ti is the most expensive GPU I have ever bought.  At least the €400 9800x3D is currently the best gaming CPU on the planet. My €800 5070ti on the other hand offers less than 60% the performance of an RTX 5090ti. Given that the RTX5090 currently costs around €2.7k I don't think I will be upgrading my GPU again any time soon.  

I haven't noticed much of a difference in Windows or in Games yet. Total War Warhammer seems a bit quicker over the end turn but that could be wishful thinking. I ran a few synthetic benchmarks and the 9800x3D is a bit slower than the 9700x in single threaded tests but faster in multi threaded. That makes sense because the 9700x has faster clocks but a smaller cache. The single threaded test probably doesn't fill the smaller cache but the multi threaded test does. 

Overall I am pleased with the CPU even though it is really overkill for my gaming needs (I mainly play games on high graphical settings and I am happy with 100 fps frame rates). If nothing else it allows me to get over my FOMO about x3D cpus.  I managed to sell my 9700x for €210 (bought for €275 seven months ago) and I expect the 9800x3D will hold its value well because x3D parts are always popular with gamers.  


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