The Good: When it comes to gaming, the 9800X3D is in a league of its own. It’s optimized for games that rely on high single-threaded performance, making it unbeatable for smooth frame rates and ultra-responsive gameplay. Whether you’re into competitive FPS titles or immersive open-world games, this CPU delivers a consistent edge. Plus, its 3D V-Cache technology enhances performance in ways other CPUs can’t match, especially for games designed to leverage larger caches.
The Bad: Despite its gaming prowess, the 9800X3D isn’t ideal for everything. It runs significantly hotter than its predecessors, meaning you’ll need a high-quality cooling solution, possibly an expensive one, to keep it in check. Moreover, with just 8 cores, it struggles in productivity tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or compiling large codebases. CPUs like the 9900X or 9950X, which offer more cores at a similar price, are far better suited for creators or multitaskers who need power beyond gaming.
The Ugly: Scalpers. The bane of any PC builder’s existence. As with many high-demand CPUs, the 9800X3D has become a prime target for scalpers who snatch up stock and resell it at inflated prices. This artificially drives up the cost, making it even harder for genuine buyers to get it at MSRP. If you’re lucky enough to find it at retail price, consider it a small victory. Otherwise, you might be paying a hefty premium.
Conclusion: Waiting for a price drop on the 7800X3D? Don’t hold your breath. AMD’s pricing strategy ensures the 9800X3D will remain costly as long as the 7800X3D is still relevant. The two CPUs are positioned strategically to cover different market segments, meaning the 9800X3D will likely retain its premium status for quite some time.
Your Turn: Are you considering the 9800X3D, or do you have your eyes on something else? Let us know in the comments!
