I'm planning on building a new PC since my laptop just can't keep up anymore. My focus will be primarily on gaming and video editing since I'm a YouTuber. My budget is around £2000-2200, and I'm thinking about pairing my setup with a 5070ti. The question I have is whether I should go with a 9700X or the 9800X3D. Currently, I play games at 1080p, but I expect to move to 1440p and even 4k with a better monitor. While I know that at 1080p the GPU usually has a bigger impact on performance, I'm curious if spending an extra £110 is worth it for the upgrade to the 9800X3D.
5 Answers
If you're willing to spend the extra money, go for the 9800X3D! Just keep in mind that the improvement varies based on the games you play. You should check out some benchmark videos to see if it’s worth the price for the specific games you're interested in.
It's absolutely worth it to invest in the 9800X3D! With the performance gains for just a small additional cost relative to your entire build, it seems like a no-brainer. Plus, if you’re already spending this much, you might want to set aside some cash for a new monitor since your current resolution seems a bit limiting for that powerful of a machine.
For just £110 more, you’re getting a top-tier CPU that should last for years, especially if you're planning to game at higher resolutions. Definitely get the 9800X3D and maybe look into upgrading your monitor too, as your current setup will be a bit overkill at 1080p.
Honestly, I think upgrading to the 9800X3D is a smart choice, especially considering your overall budget. At 1080p, the CPU handles more of the workload, and the 9800X3D is the best option for that. For higher resolutions like 1440p and 4k, the GPU takes over, but since you'll likely push both resolutions, the 9800X3D will give you better longevity for your setup.
You can never go wrong with the 9800X3D if you have the budget, but the 9700X is still perfectly fine if you're prioritizing costs. Just know that over time, the difference in performance will add up enough to make the investment worthwhile, especially if you plan to keep your setup for a long time.

What kind of monitor are you considering? It could really enhance your gaming experience!