Is It Worth Upgrading from Intel 12700F to AMD 9800X3D?

February 12, 2026 3 answers
Asked by GamingGuru123
I'm currently using an Intel 12700F with DDR4 on a micro ATX motherboard and a 4070 Super GPU. I game at 1440p with a refresh rate of 165Hz. I'm considering whether upgrading to a 9800X3D paired with an MSI X870E-P Pro and DDR5 is worth it, especially since there's a $700 bundle at Microcenter right now. I primarily play open-world story games like Elden Ring, RDR2, and The Witcher 3. Would I see a significant performance benefit from this upgrade?

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BenchmarkBill
Honestly, there's not much point in upgrading to the 9800X3D right now. From what I've seen, it only offers a slight performance increase over your current setup, typically around 10% or less in most cases. Unless youโ€™re pushing above 165 FPS, which is rare for most titles, it might not be worth it. Plus, you might better allocate your budget to a 5900X or 5950X, which could give similar performance at a lower price point.
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PerformancePete
The X3D is indeed a top-tier CPU, but the price tag is steep. The distinctions in performance compared to alternatives like the 5900X or 5950X aren't substantial, usually around 12 FPS. If you're looking for the best out of your GPU, it might make more sense to save for a higher-tier GPU like a 5080 or 5090, as they would truly maximize what the X3D can offer.
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UpgradeOscar
I went from an i7 8700K to the 9800X3D, and even gaming at 4K, I noticed up to 2x FPS in some games. It was a great decision for me. However, your 12700F is already quite capable and unlikely to bottleneck. You might want to hold off on the upgrade for a while.
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