I'm thinking about my next PC build, likely in a compact form factor case like the Lian Li A3 or a new Phanteks mini case. My main focus is gaming at 1440P, and I'm considering whether to invest in a 9800X3D. Would it be the best choice for performance, or should I save some cash and go for a 9600X or 9700X instead? I've heard that at 1080p, CPU performance is more critical, but once you hit 1440p, it's not as much of a bottleneck. Since I'm also looking at possibly pairing my setup with a 9070XT, any recommendations would be great! Also, I know Microcenter has some good AMD bundles—are those worth it?
5 Answers
Honestly, if you're focused on getting the best performance for your budget, the 9800X3D is indeed the best gaming CPU, but it isn't the best value in terms of price. You could do well with a simpler Ryzen CPU like the 7700X or even the 9600X if you're looking at cost-effectiveness.
The 7800X3D and 7600X3D are currently the best value CPUs from AMD. If you're looking for pure performance, the 9800X3D is great, but it might not give you the best bang for your buck compared to these other options.
Yeah, the 9700X is a solid choice too and sits right in between those. It's a good balance if you're looking to save some money.
The 9800X3D is definitely at the high end of the price spectrum, weighing in around $480. If saving is a priority, the 7700X at about $240 offers great performance without overextending your budget. Plus, Microcenter’s bundle deals for motherboards and CPUs can really save you some cash.
Yeah, those bundles are fantastic! I got my 7800X3D bundle for a steal, and it performs superbly with my 4070Ti.
Honestly, you might want to weigh your options. If you're not planning to max out your settings, a good mid-range CPU like the 9600X is likely the best bang for your buck. And then focus on getting a solid GPU. After all, your performance is as much about the GPU load as it is about the CPU itself.
Right! With the 9070XT, I think a 9600X or something similar will still give you great gameplay at 1440p.
While the 9800X3D is amazing, the benefits may not justify its cost for everyone since most gaming experiences are still heavily dependent on your GPU. Sometimes a 9600X or 9700X will give you almost the same performance, especially in 1440p gaming, without breaking the bank.
If you're fine with a lower initial investment, you can always upgrade later. I started with a cheaper CPU and moved to a more powerful one after a few years, and it worked out well for me.
I agree! You can invest your savings into a better GPU or other components. And don’t forget to consider the Microcenter deals; they often have solid bundles.