I'm putting together a new PC after a long time and was originally set on getting the recommended 9800X3D CPU from a Micro Center bundle. Now that the 9850X3D has been released at just $20 more, I'm weighing the options. I've read that the 9850X3D consumes about 30% more power under load for a roughly 3% performance boost in gaming. Since my last build was in 2017 and I don't closely follow tech updates, I'm curious about whether this increase in power draw is significant. I've heard the 9800X3D is quite efficient, so I'm wondering if the extra power consumption is a real concern, especially since I want this new build to last around nine years like my previous one. Would the added power usage affect longevity?
5 Answers
I’d say go for the 9850X3D if it’s only $20 extra. Although it draws a bit more power, that increase might not be significant enough to cause any long-term issues. Plus, it comes with a better motherboard option. It’s a good investment if you can afford it.
If you’ve got the budget for it and the extra wattage isn’t a worry, go for the latest model! There’s always value in getting the latest and greatest, and it could serve you well for years.
For me, unless you’re at some extreme settings or using lower resolutions, you probably won’t notice much difference with either CPU. It all comes down to your personal use case. If you're mostly gaming at high resolutions, the performance increase won’t justify the power increase for me.
Honestly, I don't think the extra power draw is a big deal for most builds. However, for me, the price difference isn't worth it. Just because it’s only $20 more doesn’t really mean you should jump on it if you're on a budget. If power consumption is a concern, the 9800X3D is still a solid choice.
That’s true! If you’re not planning to push your CPU really hard all the time, the extra draw from the 9850X3D might not even be noticeable.
Power draw isn’t a huge worry unless you’re in a very compact build. In regular usage, those few extra watts won’t really matter. Just get yourself a decent cooling setup, and you’ll be good to go.
I agree! And with that slight performance boost, it might be worth it in the long run, especially if you want to future-proof your build.