I'm considering an upgrade from my Ryzen 7 5700X and I've come across a couple of deals on eBay for the 7800X3D and 9800X3D processors. I'm mostly looking to improve my performance in CPU-heavy games and currently run a 7800XT GPU. The 7800X3D is priced around £275 while the 9800X3D is about £330. Is the £65 difference worth it, and what should I keep in mind when buying used processors, especially since the listings claim they've never been used?
10 Answers
Honestly, with the RX 7800XT, you'll find that both CPUs are fast enough not to bottleneck your GPU, so for now, the 7800X3D could suffice. But if you plan to upgrade your graphics card in the future, the 9800X3D might be a smarter choice.
If you're all about those CPU-heavy games, then the price difference is worth considering. You'd really notice an improvement with the 9800X3D for £65 more.
Thanks! £330 seems like a decent deal for that chip.
Choosing between a 9 or 7 series really comes down to your usage. The 9 series is better for tasks like video encoding, while the 7 is aimed at gamers. The 9 is mostly overkill. I've had mine for years, and it still competes with newer systems.
To be honest, you likely won’t see a huge difference between the two with your current GPU. The 7800X3D is great, but I'd go for the 9800X3D for longevity and peace of mind. It’s nice to have something that’ll keep you set for a while.
I usually stick with the 7800X3D since many builds target 1440p gaming. I also own a 9800X3D, and while the 7800X3D is a great choice, the 9800X3D will boost performance in CPU-heavy games even at higher resolutions for that price difference. Are you buying from a retailer or private seller? And what about warranties?
I mostly game at 1440p, and I'm planning to upgrade to the 9070XT soon.
With the 7800XT, even in CPU-intensive games, the difference shouldn't be major. However, the 9800X3D has better thermals and gives you some extra headroom for future GPU upgrades. If you can swing the extra £65, I'd say go for it!
The 7800X3D is a solid match for the 7800XT and will perform really well, so it might be the better buy over the 9800X3D unless you're looking at some serious future-proofing. Just be aware that buying used components can come with risks.
Could you elaborate on the risks? Are there specific things I should check when I receive it?
I appreciate all the quick responses, everyone!
Both CPUs are beasts! The 9800X3D is a tiny bit faster, so it's a good pick considering how close the prices are.
I'm looking at getting a 9070XT soon, but I wanted to swap the CPU first since I mainly play CS and Valorant.