I'm trying to decide between the 7800X3D and 9800X3D for my 4K gaming setup. I have a 9070 XT OC currently and I'm running a 240Hz monitor. From what I've researched, it seems like the 9800X3D won't provide me with significant frame rate improvements for 4K gaming. Since I'm upgrading from a 5600G and DDR4, I expect to see a performance boost overall, but I'm concerned about potentially bottlenecking my GPU. Will I be missing out on many frames if I just go for the cheaper CPU? Any advice would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Skipping the 9800X3D is a good idea since it won't yield much of an improvement for your situation. I'd suggest sticking with AM4 options like the 5800X or looking into a newer LGA 1700 chip with a budget-friendly board. It's often more cost-effective than chasing the high prices of AM4 X3D chips right now.
The 9800X3D isn't a game-changer for your scenario. The 7800X3D would work perfectly fine. In 4K, your RX 9070 XT is likely to limit your frame rates the most, even if you get a higher-end CPU. So, save some cash and go for the 7800X3D while you focus on that GPU performance!
Going for the 7800X3D would definitely be an upgrade, particularly for better frame times. Just keep in mind that some games can still hit CPU bottlenecks depending on the situation, so while it's a good choice, it's not guaranteed. If you're looking for something a bit better, you might want to check out the 5800X3D or the 5700X3D, but prices can be steep right now.
You might want to consider going with the 5800X3D or even the 5700X3D instead. For 4K gaming, a lot of users report that the CPU doesn't matter as much since the GPU tends to be the bottleneck. I've tested various setups including a 12700F with a 9070XT and a Ryzen 7500F with a 7900 XT, and the CPU hasn't been a limiting factor at 4K.
You're right about the GPU being the bottleneck. In most games, especially at 4K, you won't see much difference between the 7800X3D and the 9800X3D. The 9800 might only give you about a 5% performance increase in gaming while it really shines more in other productivity tasks. A 5600X or 5800X might work just as effectively for your gaming needs, without breaking the bank.
So is it even worth moving from a 5600G to a 5800X? I'm mainly looking to keep my FPS consistent and reduce drops.

That makes sense! I'm curious, though, why wouldn't AM5 be beneficial for 4K? Is it just that the GPU does all the heavy lifting?