Introduction

The eagerly awaited AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor is officially available starting tomorrow, marking the launch of the first Zen 5 CPU to come equipped with 3D V-Cache technology. Today, as the review embargo lifts, a comprehensive performance analysis under Ubuntu Linux reveals how this 8-core, 16-thread processor with an impressive 64MB of 3D V-Cache measures up against a range of Intel Core and AMD Ryzen competitors.

Enhanced Architecture

The groundbreaking aspect of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D lies in its integration of the second generation of 3D V-Cache. With the 64MB of cache strategically positioned below the cores, the chip offers improved thermal efficiency, facilitating better cooling performance compared to its predecessors.

Specifications and Pricing

This new processor boosts up to 5.2GHz with a base clock of 4.7GHz, accumulating a total of 104MB cache. Designed for a 120 Watt default TDP, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is priced at around $479 USD, offering a competitive edge in the market.

Compatibility and Setup

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is compatible with existing AMD AM5 motherboards, only requiring a BIOS update for installation. In the tests conducted, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI motherboard was used initially, followed by the ASRock X870E Taichi motherboard for performance validation.

Memory and Benchmarking

The review kit for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D also included dual-channel 16GB DDR5-6000 GSKILL memory modules, ensuring optimal performance during testing. It was tested under various configurations, producing nearly 400 benchmarks that took over a day to complete, ensuring comprehensive performance data.

Competitive Testing

The following processors were included for comparative testing:

• Core i5 13600K
• Core i9 13900K
• Ryzen 7 5800X3D
• Ryzen 9 5900X ... and others from the extensive AMD and Intel line-up, showcasing how the 9800X3D stacks against the competition.

Linux Compatibility

Notably, the performance tests were conducted on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which exhibited no compatibility issues with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. For optimal power reporting features, users may need to ensure they are using Linux kernel 6.12 or newer; however, patching older kernels is straightforward.

Conclusion

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is poised to make a significant impact in the performance landscape, especially for Linux users seeking top-tier processing power combined with innovative caching technology. The early reviews showcase its potential, setting a new standard for performance in the Zen 5 category.

For further details, you can view the original performance review on Phoronix.