Buying Guide
The Best 8-Core CPUs
From the Ryzen 7 5700 to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Eight cores covers gaming, streaming and most creative apps without the heat of a 16-core chip. Every pick has eight cores, ordered by L3 cache, which is where these chips differ most.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips max boost, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DFirst-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Best for: Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 5700 costs less.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Best for: Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 7 7700The highest boost clock here (5.3GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 5700The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. | Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 5700 costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP. | Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.3GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. Its 5GHz boost clock ranks second of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 7 7700 (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On rated power it trails the group at 120W, while the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 65W.
Like the Ryzen 7 7700, it has DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses DDR4 memory. It also offers first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache and the Zen 4 architecture. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7700 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 5700X (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
The catch
Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 5700X covers it better at 65W.
Premium Pick2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 5700 costs less.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. It matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache (96MB). Its 4.5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 7700 leads at 5.3GHz.
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 65W, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 120W. Like the Ryzen 7 5700X and Ryzen 7 5700, it has DDR4 memory, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses DDR5 memory. It also comes with a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update.
It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. Only the Ryzen 7 7800X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform
- Drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update
- Rated power of 105W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
It gives ground on boost clock, where the Ryzen 7 7700 offers 5.3GHz.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The Ryzen 7 5700X stands out for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP, and it adds DDR4-3200 dual-channel support.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 32MB L3 cache and offers an 8 cores core count. Like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 7 5700, it has an AM4 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses an AM5 socket. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 5700 cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7700 cost more. If you want a confirmed boost clock, look to the Ryzen 7 7700 instead: it offers 5.3GHz, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP
- DDR4-3200 dual-channel support
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published boost clock
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Ryzen 7 5700 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X at 32MB. Nothing else here matches its 5.3GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes closest at 5GHz.
It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D; the Ryzen 7 5700X goes with an AM4 socket. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 5700X and the pricier Ryzen 7 7800X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700
The Ryzen 7 5700 is built around a 65W TDP, with a Wraith Spire cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16MB L3 cache and offers a 4.6GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it trails the group at 16MB, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 96MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Ryzen 7 7700 offers 5.3GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 7 5700X; the Ryzen 7 7700 goes with an AM5 socket. It also comes with a 65W TDP. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 7 5700X was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 16MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 65W TDP
- Boost clock of 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while boost clock and cooler in box have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to the Ryzen 7 5700, state L3 cache, core count and rated power.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock; the Ryzen 7 5700X gives no cooler in box.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 5700 ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an 8-Core CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Ryzen 7 5700 sits lowest at 16MB; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D if L3 cache decides it.
Rated power across these picks
Across these 5 picks rated power spans 120W (the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) to 65W (the Ryzen 7 5700X). The Ryzen 7 5700X is the pick for rated power.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 4.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to 5.3GHz on the Ryzen 7 7700, an 18% spread. The Ryzen 7 7700 is the pick for boost clock. The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7700 list DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 5700 list DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D go without; the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 5700 have it.
How to Choose an 8-Core CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 5700 costs less | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP | Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 7 7700 | The highest boost clock here (5.3GHz) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X | Ryzen 7 5700 | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 96MB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Ryzen 7 5700X leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | Not listed | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700 | 16MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 7 5700, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 5700, Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 7 7800X3D compare with the Ryzen 7 7700 on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.3GHz on the Ryzen 7 7700 against 5GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a 6% difference. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D closes the ranking at 4.5GHz. The Ryzen 7 5700X doesn't state a boost clock figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 7 5700?
On paper it adds L3 cache (96MB against 16MB). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 5700 still leads on rated power (65W) and boost clock (4.6GHz). The Ryzen 7 5700 sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache decides your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 7 7700 the Highest Boost Clock?
It carries the badge for the highest boost clock here (5.3GHz). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is next on boost clock at 5GHz, so this pick's 5.3GHz is 6% further out. It is aimed at anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7700 use AM5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 5700 use AM4.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D apart?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D: 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform. The Ryzen 7 5700X: 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, chosen for first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. Look at the Ryzen 7 5800X3D for 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform at the highest price in the group, the Ryzen 7 5700X for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP and the Ryzen 7 7700 for the highest boost clock here (5.3GHz) if those matter more to you.
An X3D eight-core chip is the gaming choice; a non-X3D one costs less and runs cooler.
Related Guides
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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