Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RX 7900 XTX
Six high-end processors for an RX 7900 XTX, compared on game cache, cores and platform.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RX 7900 XTX is AMD's 24GB flagship of the RDNA 3 generation. At 1440p it can outrun many processors, so a chip with a large game cache matters.
We compared six processors on cache, cores, rated power and platform, using AMD and Intel specifications. We did not benchmark them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Match for an RX 7900 XTX
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DEight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DA 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3.
Best for: Players who want the fastest eight-core X3D.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D96MB of L3 at a lower price than the Zen 5 X3D chips at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping money for the monitor.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pairing
Intel Core i7-14700KFTwenty cores on LGA1700 without integrated graphics.
Best for: Intel builds.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Twelve-Core Value
AMD Ryzen 9 7900XTwelve Zen 4 cores at a lower price than the 9900X3D at the time of writing.
Best for: Work-heavy builds that also game.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for an RX 7900 XTX1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs 96MB of L3 cache with eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for
- 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
AMD moved the cache below the cores on this generation, which lets it clock higher than the 7800X3D. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz. It also offers an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- 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
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i7-14700KF at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the 9800X3D: the same eight cores and 96MB of L3 with a higher boost ceiling.
Best for
- Players who want the fastest eight-core X3D.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is AMD's second-generation X3D eight-core chip with 96MB of L3 cache. It matches the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X on boost clock (5.6GHz). On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 120W.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Another plus: integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- 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
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i7-14700KF at the time of writing
Best Value X3D3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- Keeping money for the monitor.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It carries the same 96MB of L3 as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock and a lower price. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D leads at 5.6GHz. On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at 8 cores.
It also comes with 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 9 7900X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D 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
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
The catch
Boost clock is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D covers it better at 5.6GHz.
Largest Game Cache4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D adds 3D V-Cache to a twelve-core layout.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. Its 128MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes next at 96MB. Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 12 cores. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Only the Ryzen 7 9850X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 128MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i7-14700KF at the time of writing
Best Intel Pairing5 of 6
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. On L3 cache it trails the group at 33MB, while the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900X at 5.6GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes closest at 12 cores. Its 125W rated power ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (120W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X (170W). An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses an AM5 socket.
You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and its DDR5 memory. It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It undercut the Ryzen 9 7900X and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 33MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 28
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB)
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB.
Best Twelve-Core Value6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The Ryzen 9 7900X offers twelve Zen 4 cores at a lower price than the 9900X.
Best for
- Work-heavy builds that also game.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It suits a workstation budget that still wants AM5. Its 64MB L3 cache ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB) and ahead of the Core i7-14700KF (33MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Core i7-14700KF on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 12 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 120W. You also get the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
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 Core i7-14700KF cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (120W)
The catch
Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D covers it better at 120W.
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 six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 9 7900X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for a 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for 96MB of L3 at a lower price than the Zen 5 X3D chips at the time of writing.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i7-14700KF ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 9900X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for RX 7900 XTX
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB and the Core i7-14700KF sits lowest at 33MB. For less, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the runner-up at 96MB ($250 to $500 tier).
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 6 picks boost clock spans 5GHz (the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) to 5.6GHz (the Ryzen 7 9850X3D). The Core i7-14700KF comes second at 5.6GHz, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 7 9850X3D.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF, a 150% spread. If core count is your first filter, the Core i7-14700KF sets the ceiling at 20 cores.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900X list DDR5; the Core i7-14700KF lists DDR4 or DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 5 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a CPUs for RX 7900 XTX
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Players who want the fastest eight-core X3D | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | A 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3 |
| Keeping money for the monitor | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB of L3 at a lower price than the Zen 5 X3D chips at the time of writing |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Intel builds | Core i7-14700KF | Twenty cores on LGA1700 without integrated graphics |
| Work-heavy builds that also game | Ryzen 9 7900X | Twelve Zen 4 cores at a lower price than the 9900X3D at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Core i7-14700KF, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads at 128MB, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 96MB. The spread runs down to the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB.
Which has the highest core count: the Core i7-14700KF or the Ryzen 9 9900X3D?
The Core i7-14700KF tops core count at 20 cores; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D follows at 12 cores, 67% apart. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is at the other end of this group with 8 cores.
Is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D worth paying more than the Core i7-14700KF?
On paper it adds L3 cache (128MB against 33MB) and rated power (120W against 125W). It does not win everywhere: the Core i7-14700KF still leads on boost clock (5.6GHz) and core count (20 cores). The Core i7-14700KF sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and rated power decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 7 9800X3D the Best Match for an RX 7900 XTX?
The label rests on eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3. It gives up boost clock (5.2GHz against 5.6GHz) and core count (8 cores against 20 cores) to the Core i7-14700KF, the cheapest pick. It suits 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core i7-14700KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900X use AM5; the Core i7-14700KF uses LGA1700.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D apart?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D: second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D: a higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best partner for an RX 7900 XTX, with the 9850X3D for a higher boost and the 7800X3D to save money. The 9900X3D suits streamers, and the i7-14700KF covers Intel.
Related Guides
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- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
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- Check compatibility: motherboardsM.2, SATA and PCIe Lane Sharing: Why a Port Can Go Dark
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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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