A little about the architecture and distribution of the cache

The architecture of AMD Ryzen processors uses "chiplets" (Core Chiplet Die or CCD), which are physical blocks containing CPU processing cores and associated cache memory. This approach provides flexibility for AMD to create processors with various core configurations, using single chiplets for simpler processors and dual chiplets when more performance is needed.

An example of the 3D chiplet circuit design can be seen in the fifth generation Ryzen processors.

The new Ryzen 7000X3D series features a unique architecture with an additional die placed on the chiplet. This extra die is connected to the main die using TSV connectors, which have pre-prepared contact points. Unlike previous dual CCD designs, the additional die on top now houses an SRAM die with shared cache memory, creating a dense three-dimensional structure. This configuration allows the Ryzen 7800X3D to achieve an impressive 96 MB of L3 cache, compared to the 32 MB limit of the regular Ryzen 7 7700.

Learn more about Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Processor specs.

The Ryzen 7800X3D features eight Zen 4 architecture cores with support for sixteen threads. It has a base clock frequency of 4.2 GHz, with a maximum frequency of 5.0 GHz in auto overclocking mode. In comparison, the similar Ryzen 7 7700X processor without 3D cache has slightly higher values — 4.5 GHz base clock and 5.4 GHz maximum frequency. However, the Ryzen 7800X3D compensates for this with a larger cache memory. With 64 MB SRAM memory modules on the chip, it boasts a total L3 cache of 96 MB. Additionally, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a TDP of 120W, which is 15W higher than the Ryzen 7 7700X.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, along with other processors featuring 3D V-Cache memory, is primarily designed for gaming purposes. AMD has skillfully optimized the processor to deliver performance comparable to the flagship Ryzen 9. However, it's important to acknowledge that there may be trade-offs involved in this magical transformation. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D might experience lower performance in synthetic tests and mediocre performance in certain applications like Photoshop, Bitwig, or After Effects. However, the focus of this analysis will mainly be on gaming performance, as indicated by the majority of the graphs presented.

AMD Ryzen 7 Processors

Results in games

To ensure fair testing, we conducted benchmark tests in six popular games (Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 6, Red Dead Redemption 2, Hitman 3, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2021, and Watch Dogs Legion) at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. The test setup consisted of a high-end GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card and the flagship Asus Rog Strix motherboard with DDR5 memory. It's worth noting that all components were kept at their default settings, without any overclocking, to maintain a standardized and unbiased testing environment. The results were summarized in two comprehensive tables.

Average gaming results at 1080p.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an incredibly powerful and promising gaming processor, delivering impressive average frame rates of 150-200 frames per second in demanding games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2021 and Cyberpunk 2077, especially when paired with a powerful graphics card. The addition of the 3D cache provides a significant performance boost, akin to a well-selected dose of steroids for muscle mass gain during training. Despite its relatively affordable price of $449, the 7800X3D competes for leadership with the more expensive 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Even Intel's flagship processors, which have historically performed well in games, struggle to keep up. For instance, the 7800X3D outperforms the flagship Core i9-13900K, priced at just over $600, by an average of 12% in games, while also offering easier overclocking and lower heat generation.

Average gaming results at 1440p.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D may experience variations in performance across different games. For example, in games like Cyberpunk 2077, which is optimized for Intel processors, even a 13th generation Core i5 or i7 can outperform the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The performance difference, on average, does not exceed 12%. On the other hand, in games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2021, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D surpasses the top-end Core i9-13900K by almost 33% without any overclocking. Taking into account other benchmarks available online, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D consistently outperforms the Core i9-13900K by an average of 20% in gaming performance.

Popular AMD processors

Results in synthetic tests

Ryzen 7 7800X3D in synthetic tests: moving on, there's nothing to see here.

If the Ryzen 7 7800X3D takes the lead in games due to the increased cache, significantly outperforming the recent Ryzen 7 7700X, the situation is reversed in synthetic tests and professional applications (note: Cubase, After Effects, Resolve, Blender, etc.). Averaged results for compiling, decoding, archiving, video rendering and other areas show that the new product is on average 8% inferior to its predecessor Ryzen 7 7700X in a multi-threaded load. As expected, the higher clock frequency of the Ryzen 7 7700X proves to be more advantageous than its larger cache. The Core i9-13900K, in multi-threaded tests, demonstrates nearly twice the speed, further confirming that the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is primarily focused on gaming performance. Even the Core i5-13500 manages to slightly outperform the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in both multi-threaded and single-core power.

Energy consumption

Low power consumption is a strong point of the novelty.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D also boasts low power consumption. With a base TDP of 120W and a maximum PPT of 162W, these Zen 4 processors with 3D cache consume nearly 20% less power than the regular Ryzen 7 7700X. However, the tests revealed that such a high power threshold is not necessary, as the chip operated well below the specified figures, averaging around 65 W in normal mode. In comparison, the flagship Core i9-13900K consumed 140 W under similar loads.

It is logical that the reduced power consumption had a positive effect on the processor temperature. During gaming and with EXPO profiles, the processor typically ranged between 50 and 60 °C. Under constant peak load, the chip could reach temperatures up to 80 °C, but no higher. Moreover, a standard cooler like the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, with a maximum TDP of 250W, was used instead of the recommended water cooling system by AMD. If you don't plan to overclock the processor, a simpler cooler such as the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 V2 or Zalman Performa should suffice.

Intel Processors

Overclocking

Ryzen 7 7800X3D is far from the best processor for overclocking.

Due to the unique nature of the 3D cache, AMD currently restricts direct frequency adjustments for CPU. Instead, users are provided with tools like Precision Boost Overdrive and Curve Optimizer. PBO is a sophisticated algorithm that analyzes various factors such as motherboard, memory, CPU load, temperature, and TDP data. It then determines optimal settings to enable the processor to accelerate without overheating or experiencing throttling. On the other hand, Curve Optimizer helps optimize power consumption for the entire processor and individual cores, considering the settings established by PBO.

To enhance the "overclocking" process, we slightly increased the DDR5 memory frequencies to 6000 GHz. Although previous tests have shown minimal benefits of DDR5 acceleration in current games, when combined with PBO and CO, using XMP RAM profiles with voltage reduction can provide a slight performance boost to the system. As a result, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D achieved a single-threaded load frequency of 5.4 GHz and maintained a confident 4.8 GHz across all cores during multi-threading. While the power increase was only 3%, this result brings the test processor remarkably close to the performance of the flagship Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Moreover, even with PBO activation and power consumption curve optimization, the chip's power consumption remains below 90 W.

Conclusion

Official prices for the entire line.

In conclusion, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D emerges as the top gaming processor in 2023, offering impressive power, efficiency, and compatibility with next-generation components. However, it may not be the ideal choice for professional work, as both AMD and Intel offer better options in that regard.

The main drawbacks of the Ryzen X3D series, including the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, are related to the introduction of the AM5 platform in late 2022. As AMD moves away from the price competition it previously had with Intel, the average cost of an AM5 motherboard has increased to around $250. Additionally, gamers who were accustomed to the affordability of first-generation Ryzen processors will need to invest in expensive DDR5 memory, as DDR4 is not compatible with the new socket.

On the other hand, those who choose to build a PC with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, an Asus TUF motherboard, and 16 GB DDR5 RAM will have a cutting-edge system that is future-proof and easily upgradeable. Furthermore, future upgrades will likely involve updating the memory and graphics card, as the processor is unlikely to become a limiting factor in performance.