AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU Review: Gaming’s Best Chip

Introducing the gaming side gives a slightly clearer picture. In older 3DMark benchmarks, still using the RTX 5080, the difference in scores was extremely minor, with wider margins in newer benchmarks. Time Spy, for example, saw an increase of less than 1%, while Speedway was closer to 10%.

via Brad Bourque

When it comes to actual gaming benchmarks, there is a difference, but in practice you won’t notice it. Cyberpunk 2077 is one of my favorite games, as it’s a popular title that’s also quite demanding, and the in-game benchmark means it’s very consistent. At 1440p, with ultra and ray tracing settings enabled, but path tracing disabled, the 9800X3D delivered 69.61 FPS compared to the 9850X3D’s 71.19 FPS, a difference of about 2%.

via Brad Bourque

None of the other major games I’ve tested, including Marvel Rivals, Arc Raiders, And Counter-Strike 2, also showed a noticeable difference. Especially with a corresponding high-end GPU, we are talking about a difference of 3 to 4 frames per second when already above 120 fps. I’m not sure even the most picky gamer would be able to tell them apart while actually playing the game. Both are capable of easily supporting 1440p gaming at a high refresh rate, at least when paired with an equally high-end GPU.

If you already have a 9800X3D, there is no reason to upgrade to the 9850X3D. You simply won’t notice any difference even in demanding games. As of this writing, the 9800X3D is available for $470, and the 9850X3D will only cost $30 more at launch. Given the option, and assuming both are at retail, you might as well get the better chip, but a free game or moderate discount on the older chip would easily entice me. I would be extremely happy with either processor and wouldn’t lose sleep over a difference of a few frames per second.