As AMD's zen has released two different processors one after the other with a very short difference of time between them, the users are a little confused between the two options. Users are wondering whether to go with the Ryzen 7 3800X or the Ryzen 9 3900X.
To clear the smoke of confusion between 3800X vs 3900X processors, we have gone through every little detail of both the processors. We have compared everything, from the sockets to cores and threads. All the features and specifications that determine the quality or superiority have been accounted for in this article. All the points of comparison are mentioned below.
Memory Support
Cores / Threads
Base Clock / Boost Clock
Cache
PCIe
Price
Retailer
1. Price
The most important thing to consider while purchasing any equipment for your gaming setup is its price because you will only buy anything if it lies in your budget. Ryzen 7 3800 X costs around $399, making it a mid-range product and is comfortably affordable. The Ryzen 9 3900 X costs around $499, making it a high-end processor and likely to be out of any user's budget. If you prefer a budget-friendly processor for your gaming set up, you must go for Ryzen 7 3800X processor.
2. Core and threads.
The number of cores and threads of a processor decides the amount of work done in time and the computational speed of the processor. Cores and threads play a vital role in the performance of a processor. The Ryzen 7 3800 X comes with 8 cores and 16 threads, whereas the Ryzen 9 3900 X comes with 12 cores and 24 threads.
The Ryzen 9 3900 X processor dominates the core and thread features by around 50%. It implies that the Ryzen 9 3900 X processor will have a 50% higher computational speed than the Ryzen 7 3800 X processor. Ryzen 9 3900 X beats the Ryzen 3800 X in this feature.
3. Base clock and boost clock.
The base clock and the boost clock of a processor together decide the overall speed of the processor. The base clock is the basic speed of operation of a processor, whereas the boost clock is the boost, which is given to the normal rate to achieve the maximum operating speed of the processor. The Ryzen 7 3800 X processor has a base clock of 3.9 GHz and a boost clock of 3.5 GHz, whereas the Ryzen 9 3900 X processor comes with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz.
The regular speed of the Ryzen 3800 X is faster than the 3900 X, whereas the boost clock of the Ryzen 3900X is greater than the boost clock of 3800X. The boost clock is more important when it comes to overlooking; hence Ryzen 9 3900 X processor wins this point.
4. CPU Cache
CPU Cache plays an important role when it comes to the smooth functioning of a computer system. A CPU cache is a cache placed somewhere around the processor core for quick access to the data related to the frequently used data on the computer. The size of the cache decides how much of the temporary data can be stored on them for better functioning of the processor.
The Ryzen 3800 X processor has a cache of 32 MB, whereas the Ryzen 9 3900 X has a cache of 64 MB. Ryzen 9 3900 has an advantage of 100% on the Ryzen 3800 X when it comes to the cache size. With a margin of 100%, Ryzen 3900 X wins this point too.
5. Memory support
Different processors have different memory supports and memory speed. There are multiple types of memory supports. Both Ryzen 3800 X and the Ryzen 3900 X processors have the DDR4 memory support. DDR4 SDRAM, which stands for "Double Data Rate Fourth-generation Synchronous Dynamic Random-access Memory."
It allows for faster operations and high-speed data transfer. The latest version of this memory comes with higher transfer speed and lower voltages than the earlier versions. Both the processors have the same memory supports; hence this is a tie.
6. Bit size
The bit size of a processor determines the size of RAM that can be used on a computer; hence bit plays a vital role in the performance of a processor. A 32-bit processor can only handle a RAM of 4 GB, which is not sufficient for modern-day technology because almost all the latest apps need at least a 64-bit processor to run smoothly and efficiently.
A 64- bit processor allows you to have more than 4 GB RAM on your computer, which is fantastic because many games need a RAM higher than 4 GB for best results.Both the processors have a 64- bit processor; hence both are winners in this round.
7. MAXIMUM MEMORY BANDWIDTH.
The Maximum Memory Bandwidth is the speed at which the data is stored or accessed from the semiconductor memory temporarily. Higher Maximum Memory Bandwidth helps you to access temporary memory faster and more smoothly.
It is beneficial for professionals who use heavy applications for their work, such as video editors and creators. While editing a video, you must have a high Maximum Memory Bandwidth for quicker response.
Both the processors have the same Maximum Memory Bandwidth, 47.68 Gbps. Both processors have sufficient bandwidth for almost any kind of work. Both processors are winners in this round too.
8. Memory channels
The number of memory channels decides the speed of data transfer from CPU to memory and from memory to CPU. Dual-channel memory is in trend nowadays. Both processors have a dual-channel memory for the best results. Both processors again win this round, making it a tie.
9. RAM size
The Maximum Memory Size of a processor should be as large as possible. RAM is the most critical feature of a computer processor. RAM has been in talks for quite a few years now. Nowadays, mobile phones have larger RAM than any computer system had a few years ago.
Few high-end smartphones come with 12 GB RAM, which is far more than any laptop or computer. Both these processors can support up to 128 RAM, which is more than enough for all kinds of businesses. It is a tie in this round too.
10. Thermal Design Power.
The thermal Design Power is the highest power needed by the cooling system of the processor to cool down the case. Lower TDP is favorable as it will save electricity and save a few pennies for you. Both the processors have a TDP count of 105W, which is a favorable TDP count for powerful processors like these.
11. PCIe version
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is an interface to connect devices such as Graphics cards and SSDs. It is a high-speed interface standard for faster data exchange between the processor and other devices. PCIe has been upgraded a lot frequently; hence the latest version is the best version.
The latest version of PCIe supports high bandwidth and delivers even better performance. Both the processors have PCIe version 4.0, which is the leading PCIe version today.
The main feature and highlighted specifications of the processors have been discussed, and it must have given you a rough idea of both the processors. Numerous functions are necessary for a processor to support. Given below is a list of such functions,
Related: Top 10 Graphics Card For Ryzen 2700x & 3700x
Related: Best Motherboard For Ryzen 9 3900x
As you must have observed in all the points mentioned above, both the processors are almost the same in nearly every aspect, but if you want a budget-friendly processor for intense gaming, you should go for the Ryzen 3800 X; you will get almost everything at a lower price. The AMD Ryzen 7 3800 X processor is far better than the Ryzen 9 3900 X when it comes to pricing, but AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X wins when it comes to overall performance. The gaming experience on the 3900 X is far better than the gaming experience on the 3800 X. If you can afford $100 more, you should go for the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X.