In this article, we compare two of AMD’s new Ryzen processors: Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X. AMD has significantly improved with each new iteration since the first Ryzen series CPUs were released in 2017. If you’re looking for a new processor for gaming, video editing, or other intensive tasks, the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X are both excellent options.
It’s critical to understand AMD’s processor lineup when comparing two processors at this level. The Ryzen processors are classified according to their performance and price. The Ryzen 3 series processors are designed to compete with Intel’s budget offering, the Core i3. The Ryzen 5 series CPUs are the next step up, designed to compete with Intel’s Core i5 series processors.
In the performance-grade category, the Ryzen 7 series processors compete against the Intel Core i7. Finally, the enthusiast-grade processors are the most powerful CPU category. This is where you’ll find the AMD Ryzen 9 series competing against the Intel Core i9.
Is it true that the Ryzen 9 5900X is on a completely different level than the Ryzen 7 5800X in gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering? That is what we will discover in today’s article. We’ll look at a full comparison, specs, features, and price, and then decide which one is best for your needs.
Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X: Side-By-Side Comparison
Comparing the Ryzen 7 5800X against the Ryzen 9 5900X shows some major differences in key areas. Have a look at the following table to understand:
| Ryzen 7 5800X | Ryzen 9 5900X | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cores: | 8 cores | 12 cores |
| Number of Threads: | 16 threads | 24 threads |
| Base Clock Speed: | 3.70GHz | 3.80GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed: | 4.70GHz | 4.80GHz |
| L2 Cache Size: | 4MB | 6MB |
| L3 Cache Size: | 32MB | 64MB |
| Unlocked?: | Yes | Yes |
| TDP Rating: | 105 Watts | 105 Watts |
| Memory Type: | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| PCI Version: | PCI-E 4.0 | PCI-E 4.0 |
| CPU Socket: | AM4 | AM4 |
| CPU Architecture: | 7NM Zen 3 | 7NM Zen 3 |
Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X: What’s the Difference?
AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 5800X in November 2020 as a replacement for the previous generation Ryzen 7 3800X. It was an improvement over the previous version, with higher benchmark ratings all around. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X was a direct competitor to Intel’s Core i7 series. The only thing better than AMD’s Ryzen 7 was the Ryzen 9.
The Ryzen 9 5900X was released on the same day, aimed at the higher-end, enthusiast-grade CPU market. AMD had one processor on a higher tier than the 5900X, designed to replace the Ryzen 9 3900X, and that was the 5950X. Both AMD Ryzen 9 offerings were created to compete with the massively powerful Intel Core i9.
The Ryzen 7 5800X had eight cores and 16 threads, whereas the Ryzen 9 5900X had 12 cores and 24 threads. The Ryzen 9 5900X also includes a larger L2 and L3 cache, making it ideal for power users. Because of the higher boost clock speeds offered by the Ryzen 9 5900X, it can run circles around the lower-power Ryzen 7 5800X.
Despite the fact that the Ryzen 9 5900X is one of AMD’s most powerful processors, the Ryzen 7 5800X still packs a punch, especially given its lower price. The Ryzen 7 5800X has a starting price of $449. The Ryzen 9 5900X, on the other hand, cost around $50 and had an MSRP of $499.
Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X: What Are the Similarities?
Despite their differences, the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X share a lot. The similarities are more obvious when comparing the two CPUs than the differences. When deciding which processor is the better deal, it is critical to understand how similar they are.
The Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X share the same socket type, which is the most notable similarity. Because both CPUs make full use of the AM4 socket, you won’t need to replace your motherboard if you already have a Ryzen processor. This is great news if you already have a Ryzen CPU; however, if you are switching from Intel, you will need to replace your motherboard with one that supports AM4.
The Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X both have an unlocked multiplier, which is great if you intend to overclock your processor. For automated overclocking, both CPUs support the use of eXtended Frequency Range, or “FSR.” If you’re looking for a processor that can be pushed to its absolute limits, either of these will suffice.
Another thing the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X have in common is that they both support up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM. If you want to build a computer with a lot of RAM, either of these processors will allow you to do so.
It is widely assumed that Intel CPUs consume more power than Ryzen processors. This is not the case with the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X. The maximum TDP for both processors is 105 watts. When compared to comparable Intel CPUs, which can consume up to 125 watts, Ryzen offerings are significantly more energy efficient.
Unfortunately, neither of these processors comes with a stock cooler. If you choose the Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 9 5900X, you will need to purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler to keep things cool. Read More; AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Desktop Processor Review
Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X: Which One Is Better For Gaming?
The most important factor in determining which processor is better is determining which one is better at gaming. Do you really need the Ryzen 9 5900X if the Ryzen 7 5800X will suffice?
To find out, we gathered some benchmarks from around the web to see if there were any differences in relative performance scores. We compared single-core performance to dual, quad, and octa-core performance to determine which is superior in each category. The Ryzen 9 5900X outperforms the competition in every category, as expected:
| Ryzen 7 5800X | Ryzen 9 5900X | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Latency: | 94.9 points | 95.5 points |
| Single-core: | 170 points | 173 points |
| Dual-core: | 339 points | 332 points |
| Quad-core: | 660 points | 667 points |
| Octa-core: | 1201 points | 1294 points |
However, when tested on some of the most popular games, the Ryzen 9 5900X performed disappointingly similar to the Ryzen 5800X. Most user benchmarks revealed performance differences of one to five percent across the majority of the more demanding titles, such as GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2.
The significantly higher octa-core speed ratings indicate that the Ryzen 9 5900X performs best in activities other than gaming. If you are pushing your CPU to its limits with multithreaded rendering, the Ryzen 9 5900X will make a difference. It will be difficult for the average gamer to notice a performance difference between the two processors.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Ryzen 9 5900X is the way to go if you want the best of the best. When it comes to advanced 4k editing and 3D rendering, there is simply no comparison. With a higher core count, faster boost clock speeds, and larger L2 and L3 cache capacity, the Ryzen 9 5900X deliver power where it is most needed. This means that the most demanding users will value the raw power that this CPU provides.
The Ryzen 7 5800X still has plenty of power, and most gamers will struggle to notice the difference in performance. If all you want to do is play the latest games at maximum settings, the Ryzen 7 5800X will not disappoint. Even at full 1080p resolution, the Ryzen 7 5800X exceeds the recommended requirements for every game. For the price, you get a lot of bang for your buck and a very solid processor option. Read Also; Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X: Full Comparison with Specs
Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Ryzen 7 5800X better than Ryzen 9 5900X gaming?
Most gamers will not notice a significant difference when gaming. Although the Ryzen 9 5900X performs slightly better in gaming benchmarks, it is more expensive.
What is the difference between Ryzen 7 5800x and Ryzen 9 5900x?
The Ryzen 5900X is equipped with more powerful hardware. The Ryzen 9 5900X outperforms the Ryzen 7 5800X in core count, thread count, and boost clock speed.
Is the 5900X worth it?
The Ryzen 9 5900X offers moderate performance gains for an additional $50 over the Ryzen 7 5800X at MSRP. It is worthwhile if you want to do advanced 4K video editing or 3D rendering, but not if you just want to play games on the cheap.
