How does gaming FPS examine?

AMD is launching the Ryzen 7 9850X3D late in January 2026 as a refresh to the unique eight-core 3D V-cached 9800X3D. The processor options quicker working clock speeds, improved 3D VC-cache thermal traits to maintain greater clocks, and cache stack format refinements.

However, the microarchitecture stays the identical with an identical 8C/16T format and 120W energy. This comparable on-paper outlook can confuse avid gamers: Which is the most effective mid-premium gaming chip for many? Let’s take a look at some early gaming efficiency comparisons to reply this.

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The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a mid-cycle refresh to the 9800X3D

Under the hood, each the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the 9800X3D bundle an identical tech stack: you get eight cores and sixteen threads. The 3D V-cache capability and tech stay the identical as nicely, at 96 MB L3 (of which 64 MB is V-cache). The greatest enchancment is the upper 5.6 GHz most increase clock speeds, that are 400 MHz greater than the 9800X3D.

Notably, the bottom speeds on each gadgets stay the identical at 4.7 GHz. Given the increase conduct of Zen 5 processors, this implies solely high-end methods that may maintain improved clock speeds profit from the improved design.

Here’s a side-by-side take a look at the specs of the 2 chips:

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Performance comparability

Here’s a take a look at how gaming FPS differs between the 2 chips. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D homogenously delivers efficiency beneficial properties throughout all video games; nonetheless, beneficial properties are slimmer on older titles like Red Dead Redemption 2. The chip was paired with an RTX 5080 at 1080p resolutions to make sure essentially the most CPU-bound eventualities. We have sourced these numbers from the YouTube channel Neo channel.

Mostly, CPU-heavy beneficial properties present the biggest beneficial properties. We see titles like Far Cry 6 bounce 10.25% in common FPS, whereas different video games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (+7.71%), Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (+6.74%), and Baldur’s Gate 3 (+5.26%) present appreciable beneficial properties. These titles largely use cache and clock-sensitive beneficial properties, which immediately profit from the improved vertical V-cache packaging.

On the opposite hand, titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 present no beneficial properties, with an identical efficiency. Battlefield and Starfield additionally present comparable FPS as beneficial properties keep throughout the margin of error. Interestingly, Cyberpunk 2077 exhibits a lower in common FPS (-2.88%). This could possibly be a GPU limitation or different increase and engine-scheduling limitations.

Overall, efficiency will increase by 4-5%, with best-case beneficial properties within the 8-10% vary. While these beneficial properties are fairly giant, the ultimate determination would depend upon the value of the brand new chip. Around $575-600, the processor would command a big premium over the $450 9800X3D.

Mostly, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D can be a modest clock-driven refinement, not a cache or architectural shift. We do not suggest these on the 9800X3D to improve. If you are coming from an older or weaker platform, shopping for the newest eight-core will be advantageous.