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For those wondering which to go for between the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is one of AMD’s new CPUs and was announced at the CES 2023 during the AMD Keynote. If you want to watch the announcement itself you can find it here (the announcement for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D can be found at 38:15-39:11). It’s a pretty hefty step up from the Ryzen 7 5800X3D but it also comes with a step up in price. For the full break-down of the differences between those two models head over to our AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D comparison.
Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K processor has been around since Q4 of 2022. It is one of the Intel Core i9 processor series. You can find the full list here. Since its release the Intel Core i9-13900K has received positive reviews, with users praising the clock speeds and support for DDR5, amongst other commendations.
However, with two such strong processors it’s easy to see why people are wondering which CPU to go for. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of similarities and differences between the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K to help you work out which CPU will work best for you.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K – specs comparison
| Specs | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Intel Core i9-13900K |
| Architecture | Zen 4 | Hybrid P-core and E-core |
| Core Count | 8 | 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores. |
| Thread Count | 16 | 32 |
| Boost speed | 5.0GHz | 5.8GHz |
| Cache | 104MB | 36MB Intel Smart Cache |
| TDP | 120W | 125W/ 253W Max Turbo Power |
Add to that certain special features. For the Intel Core i9-13900K that includes the Intel Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 (Intel describes this feature as an ‘ultra-low power accelerator block designed to run audio and speed-centric AI workloads). For the Ryzen 7 7800X3D these special features include the AMD EXPO Technology and AMD Ryzen technologies supported by the CPU.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K – Architecture
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D contains ‘Zen 4’ architecture. This is a major upgrade from the previous iteration in the ‘Zen series’ with a 13% IPC increase over the ‘Zen 3+’. AMD explain that the Zen 4 architecture is built on 5nm technology and have optimised the cache to allow for a ‘doubled L2 cache on each core’.
Read More: Best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti – our top picks
Meanwhile the Intel Core i9-13900K hybrid architecture allows it to streamline the data grabbing process making for an increased CPU performance vis-a-vis workflow. For more information on the exact break-down in the hybrid architecture head over to the intel website where you can find a full run-down of the hybrid architecture features.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K – Core count
As you can see, the Intel Core i9-13900K far outstrips the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in both thread count and core count.
Higher core counts mean greater amounts of data that can be run and processed simultaneously.
As a result, if you foresee a need to run multiple processes at once and need a CPU that can keep up with that demand, the higher core count of the Intel Core i9-13900K will probably suit you better.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K – Cache
Cache is really where the Ryzen 7 78003XD comes into its own.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D boasts just shy of triple the cache of the Intel i9-13900K. Greater cache means faster data processing. With that in mind it’s worth thinking about if you will be needing to process a lot of data at very high speeds. If that’s the case, then the greater cache of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D may be more your speed.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K – TDP
As you can see, the Intel Core i9-13900K and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D share a similar base TDP (Thermal Design Power). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a default TDP of 120W. This means that under the maximum theoretical load, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D would consume up to 120W. This is a pretty powerful CPU.
Read More: Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 7900X3D (AIO, budget, quiet)
In this instance, there isn’t much of a gap between the two. The Intel Core i9-13900K has a processor base power of 125W, with a maximum turbo power of 253W. Again, pretty powerful. What this similarity really compounds is that, in choosing between these CPUs, it will come down to what your specific needs are from a CPU. Both options are excellent in very specific areas.
It really is a swings and roundabouts sort of situation in this comparison.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K – price comparison
The key thing to remember here is that the Ryzen 7 7800X3D will not be hitting shelves until April 6, 2023. When it does, though, it will be with a price tag of $449. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K clocks in at a hefty recommended customer price of $589-$599.
That’s over $150 difference.
Intel Core i9-13900K
Architecture
Raptor Lake
Core Count
24
Thread Count
32
Boost Speed
5.8GHz
Cache
36MB
When you break it down like that, what it comes down to is: in your case, does the thread and core count edge the Intel Core i9-13900K have over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D validate the difference in price and smaller cache?
Final word
At the end of the day, both the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K are powerful CPUs. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the edge with cache, but the Intel Core i9-13900K outranks with thread and core count. If you’re the sort of person who will be needing a lot of data processed very quickly then you might want to lean towards the CPU with the greater cache.
However, if you will be needing a lot of information processed simultaneously, and can afford the price jump, then you might want to invest in the Intel Core i9-13900K.
Worth noting at this point though, is that if you invest in a very powerful CPU then it’s important to make sure the rest of your rig is of a similar standard or you may experience bottleneck and not be able to use the CPU to its full capabilities. We’ve made a few handy guides to help with that that you might find helpful. For a guide to the best graphics card for 4k gaming head over here. For a guide to the best GPU for 1440p head over here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D coming out?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has been announced for release on April 6, 2023.
How much will the Ryzen 7 7800X3D be?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has been announced for an initial release price of $449.
