Gaming Performance of the Ryzen 7 9700X

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AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Review - Zen 5 Sucks For Gaming!

Hardware Unboxed

Aug 7, 2024

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Science & Technology

Welcome to Hardware Unboxed

  1. The Ryzen 7 9700X is AMD's latest 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on the Zen 5 architecture, intended to succeed the 7700X model.
  2. Priced at $360, the Ryzen 7 9700X is 10% cheaper than the original MSRP of the 7700X, making it initially appear as a good deal.
  3. However, the current retail price of the 7700X has dropped to $290, making the 9700X 24% more expensive than its predecessor in the current market.
  4. This price discrepancy raises questions about the value proposition of the 9700X, especially for budget-conscious consumers.

Ryzen 9 9700X

  1. The AMD Ryzen 9 9700X is part of the new Zen 5 lineup, which comes with a significant premium compared to previous models.
  2. AMD claims a 16% improvement in Instructions Per Cycle (IPC), which is crucial as the 9700X is only clocked 2% higher than the 7700X.
  3. The 9700X can reach clock speeds of up to 5.5 GHz with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 watts, and can lower to 3.8 GHz when needed.
  4. It features 8 MB of L2 cache, with 1 MB per core, and a shared 32 MB L3 cache, similar to the 7700X.
  5. The maximum safe operating temperature, or TJ Max, is set at 95°C, allowing the processor to run at this temperature continuously without risk of damage.
  6. The official maximum memory speed supported is DDR5-5600, although overclocking is possible for higher speeds.
  7. AMD emphasizes that the TJ Max is the safe operating temperature, not the absolute maximum, ensuring reliability at 95°C.
  8. Zen 5 processors are designed to run DDR5-5600 memory at a 1:1 ratio with the Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) for optimal performance.
  9. Exceeding a fabric clock (fclk) of 2,000 MHz may affect stability and performance, making DDR5-5600 the recommended 'sweet spot.'

Test System Specs

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is compared to the Ryzen 7 7700X, showing only a 2% increase in Cinebench multicore performance, which is considered minimal.
  2. This small performance gain indicates that AMD's Ryzen 7 9700X is still lagging behind Intel's Core i5-13600K in multicore workloads.
  3. The similarity in performance between the Ryzen 7 9700X and the 7700X suggests that there are no significant improvements in this aspect.
  4. The recommendation is to use a high-quality DDR5 6000 kit for optimal performance, although it does not significantly impact the Cinebench results.

Cinebench 2024

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X shows a 10% improvement in single-core performance compared to its predecessor, the 7700X. This enhancement is significant for tasks that rely heavily on single-core processing, such as certain gaming applications.
  2. In terms of power efficiency, the 9700X consumes 221 watts on average during the Cinebench all-core workload. This is 27 watts less than the 7700X, marking an 11% reduction in power usage, which is beneficial for energy savings and thermal management.
  3. However, in the 7-Zip File Manager compression test, the 9700X performs 3% slower than the 7700X. This indicates that while the 9700X excels in single-core tasks, it may not always outperform in multi-core or specific application scenarios.

Cinebench 2024, Power

  1. The performance result is extremely disappointing, indicating issues with the product's capabilities.
  2. In decompression workloads, the product was slightly slower, trailing by a 1.5% margin.
  3. Although the margin is small, the lack of significant speed improvement is concerning.
  4. The expectation was for the product to perform better, highlighting a potential problem.
  5. This performance issue is a worrying sign for the product's future prospects.

7-Zip File Manager

  1. The Blender Open Data results show no change, with both the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X and 9700X achieving 129 samples per minute. This indicates that the new Zen 5 processor is 11% slower than the Intel Core i5-14600 in this benchmark.
  2. In the Corona 10 Benchmark, the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X performs 11% faster than the 7700X, demonstrating a significant performance improvement. This result was unexpected and suggests potential in specific applications.

Blender Open Data

  1. The AMD Ryzen 9 9700X outperforms the Ryzen 7 7700X by 3% in Photoshop testing, marking it as the fastest CPU in this specific test.
  2. This performance result is considered good overall, indicating the 9700X's capability in handling Photoshop tasks efficiently.
  3. Despite its leading performance, the result is somewhat disappointing when compared to other parts, suggesting room for improvement or higher expectations.

Corona 10 Benchmark

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is designed to replace its predecessor, offering improved performance in various applications.
  2. In Adobe Premiere Pro, the Ryzen 7 9700X demonstrated a 6% performance increase compared to the previous model.
  3. This 6% improvement, while not groundbreaking, is a significant enhancement over the earlier 3% gain observed in similar tests.

Adobe Photoshop 2024

  1. Adobe Photoshop 2024 introduces new features aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity. These features include advanced AI tools for image editing, which allow for more precise and efficient workflows.
  2. The software's performance has been significantly improved, with faster processing speeds and better resource management. This ensures smoother operation even when handling large files or complex projects.
  3. Adobe has focused on integrating cloud-based functionalities, enabling users to access their projects from any device seamlessly. This integration supports collaborative work and real-time updates.
  4. The user interface has been redesigned to be more intuitive, making it easier for both new and experienced users to navigate and utilize the software's capabilities.
  5. Photoshop 2024 also includes enhanced support for various file formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital media and facilitating easier sharing and exporting of projects.

Adobe Premiere Pro 2024

  1. The text discusses a performance comparison between two processors, specifically focusing on the FPS (frames per second) metric.
  2. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor is used as a baseline for comparison, with its performance measured at 113 FPS.
  3. A newer or different processor is then evaluated, showing an increase in performance to 115 FPS.
  4. This increase from 113 to 115 FPS is described as a 'sweet FPS boost,' indicating a positive improvement in performance.
  5. The text suggests that this result might be an outlier, implying that such performance gains may not be consistently observed across other tests or scenarios.

Baldur's Gate 3

  1. Baldur's Gate 3 was not an outlier in performance testing, indicating consistent results across different games.
  2. In testing with 'The Last of Us Part One,' the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X was found to be slower than the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X by a margin of 3%.
  3. Multiple tests were conducted to verify this result, including using different motherboards and memory kits, but the performance difference remained consistent.
  4. The specific section of the game tested consistently showed the 9700X performing slower than the 7700X, highlighting a notable performance issue.

The Last of Us Part 1

  1. The Ryzen 9700X shows poor performance compared to the 7700X, with only a slight improvement in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, achieving a mere 2% increase in frame rates.
  2. In Hogwarts Legacy, the performance of the Ryzen 9700X is similar to that of the 7700X, indicating no noticeable improvement in this game.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

  1. The performance of the Ryzen 7 9700X is compared to the Core i7-12700K, showing only light performance improvements in this example. This suggests that while the 9700X is competitive, it may not significantly outperform the Core i7-12700K in all scenarios.
  2. In terms of ACC (presumably Assetto Corsa Competizione) results, the Ryzen 7 9700X performs exceptionally well. This indicates that for this specific application, the 9700X offers a notable performance advantage.
  3. The Ryzen 7 9700X is significantly faster than the Ryzen 7 7700X. This is a positive outcome, as it demonstrates the expected performance improvements from the newer model, making it a preferable choice for users seeking better performance.

Hogwarts Legacy

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X has shown an 18% improvement in performance, which is a notable increase. This enhancement brings the 9700X closer in performance to the Intel Core i9-14900K, a high-end competitor.
  2. In the Spider-Man Remastered benchmark, the performance boost is less pronounced, with only a 5% increase. Despite this, the 9700X manages to average 153 frames per second, indicating solid performance in gaming scenarios.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

  1. The Ryzen 9700X demonstrates solid performance in Homeworld 3, even though it is only 3% faster than the 7700X. This indicates that while the improvement is marginal, it still manages to match the average frame rate of the 1400K.
  2. Despite not being groundbreaking for a next-generation product, the 9700X's performance is noteworthy, especially in terms of maintaining better 1% lows, which are crucial for a smoother gaming experience.

Spider-Man Remastered

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X shows strong performance in gaming benchmarks, particularly in 1% lows, where it outperforms Intel CPUs. This indicates better frame rate stability during gameplay.
  2. In the game 'A Plague Tale: Requiem', the Ryzen 7 9700X is only 3% faster than the Ryzen 7 7700X, suggesting marginal improvements in certain scenarios.
  3. The text highlights the importance of CPU performance in gaming, emphasizing that even small percentage differences can impact the gaming experience.
  4. Overall, the Ryzen 7 9700X is portrayed as a strong contender in the gaming CPU market, offering competitive performance against other high-end processors.

Homeworld 3

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X shows better performance in certain gaming scenarios compared to the Ryzen 7 7700X, particularly in Counter-Strike 2, where it achieves double-digit percentage improvements.
  2. In terms of frame rates, the 9700X averages 536 frames per second, which is a significant improvement over the 7700X, highlighting its capability in handling high frame rate demands.
  3. Despite its strengths, the 9700X is slower than the 7800X3D, indicating that while it excels in some areas, it may not be the top choice for all gaming needs.
  4. The comparison with the Intel 14900K shows that the 9700X performs better in certain frame rate tests, although the specifics of these tests are not detailed in the text.
  5. Overall, the 9700X offers a competitive edge in specific gaming benchmarks, making it a viable option for gamers looking for performance improvements over the 7700X.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

  1. The Ryzen 9700X was found to be slower than the 7800X3D in performance tests. This indicates that the 7800X3D has superior processing capabilities in certain scenarios.
  2. Some reviews might show the 9700X outperforming the 7700X in the game Starfield. However, these results could be due to variations in testing conditions, such as different quality settings or sections of the game being tested.
  3. It is important to consider the context of performance reviews, as different testing environments can lead to varying results. This highlights the need for standardized testing conditions to accurately compare CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

  1. The text discusses the performance of the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor in gaming, specifically focusing on its performance in Counter-Strike 2.
  2. The analysis reveals a 4% performance loss under specific test conditions, indicating that the processor may not be the best choice for this game.
  3. The text emphasizes that while the performance loss is notable, it is a result of the testing conditions and not necessarily a reflection of the processor's overall capabilities.
  4. The discussion suggests that different testing methodologies can yield varying results, highlighting the importance of context in performance evaluation.
  5. The text concludes by acknowledging the limitations of the Ryzen 7 9700X in this specific gaming scenario, while also suggesting that it may perform differently under other conditions.

Starfield

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X and 7700X show similar gaming performance in Horizon Forbidden West, with the older 7700X slightly outperforming the 9700X by a few frames. This is disappointing for AMD, especially after two years of development.
  2. In Hitman 3, the 9700X performs slightly better, increasing the frame rate from 238 frames, but the improvement is not significant enough to justify the newer model.

Horizon Forbidden West

  1. The Ryzen 7700X shows slightly better performance than the 9700X in Watch Dogs Legion, indicating its superior processing capabilities in this game.
  2. Performance data is based on an average of six test runs, ensuring reliability and accuracy of the results.
  3. Initial test runs showed variability, suggesting the importance of multiple runs to obtain consistent data.
  4. The comparison highlights the Ryzen 7700X's efficiency in handling gaming tasks compared to the 9700X.

Hitman 3

  1. The text compares the performance of two CPUs across 13 different games.
  2. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X was tested and compared to another CPU.
  3. The performance difference between the two CPUs was minimal, with the 9700X being only 3% better.
  4. This suggests that both CPUs deliver similar performance levels in gaming scenarios.

Watch Dogs: Legion

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X was compared to the Intel Core i5-14600K, and it was found to be faster than the Ryzen 7 7700X, but not significantly so. This suggests that while there is an improvement, it may not be substantial enough to warrant an upgrade for some users.
  2. AMD's review guide claimed that the Ryzen 7 9700X is 9% faster than the Intel Core i7-14700K across various games. However, independent testing revealed that the Ryzen 7 9700X is actually 5% slower than the Intel Core i7-14700K, indicating a discrepancy between AMD's claims and real-world performance.
  3. The findings highlight the importance of independent testing and verification of manufacturer claims, as discrepancies can significantly impact consumer decisions, especially in the competitive CPU market.

13 Game Average

  1. The author discussed their findings with AMD, who did not find the data significantly off, noting only a 1-2% difference from their internal data, which they did not share.
  2. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is expected to be 3-6% faster than the 7700X, depending on the games and quality settings used for testing, which is considered disappointing.
  3. A quick analysis of total system power consumption during gaming shows the 9700X reduced usage by 16 Watts, a 3% reduction compared to the 7700X.
  4. The 9700X offers a 26% power saving compared to the Intel Core i9-14900K, which was limited to 253 Watts in the test.

Power Gaming

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X shows modest power efficiency improvements over Zen 4, with a 23-watt reduction in total system usage during testing with 'The Last of Us Part One,' dropping from 514 watts to 491 watts, marking a 4% reduction.
  2. The Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) feature was highlighted for the 9700X, a 65-watt part, suggesting potential for increased performance, but the results are mixed.
  3. Cinebench multicore scores increased by 9% with PBO, indicating some performance gain, but single-core performance remained unchanged as it is not power-limited.
  4. The use of PBO also resulted in a 25% increase in total system power usage, suggesting that the performance boost comes with a significant power cost.

PBO

  1. The Ryzen 7 9700X offers minimal performance gains in gaming, with improvements ranging from 2% to 4% across various titles.
  2. The cost per frame analysis shows that the Ryzen 7 9700X is priced at $360, which is 24% more expensive than the Ryzen 7 7700X.
  3. Despite the higher cost, the Ryzen 7 9700X only provides a 3% average performance increase in gaming compared to the Ryzen 7 7700X.

Cost per Frame CPU

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is significantly more expensive per frame compared to other models, costing 21% more than the 7700X and 11% more than the 7800X 3D.
  2. When considering the additional costs of a decent motherboard and 32 GB memory kit, the 9700X still costs 11% more per frame than the 7700X.
  3. The 9700X is 133% more costly than the 7800X 3D, making the latter a more economical choice for gaming enthusiasts.
  4. The Zen 5 architecture, as represented by the 9700X, is considered a disappointment in terms of cost-effectiveness for gaming.

Cost per Frame Upgrade

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is compared to Intel's 11th generation processors, suggesting that it does not offer significant advancements. The comparison implies that the Ryzen 7 9700X shares similar performance characteristics with the older Intel processors, which is not seen as a positive attribute.
  2. The processor is noted to be slightly faster and more power-efficient than its predecessors. However, these improvements are described as minor, indicating that the Ryzen 7 9700X does not bring substantial enhancements to the table.
  3. Despite being on the market for two years, the Ryzen 7 9700X has not shown significant evolution in its performance. This stagnation in development is highlighted as a drawback, suggesting that users may not experience noticeable benefits from upgrading to this model.
  4. A major concern with the Ryzen 7 9700X is its price premium. The text suggests that if the processor were priced at $290, it might be more competitive, but the current pricing does not justify the performance offered. This price-to-performance ratio is a critical factor in evaluating the processor's value.

Final Thoughts

  1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is priced similarly to the 7700X, but offers only a small upgrade, making it unexciting and not worth the 24% premium. The release seems poorly handled by AMD, with little to show for the Zen5 architecture despite previous claims.
  2. The author experienced frustration over the past week trying to determine if the 9700X's performance was accurate, as AMD provided vague guidance and no direct comparison to the 7700X. This lack of clarity made it difficult to assess the CPU's true performance.
  3. AMD's review guide omitted comparisons with the 7700X, which the 9700X is meant to replace, instead comparing it to the 14700K. This choice rendered the data less relevant for reviewers trying to evaluate the 9700X's expected behavior.
  4. Performance comparisons between the 9700X and 7700X can vary based on the games tested, testing locations, and quality settings. However, AMD suggests that the performance margins should not be significantly larger than those shown in the author's tests.
  5. The 9700X's performance is inconsistent, sometimes slower than the 7700X in certain games and applications, leading to the author's disappointment. The CPU is seen as underwhelming and not a significant improvement over existing models.
  6. The author concludes that the 9700X does not offer much excitement or value, recommending the 7700X or 7800X 3D instead, as they provide better performance and value. The 7800X 3D, in particular, is significantly faster for just $20 more.
  7. The author advises readers to watch multiple reviews to form a well-rounded opinion on the 9700X, as their own experience was disappointing. They express relief at concluding their review of the 9700X.