AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs. Intel Core i9-14900K: The Definitive Test

24 min read AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs. Intel Core i9-14900K: The Definitive Test - written by Hamza Bose, Senior Content Marketer June 23, 2024 05:52 AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs. Intel Core i9-14900K: The Definitive Test
There's a big showdown in the tech world between the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-14900K. PC fans are excited to see which processor comes out on top. In our in-depth look, we'll check every detail. This includes specs, how they handle games, and what they can do in real life. Our goal is to crown a winner between these top chips.

Intel's latest chips, the Core i9-13900K and 14900K, have had their share of troubles. These include issues with being stable and not having clear specs from Intel. Intel didn't give a clear direction to its partners either. This led to confusion about power limits and safety features.

To fix this, Intel has now mentioned two power modes. There's an "extreme" profile that goes up to 253 watts. And a "performance" profile that uses only 125 watts.

Key Takeaways

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i9-14900K are leading in gaming and work tasks.
  • Intel's 13th and 14th-generation chips have had stability hiccups and unclear specs.
  • Intel is now using "performance" and "extreme" power modes to fix the issues.
  • We will compare how well the i9-14900K does in gaming using these modes versus the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
  • Trustworthy data will guide our thorough comparison of these two CPUs.

Intel's Stability Issues and Power Profiles Clarified

Intel doesn't certify motherboards, unlike AMD, even though they put their logo on the box. This has caused issues with different power and safety settings from various board makers. But, Intel has now given more details on the "performance" and "extreme" power profiles for the future.

Understanding Intel's Lack of Clear Specifications

On the "extreme" setting, the Core i9-14900K uses 253 watts. On the "performance" setting, this drops to 125 watts, less power means a performance drop of about 15%. Because of this unclear guidance from Intel, users face problems related to stability. They must adjust to different power settings and profiles.

Exploring Intel's "Performance" and "Extreme" Profiles

Comparing the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the 14900K, the 7800X3D was 6% faster on average with the extreme profile. Yet, on the performance profile, the 7800X3D was 9% faster. This suggests the choice of power profile greatly affects performance.

When the 14900K is set to its 125W performance profile, big power reductions are seen. For example, a 15% drop in power use in Starfield. However, its power use was still 18% higher than the Ryzen in Cyberpunk. This shows the balance between power and efficiency is crucial for users.

"The lack of enforced specifications for power limits and safety settings has led to a messy platform, with board makers implementing their own settings."

Benchmarking Setup and Methodology

We wanted to see how the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-14900K processors stand up. So, we set up an in-depth test plan. The Intel Core i9-14900K boasts 24 cores and 32 threads, but the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel processor runs between 3.2GHz and 6GHz, while the AMD one goes from 4.2GHz to 5.0GHz.

Our setup included the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi motherboard and specific memory for each CPU. The i9-14900K had DDR5-7200 CL34, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D used 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30. This is because of the memory limits each type of processor has.

We played 24 games using an RTX 4090 at different resolutions. This lets us compare the processors in real gaming situations at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.

Specification AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Intel Core i9-14900K
Cores/Threads 8/16 24/32
Base/Boost Clock 4.2GHz/5.0GHz 3.2GHz/6.0GHz
PassMark Multi-Core Score 34416 61138
PassMark Single-Core Score 3755 4786
Price $362 $545
TDP (Maximum) 190W 253W
Integrated Graphics 2-Core Custom RDNA 2 (2.2GHz) Intel UHD 770 Graphics (1.65GHz)
L3 Cache 96MB 36MB

The table clearly shows the different strengths of each CPU. Comparing them is not just useful but also interesting.



Our detailed benchmarking lets us deliver a clear comparison of these cutting-edge CPUs to our readers.

Game Performance Benchmarks

The latest gaming performance benchmarks show a big fight between AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel's Core i9-14900K. The AMD part is better in high-use gaming. It has a 15% frame rate advantage over Intel. But, Intel's Core i9-14900K is faster at 3D tasks. It can be 25% quicker than AMD in those situations.

Assassin's Creed Mirage

Assassin's Creed Mirage highlights how the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads. On the "extreme" setting, it beats the Core i9-14900K by 4%. The difference grows to 8% and up to 20% on the lowest frames when the Intel CPU uses a "performance" setting.

Cyberpunk 2077

In Cyberpunk 2077, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D also stays ahead. It's 8% better than the Core i9-14900K on the "extreme" setting. This lead jumps to 15% with the Intel CPU on a "performance" profile.

Homeworld 3

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D wins in Homeworld 3 too. It leads by 8% when both are on the "extreme" setting. A "performance" profile puts the advantage at 15% for the Ryzen CPU.

Across game titles, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D takes the lead. It outperforms Intel notably in gaming. But Intel does better in certain tasks like 3D work. For top-tier gaming, the Ryzen CPU is a strong choice.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs. Intel Core i9-14900K: The Definitive Test

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-14900K face off in the high-performance CPU battle. The Intel Core i9-14900K, priced at about $589, hit the market on October 17, 2023. It comes with 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores, and a large 68MB cache, promising elite performance.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D stirs up the gaming world with its 3D V-Cache technology. Despite being around $329 cheaper than the Core i9-14900K, reports show the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is roughly 14% faster in games.

We went deep into their performance across various benchmarks to find a clear winner. While the Intel Core i9-14900K keeps up well, especially in "extreme" mode, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D edges ahead. This is especially true when the i9-14900K is in its "performance" power profile.

Benchmark AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Intel Core i9-14900K (Extreme Profile) Intel Core i9-14900K (Performance Profile)
Blender Render Time 7:31 7:31 8:12
7-Zip Compression 193,600 MIPS 193,600 MIPS 174,100 MIPS
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core 19,511 19,511 17,882
Geekbench 6 Single-Core 2,974 2,974 2,837
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core 2,055 2,055 1,903
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core 130 130 125
PCMark 10 Score 14,077 14,077 13,498

Against all odds, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D proves itself against the Intel Core i9-14900K. It consistently outshines the i9-14900K, even at its best, the "extreme" profile. Much to everyone's surprise, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is 6% better than the Core i9-14900KS, which has overclocked memory.

The gap becomes more evident when the i9-14900K is in its more restricted "performance" profile. Here, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D gains a notable 9% lead in a 24-game benchmark. This shows the Ryzen's flexibility and effectiveness, making it a favorite for gamers looking for top performance.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs. Intel Core i9-14900K

In the end, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes out ahead in the competition. It offers better gaming performance and power efficiency compared to the Intel Core i9-14900K. This holds true whatever the i9-14900K's power setting may be.

Counter-Strike 2 and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

The gaming world is changing fast. AMD and Intel are battling hard in less CPU-hungry games like Counter-Strike 2. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is slightly better than the Intel Core i9-14900K in this game. It gives gamers a 12-15% advantage, making games smoother.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is also easier on the CPU. Here, the 7800X3D and 14900K show almost the same performance level. The 14900K is just 5% behind the 7800X3D, proving both CPUs are great for games.

The 7800X3D shines even when the game is not too heavy on the CPU. Its 3D V-Cache tech might not show huge effects. Yet, it still leads the game. This shows the 7800X3D can do well in many game types.

Horizon Forbidden West and A Plague Tale: Requiem

In Horizon Forbidden West, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D showed a bit better performance than the Intel Core i9-14900K, around 5%. But, when the Intel CPU used its top "performance" settings, the 7800X3D's lead increased to 6%.

A Plague Tale: Requiem demonstrated a significant performance gap between the two CPUs. The 7800X3D outshined the 14900K by up to 14% at 1080p. Surprisingly, the "performance" profile of the Intel CPU only slightly reduced frame rates by 2%.

Examining CPU-Intensive Titles

These comparisons show how a game's CPU needs can affect performance results. While they were close in Horizon Forbidden West, the AMD chip clearly won out in A Plague Tale: Requiem.

Thus, gamers should check a game's specific system requirements before choosing a CPU. The difference between the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Intel Core i9-14900K matters more in highly demanding games.

"The performance analysis underscores the need for gamers to carefully consider the specific requirements of the titles they plan to play."

 

Hogwarts Legacy and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

In the game Hogwarts Legacy, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D showed better performance than the Intel Core i9-14900K. It beat the Intel chip by 12%, proving its strength in top-notch gaming. In Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, the AMD processor did well too. But the Intel CPU's performance dropped slightly when using the "performance" setting at 1080p.

The Intel Core i9-14900K, when set to performance or extreme power, gave almost the same results. This shows users don't have to change settings much for top gaming performance. It makes gaming simpler for everyone.

"The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D's impressive performance in Hogwarts Legacy and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart underscores its capabilities as a top-tier CPU for gaming enthusiasts."

In the competition between the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i9-14900K, both CPUs shine in gaming. Intel may do a bit better in some cases. But AMD's consistent win in games like Hogwarts Legacy and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart shows its top CPU power.

Hogwarts Legacy and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Starfield: Intel's Slight Edge

In the game Starfield, the Intel Core i9-14900K and AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D faced off. The Intel chip had better average frame rates. But, the AMD one did better in 1% lows. This meant gamers had similar experiences with both chips.

AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D shines in gaming for pros with its power and speed. A giveaway of AMD's top gear, including the 7800X3D and RX 7900 XTX, showcases its performance.

The upcoming Ryzen 9 000 "Granite Ridge" from AMD promises a big speed boost. It's supposed to be 16% faster, hinting at more exciting plays in games like Starfield. Plus, a switch to the 7800X3D shows gamers turning to AMD for better performance.

With Starfield's launch on September 6th coming soon, we're watching how it runs on different CPUs. The new FSR 3.0 tech from AMD is set to improve performance on their chips.

The i9-14900K edges out the 7800X3D in Starfield's frame rates. But, the AMD chip's strong showing, efficiency, and fan backing keep Intel and AMD's rivalry exciting. The fight for the best CPU in top games like Starfield is heated.

24 Game Average and Performance Analysis

A deep look at the 24-game average shows a fun battle between AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i9-14900K. The Ryzen was 6% faster in the most intense power setting. But, in the "performance" setting, it's 9% faster. Looking at the 1% low scores, the Ryzen is 11% better.

Comparing Extreme and Performance Profiles

It's interesting that the average performance gap in different settings was only 3%. This means Intel's power-saving "performance" mode doesn't lose much game power. In Starfield, the "performance" mode cut 15% power use without hurting gameplay.

Processor Price Savings
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 $189.87 $39.13
Intel Core i5-13400F $169.99 $71.26
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X $163.72 $155.28
Intel Core i5-10400 $126.35 $55.65
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X $486.61 $212.39
Intel Core i9-14900K $546.98 $103.01
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 $246.00 $83.00
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 $399.00 $30.00

The table gives the latest prices and savings on AMD Ryzen and Intel Core chips. It helps people pick the best for their performance and budget needs.

The graph shows how the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i9-14900K compare. It's good for gamers to make smart choices based on their wants and costs, considering power and budget.

"Activate a new rig with AMD Smart Access Memory technology to achieve on average 15% more gaming performance across select titles when a Ryzen 9 7900X processor is paired with a Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card."

AMD's tech like Smart Access Memory and FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 make AMD systems even better. This is great news for PC fans and those who love competitive gaming.

Conclusion

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D shines brighter compared to the Intel Core i9-14900K for many gamers. It often does better, especially when the Intel is in "performance" mode. Across different games, the 7800X3D has roughly a 6% edge over the 14900K in "extreme" mode. It holds a 9% lead when the Intel runs in "performance" mode. Even though the "performance" mode saves power, it suggests most should go for Intel's "extreme" mode since it doesn't hurt performance much.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is recommended for most users thanks to its powerful gaming, energy savings, and price. This CPU gives a strong mix of power and gaming. Thus, it's a good choice for gamers at any level. With AMD leading in CPU tech, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D clearly wins the CPU performance battle.

For those with a big budget and who love to overclock, the Intel Core i9-14900KS is a top pick. Yet, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's great gaming results and practicality make it the wise choice for most. With its amazing conclusion, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D stands as the top pick for a powerful gaming CPU today.

FAQ

What are the stability issues and lack of clear specifications from Intel regarding their 13th and 14th-generation processors?

Intel has faced criticism for not clearly sharing default operation specs with partners. This lack of clarity leads board makers to set their own specifications. The result is a platform with messy power limits and safety standards.

What are the "performance" and "extreme" power profiles that Intel is implementing for its board partners?

Recently, Intel explained the "performance" and "extreme" profiles. In the "extreme" profile, the Core i9-14900K uses 253 watts but drops to 125 watts in "performance." The "extreme" mode allows for more power but risks a 15% drop in performance for heavy tasks.

What hardware and settings were used for the testing?

The testing featured the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi motherboard with specific BIOS. It used a Core i9-14900K with high-speed DDR5 memory. A comparable AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D system was also tested. It included different DDR memory types. 24 games, played at different resolutions, were part of the test.

How did the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D perform compared to the Intel Core i9-14900K in various games?

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D often outperformed the Intel Core i9-14900K in multiple games. This was especially true when the Intel CPU was on the "performance" profile. Titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Cyberpunk 2077 showed this trend.

How did the performance difference vary between the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i9-14900K in less CPU-intensive and more CPU-intensive titles?

In games needing less CPU like Counter-Strike 2, the Ryzen was 12-15% faster. Even in more demanding games like A Plague Tale: Requiem, it held an edge. At 1080p, the 7800X3D was up to 14% more powerful than the 14900K.

What was the overall performance difference between the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i9-14900K across the 24 games tested?

In the entire game set, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D averaged a 6% lead over the Core i9-14900K. This difference grows when the 14900K is limited to the "performance" profile. Then, the Ryzen shows a 9% advantage. When considering minimum performance, this grows to 11% in the AMD CPU's favor.

What are the power consumption differences between the "performance" and "extreme" profiles on the Intel Core i9-14900K?

The "performance" profile can save significant power. For instance, power use in Starfield can drop by 15%, yet the gaming performance remains similar.

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