Is the Ryzen 9800X3D Truly Faster for Real-World 4K Gaming?

The tech world is filled with misconceptions, but few are as frustrating as the myths surrounding low-resolution CPU benchmarks. Today, we’re revisiting the topic for the third time to provide clarity on why low-resolution testing is essential for assessing gaming performance accurately.

Despite the resistance from a vocal minority, low-resolution testing remains a valuable tool for understanding CPU performance. While some may argue for “real-world” testing at higher resolutions, the data shows that low-resolution benchmarks offer a more accurate portrayal of gaming performance.

For casual gamers who only require 60 fps or less, CPU performance may not be a significant factor. However, for competitive gaming where high frame rates are crucial, low-resolution testing is the best way to assess CPU performance accurately.

The Casual 60 FPS Gamer

It’s essential to understand the type of gamer you are and the level of performance you need to enjoy your games. While casual gamers may be content with 60 fps, competitive gamers often require well over 100 fps for optimal gameplay.

Low-resolution testing provides a comprehensive view of gaming performance across the entire spectrum, catering to the needs of different types of gamers. It’s not about imposing a single viewpoint but rather presenting the full picture of CPU performance in gaming.

“We Want Real-World Results”

Some may argue for “real-world” results at higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K, believing they offer a more accurate assessment of CPU performance. However, the data shows that low-resolution testing provides a clearer picture of CPU performance under heavy gaming loads.

Testing modern AAA titles at 4K with quality settings that result in a GPU-imposed limit may not provide meaningful insights, especially for gamers who prioritize high frame rates. Low-resolution testing reveals the true performance of CPUs and helps make informed comparisons based on cost per frame.

You Can’t Toggle CPU Performance

Unlike GPU performance, which can be adjusted by changing visual settings, CPU performance is not as easily scalable. Once a CPU reaches its limit, there’s little that can be done to increase performance beyond that point.

Low-resolution, CPU-limited gaming tests are crucial for understanding how CPUs perform under heavy gaming loads, as they provide a clear indication of a CPU’s true gaming capabilities.

Reviews Aren’t Evil Temptations

When reading CPU reviews, it’s important to focus on how CPUs perform relative to each other and make informed decisions based on actual gaming performance. Reviews are not meant to pressure you into upgrading your CPU but rather to help you understand the value and performance each CPU offers.

Monitoring your system’s performance during gaming is crucial to determine if you need a CPU upgrade and, if so, which CPU would best suit your needs. Low-resolution testing in CPU reviews provides valuable insights into gaming performance and helps make informed decisions.

Cost Per Frame

For gamers looking to upgrade their CPU, reviews and benchmarking provide valuable information on the performance and value of different CPUs. Low-resolution testing helps determine the “cost per frame” of each CPU, allowing gamers to make informed decisions based on gaming performance.

By comparing the performance and value of different CPUs, gamers can choose the CPU that best suits their needs and offers the most value in terms of gaming performance.

There is a Reason Why Almost All Reviews Focus on Low-res Testing

While some may resist low-resolution testing, the majority of reputable sources and industry experts rely on these benchmarks to evaluate CPU gaming performance accurately. Low-resolution testing provides a clear and comprehensive view of CPU performance under heavy gaming loads.

By focusing on low-resolution benchmarks, reviewers can provide valuable insights into CPU gaming performance and help gamers make informed decisions when choosing a CPU for gaming.

Benchmarks

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the 9800X3D offers significant performance gains over the 7700X and 285K at 1080p. While 234 fps may be more than necessary for some gamers, the performance difference is substantial and may be more relevant in future games.

At 4K with DLSS Balanced upscaling enabled, the 9800X3D still outperforms the other CPUs, showcasing the benefits of low-resolution testing for assessing CPU performance accurately.

The Last of Us Part 1

The Last of Us Part 1 demonstrates the differences in CPU performance at 1080p and 4K. While the 9800X3D may offer marginal gains at 4K, the performance at 1080p is more significant, highlighting the importance of low-resolution testing for understanding CPU performance.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, the 9800X3D delivers superior performance at 1080p and 4K, showcasing the benefits of low-resolution testing for assessing CPU performance accurately under heavy gaming loads.

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy demonstrates the impact of CPU performance on gaming experience, with the 9800X3D delivering significant performance gains over the 7700X and 285K at both 1080p and 4K. The results highlight the importance of low-resolution testing for accurate assessment of CPU gaming performance.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione showcases the importance of CPU performance in heavily CPU-limited games, with the 9800X3D outperforming the other CPUs at both 1080p and 4K. The results underscore the value of low-resolution testing for understanding CPU gaming performance accurately.

Remnant II

Remnant II demonstrates the performance differences between CPUs at 1080p and 4K, with the 9800X3D offering additional performance even at 4K. The results highlight the benefits of low-resolution testing for assessing CPU performance accurately under various gaming conditions.

Homeworld 3

Homeworld 3 showcases the impact of CPU performance on gaming experience, with the 9800X3D delivering superior performance over the 7700X at both 1080p and 4K. The results demonstrate the importance of low-resolution testing for accurate assessment of CPU gaming performance.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem highlights the performance differences between CPUs at 1080p and 4K, with the 9800X3D outperforming the other CPUs at both resolutions. The results underscore the value of low-resolution testing for understanding CPU gaming performance accurately.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 showcases the impact of CPU performance on competitive gaming, with the 9800X3D delivering superior performance over the 7700X at both 1080p and 4K. The results highlight the benefits of low-resolution testing for assessing CPU performance accurately in competitive gaming scenarios.

Starfield

Starfield demonstrates the importance of CPU performance in modern games, with the 9800X3D outperforming the other CPUs at both 1080p and 4K. The results underscore the value of low-resolution testing for accurate assessment of CPU gaming performance in modern titles.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 showcases the impact of CPU performance on gaming experience, with the 9800X3D delivering superior performance over the 7700X at both 1080p and 4K. The results demonstrate the importance of low-resolution testing for accurate assessment of CPU gaming performance.

Star Wars Outlaws

Star Wars Outlaws highlights the performance differences between CPUs at 1080p and 4K, with the 9800X3D delivering superior performance over the other CPUs at both resolutions. The results underscore the value of low-resolution testing for understanding CPU gaming performance accurately.

14 Game Average (1080p + 4K)

The average performance across 14 games shows the 9800X3D outperforming the other CPUs at both 1080p and 4K. The results highlight the benefits of low-resolution testing for accurate assessment of CPU gaming performance across a range of games.

CPU Longevity Test: 3950X, 5800X, 5800X3D in 2022 Games

Comparing the CPUs in 2022 games reveals the performance differences between the 5800X3D, 5800X, and 3950X. The results showcase the benefits of low-resolution testing for understanding CPU performance accurately in gaming scenarios.

3 Game Average (2022 Titles)

The average performance across three games from 2022 highlights the performance differences between the 5800X3D, 5800X, and 3950X. The results underscore the importance of low-resolution testing for accurate assessment of CPU gaming performance in modern games.

3 Game Average (2023-24 Titles)

The updated average performance across three games from 2023-24 shows the continued benefits of low-resolution testing for understanding CPU gaming performance accurately. The results highlight the performance differences between the 5800X3D, 5800X, and 3950X in modern gaming scenarios.

What We Learned

Low-resolution testing is crucial for understanding CPU gaming performance accurately and making informed decisions when choosing a CPU for gaming. The data from low-resolution benchmarks provides valuable insights into CPU performance under heavy gaming loads and helps gamers make informed decisions based on actual gaming performance.

By focusing on low-resolution testing, reviewers can provide valuable insights into CPU gaming performance and help gamers make informed decisions when choosing a CPU for gaming. The results from low-resolution benchmarks offer a clear and comprehensive view of CPU performance in gaming scenarios, ensuring that gamers can make informed decisions based on actual gaming performance.

Shopping Shortcuts: