OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260PassMark multi-core score:37079N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:5.5 GHzCPU socket:AM5TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 47 expert and video reviews and 28 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
8.7/10

Overall score

Score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

40%

8.6

Technical score

25%

7.9

Reviews score

25%

9.2

List score

10%

9.6

Sentiment score

★Better than 99% of processors
8.8

Value for money

Value for money
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

8.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

★Better than 99%
8.6

Technical score

Technical score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

60%

9.0

Performance

18%

7.6

Architecture

10%

9.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.0

Power & Thermal

4%

8.8

Platform

1%

7.8

Integrated graphics

★Better than 96%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models

80%

7.4

Average grade

20%

9.8

Popularity

Grades by review (47)
28 reviews: 16 with a printed score, 12 estimated from the review. 19 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 66%
9.2

List score

List score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (28)
List score: in 28 of 83 lists (34%)
★Better than 99%
  • amd-ryzen-7-9700x
amd-ryzen-7-9700x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

Based on 10 · 21

Reviewers praise its efficiency and cool running, but are disappointed by its gaming results and the small step up over the previous generation.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

Based on 192 owners sharing their experience in online comments

78%positive8%mixed14%negative

Owners praise its strong, efficient performance and value, while high temperatures and tuning instability remain their main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • With PBO or 105 W mode, owners see 90–95°C under game or stress load, and idle near 50–60°C; undervolting or stock settings help.25
  • Aggressive Curve Optimizer values like -30 can cause freezes, micro-stutters or boot failures, so owners back off to around -15 to -20.8
  • Some owners fear aggressive BIOS settings cause voltage spikes that could harm the CPU, and enabled iGPUs can cause power spikes.5
  • X3D chips like the 9800X3D pull ahead in games, mainly at 1080p esports titles, while the gap is small at 1440p and 4K.4
  • Some owners get random freezes, game crashes or sudden shutdowns, sometimes from aggressive -30 all-core undervolts, sometimes from a missing second CPU power cable.4
  • Some owners find curve tweaks fail to lower temperatures, with a few seeing temps rise to the mid-80s under load.4
  • Some owners say applying a suggested tuning preset made their PC laggy, stuttery and slow to respond.3
  • Some owners only get stable 1:1 memory around 6200 MT/s, and higher UCLK or memory speeds can fail to boot or crash.3
  • Owners say getting good results takes a day or two of BIOS and per-core tuning, since too-low Curve Optimizer values cause micro-stutters.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

Technical score
Technical score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

60%

9.0

Performance

18%

7.6

Architecture

10%

9.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.0

Power & Thermal

4%

8.8

Platform

1%

7.8

Integrated graphics

8.6
Reviews score
7.9
List score
9.2
Value for money
Value for money
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 100% of models
Score components:

70%

8.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.8
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
AM5
This processor uses the AM5 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 95% of processors and equal to that of 3.1% of processors.
Chipset
X870E, X870, B850, B840, X670E, X670, B650E, B650, A620
This processor supports X870E, X870, B850, B840, X670E, X670, B650E, B650, A620 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 92% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V instruction sets, which is broader support than 69.3% of processors and equal to that of 7.1% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
8
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 61.2% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
CPU threads
16
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 69% of processors and equal to 14.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
5.5 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5.5 GHz which is higher than that of 97% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.8 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 8x3.8 GHz which is higher than that of 84% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
37,079
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 37,079 in PassMark, which is higher than 91% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
4 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 4 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 86.8% of processors and equal to that of 7.7% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 4 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 4 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 86.4% of processors and equal to that of 7.8% of processors.
L3 cache
32 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 32 MB which is larger than that of 89% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
L2 cache
8 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 72% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
L1 cache
640 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 640 KB which is larger than that of 73.6% of processors and equal to that of 3.1% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR5, which is newer than that of 64.2% of processors and equal to that of 12.8% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
5,600 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.9% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-5600 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.4% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
8,000 MHz
This processor supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 8,000 MHz, which is higher than that of 99.6% of processors and equal to 0.4% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 89% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Radeon 610M
This processor uses the Radeon 610M integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 88.9% of processors and equal to that in 1.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
2
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 2 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 95.5% of processors and equal to 4.5% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
400 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 400 MHz which is higher than that of 68.4% of processors and equal to that of 8.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), AV1 (HW decode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 82.1% of processors and equal to 3.1% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 68% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 3.25x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (16,937 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    16,937 vs 5,209
  • 3.23x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (37,079 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    37,079 vs 11,469
  • 81.9% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,653 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,653 vs 2,558
  • 2.18x higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,348 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    3,348 vs 1,535
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Granite Ridge vs Kaby Lake).
    Granite Ridge vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.17x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,890 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    8,890 vs 2,804.5
  • 25% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 17.9% higher list score
    List score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (28)
    List score: in 28 of 83 lists (34%)
    9.2 vs 7.8
  • 17.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 66% of models

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (47)
    28 reviews: 16 with a printed score, 12 estimated from the review. 19 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.9 vs 6.7
  • 33.3% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.2
  • 21.2% better value for money
    AMD Ryzen 7 9700X has better value for money than the average processor (8.83 vs 7.3).
    8.83 vs 7.29
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM5 vs FP5).
    AM5 vs FP5
  • 4 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2024 vs 2020).
    August 2024
    2024 vs 2020
  • 3.25x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (16,937 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    16,937 vs 5,209
  • 3.23x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (37,079 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    37,079 vs 11,469
  • 81.9% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,653 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,653 vs 2,558
  • 2.18x higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,348 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    3,348 vs 1,535
  • 3.17x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,890 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    8,890 vs 2,804.5
  • 25% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 77.8% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (871 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    871 vs 490
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 2 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    38 vs 28
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Granite Ridge vs Kaby Lake).
    Granite Ridge vs Kaby Lake
  • 66.7% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (4 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    4 nm vs 12 nm
  • 3.56x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    32 MB vs 9 MB
  • 60.5% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (70 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    70 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 4 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 4 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 2.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    8 MB vs 3 MB
  • 2x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 66.7% larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (640 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    640 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2.37x more transistors
    This processor has more transistors than the average processor (11.7 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    11.715 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 12 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (28 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    24 usable lanes
    28 vs 16
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
    5.0 vs 3.0
  • 4x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 91% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 75% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR5-5600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR5-5,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Radeon 610M vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Radeon 610M vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 1 more supported displays
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, SME, TSME vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, SME, TSME vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • 30.7% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (276 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    276 vs 398.015
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W
  • 91.7% fewer GPU execution units
    This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (2 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    2 vs 24
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • Older TPM support
    This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2 vs PTT 2).
    fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, SME, TSME vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, SME, TSME vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Older TPM support
    This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2 vs PTT 2).
    fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0
  • 30.7% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (276 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    276 vs 398.015
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 91.7% fewer GPU execution units
    This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (2 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    2 vs 24
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
The Tech Tank
≈ estimated
11/09/2026
Revisit review · BIOS power limit and gaming tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is efficient and capable, but at its current price most alternatives make more sense.
7.0
Alexwpi Game
≈ estimated
21/01/2025
Emulator tests · old vs. new CPU across several systems
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X gives clear gains in some emulators, but a high-end chip adds little, so a mid-range AM5 chip or 12th-gen i5 is enough.
5.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
12/10/2024
Performance update · 14-game benchmark retest
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X's gains are small, so it is no faster than Zen 4 and hard to recommend.
5.0
Tech DFS
≈ estimated
21/08/2024
Hands-on review · benchmarks, gaming and temperature tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is fine but not thrilling, and it isn't worth the price for the performance it offers.
8.0
KitGuruTech
✓ explicit
08/08/2024
Hands-on review · benchmarks, power, temperature and gaming
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is worth buying for its efficiency and temperatures, though its gaming gains over the Ryzen 7 7700X are small.
4.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · week-long testing vs 7700X
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is not recommended: it is a small, overpriced upgrade that changes nothing, so buy a 7700X or 7800X3D.
4.0
eTeknix
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Review · gaming benchmarks and value analysis
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X offers only marginal gains over the 7700X for its price, so the 7700X is the better buy.
9.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Full review · benchmarks and power tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a clear upgrade for Zen 2 and AM4 users, with big power savings and strong single-thread speed.
5.0
Hardware Busters
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · thermals, power, overclocking and gaming tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X runs cool, but it is overpriced and the 7800X3D beats it in gaming.
9.0
Robeytech
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks and small form factor build
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X delivers solid gaming performance at low power draw and a lower price, though these are early impressions.
5.0
der8auer EN
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · power limit, PBO and overclocking tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is only worth it with PBO unlocked or overclocking, and for gaming the 7800X3D remains the better choice.
9.0
Blackbird PC Tech
≈ estimated
08/09/2024
Head-to-head · 18-game benchmarks · tuning tips
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X matches the 7800X3D in most games and offers excellent value, but needs tuning to reach its best.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.5
techspot.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2024
Benchmark review · Zen 5 debut
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is a modest upgrade over the 7700X, drawing about 40 W less in Cinebench, though gains in multi-core work and many games are small.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2024
Lab test · Single vs multi-thread
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is a fast single-thread chip at 65 W, but it falls well behind Intel's 14th-gen chips in multi-threaded work like HandBrake.
9.0
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · Power and temperature
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is a fast all-round chip that draws little power at 65 W, but gaming enthusiasts are better off waiting for the X3D models.
9.3
tweaktown.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2024
Benchmark review · Gaming and power
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is a cool, quiet mid-range chip that beats the older 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X in games, though it isn't the best at every workload.
8.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
08/08/2024
Benchmark test · Low-power chip
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a cool, low-power chip whose gaming speed matches the Ryzen 7 7700X, so gamers may want to wait for the 9800X3D.
6.0
gamersnexus.net
≈ estimated
26/08/2024
Lab test · Launch-day review
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is efficient and sometimes a little faster than the 7700X, but it had memory stability problems at launch.
8.0
cgmagonline.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2024
Lab test · Gaming and efficiency
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is an efficient eight-core chip for gaming and video editing, though its gains over the Ryzen 7 7700X are small.
6.0
club386.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2024
Lab test · Gaming and productivity
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is cool and quiet for gaming with a high-end graphics card, but it lags Intel's Core i7-14700K in heavy productivity work.
6.0
notebookcheck.net
≈ estimated
19/08/2024
Lab test · Benchmarks and thermals
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is power-efficient and matches the Core i9-14900K in single-core and gaming speed, but trails that chip in CrossMark.
8.1
tech4gamers.com
✓ explicit
16/08/2024
Lab test · Efficiency and gaming
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is very power-efficient and fast in single-core work, but gaming gains over the previous generation are only about 2%, and multi-core results disappoint.
6.0
notebookcheck.com
≈ estimated
20/08/2024
Lab test · Cooling and benchmarks
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X holds full speed under sustained load with a good cooler and beats the Core i9-14900K in PCMark 10, but trails it in CrossMark.
7.0
pcgameshardware.de
≈ estimated
18/08/2024
Hands-on test · Linux vs Windows
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X runs faster on Linux than Windows 11 in most games and apps, but gamers should still pick a Ryzen 7000X3D chip.
8.6
chip.de
✓ explicit
30/01/2026
Lab test · Mid-range CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a strong mid-range chip that gets close to the Ryzen 9 9900X in games, but its built-in graphics are only a fallback.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
18/09/2024
Lab test · All-round CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X leads the gaming tests in the review and stays cool and quiet at 65W, but its gain over the 7700X is modest.
9.0
pausehardware.com
✓ explicit
10/08/2024
Benchmark test · Single-core speed
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X excels at single-thread and multimedia tasks, but Intel's Core i7-14700K is far quicker at heavy multi-threaded work.
7.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Lab test · Efficiency and heat
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is efficient and runs cool, leading office and photo tasks, but it trails Intel's Core i7-14700K in games and multi-thread work.
6.0
hwupgrade.it
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on test · Clocks and power
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X runs cool and draws less power than the 7700X, but its 65 W limit holds back multi-core speed, so it roughly matches the older chip.
8.0
smartworld.it
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · Productivity focus
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is a strong pick for productivity and mixed PC use, drawing little power at 65 W, but it trails X3D chips for gaming.
9.0
tech.everyeye.it
≈ estimated
07/08/2024
Hands-on review · Power and gaming
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 9700X is a cool, low-power chip that matches Intel's Core i7-14700K in most games and single-core work, but Intel wins multi-core tasks.
9.0
gamemara.com
≈ estimated
12/08/2024
Lab test · Gaming and rendering
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a full 8-core Zen 5 chip that handles games and creative work well, but its lead over the Ryzen 5 9600X is small.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

  • High energy efficiency with a low 65W TDP compared to previous generations
  • Excellent thermal performance that allows for effective air cooling
  • Strong single-core performance improvements over the Ryzen 7 7700X
  • Compatible with the existing AM5 socket, ensuring an easy upgrade path for current users
  • Solid performance for everyday productivity and content creation tasks
  • Supports high-speed DDR5 memory (up to 8000 MHz on some motherboards)

What customers don't like about AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

  • Marginal multi-threaded performance gains compared to the Ryzen 7 7700X
  • Multi-core workloads are often outpaced by competing Intel Core i5 and i7 chips
  • Gaming performance is generally lower than the specialized Ryzen 7 7800X3D
  • Does not include a bundled CPU cooler
  • Initial launch value was questioned due to the lower price of previous-generation alternatives
  • Some early reviewers reported minor memory compatibility and BIOS stability issues

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor built on the advanced Zen 5 architecture and a 4nm TSMC process. It features a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock up to 5.5 GHz, supported by 40 MB of total cache (32 MB L3) and a remarkably low default TDP of 65W. Main pros include exceptional energy efficiency, cool operating temperatures that suit air cooling or compact builds, and strong single-core performance that often rivals high-end competition. However, some cons include modest generational multi-core performance gains over the previous 7700X, the lack of an included CPU cooler, and a lack of a dedicated NPU for AI acceleration.

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