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 9 7900X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260PassMark multi-core score:51283N. of physical cores:12CPU boost clock speed:5.6 GHzCPU socket:AM5TDP (Thermal design power):170 W

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 41 expert and video reviews and 4 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
8.4/10

Overall score

Score
8.4/ 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
Score components

40%

8.6

Technical score

25%

8.4

Reviews score

25%

8.2

List score

10%

8.3

Sentiment score

★Better than 99% of processors
8.6

Value for money

Value for money
8.6/ 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
Score components

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

★Better than 98%
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
Score components

60%

9.2

Performance

18%

7.8

Architecture

10%

8.7

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.4

Power & Thermal

4%

8.8

Platform

1%

7.7

Integrated graphics

★Better than 95%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (41)
26 reviews: 18 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 15 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 89%
8.2

List score

List score
8.2/ 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 (4)
List score: in 4 of 87 lists (5%)
★Better than 96%
  • amd-ryzen-9-7900x
amd-ryzen-9-7900x
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 9 7900X

Based on 11 · 11

Reviewers praise strong productivity and single-core speed, but cooling is the main gripe and opinions on value are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

Based on 150 owners sharing their experience in online comments

64%positive8%mixed28%negative

Owners praise the fast, efficient performance and value, while high temperatures and occasional stability problems remain the biggest frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Stock settings often reach about 95°C under heavy load, and some owners see 85°C or more in long productivity runs and demanding games.28
  • Aggressive Curve Optimizer or Eco Mode settings have caused owners' PCs to fail to boot, restart after hours, or show blue screens.12
  • Some owners see low GPU usage in certain games, such as Spider-Man Miles Morales, and say the chip can hold back fast graphics cards.8
  • Owners report board-specific issues, such as BIOS updates changing auto voltage, missing thermal-limit or voltage-offset options, and slow boots.7
  • Simply opening apps or browsing makes the cores boost suddenly, lifting temperatures and making fans ramp up, even when the PC is mostly idle.6
  • Fixed-voltage undervolting cut Cinebench scores by about 5 to 10 percent in some owners' tests, even as temperatures dropped.3

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

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Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

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
Score components:

60%

9.2

Performance

18%

7.8

Architecture

10%

8.7

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.4

Power & Thermal

4%

8.8

Platform

1%

7.7

Integrated graphics

8.6
Reviews score
8.4
List score
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 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
Score components:

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.6
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, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V instruction sets, which is broader support than 78.4% of processors and equal to that of 2.4% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
12
This processor has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 79.9% of processors and equal to 5.7% of processors.
CPU threads
24
This processor offers 24 CPU threads, which is more than 89.7% of processors and equal to 4.4% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
5.6 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5.6 GHz which is higher than that of 97.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
12x 4.7 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 12x4.7 GHz which is higher than that of 96.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
51,283
This processor scores 51,283 in PassMark, which is higher than 95.7% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
5 nm
This processor uses a 5 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 83.5% of processors and equal to that of 3.2% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 5 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 5 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.2% of processors.
L3 cache
64 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 64 MB which is larger than that of 94.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.8% of processors.
L2 cache
12 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
L1 cache
768 KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 768 KB which is larger than that of 77.6% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% 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
5,200 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 70.6% of processors and equal to 6.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-5200 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5200 MHz, which is higher than that of 71% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
6,000 MHz
This processor supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 6,000 MHz, which is higher than that of 97.2% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
AMD Radeon Graphics
This processor uses the AMD Radeon Graphics integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 87.4% of processors and equal to that in 1.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
2
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
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)
170 W
This processor has a TDP of 170 W which is higher than that of 97.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
170 W
This processor has a base power of 170 W which is higher than that of 97.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% 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 9 7900X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 4.47x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (51,283 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    51,283 vs 11,469
  • 3.5x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (18,235 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    18,235 vs 5,209
  • 5.2x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (14,575 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    14,575 vs 2,804.5
  • 65.3% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,229 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,229 vs 2,558
  • 91.8% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,944 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,944 vs 1,535
  • 8 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (12 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    12 vs 4
  • 27.3% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 16 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    24 vs 8
  • 25.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (41)
    26 reviews: 18 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 15 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.
    8.4 vs 6.7
  • 18.5% better value for money
    AMD Ryzen 9 7900X has better value for money than the average processor (8.64 vs 7.3).
    8.64 vs 7.29
  • 15.3% higher sentiment score
    8.3 vs 7.2
  • 5.1% higher list score
    List score
    8.2/ 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 (4)
    List score: in 4 of 87 lists (5%)
    8.2 vs 7.8
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM5 vs FP5).
    AM5 vs FP5
  • 4.47x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (51,283 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    51,283 vs 11,469
  • 3.5x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (18,235 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    18,235 vs 5,209
  • 5.2x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (14,575 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    14,575 vs 2,804.5
  • 65.3% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,229 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,229 vs 2,558
  • 91.8% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,944 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,944 vs 1,535
  • 27.3% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 8 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (12 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    12 vs 4
  • 16 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    24 vs 8
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (12x4.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    12x4.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 57.1% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (770 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    770 vs 490
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 19 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (47 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    47 vs 28
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raphael vs Kaby Lake).
    Raphael vs Kaby Lake
  • 7.11x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (64 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    64 MB vs 9 MB
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    12 MB vs 3 MB
  • 2.88x more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    5.33 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 58.3% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (5 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    5 nm vs 12 nm
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 5 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 5 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 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
  • 2x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    768 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2.65x more transistors
    This processor has more transistors than the average processor (13.1 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    13.14 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.
    28 vs 16
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
    5 vs 3
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 77.4% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (83.2 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    83.2 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 62.5% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,200 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    5,200 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 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 (DDR5-5200 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR5-5,200 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (AMD Radeon Graphics vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    AMD Radeon Graphics 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
  • 3.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (170 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    170 W vs 45 W
  • 49.2% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (264 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    264 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, Secure Processor, Shadow Stack, SME, SEV vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, Secure Processor, Shadow Stack, SME, SEV vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 3.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (170 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    170 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
  • 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
  • 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, Secure Processor, Shadow Stack, SME, SEV vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, Secure Processor, Shadow Stack, SME, SEV 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
  • 49.2% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (264 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    264 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 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
  • 3.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (170 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    170 W vs 45 W
  • 3.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (170 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    170 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

Video reviews

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

9.0
ProYamYamPC
≈ estimated
22/02/2025
Switch review · daily use and power-limit tuning
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a welcome return to AMD: snappier than the old Intel chip, apart from an Ethernet driver problem.
8.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
18/11/2022
Full review · benchmarks, power, overclocking and value
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a solid processor with excellent performance, but Intel's cheaper rival makes the price harder to justify.
7.0
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
10/11/2022
Hands-on review · benchmarks, temperature and power tests
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is better value than the 7950X for many users, but it is not a clear all-round pick.
7.0
The Tech Tank
≈ estimated
05/11/2022
Hands-on review · productivity and gaming benchmarks
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a very fast chip, but its total cost makes it hard to recommend right now.
9.0
PC Crazy
≈ estimated
23/10/2022
Benchmark review · gaming, synthetic tests and thermals
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X offers strong multi-core gains and better value than the 12900K, with acceptable thermals.
5.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
29/09/2022
Hands-on review · productivity, gaming and value tests
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is overpriced for what it delivers, so the 7950X or 7700X makes more sense for most buyers.
9.0
STS
≈ estimated
28/09/2022
Hands-on review · benchmarks and Eco Mode power tests
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a powerful all-round workhorse that Eco Mode makes more practical, though its premium price remains.
9.0
eTeknix
≈ estimated
26/09/2022
Hands-on review · benchmarks, gaming and temperature tests
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a clear choice for high performance and value, though its launch price is relatively high.
9.0
Gear Seekers
≈ estimated
26/09/2022
Gaming PC build · benchmark tests
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X performs quite well, and the platform should improve as BIOS updates arrive.
8.0
Unpacked Technologies
≈ estimated
13/10/2024
First look · unboxing and packaging
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is worth buying for high-end builds, especially on sale, though only unboxing is shown.
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
26/04/2023
Lab test · Versus the 7950X
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a 12-core chip that comes close to the 7950X in lightly threaded tasks, though its 170W power rating is high.
9.0
hwbusters.com
≈ estimated
20/01/2023
Lab test · Power and thermals
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a fast 12-core chip for heavy tasks, but it runs hot and needs strong cooling.
7.5
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
23/11/2022
Benchmark review · Mixed workloads
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X handles mixed gaming and productivity well in Eco Mode, but it runs hot and draws heavy power at stock settings.
6.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
19/10/2022
Benchmark review · Gaming focus
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a big leap over the 5900X and rivals the 7950X in games, but the Ryzen 5 7600X nearly matches it for gaming alone.
9.0
windowscentral.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2022
Benchmark review · Zen 4 flagship
Verdict
The Ryzen 9 7900X is a 12-core, 24-thread chip that delivers strong gaming and multi-core speed, but its 170W power draw and AM5 board requirement are drawbacks.
8.0
techspot.com
✓ explicit
04/10/2022
Benchmark review · Intel comparison
Verdict
The Ryzen 9 7900X is a 12-core chip that beats the Core i9-12900K in most productivity tests, but trails it in Cyberpunk 2077 and Spider-Man Remastered.
9.5
tweaktown.com
✓ explicit
26/09/2022
Benchmark review · Zen 4 launch
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X suits enthusiasts and gamers who want top speed, but it runs hot and ships without a cooler.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
26/09/2022
Benchmark review · Gaming and power
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a strong all-round chip for heavy multi-core work and gaming, but it runs hot and needs a high-end cooler.
7.5
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
23/11/2022
Video review · CPU benchmarks
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a 12-core chip for buyers ready to switch fully to the AM5 platform, which brings PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
9.0
pcguide.com
✓ explicit
24/04/2024
Hands-on test · Rendering and encoding
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X excels at rendering and video encoding, a strong pick for productivity-focused builds on the AM5 platform.
9.0
chip.de
✓ explicit
26/09/2022
Lab test · Platform and heat
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X beats its predecessor in every CPU benchmark, but it runs close to its heat limit and needs the new AM5 platform.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
02/11/2022
Lab test · Apps and gaming
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is strong in applications and games, and its Eco Mode keeps power draw in check, but it runs hot unless you enable it.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
18/10/2022
Lab test · App and gaming
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a strong all-round chip, close to the 16-core 7950X in apps, but Intel still leads in 3DMark and Red Dead Redemption II.
9.0
gameit.es
≈ estimated
04/02/2023
Benchmark review · Model comparison
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a 12-core chip for buyers who want more power than the 7700X without the extremes of the 7950X.
9.4
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
04/10/2022
Lab test · Overclocking and heat
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is an excellent workstation chip for rendering, video and AI work, but it runs very hot and gains little from overclocking.
9.6
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
23 de noviembre de 2022
Lab test · Platform features
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X remains a capable 12-core AM5 chip with 28 PCIe 5.0 lanes, though newer Ryzen 9 models are now arriving.
8.0
bloghtpc.com
≈ estimated
01/06/2024
Hands-on test · Power tuning
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X runs cooler and draws less power when its power limit is lowered, though air cooling still struggles with its heat.
8.0
thegamesmachine.it
✓ explicit
15/11/2022
Lab test · Cooling and benchmarks
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is fast and built for future upgrades, but it runs very hot and needs a good liquid cooler plus DDR5 memory.
9.0
smartworld.it
≈ estimated
19/12/2022
Hands-on test · Productivity and gaming
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a productivity and gaming chip close to the top models, but it runs near its heat limit and needs a strong cooler.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

  • Excellent multi-threaded performance, making it a powerhouse for professional content creation, video rendering, and 3D animation
  • Strong single-core performance and high boost clocks (up to 5.6GHz) that deliver a top-tier gaming experience
  • Future-proof AM5 platform with support for the latest technologies, including DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0
  • Great value for mixed workloads, offering workstation-class performance at a significantly lower price than the flagship 7950X
  • Support for AVX-512 and AI instruction sets, which benefits specific professional software and emulation
  • Includes an integrated RDNA 2 GPU, which is useful for basic display output and troubleshooting

What customers don't like about AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

  • Runs very hot under heavy loads, often reaching its 95°C target temperature by design, requiring high-end liquid cooling
  • High power consumption, with peak package power reaching up to 230W during intense multi-core tasks
  • No stock cooler included in the box, adding to the overall build cost for a necessary third-party solution
  • Diminishing returns for pure gaming, as cheaper 8-core or X3D models often provide similar or better gaming performance
  • Platform entry cost is high due to the mandatory requirement for more expensive DDR5 RAM and AM5 motherboards
  • Slightly awkward market positioning between the more affordable Ryzen 7 models and the significantly more powerful 7950X

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a high-performance Zen 4 desktop processor featuring 12 cores, 24 threads, a 4.7 GHz base clock, and a 5.6 GHz max boost frequency. Built on a 5nm process for the AM5 socket, it includes 76MB of total cache (64MB L3), supports DDR5-5200 memory, and provides 28 PCIe 5.0 lanes alongside integrated Radeon graphics. Its primary strengths are exceptional multi-threaded productivity for 4K video editing or rendering and strong single-core gaming performance with future-proof platform longevity. However, it lacks a bundled cooler, has a high 170W TDP that leads to significant heat (up to 95°C) requiring premium cooling, and faces stiff competition from cheaper alternatives that offer similar gaming results.

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