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Ryzen 9950X3D review roundup: (currently) the best CPU for everything
by Kevin Hofer
Intel’s Arrow Lake doesn’t impress
24.10.2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
The first models in Intel’s Core Ultra 200S series are now available to buy. The increase in gross output is low, but efficiency has risen. Initial verdicts range from «alright» to «Arrow Lake is a mess».
For the first time, Intel isn’t manufacturing its desktop CPUs itself, but has commissioned TSMC to do so. The architecture of the Core Ultra 200S is new as well. Fellow editor Martin has already summarised the new features in detail as well as other interesting facts from the presentation:
Initial independent tests are now revealing exactly what these devices can do.
Techpowerup comes to similar conclusions. Reviewer W1zzard emphasises that results from the Core 200S processors vary. In some games they’re absolutely top, but in others they’re at the lower end of the scale. He also points out that any differences at the top are minor. The Core 200S are also good processors for gaming.
This review by Techspot doesn’t give Arrow Lake a good report card either. The results are a chaotic mix that doesn’t make much sense. Intel has many serious problems to solve. Reviewer Steven Walton admits he doesn’t expect a perfect product from a new platform and architecture. Nevertheless, he’d hoped for a better product.
Techpowerup also notes these differing results. However, reviewer W1zzard emphasises that the less powerful Core 7 265K and Core 5 245K perform well compared to the competition from AMD at least. The former even beats the Ryzen 9 9900X, and the latter the Ryzen 7 9700X, both one level higher in the product portfolio.
Price: just too high
Steven Walton from Techspot considers the price of the Core 9 285K to be too high. The Ryzen 9950X, 7950X3D or 7950X are the better choice. In his eyes, the recommended retail price should be 500 instead of 600 dollars.
Techpowerup advises against buying the Core 7 265K for gaming at Intel’s recommended retail price. The chip does deliver decent performance in applications, but not everywhere. That’s why reviewer W1zzard recommends waiting until the platform is more mature. The same applies to the Core 5 245K.
Header image: Youtube / Paul's Hardware
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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