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The top Ryzen 9000 models are also disappointing
by Kevin Hofer
Ryzen 9700X and 9600X review roundup: AMD takes the single-core crown
8.8.2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Over a week later than originally planned, the first Ryzen 9000 series processors are finally being released: the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 9700X. The smaller model is particularly impressive in initial tests.
One major change compared to the previous generation is the lower TDP: 65 watts for the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X. With the predecessors, it was 105 watts. You should always keep this lower TDP in mind when looking at the results. The new CPUs can often get more out of less, but not always. Here’s an overview of the reviews from ComputerBase, TechPowerUp and Tom’s Hardware.
Tom’s Hardware has similar praise for the Ryzen 5 9600X. The chip sets new standards for mid-range gaming PCs. This CPU is an obvious recommendation in that segment. The Ryzen 7 9700X, on the other hand, can’t keep up in terms of price compared to the even faster Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
In applications requiring several cores, however, the lower TDP puts a damper on the CPUs. The 9700X is only two per cent more powerful than its predecessor. With the lower TDP, that is. If the processor is clocked to the same TDP as its predecessor, it’s 14 per cent better. Even with the standard TDP of 65 watts, the Ryzen 5 9600X is nine per cent stronger than its predecessor, which runs at 105 watts.
TechPowerUp, on the other hand, can only measure a seven per cent increase in applications with the 9600X. Even overclocking the CPU to 105 watts only increases the performance by 2.4 per cent.
Intel CPUs are still significantly better in multi-core applications than those from AMD according to Tom’s Hardware. For example, the i5-14600K is on average 26 per cent faster than the Ryzen 9600X, and the i7-14700K is 41 per cent faster than the Ryzen 7 9700X
ComputerBase and Tom’s Hardware also praise the energy efficiency of the new Ryzen 9000. Especially compared to Intel, it’s top of the class.
Price
These reviews highlight the Ryzen 5 9600X as a good or even the best choice for mid-range gaming PCs. For other applications, however, the Intel i5-14600K or i5-13600K is the better choice. Its significantly cheaper predecessor could also score points here.
The Ryzen 7 9700X has a trickier standing. It’s rather expensive compared to its predecessor and the competition.
Header image: Kevin Hofer
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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