Looking for guidance: Change from 5800X to 5950X or 5800X3D, mainly for gaming.
Looking for guidance: Change from 5800X to 5950X or 5800X3D, mainly for gaming.
I've reviewed everything thoroughly. The decision is still unclear. I'm setting up a new setup for my wife and intend to receive the 5800X. I'll choose either the 5800X3D or the 5950X, while keeping the current system in mind. Over the years, I plan to upgrade the GPU as needed, likely reaching the end of the RTX 5000 lineup. My goal is a future-proof CPU, so I'm focusing on long-term performance rather than immediate productivity. I'm using the existing configuration: ASUS Crosshair VIII Dark Hero 5800X, Corsair Dominator EK AIO Elite 360, 64GB RAM, RTX 3070 Ti, 1440p monitor at 165Hz. I don't think either CPU will make a big difference with the 3070 Ti at that resolution, but the next card should be in the 4080Ti or higher range. I'm also considering a 5800X3D, possibly with PBO2, and I've been hitting around 4700MHz there. It's unclear if a 5800X3D without PBO would still outperform a 5950X with PBO, but it seems so for gaming purposes. Let me know your thoughts!
In gaming, a 5800X3D outperforms any 5950X, it matches a 12900K for performance, while the 5950X only edges out the 10900K. The gap isn't about clock speed, and I believe PBO isn't supported on the 5800X3D, though the extra 3D cache makes a noticeable impact in games.
I understand caching plays an important role. When you were playing retro PC games and needed a P2 or P3 to mimic a P1 or older system, you'd adjust the BIOS settings and turn off the L1/L2/L3 cache. This allowed your system to operate at much lower speeds—often single or double MHz—making older games run smoothly on faster hardware. Adding more L3 cache definitely helped improve performance.
It's tough to hear that, but other thoughts? Today marks what's left of AMD's sale. Just $30 off the 5800X3D, $300 off the 5950X (original price but most people pay around $550). I could pick up a 5950X at BestBuy today, Amazon might have it by Tuesday, but I can still cancel if needed. I can wait until then. The value isn't disappearing fast. Anyone think the 5950X is worth more than the 5800X3D for gaming now and in the future? It's fine if you're sure—everyone agrees, grab the 5800X3D now and keep it for gaming ahead.
Are you truly requiring the added speed? I considered getting a 5800x3D but then realized why I’d want 270fps with just 240% lows when I’m already hitting 250fps with 230% lows… is it a remarkable chip? Sure, but unless you plan to use an older model, I don’t see the need... that’s just my perspective.
I'm moving the 5800X to a different machine for gaming purposes. I'm not interested in constantly updating technology; I prefer to push my GPU to its limits and refresh the CPU/motherboard afterward.
If you're thinking about building, don't waste time searching—grab the 5800x3d for your gaming rig!