9800X3D reviews....

[EightyDuce]

 

 

Looking pretty good.... 

Edited November 6, 2024 by EightyDuce

[EightyDuce]

If you've been holding out, this is probably as good as it gets.

If you're on a 7800X3D probably doesn't make a ton of sense to make the jump, unless you got money burn, want to overclock, or just want absolute performance at any cost... Or a combination of the three.

Now just need pricing to hold up. 

[LucShep]

Consider me impressed.
Was not a fan of previous 8-cores X3D chips of AMD, but this one impresses in the changes, for temps and wattage department, given the higher clocks it can now achieve. 
I'd probably be all over one if AMD made it a single CCD with 12 cores, but alas...

If anyone getting into a new platform wants gaming performance and 8-cores is all you need, yeah this is it. 

  On 11/6/2024 at 3:34 PM, EightyDuce said:

Now just need pricing to hold up. 

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Yes, the price (of motherboards inclusively, not just X870/E but even X670/E and B650/E are seeing prices rising) is the biggest question mark now, at least in Europe.
That and availability.
I suspect these will either get inflated prices and/or get out of stock soon. Anyone thinking about getting it should do it NOW.

Edited November 6, 2024 by LucShep

[BitMaster]

This or a new macMini with M4, both CPU's are outstanding.

[kksnowbear]

AM5 boards don't have to be 800-series to support the 9000 CPUs (like 9800X3D), and the 600-boards cost less for essentially identical features, despite all the doom and gloom 'predictions' that an AM5 board for a new build would be $300 (which might be that or even more, if you insist on looking at worst case retail for the most ridiculously overpriced high-end boards).  It's all over online: The 800 chipset adds very little to the equation, and in some cases are identical to much less costly 600 chipset boards.

Pretty sure I recently saw a perfectly capable example on an Amazon EU website for <$200.  I don't shop/buy in the EU, so I don't spend a lot of time on it, nor do I pretend to be an expert.  But still, that's what I saw.

Edited November 6, 2024 by kksnowbear

[EightyDuce]

  On 11/6/2024 at 4:40 PM, kksnowbear said:

AM5 boards don't have to be 800-series to support the 9000 CPUs (like 9800X3D), and the 600-boards cost less for essentially identical features, despite all the doom and gloom 'predictions' that an AM5 board for a new build would be $300 (which might be that or even more, if you insist on looking at worst case retail for the most ridiculously overpriced high-end boards).  It's all over online: The 800 chipset adds very little to the equation, and in some cases are identical to much less costly 600 chipset boards.

Pretty sure I recently saw a perfectly capable example on an Amazon EU website for <$200.  I don't shop/buy in the EU, so I don't spend a lot of time on it, nor do I pretend to be an expert.  But still, that's what I saw.

 

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Biggest deciding factor in the high-end boards would be availability of an external clock generator and voltage/granular overclocking controls (clear CMOS button!!! So i don't have to wire my own or rewire the reset switch to clear CMOS jumper). Other than that, most mid-high to high-end boards have similar features. Most if not all AM5 boards outside of the "budget" selection have massively overbuilt power delivery. 

If you don't need those features, you can get a quality board with plethora of connectivity and features for $200-250. 

I'd rather take the saved cash and play silicon lottery with CPUs for best overclocker with the best memory controller. 

[kksnowbear]

  On 11/6/2024 at 6:06 PM, EightyDuce said:

Biggest deciding factor in the high-end boards would be availability of an external clock generator and voltage/granular overclocking controls (clear CMOS button!!! So i don't have to wire my own or rewire the reset switch to clear CMOS jumper). Other than that, most mid-high to high-end boards have similar features. Most if not all AM5 boards outside of the "budget" selection have massively overbuilt power delivery. 

If you don't need those features, you can get a quality board with plethora of connectivity and features for $200-250. 

I'd rather take the saved cash and play silicon lottery with CPUs for best overclocker with the best memory controller. 

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I'm fairly sure that having a separate external clock generator is not a given, even on high-end boards.  In fact, IIRC there are only a handful of models that offer it (it was on my list of 'must-haves') - only four B650E boards, and only ~half the X670E units.

I agree having a clear CMOS button can be handy, but not by any measure necessary.  (In the wrong hands, it can be downright dangerous.)

As above, most people aren't going to even use those features, and outside that, a lot of the units are very similar or identical, even lower end units.

Edited November 6, 2024 by kksnowbear

[jackill]

Initial tests suggest that OC is not worth the hassle - 1-3% increase from stock in games.

[EightyDuce]

  On 11/6/2024 at 6:18 PM, kksnowbear said:

I'm fairly sure that having a separate external clock generator is not a given, even on high-end boards.  In fact, IIRC there are only a handful of models that offer it (it was on my list of 'must-haves') - only four B650E boards, and only ~half the X670E units.

I agree having a button is handy, but not by any measure necessary. 

As above, most people aren't going to even use those features, and outside that, a lot of the units are very similar or identical, even lower end units.

 

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Its not a given indeed, I simply mean it is one of the main factors to drive ME to a high end board rather than the difference between a mid and high-end board. I may have not been terribly clear. 

As for clear CMOS button, it is very much a necessity, at least in my case. Due to the radiator and hard tubing placement in my case, I can't get to the CMOS  jumper. While testing overclock stability it is not at all uncommon for me to have to reset CMOS. Would be dang near impossible without breaking down the while loop. 

Cases like these are why it's hard to generalize, and honestly should be avoided where possible, when recommending hardware as we often don't know ones needs. 

Except for maybe X870 over X670 where it's 99% the same chipset outside of mandated USB4 lol. 

[EightyDuce]

  On 11/6/2024 at 6:28 PM, jackill said:

Initial tests suggest that OC is not worth the hassle - 1-3% increase from stock in games.

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Worth is subjective. If you already have the means, desire and know-how, I'd argue that any performance gained is worth it. 

3% increase in FPS/frametime in VR for example could be the difference between smooth gameplay at unlocked frames and having to rely on reprojection. 

[kksnowbear]

I've built a couple of those Asus B650E-F boards.  The CMOS jumper is at the bottom edge of the board*.  (The guys laying out the board probably did this for good reason).  How does it get blocked by radiator/hoses?  I do hope you say "custom loop" (but then, it's honestly on you to allow for the switch if you need it)

(*and no external clock generator BTW)

I don't find it overgeneralizing to suggest that not everyone requires a high-end board, especially not an 800-series.

Edited November 6, 2024 by kksnowbear

[VR Flight Guy in PJ Pants]

5800X3D user here. Will upgrade late next year, perhaps.

[EightyDuce]

  On 11/6/2024 at 6:45 PM, kksnowbear said:

I've built a couple of those Asus B650E-F boards.  The CMOS jumper is at the bottom edge of the board.  (The guys laying out the board probably did this for good reason).  How does it get blocked by radiator/hoses?

 

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Like this....

Jumper is bottom of the board and is covered by radiator and fans. 

 

[kksnowbear]

Yup, as I thought, custom loop.  And as I said, that means it's pretty much on you to allow for the switch if you need it.

Most anyone trying to build, operate and maintain a custom loop isn't really likely to be stymied by moving a 2 pin header (ie case reset button, if you must have a CMOS reset, and can't manage to add a switch for whatever reason).

Point is, using a custom loop is in the extreme minority and not what defines a "custom" build at all.

For most others (even most enthusiasts) a custom loop is way overkill and just too much work.  So they're probably not blocking their CMOS header, even if they use liquid cooling - which should never be mounted so as to dump waste heat inside the chassis, regardless (the Law of Conservation of Energy being just that, as opposed to a "suggestion")

I'd go so far as to say the vast majority isn't really going to be resetting their CMOS very often anyhow.  Even if because of overclocking, you might do it a lot at first, but then (if it's done right) it's stable and shouldn't require clearing CMOS a bunch after that.

A button on the board is sometimes handy, but (even on the rear panel) they're often found on "premium" boards that add a lot of other gimmicky "features" that tend to drive up cost.  And most users, even enthusiasts, don't really need constant access to clearing CMOS.

Edited November 7, 2024 by kksnowbear

[EightyDuce]

  On 11/6/2024 at 7:40 PM, kksnowbear said:

Yup, as I thought, custom loop.  And as I said, that means it's pretty much on you to allow for the switch if you need it.

Most anyone trying to build, operate and maintain a custom loop isn't really likely to be stymied by moving a 2 pin header (ie case reset button, if you must have a CMOS reset, and can't manage to add a switch for whatever reason).

In any event, that kind of arrangement is in the extreme minority.

For most others (even most enthusiasts) a custom loop is way overkill and just too much work.  So they're probably not blocking their CMOS header, even if they use liquid cooling - which should never be mounted so as to dump waste heat inside the chassis anyway (the Law of Conservation of Energy being just that, as opposed to a "suggestion")

I'd go so far as to say the majority isn't really going to be resetting their CMOS very often anyhow.  Even if because of overclocking, you might do it a lot at first, but then (if it's done right) it's stable and shouldn't require clearing CMOS a bunch after that.

A button on the board is sometimes handy, but they're often found on "premium" boards that add a lot of other gimmicky "features" that tend to drive up cost.  And most users, even enthusiasts, don't really need constant access to clearing CMOS.

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I actually prefer buttons not on the board in my builds if there is a need for one; much prefer the rear I/O panel, or as I mentioned, wiring the reset switch to the bumper (temporarily or permanently). In this case I had to wire a micro switch and mount it in rear I/O

I always thought of my builds as more on a mild side of custom builds as compared to many other loops; some amazing builders out there. But yes, they're a bit more niche when compared to a build where someone throws an AIO in a case and call themselves a custom PC builder. 

[kksnowbear]

  On 11/6/2024 at 7:59 PM, EightyDuce said:

I actually prefer buttons not on the board in my builds if there is a need for one; much prefer the rear I/O panel, or as I mentioned, wiring the reset switch to the bumper (temporarily or permanently). In this case I had to wire a micro switch and mount it in rear I/O

I always thought of my builds as more on a mild side of custom builds as compared to many other loops; some amazing builders out there. But yes, they're a bit more niche when compared to a build where someone throws an AIO in a case and call themselves a custom PC builder. 

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Buttons outside the case are particularly dangerous.  And I speak from a lot of first hand experience.  As I learned in the commercial security industry: Convenience and security lie at opposite ends of the same spectrum.

A "custom PC builder" doesn't necessarily do builds for the complexity (even though some might find that enjoyable).  Custom simply means it's built to the owner's specifications; a custom build doesn't require complexity. Most people don't want added complexity, especially when it comes with additional cost and maintenance.

The majority of people I do builds for still want air cooling, actually.  Simpler, usually less expensive, and more reliable (and can still be part of a "custom" build).

My own machine is "custom" in a few different and almost certainly unique ways - the very meaning of custom.  Yet, even though I've done this type work for over 40 years, I would never even remotely consider a custom loop.  In any event, I usually try to keep the laws of physics in mind.

PS Many boards' manuals these days include instructions to remove the battery if the jumper/switch doesn't work anyway.  As much as this shouldn't be necessary, it appears to be.  So getting to a header isn't necessarily the obstacle, and a switch won't always work regardless of where it's located.

Edited November 7, 2024 by kksnowbear

[BitMaster]

Man, it looks really nice, but as you said, a PITA to service anything.

Why not move it all outside ? the new MoRa-IV looks awesome too btw.

I went that way, external, and soft tubing with Quick Connects, I admit, not as nice to look at, but taken apart in 90 seconds down to the bare bones.

 

[EightyDuce]

  On 11/6/2024 at 8:33 PM, BitMaster said:

Man, it looks really nice, but as you said, a PITA to service anything.

Why not move it all outside ? the new MoRa-IV looks awesome too btw.

I went that way, external, and soft tubing with Quick Connects, I admit, not as nice to look at, but taken apart in 90 seconds down to the bare bones.

 

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I was dangerously close to pulling the trigger on a MORA. In the end, form over function won out, coupled with OCD, I ended up with what's above.

I'm very tempted to go black soft tubing and compression fittings (they've been sitting in my closet for a year now) when I drop the 9800 in; still cant bring myself to use QD fittings even thought they've come a long way. Just can't shake the irrational fear of them failing. But the whole loop needs service so may be the perfect time to make the switch. Trying to talk myself out of a de-lid and going direct die...

[BitMaster]

For your next OCD attack

Take a look at the new MoRa-IV up to 600 for some massive passive cooling and cool looks.

When you combine the right aRGB-Res/Pump with it it looks really nice. And to the QD, using them since 2015, non-stop usage, not the slightest glitch. They are heavy, that's one thing to obey. Alaso makes flushing/ fluid change easy with a Y-hose with 2 QD's and a drain valve...and a bucket.

If you use QD directly on the blocks themselves is best imho, all female, and all your hoses are males, easy switching things if or exclude GPU for a test etc.. .

 

[EightyDuce]

Grabbed one on Amazon but delivery date showing 22nd.. Hopefully a plaveholder. Everything else out of stock instantly. 

[Aapje]

It's going to sell like hotcakes. I'd just wait a few months if you can control yourself.

[LucShep]

  On 11/7/2024 at 2:08 PM, EightyDuce said:

Grabbed one on Amazon but delivery date showing 22nd.. Hopefully a plaveholder. Everything else out of stock instantly. 

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Yep, it's been crazy.  And perhaps you were lucky with yours.

Word here is that it all sold out everywhere in less than three hours(!) even those through external sellers pushing silly prices (some had them at 770€!)
I guess scalpers already took over online retailers and reselling it at 800€-1000€... 

PS: those less lucky should calm down temptations and wait for it to normalize, price and stock wise.

Edited November 8, 2024 by LucShep

[Blackhawk163]

  On 11/7/2024 at 2:08 PM, EightyDuce said:

Grabbed one on Amazon but delivery date showing 22nd.. Hopefully a plaveholder. Everything else out of stock instantly. 

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You made out well, I ordered mine from Amazon three minutes after they became live on newegg and I don’t have a definitive date. 

[EightyDuce]

With all the hype right before the launch (I suppose rightfully so), it's not surprising unfortunately. I've seen several folks in overclocking forums buy several (3-5) to bin the best clockers and sell the rest, which should be easy and maybe even at a profit.

Problem is going to be, just as with any hot product, normal folks are going to be up against scalper bots sucking up stock almost instantly as it becomes available. Hopefully the craze dies down quickly and AMD is able to keep up supply; then its just a matter of waiting out scalpers in their race to the bottom (MSRP price range).

[C3PO]

Next year sometime thinking of the 9800X3D + 5090 GTX + 64GB RAM + Pimax Crystal Super system.

Edited November 8, 2024 by C3PO