Finance available from Great CPU in Isolation
by NJThis processor performs extremely well, upgrading from a 4790K how couldn't it. It runs cool under a 360mm Arctic Liquid Freezer II and obliterates games. However, there are a few things to consider before buying: Problem 1 - The Cost: Building an AM5 system is extremely expensive at the moment beyond the CPU with a decent motherboard and a good DDR5 RAM kit coming in at over £500 combined just to get you started. Going for an Intel alternative or an AM4 chip like the 5800X3D would be significantly cheaper overall. Problem 2 - The Design: Due to the design of the chip only having the 3D v-cache on one of the two CCDs, core parking during gaming workloads is applied, meaning 6 cores and 6 threads are deactivated so you're only utilising the 6 cores and 6 threads that hold the 3D v-cache while gaming. When the 7800X3D launches that CPU only have 1 CCD which holds all the 3D v-cache meaning all 8 cores will be available during gaming. Problem 3 - The Competition: Wait for the 7800X3D (£TBC) if you just want to game. If you want improved productivity go for the 7950X (£570) or 13900K (£580). If you want to do both and don't want to go Intel, spend the extra on the 7950X3D (£750). Overall, no one will be disappointed with this chip's performance, however pretty much everything else is a better option, I am overall happy with the chip however I do have some buyers remorse as the alternatives either, perform better or cost less and potentially in the case of the 7800X3D - both!
