AMD has The launch of the Ryzen 9000 series has apparently been delayed The CPUs will arrive in the second and third week of August. However, while the delay has disappointed many fans who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Zen 5 processors, we now have more time to decide whether they are worth upgrading from the previous generation of processors.
While it's common to compare the same type of processors, such as mid-range vs mid-range, we decided to do something different and put the new entry-level Ryzen 5 9600X CPU against a high-end processor from the previous generation, the Ryzen 9 7900X.
Also, if you're interested in getting your hands on the 9600X as soon as it launches, you might want to check out our Where to buy the 9600X pageas it lists all the retailers where you can purchase the processor.
Specifications
| Specifications | Ryzen 5 9600X | Ryzen 9 7900X |
| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 |
| Plug | AM5 | AM5 |
| Process | TSMC 4nm FinFET chips | TSMC's 5nm FinFET chips |
| Cores | 6 | 12 |
| Threads | 12 | 24 |
| Base clock speed | 3.9 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Increase clock speed | 5.4 GHz | 5.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 64 MB |
| TDP | 65 W | 170 W |
| Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
As you can see for yourself, there’s a massive difference between the two CPUs when it comes to specs, with the Ryzen 9 7900X seemingly taking the lead in almost everything. The 9600X comes with the latest Zen 5 architecture, but will it help it outperform the 12-core behemoth? Let’s find out.
Foundation and nuclei
As mentioned above, the Ryzen 5 9600X is built on the Zen 5 architecture. For those who don't know, this architecture uses the 4nm CPU process technology and Provides a 16% increase in CPIOn the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7900X is based on the Zen 4 architecture with a 5nm process technology. This means that the 9600X has a clear architectural advantage in this aspect, as it has more transistors on each core and can process more data.
However, when it comes to cores and threads, the 7900X has the upper hand with 12 cores and 24 threads. The 9600X has half that: 6 cores and 12 threads. So even if it has the architectural advantage, the 7900X can still outperform it thanks to the higher core and thread count.
Clock speed
As far as clock speeds go, the 9600X can run at a base speed of 3.9GHz, while the 7900X runs smoothly at 4.7GHz. Again, while the 9600X has the latest Zen 5 architecture and more transistors on each core, the 7900X should offer better performance in both gaming and productivity.
However, it's important to note that the clock speeds of both processors can be significantly increased. You can push the 9600X up to 5.4GHz, while the 7900X can go all the way up to 5.6GHz. However, the CPUs can get quite hot at such high speeds, so we recommend getting one of the 9600Xs. Best AIO Coolers To keep temperatures low.
TDP and cache
When it comes to power efficiency, the Ryzen 5 9600X takes the lead. It has a TDP of just 65W, so you won’t have to worry about getting a high-end power supply or a top-notch cooling solution.
On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7900X has a massive TDP of 170W. Since you'll be pairing it with a high-end GPU like the RTX 4080You can't expect to use a 500W power supply with it.
Additionally, the high power consumption will also cause it to generate more heat, so you'll need to invest in an expensive AIO cooler. But the 7900X's high TDP makes sense, considering its specs are almost double that of the 9600X.
The L3 cache size of the 9600X is 32MB, while that of the 7900X is 64MB. The latter can store more data and improve the overall performance of the PC, which again contributes to the higher TDP.
Price estimates
The Ryzen 9 7900X was released in 2022 with a suggested retail price of $549. However, now that the years have passed, you can get it for a much lower price. As seen in CamelCamelCamelYou can buy it for only $349.
On the other hand, we currently do not know what the price of the Ryzen 5 9600X will be. However, according to the latest leaksIt will launch with a price of $349 or $249.
What has changed compared to previous generations?
| Specifications | 9600X | 7600X | 7900X | 5900X |
| Cores | 6 | 6 | 12 | 12 |
| Threads | 12 | 12 | 24 | 24 |
| Cache | 32 MB | 32 MB | 64 MB | 64 MB |
| Max boost clock | 5.4 GHz | 5.3 GHz | 5.6 GHz | 4.8 GHz |
| Base clock speed | 3.9 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W | 105 W | 170 W | 105 W |
| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 | Zen 4 | Zen 3 |
As you can see from the table above, both processors have the same number of cores and threads as their predecessors, so there is no difference. The differences we can detect are the clock speeds, TDP and architecture.
The 9600X consumes 40W less power than the 7600X, which is quite impressive considering it has the latest Zen 5 architecture, the same cache size, and a slightly higher boost clock speed.
Alternative options
In case the 9600X or 7900X don't seem like a good fit for your rig, you can explore other processors that might be right for you. We've reviewed most of these processors and found them to be a great choice for multitasking.
Which of these is right for you?
With a lower TDP and potentially lower price, the 9600X may be a more affordable option without sacrificing significant performance. Having a lower TDP means that the CPU will generate less heat as it will consume less power, so you won't have to worry about purchasing an expensive power supply or heatsink.
On the other hand, the 7900X’s 12 cores and 24 threads make it a much better choice for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. However, the 7900X has a higher TDP, which requires a more powerful power supply and a better cooling solution. If you’re building a compact or quiet system, the 9600X might be a better choice.
That said, we may see a further drop in price for the 7900X after the 9600X launches, so we recommend waiting a bit. If you can get the 7900X for a lower price, it will be a good deal.
