The video evaluates the performance improvements of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X, highlighting that while it shows some enhancements over older models like the Ryzen 7 5800X 3D, the gains are minimal and often within a 2-5% range across various games. The presenter suggests that the 9700X’s higher price may not be justified compared to more affordable Zen 4 options, urging consumers to consider value when choosing between these processors.
The video discusses the performance improvements of AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, particularly focusing on the Ryzen 7 9700X, following its release two months prior. The presenter notes that AMD has been working on optimizations, including updates to Windows 11 (specifically the 24H2 update) and the latest AGESA code, which are claimed to enhance the performance of Zen 5 processors. Despite these efforts, the presenter raises questions about whether these changes have significantly improved the 9700X’s performance compared to its predecessors, particularly the Ryzen 7 5800X 3D.
In a recent comparison, the 9700X was tested against the older Ryzen 7 5800X 3D and other Zen 4 models, including the 7700 and 7700X. The results showed that the 5800X 3D performed similarly to the 9700X in many gaming scenarios, which is notable given that the former is a two-and-a-half-year-old processor that is no longer widely available. The presenter highlights the pricing dynamics, mentioning that while the 9700X launched at an MSRP of $360, it has since been discounted to around $330, making it more competitive against the Zen 4 models, which are available at lower prices.
The video delves into specific gaming benchmarks, revealing that the 9700X achieved mixed results across various titles. In some games, it showed a slight performance increase over the 7700X and 7700, while in others, it was nearly identical or even slower. For instance, in titles like Star Wars Jedi Survivor and Hogwarts Legacy, the 9700X performed marginally better than its competitors, but the overall performance uplift was minimal, often within a 2-5% range. The presenter emphasizes that while there are improvements, they are not substantial enough to justify the 9700X’s higher price compared to Zen 4 options.
The presenter also discusses the broader implications of the Windows 11 24H2 update, suggesting that the performance gains seen may not solely be due to AMD’s optimizations but could also stem from security mitigations that were adjusted in this update. This has led to performance improvements not only for Zen 5 processors but also for older Zen 4 and even Zen 3 models. The video concludes that while the 9700X has seen some performance enhancements, it remains closely matched with older Zen 4 parts, leading to a conclusion that the new generation does not significantly outperform its predecessor.
Ultimately, the presenter advises viewers to consider the value proposition of the 9700X compared to the more affordable Zen 4 options, especially given the slight performance gains. The conclusion suggests that unless the 9700X is priced competitively with the 7700X or similar models, it may not be the best choice for consumers looking for gaming performance. The video wraps up with an invitation to engage with the channel through subscriptions and memberships, indicating a commitment to providing ongoing content and benchmarks for upcoming CPU releases.