In the video, the host experiments with overclocking the AMD 9700X CPU while playing Star Citizen, noting that while it performs slightly better than the 7700X, it still falls short of the 7800X3D. They find that memory tuning yields more significant performance improvements than CPU overclocking alone, ultimately allowing the 9700X to surpass the 7800X3D in certain scenarios.
In the video, the host discusses overclocking the AMD 9700X CPU while playing Star Citizen, although they usually prefer to present stock performance numbers. They express gratitude to Captain Tombstone for suggesting the overclocking experiment and providing a starting point. The host notes that the 9700X performs slightly better than the 7700X but falls short of the 7800X3D, making it a less compelling choice for potential buyers.
The video reveals that the overclocking process yielded modest improvements in performance. The host experimented with a 200 MHz increase and adjusted the F clock to 2133, using a BIOS setting with a -20 offset. However, the performance gains were minimal compared to the Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) with a -25 offset. While the overclocking did provide some performance boost over stock settings, it was not particularly impressive.
The host emphasizes the significant impact of memory tuning, which was found to be more effective than the CPU overclocking alone. They applied timings from a well-known overclocking resource, Buildzoid, which are effective for Hynix DDR5 memory kits. With these adjustments, the 9700X managed to surpass the performance of the 7800X3D, achieving a noticeable increase in frames per second and 1% lows, demonstrating the potential for better performance through memory tuning.
The host invites viewers to share their thoughts on overclocking in the comments, reflecting on their personal experiences with pushing CPUs in the past. They express curiosity about the relevance of overclocking in modern CPUs, suggesting that it may not be as worthwhile as it once was. The discussion highlights a shift in focus from traditional overclocking to more nuanced tuning techniques, especially in the context of current hardware.
Finally, the host touches on upcoming Intel chips set to release in October and speculates on their performance in Star Citizen. They express interest in whether these new processors will match or exceed the capabilities of the 7800X3D, while also mentioning potential future releases from AMD, such as the 9800X3D. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to subscribe for more content related to CPU performance and gaming, reaffirming the dominance of the 7800X3D in Star Citizen at present.