Star Citizen | 9800X3D Review

The video reviews the AMD 9800X3D CPU’s performance in Star Citizen, highlighting that while it shows significant improvements over the 5800X3D, the gains over the 7800X3D are minimal, leading to questions about the necessity of upgrading. The reviewer notes that despite the 9800X3D being the fastest option for the game, the high costs of transitioning to AM5 and ongoing optimization needs in Star Citizen should be carefully considered by potential buyers.

The video reviews the performance of the AMD 9800X3D CPU in the game Star Citizen, comparing it to previous models like the 5800X3D and 7800X3D. The reviewer sets the expectation that while the 9800X3D is indeed fast, it does not represent a significant leap in performance over the 7800X3D, which may lead potential buyers to reconsider whether an upgrade is necessary. The initial tests were conducted at 1080p to minimize GPU bottlenecks and focus on CPU performance.

In the tests conducted in various locations within Star Citizen, the 9800X3D showed a notable performance increase over the 5800X3D, but the jump from the 7800X3D was less pronounced. The reviewer emphasizes that while the 9800X3D is a good option for those on older AM4 platforms, the cost of upgrading to AM5, which includes new motherboards and RAM, could be substantial. Comparisons with Intel CPUs reveal that the newer Intel options are often slower than previous generations, making the choice of AMD more appealing for gamers.

The reviewer also discusses the potential for overclocking the 9800X3D through Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) settings, suggesting that users could potentially squeeze more performance out of the CPU with proper tuning. The performance results at 1440p and 4K were also analyzed, showing that while the 9800X3D performs well at 1440p, it struggles at 4K due to GPU limitations, indicating that gamers should consider their resolution choices when evaluating upgrades.

The video touches on the current state of Star Citizen, highlighting that the game still requires significant optimization, particularly regarding CPU performance. The reviewer mentions that improvements to the game’s engine are needed, as current hardware may not be able to resolve the performance issues inherent in the game’s design. The reliance on the developers to enhance performance is emphasized, as hardware upgrades alone won’t drastically improve the gaming experience.

In conclusion, while the 9800X3D is the fastest CPU available for Star Citizen and offers decent performance improvements, potential buyers should weigh the costs of upgrading from older AMD processors against the actual performance gains. The reviewer invites viewers to share their thoughts on whether they plan to upgrade, particularly those currently using the 5800X3D or 5700X3D, and whether the 7800X3D owners find the 9800X3D worth the investment.