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AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against desktop processors at a similar price

The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus scores 6.5/10 overall, ahead of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 6.3/10.

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads on single-core performance, efficiency and platform.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus leads on multi-core performance and integrated graphics.

The biggest difference is multi-core performance, where the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus scores 9/10 to the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D's 6/10.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is for builders who want an 8-core AM5 processor with a large 96 MB L3 cache and a high boost clock. It suits a fast desktop or workstation more than a low-power always-on server, because AMD publishes no idle figure and owners report high temperatures under load. Buyers who need a media-encoding iGPU or lots of cores should check the specifications closely first.

Typically about £339.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

6.5/10verdict: buy

The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is for builders who want many cores for compiling, VMs and rendering on a desktop budget. It also suits media server owners who value HEVC hardware encoding from the integrated graphics. It is a poorer fit for always-on machines where idle power matters, or for gaming-first builds.

Typically about £273.59 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DIntel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus
Multi-core performance25%6/109/10
Single-core performance20%8/107/10
Efficiency20%5/103/10
Platform20%7/106/10
Integrated graphics15%5/107/10
Overall6.3/106.5/10

Specifications

SpecAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DIntel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus
Cores / threads8 cores / 16 threads24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores), 24 threads
Base / boost clockBase 4.7 GHz, boost up to 5.2 GHzP-core base 3.7 GHz, E-core base 3.2 GHz; max turbo 5.5 GHz (P-core 5.4 GHz, E-core 4.7 GHz)
SocketAM5LGA 1851
TDP120 W default TDPProcessor Base Power 125 W; Maximum Turbo Power 250 W
Cache104 MB total (L2 8 MB, L3 96 MB)36 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3); 40 MB total L2
Integrated graphicsAMD Radeon Graphics, 2 graphics cores, 2200 MHzIntel Graphics, 4 Xe-cores, max dynamic frequency 2 GHz; HEVC hardware encode/decode; AV1 hardware encode not confirmed
Memory supportDDR5, 2 memory channels, DDR5-5600 at 1 DIMM per channel and DDR5-3600 with 2 DIMMs per channel; maximum capacity listed as 192 GB by the shop page and 256 GB by the AMD support pageMax 256 GB; up to DDR5 7200 MT/s; 2 memory channels; ECC supported

Strengths and weaknesses

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

  • + Boost up to 5.2 GHz on Zen 5
  • + 96 MB L3 cache, 104 MB total
  • + PCIe 5.0, DDR5 and ECC with board support
  • − Owners report temperatures near 94 °C and loud fans
  • − No published idle power figure
  • − Hardware AV1/HEVC encode support not published

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need hardware AV1 or HEVC encoding from the iGPU for Plex or Jellyfin.
  • Builders wanting a quiet, low-power always-on server who need a published idle power figure.
  • Anyone needing more than 8 cores for heavy parallel compiling, VMs or rendering.
Read the full AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review ›

Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

  • + 24 cores and 24 threads for compiling and VMs
  • + Reviewers praised its price-to-performance
  • + ECC support listed, plus HEVC hardware encode and decode
  • − Highest idle power in Tom's Hardware's test pool
  • − Reviewers report heat and high power draw
  • − Gaming trails AMD X3D chips, per reviewers

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers building a low-power, always-on server
  • Gamers who want the fastest gaming chip, such as an AMD X3D part
  • Anyone who needs confirmed AV1 hardware encoding
Read the full Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus review ›

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