When selecting a CPU for gaming, the most important characteristics are the clock speed (or frequency), number of cores and threads, cache size, and type of memory it supports. Additional considerations like integrated graphics and overclocking needs may also influence your selection.
In addition to discussing how good the 7900X is for gaming, this article will discuss our recommended:
Is the 7900X Good for Gaming?
When using AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with either a high-performance CPU cooler or a stock CPU cooler.
Check out our Recommended AM5 Coolers
below.
This performance assessment is based on the following characteristics of the CPU and their relevance to the latest graphics-intense games:
- 64 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance
- 12 cores allow for excellent performance
- 4.7 GHz base frequency
- 5.6 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
- DDR5 support with a max stock speed of 5200 MHz can be excellent for performance
- Overclocking support can be excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
- PCIe 5.0 support can be excellent for performance (with the fastest SSDs and GPUs)
- The 7900X has integrated graphics support, but this performance assessment assumes you will use a graphics card. Integrated graphics support is mediocre or worse with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Cache Size of the 7900X Good for Gaming?
A CPU's cache is a small amount of memory, close to the CPU cores, containing recently used data.
Games performance can improve as cache size increases, as it will reduce delays when retrieving commonly used game assets from memory.
An L3 cache capacity of at least 20 MB is ideal for game performance.
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X has an L3 cache capacity of 64 MB.
The 7900X's impressive 64 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Core Count of the 7900X Good for Gaming?
Increased core counts can improve the performance of games that use them, but most modern games don't benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. Remember that cache sizes often increase along with core counts, so if you want to increase your L3 cache, you may need to get a CPU with more cores.
AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X CPUs have 12 cores.
The 7900X's 12 cores allow for excellent performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Clock Speed of the 7900X Good for Gaming?
Single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don't take full advantage of multiple cores.
Boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. The safest strategy for consistent gaming performance with a basic cooler is to get a higher base clock speed processor. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.
When using a high-end cooler, the 7900X CPU's support for overclocking can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
The processor has a 4.7 GHz base frequency and supports a 5.6 GHz single-core max boost frequency.
The 7900X has a 4.7 GHz base frequency, which is the speed before boosting. You can reach these base frequencies even without a high-end cooler.
With a high-end cooler, the 7900X's 5.6 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games. You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies.
Is the DDR Support of the 7900X Good for Gaming?
The 7900X CPU's support for DDR5 with a max stock speed of 5200 MHz can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Faster PC memory can improve game performance and frame rates, but using the fastest RAM may not have as much of an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.
Learn more about DDR in DDR4 vs. DDR5? Which You Should Buy.
Learn about our recommended RAM for the 7900X in Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU.
What Does the X Suffix in 7900X Mean?
| Processor Name Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| X | "X" means it is an extended frequency range CPU. These CPUs support higher frequencies than standard CPUs. |
The Ryzen 7000-series CPUs contain integrated graphics, and a separate graphics card isn't required if your motherboard includes video-output connectors (e.g., HDMI).
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
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Cooling the 7900X
A CPU cooler's TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating indicates how much heat it can dissipate in watts. If the cooler can't keep your CPU cool enough, your CPU may throttle (slow down), and your cooler will constantly run at full speed.
AMD CPU specifications indicate this power dissipation number as "TDP."
The Ryzen 9 7900X has a TDP of 170 watts.
A CPU cooler can still work with a lower TDP rating than the TDP of a CPU. However, the CPU will eventually throttle itself to a lower frequency to allow itself to cool.
The CPU may not achieve or maintain maximum boost speeds without adequate cooling.
Learn more in What is the Best Type of CPU cooler for a Gaming PC?
Motherboard Requirements for Ryzen 9 7900X Processors
For AMD's Zen 4-based Ryzen 9 7900X processor, you'll need a motherboard with an AM5 socket and a compatible chipset.
Motherboards for AMD processors are made with chipsets provided by AMD. Each chipset offers a unique set of capabilities. However, motherboards must explicitly support features and capabilities for you to use them. Verify that a motherboard supports the features and capabilities you desire.
Ryzen 7000-series CPUs, which includes the Ryzen 9 7900X, are compatible with the 600-series consumer chipsets. Supported chipsets include the X670E, X670, B650E, and B650.
The X670E is our recommended motherboard chipset for the Ryzen 9 7900X CPU, as it provides the most functionality and full support for PCIe 5.0. The Ryzen 9 7900X CPU also supports PCIe 5.0.
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming
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For a detailed comparison of these chipsets and PCIe speeds, check out my article Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X CPU?.
- Find Zen 4 X670E Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
- Find Zen 4 X670 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
- Find Zen 4 B650E Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
- Find Zen 4 B650 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Recommended Motherboards for the Ryzen 9 7900X
Best Feature Motherboard
- Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 9 7900X:
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- PCIe 5.0 support
- X670E chipset
- One 2.5 Gb Ethernet port
- Four NVMe M.2 slots and Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports
- Wi-Fi 6E provides fast connections to a Wi-Fi router.
- Bluetooth 5.2 support
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers 20 Gbps USB speeds and 12 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
- Check the latest price of the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
Runner-Up Motherboard
- Our recommended runner-up motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 9 7900X:
GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master Motherboard Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- PCIe 5.0 support
- X670E chipset
- One 2.5 Gb Ethernet port
- Four NVMe M.2 slots and Six SATA 6 Gb/s ports
- Bluetooth 5.3 support
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers 20 Gbps USB speeds
- Check the latest price of the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
Best Value Motherboard
- Our recommended value motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 9 7900X:
GIGABYTE X670 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- PCIe 4.0 for graphics
- X670 chipset
- One 2.5 Gb Ethernet port
- Four NVMe M.2 slots and Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports. PCIe 5.0 speeds for one of the M.2 slots
- Bluetooth 5.2 support
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers 20 Gbps USB speeds
- Check the latest price of the GIGABYTE X670 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
Recommended AM5 Coolers
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X, for more info about how to choose the best CPU cooler.
The boxed version of the Ryzen 9 7900X CPU does not come with a CPU cooler, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
Best All-in-One Liquid Cooler
- Check the latest price of the CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD on Amazon (affiliate link).
- This cooler is designed to fit Intel and AMD sockets, including the following models: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM5, AM4, sTRX4, sTR4 (Intel LGA 1700 is supported with CW-8960091 or CW-8960093 kits).
- 350-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
- It provides powerful low-noise cooling and RGB lighting with a customizable LCD display which can display your CPU temperature or other graphics.
- It has 120mm CORSAIR ML RGB ELITE magnetic levitation fans for great CPU cooling performance.
- Make sure your computer case dimensions support this, as it will take up a decent amount of space!
CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD Liquid CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Runner-Up All-in-One Liquid Cooler
- Check the latest price of the Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 360 ARGB Sync on Amazon (affiliate link).
- TOUGHLIQUID Series is designed to fit Intel and AMD sockets, including the following models: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-v3, 2066 and AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2, FM1.
- We estimate that this supports roughly a 250-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
- This Liquid cooler supports 5V RGB compatible motherboards.
- Equipped with TOUGHFAN 12 2000RPM and supports ARGB lighting on the waterblock.
- Make sure your computer case dimensions support this, as it will take up a decent amount of space. There is a smaller version available, if needed.
Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID Liquid CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Best Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler
- Check the latest price of the Noctua NH-D15 on Amazon (affiliate link).
- Dual 140 mm fans provide 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.
- Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.
- Quiet operation at 24.6 dBA.
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Our Recommended RAM
Before purchasing memory, review your motherboard specification to verify which speeds are supported. For example, if a DDR4 motherboard stated that it supports "DDR4 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200 / 3000," that would mean that it could support DDR4-3400, DDR4-3333, and DDR4-3300 with memory overclocking, and DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3000 at stock speeds. Motherboard specifications also indicate the maximum capacity per stick of RAM (DIMM) and across all slots.
Best Stock-Speed RAM for 7900X: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB
The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (5200 MHz version) DDR5 RAM is an exceptional choice for non-overclockers looking to pair it with their AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU. With 32 GB capacity in a 2-module kit, this RAM provides ample capacity and is well-suited for demanding applications like gaming, content creation, and video editing.
Find the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 on Amazon (affiliate link).
This RAM has a clock speed of 5200 MHz and a latency of 15 ns (40-40-40-77 timings), allowing the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 RAM to deliver lightning-fast performance. It is perfect for demanding tasks that require high-speed data processing. The DDR5 version of this RAM significantly improved over its predecessors, offering faster speeds and lower latency compared to its predecessors, making it one of the most advanced memory modules on the market.
This RAM is a must-have for any high-end gaming rig or workstation, working well with the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU. Its voltage of 1.25 volts is around average for most DDR5 RAM. The high-quality aluminum heatsinks provide excellent thermal performance and give the modules an elegant and premium look. Additionally, the AMD EXPO profile ensures that the RAM is optimized for AMD processors, providing users with a seamless and reliable experience.
The only downside to this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed, which is intentional since it's meant for people who want stock-speed DDR5 RAM without the desire to overclock.
Read the full overview of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32 GB DDR5-5200 CL40 RAM.
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) 5200 MHz C40
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Best Overclocking RAM for 7900X: G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB
The G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB (6000 MHz version) DDR5 RAM stands out as a superb option for users to pair with their AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU and those who want the ability to overclock their RAM to higher speeds. This 32 GB kit, comprising two 16 GB modules, offers great memory capacity, making it perfect for intensive applications such as gaming, content creation, and video editing.
Find the G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB DDR5 on Amazon (affiliate link).
Sporting an impressive clock speed of 6000 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (30-38-38-96 timings), the G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB DDR5 RAM delivers outstanding performance at breakneck speeds. It is well-suited for tasks that necessitate rapid data processing. The DDR5 iteration of this RAM has made significant strides compared to its predecessors, boasting faster speeds and reduced latency compared to previous generations, which positions it as one of the most cutting-edge memory modules available.
The G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB DDR5 RAM is essential to any high-performance gaming rig or workstation, working well with the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU. Its voltage of 1.35 volts is around average for most RAM. The premium aluminum heatsinks provide excellent thermal management and lend the modules a sophisticated and luxurious appearance. Furthermore, the AMD EXPO profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for AMD processors, delivering users a smooth and dependable experience.
The only downside to this RAM is that it's a little costly due to it being a higher clock speed DDR5 kit, but it's worth it for the speed boost.
Read the full overview of the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL30 RAM.
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
- Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X CPU?
- Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X CPU
- Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X
- Is the Ryzen 9 7900X CPU Good for Gaming?
- Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU
- Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X
- What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 9 7900X CPU?
- How Many Cores Do AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPUs Have?
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors:
A Note From the Authors
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