Tag: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

  • Cyberpunk 2077 & Red Dead Redemption 2 4K Test on SteamOS & Windows 11

    Cyberpunk 2077 & Red Dead Redemption 2 4K Test on SteamOS & Windows 11

    Key Takeaways

    1. Linux desktop market share reached 5% in the US, driven by growth among gamers.
    2. Gaming distributions like SteamOS have improved user-friendliness for Linux gamers.
    3. ETA Prime tested an all-AMD gaming PC running both Windows 11 and SteamOS for game performance comparison.
    4. Game performance varied between operating systems, with neither consistently outperforming the other across all titles.
    5. Dual-booting allows users to choose the best OS for each game while maintaining access to Windows features.


    Last year, we shared that the Linux desktop hit a notable 5% of the US desktop market for the first time. This growth has solid reasons, especially among gamers. Furthermore, a member of the Notebookcheck team recently discussed switching from Windows 11 to Linux and expressed satisfaction with that choice.

    Growth of Linux in Gaming

    This situation underscores the advancements Linux has achieved, particularly gaming distributions like SteamOS, Bazzite, and others, which have made the open-source platform more user-friendly for gamers. To investigate this further, YouTuber ETA Prime tested an all-AMD gaming PC, dual-booting it with Windows 11 Pro and SteamOS to see how games perform on both systems.

    Specs of the Gaming PC

    In the video, ETA Prime outlines the specs of the all-AMD gaming rig. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, which has eight cores and 16 threads, along with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM operating at up to 7,000 MT/s in a dual-channel setup. The processor sells for $469 on Amazon. The rig is built on an ASRock B850 Challenger motherboard and includes an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card with 24 GB of VRAM, which is priced around $889 on Amazon. The storage consists of two 1 TB NVMe SSDs, one for Windows 11 Pro and the other for SteamOS. An 850 W Gold-rated power supply provides power.

    ETA Prime mentions that the components were chosen for their compatibility with SteamOS, ensuring all hardware functions smoothly with Valve’s system. The SteamOS used was version 3.7.17 and was installed from the stable channel, avoiding beta versions. Features like variable refresh rate (VRR), scaling options, and system tuning were enabled where possible, with CPU and GPU adjustments done directly through the BIOS instead of using third-party software.

    Game Performance Comparison

    To directly compare, ETA Prime played various games on both operating systems using the same settings. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra without FSR, Windows 11 managed 84 FPS, while SteamOS came in at 85 FPS, making both platforms quite equal.

    In Borderlands 4, Windows 11 had a slight edge, averaging 74 FPS compared to SteamOS’s 69 FPS at 4K Ultra with FSR Quality enabled. Forza Horizon 5 highlighted a more significant difference, with SteamOS averaging 157 FPS at 4K Extreme settings without FSR, while Windows 11 hit 191 FPS. ETA Prime speculated that this disparity might be due to the game’s strong connections to Microsoft’s ecosystem.

    On the other hand, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 favored SteamOS, delivering an average of 111 FPS at 4K Very High with FSR set to Quality, while Windows 11 averaged 103 FPS. Red Dead Redemption 2 without FSR saw SteamOS average 88 FPS and Windows 11 at 96 FPS.

    The YouTuber also tested more popular games like Left 4 Dead 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Doom: The Dark Ages at 4K on SteamOS, with the complete tests available in the linked video.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the performance varies by game, with neither OS consistently outperforming the other across all titles. ETA Prime concludes that the dual-boot method provides flexibility, enabling users to select the OS that works best for each game while still having access to the comprehensive Windows ecosystem when necessary.

    ETA Prime via YouTube

    Source:
    Link


     

  • 15 AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs Fail in Asus Motherboard PCs

    15 AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs Fail in Asus Motherboard PCs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a top gaming CPU, has faced a notable failure rate, with 15 out of 150 CPUs failing in an internet cafe since March 2025.

    2. Most issues with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D have been linked to ASRock motherboards, though problems were reported on B650M-AYW WiFi MicroATX Asus motherboards as well.

    3. AMD recommends keeping systems updated to avoid problems, particularly those related to elevated voltage settings from Precision Boost Overdrive on certain motherboards.

    4. Overclocking does not appear to be a factor in the failures, as the affected systems had conservative memory speeds and PBO was not activated; however, unreliable power supplies may be a contributing factor.

    5. Community reactions are mixed, with some skeptics demanding evidence of the issues, while others acknowledge a trend of failing AMD CPUs, possibly reflecting AMD’s growing market share.


    RTX 5090 GPUs aren’t the only high-end parts that grab attention when they fail. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, often seen as the top gaming CPU, has faced its own share of problems. While BIOS updates have fixed most of these issues, there are still some processors that die earlier than expected. An owner of an internet cafe has reported a surprising failure rate, with 15 out of 150 CPUs failing since March 2025.

    Issues with Specific Motherboards

    Many troubling tales about the Ryzen 7 9800X3D involve ASRock motherboards, but that’s not the case here. A Reddit user named RealisticLoad3327 pointed out that all the computers were using the B650M-AYW WiFi. These MicroATX Asus motherboards were operating on a BIOS version released in September and designed specifically for the AM5 platform.

    AMD’s Recommendations

    Following the emergence of CPU issues after its November 2024 launch, AMD has emphasized keeping systems updated. They mentioned that most problems stemmed from dangerously elevated voltage settings. The Precision Boost Overdrive choices on ASRock motherboards were particularly problematic.

    Power Supply Concerns

    Interestingly, overclocking doesn’t seem to have contributed to the failures in the internet cafe’s setup. The owner stated that PBO wasn’t activated, and the DDR5 memory was running at conservative speeds. Given that there’s a bigger sample size than what most gamers could provide, it’s easy to blame the 9800X3D. However, an unreliable power supply might also be a culprit. RealisticLoad3327 noted that the PCs were using Huntkey 850-watt PSUs, which are known for being susceptible to voltage spikes and may not suit high-performance processors well.

    Community Reactions

    Some people are skeptical and want evidence that the entire situation isn’t made up. Others in the community think that either the Asus motherboard, the PSU, or inconsistent power supply at the cafe could explain the issues. Still, a Redditor named cCBearTime, who runs a repair shop, confirmed that they have seen an unusually high number of failing AMD CPUs. On the flip side, this trend may also reflect how much market share AMD has gained from Intel.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • AMD CPUs Surpass 40% in Steam Survey, Intel Falls Below 60%

    AMD CPUs Surpass 40% in Steam Survey, Intel Falls Below 60%

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD CPUs now account for over 40% of PCs on Steam, marking a significant rise as Intel’s share drops below 60%.
    2. Nvidia’s RTX 5070 leads the new 50-series graphics cards with a market share of 1.32%, while AMD’s Radeon 9000 series has not yet appeared in the report.
    3. 16 GB of system RAM remains the most common configuration, but the share of PCs with 32 GB has risen to 35.15%.
    4. Windows 11 (64-bit) powers 59.9% of surveyed systems, while Windows 10’s share declines to 35.19% ahead of its support ending in October 2025.
    5. Linux usage has increased to 2.89%, reaching its highest level in years.


    The July 2025 report from Steam’s hardware and software survey marks a significant change for processors on the platform. For the first time, AMD CPUs are found in just over 40 percent of all participating PCs, while Intel’s share has dropped below 60 percent. This is a stark difference from the approximately 77 percent market share Intel had five years ago. The rise of AMD can mainly be linked to the success of its 3D V-Cache processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which offers strong gaming performance at competitive prices, thus taking away from Intel’s dominance.

    Graphics Card Trends

    The trends in graphics card adoption are also quite dynamic. Nvidia’s mid-range Blackwell series is gaining traction quickly, with the RTX 5070 now leading the new 50-series, capturing a 1.32 percent market share, which is an increase of 0.33 percentage points in just one month. The RTX 5060 follows with a share of 0.60 percent. Overall, Nvidia still holds a strong position, with 73.94 percent of all discrete GPUs in the survey branded by them. On the other hand, AMD’s latest Radeon 9000 series based on RDNA 4 is not yet visible in Valve’s report; neither the RX 9070 nor the RX 9060 has reached the reporting threshold, possibly due to supply issues or slow adoption rates.

    Memory Configurations

    Memory setups are changing too. While 16 GB of system RAM remains the most common choice at around 42 percent of PCs, the percentage of machines with 32 GB has climbed to 35.15 percent, thanks to a monthly increase of 0.78 percent. On the graphics front, 8 GB of VRAM remains the standard (33.66 percent), but cards offering 12 GB have surged to 19.22 percent of the total, making it the fastest-growing category last month.

    Operating System Shifts

    Operating system data continues to favor Microsoft’s latest version. Windows 11 (64-bit) is now powering 59.9 percent of the surveyed systems, which is a slight rise of 0.06 percent in July. Meanwhile, Windows 10 has seen a decline to 35.19 percent as its support will end in October 2025. Linux usage has also seen an uptick, reaching 2.89 percent, its highest level in years.

    In summary, the July data illustrates that Steam’s user base is steadily moving toward newer hardware and software, although the pace may not be overly fast or dramatic.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Counterfeit AMD 9800 X3D CPU Scam: Rising Threat of Fake Processors

    Counterfeit AMD 9800 X3D CPU Scam: Rising Threat of Fake Processors

    Key Takeaways

    1. A counterfeit AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D was found to be a fake after inspection, lacking any real components.
    2. The fake CPU was bought as new on Amazon, highlighting return fraud where tampered items can be resold.
    3. Key signs of counterfeit CPUs include unusual weight, mismatched PCB numbers, and poor engraving quality.
    4. AMD’s verification process is less efficient than Intel’s, lacking a quick online serial number check.
    5. Buyers are advised to inspect CPUs immediately upon delivery, especially from third-party sellers, due to the rising sophistication of counterfeits.


    The Gamers Nexus team recently discovered a remarkably crafted but completely non-working fake AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. They only identified it as a counterfeit after removing the lid and looking at it closely under a microscope. What initially appeared to be a genuine chip — with the right weight and retail packaging — was actually just an empty shell lacking any silicon, solder, or real CPU die.

    Return Fraud Exposed

    This counterfeit was bought on Amazon as a new item, but it had clearly been tampered with and returned by a previous customer. It managed to pass through Amazon’s system without being detected and was sold again to another buyer, exemplifying a common case of return fraud. The packaging seemed untouched, and even the heat spreader was altered to imitate the internal structure of a real 9800X3D, including fake indentations beneath the IHS to replicate the appearance of a die.

    Deception Uncovered

    Attempts to boot the processor failed, and removing the lid confirmed the fraud. There were no signs of indium solder, no CCDs, and no IO die — just a blank substrate alongside a modified IHS. The only early hint was a weight difference of about 7 to 8 grams compared to a real CPU. A closer look revealed mismatched PCB numbers, incorrect SMD layouts, missing coating on components, and slight but noticeable font differences on the labels.

    Gamers Nexus pointed out several warning signs that buyers should be on the lookout for: unusual weight, differences in the arrangement or finish of components, unreadable or unscannable data matrix codes, serial numbers that don’t match between the box and chip, poor engraving quality, and signs of tampering with the packaging. Many of these issues can only be spotted once the CPU is physically inspected — or even delidded — showcasing the weaknesses of AMD’s current four-step verification process. In contrast to Intel, AMD does not provide a quick online serial number check but relies on a slower support form method.

    A Warning for Buyers

    Despite being an intricate fake, the processor was able to navigate through Amazon’s logistics system. This situation highlights how even large retailers are susceptible to fraudulent returns. Gamers Nexus advises consumers to inspect CPUs right after they are delivered, especially when purchasing from third-party sellers or open-box options. Although these counterfeits are still rare, they are becoming increasingly convincing and more difficult to detect.

    Source:
    Link

  • Gigabyte Launches Aorus Supreme 5 PC with RTX Blackwell from $4000

    Gigabyte Launches Aorus Supreme 5 PC with RTX Blackwell from $4000

    Key Takeaways

    1. GeForce RTX 5080 and 5090 prices range from $1400 to $4000 on eBay.
    2. Gigabyte offers Blackwell GPUs in pre-built systems to combat high prices.
    3. The Supreme 5 PC features user-friendly design elements for easier service and transport.
    4. All Supreme 5 models are currently on backorder, with availability estimated between March 28 and April 11.
    5. The starting price for the base model with RTX 5080 is $4000, available exclusively on Newegg at launch.


    Users looking to buy a GeForce RTX 5080 or 5090 might find themselves paying between $1400 and $4000, as seen in current eBay listings. To tackle this price surge, some PC manufacturers, such as Gigabyte, are offering the Blackwell GPUs bundled with pre-built systems. This week, the Gigabyte Aorus series is set to unveil various models of the Supreme 5 PC line, all featuring GeForce RTX 50 graphics cards along with AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors.

    Design Features

    The Supreme 5 stands out due to its user-friendly design, making it simpler to service and transport compared to standard PCs. It includes convenient handles on the top, tempered glass that swivels, and tool-less latches and filters, facilitating easier upkeep. Inside, this model showcases Aorus components like the X870E motherboard, a 1000 W power supply, liquid cooling, and an Aorus PCIe5 NVMe SSD that boasts impressive read and write speeds of up to 14500 MB/s and 12700 MB/s, respectively. Users can also install or remove the SSD and RAM modules without needing screwdrivers.

    Availability and Pricing

    At the moment, all four Supreme 5 models are on backorder, with estimated arrival dates ranging from March 28 to April 11, despite the starting price of $4000 for the “base” RTX 5080 version. Currently, the model is being launched only on Newegg, with no other retailers announced for the time being.

    Source:
    Link

  • AMD RX 9070 Series Reference Designs: No Competition with AIB Partners

    AMD RX 9070 Series Reference Designs: No Competition with AIB Partners

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs are generating excitement as their launch date approaches on February 28.
    2. AMD’s strategy for the RX 9070 series differs from the RX 7000 series by not offering reference cards directly, possibly leading to higher prices.
    3. Limited reference options are available, but some AMD AIBs will release dual-slot models of the RX 9070 and 9070 XT.
    4. Benchmark leaks suggest promising performance stats for the RX 9070 XT.
    5. For gaming PC upgrades, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is currently priced at $548.98 on Amazon.


    As the launch date and review embargo for the AMD Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs get nearer, the buzz around these upcoming mid-range graphics cards is increasing. Recently, we shared a scoop about a benchmark leak that claims to show the performance stats for the RX 9070 XT.

    AMD’s Strategy Shifts

    AMD’s current approach isn’t a first for the company, but it’s different from the RX 7000 series, which did have reference cards available, at least for a short period. However, this doesn’t imply that reference board designs will be absent from the market. AMD’s add-in board partners typically create graphics cards based on AMD’s reference models. The choice to refrain from selling reference boards might suggest that the RX 9070 series overall could become slightly pricier, as AMD won’t be offering GPUs at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

    Limited Reference Options

    Reference designs are often the sole method to obtain somewhat slimmer cards, though it appears that some AMD AIBs will be launching dual-slot RX 9070 and 9070 XT models. AMD has also confirmed on X that the RX 9070 series is set to debut on February 28, as we mentioned earlier.

    Source:
    Link

  • AMD Outsells Intel at Mindfactory: 11.7 Ryzen CPUs per Intel Chip

    AMD Outsells Intel at Mindfactory: 11.7 Ryzen CPUs per Intel Chip

    In January, Mindfactory, a well-known German retailer, saw an astounding sales ratio of 11.7 AMD CPUs for every Intel CPU sold. This huge difference isn’t shocking to those who follow tech news closely. Intel clearly fell short with its Arrow Lake-S desktop CPU release, which provided subpar gaming performance compared to AMD’s Ryzen chips, and even the previous-generation Raptor Lake-S processors.

    Sales Breakdown

    AMD’s dominance is evident, as their CPUs made up a significant 92.16% of total sales, leaving Intel with a mere 7.84% share. The best-selling CPU was undoubtedly the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is no surprise since it reigns as the top gaming CPU available today. In contrast, Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 series only managed to sell about 185 units, equating to roughly 0.72% of the total 25,625 CPUs sold by Mindfactory.

    Ryzen’s Strong Performance

    Additionally, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $587 on Amazon, represented an impressive 87% of all Zen 5 CPU sales, showing that the other Ryzen 9000 models didn’t perform as well. Among all CPUs on the AM5 platform, which includes Zen 4 processors, the 9800X3D captured 47% of sales. AMD has disclosed that they won’t be standardizing 3D V-Cache technology, arguing that it doesn’t benefit many workloads outside of gaming and incurs higher production costs. Nevertheless, it seems clear that gamers have a strong preference for the X3D chips, which have consistently been a top choice for gaming enthusiasts.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the CPU market in January clearly favored AMD, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leading the charge. Intel’s latest offerings have not resonated well with consumers, resulting in a stark contrast in sales figures. As the gaming community continues to evolve, AMD appears well positioned to maintain their edge in the CPU market for the foreseeable future.

    Source:
    Link

  • AMD’s Frank Azor Criticizes Intel Arrow Lake-S, Blames Ryzen Shortages

    AMD’s Frank Azor Criticizes Intel Arrow Lake-S, Blames Ryzen Shortages

    There’s no question that Intel’s Arrow Lake-S series, particularly the Core Ultra 9 285K, has left many gamers feeling let down, despite some gains in efficiency and productivity. This disappointment, as noted by AMD’s Frank Azor in a chat with Tom’s Hardware, has resulted in an unexpected surge in interest for AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9800X3D Zen 5 chip.

    Criticism of Intel’s Performance

    Frank Azor didn’t hold back in his criticism. He called the Arrow Lake-S products “horrible,” clearly expressing his dissatisfaction with Intel’s lack of competitive offerings. “We knew we built a great part. We didn’t know the competitor had built a horrible one,” he said. He went on to explain that this situation contributed to the supply issues faced by AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

    Intel’s Promises vs. Reality

    Intel had previously assured users that microcode updates would improve the poor gaming performance that didn’t meet their expectations. However, it seems that many users feel the updates have, in some instances, worsened performance, offering only slight improvements that still don’t rival even the previous generation’s products. While Intel has achieved notable efficiency and productivity advancements, these do not compensate for its lackluster gaming capabilities, which could deter many potential buyers. This is particularly true when comparing it to the solid gaming performance of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

    AMD’s Growing Popularity

    This scenario appears to be reflected in the sales figures, with AMD’s Ryzen 9 9800X3D selling significantly better than Intel’s offerings. Consumers eager to switch to AMD may face continued shortages, as AMD did not anticipate such high demand. As executive David McAfee has indicated, AMD is actively working to increase production. Nevertheless, due to the intricate nature of processor manufacturing, it might take another 3-4 months for supply to meet the rising demand.

    Source:
    Link

  • AMD Announces Ryzen 7 9800X3D Launch Date in Early November

    AMD Announces Ryzen 7 9800X3D Launch Date in Early November

    After a lot of leaks, guesses, and chatter, the highly awaited AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is set to launch. You can grab it from selected sellers starting November 7. The price will be announced later, but rumors hint it might be between $500 and $550. Moreover, price reductions for other Zen 5 models will start on October 20.

    Performance Insights

    Recent leaked benchmarks indicate that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D can reach a maximum boost of 5.6 GHz when using Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO). This processor comes with eight cores and 16 threads, featuring a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz, a thermal design power (TDP) of 120 Watts, and a total of 96 MB of L3 cache.

    Similarities to Previous Models

    When it comes to specs, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is quite similar to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The performance improvements will primarily stem from the new Zen 5 architecture and the higher base and boost clock speeds. The added support for overclocking will also give users a chance to squeeze out even more power from this chip.

    AMD

  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Clock Speed, V-Cache, TDP Details Leaked

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Clock Speed, V-Cache, TDP Details Leaked

    A recent Cinebench 2024 test indicated that the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D may increase its base clock speed to 4.7 GHz, compared to the 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. However, its performance in gaming might not be as stellar in certain games. A document from a motherboard manufacturer was discovered by Videocardz, which confirmed this clock speed and provided additional insights about AMD’s new CPU.

    Specifications Unveiled

    The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D retains the same 96 MB of L3 cache as the previous two Ryzen 7 X3D models. It also features a thermal design power (TDP) of 120 Watts. While other specifications remain unclear, it is anticipated that it will maintain the 8-core configuration, with one chiplet having complete access to the additional L3 cache.

    Anticipated Launch Date

    Although AMD has not officially announced it yet, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is projected to be released on October 24, with sales expected to start a week or two later. The other two Zen 5 X3D models, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D, are anticipated to debut next year, and if the rumors hold true, they might feature enhanced 3D V-cache.


    Image 1