Review: AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT and Ryzen 7 3800XT

Conclusion

Exactly a year on from the release of 3rd Generation Ryzen processors, AMD's introduction of three XT models - 3900XT, 3800XT, 3600 XT - has more to do with reinforcing branding than pushing performance up by the year-on-year dollops we've become accustomed to.

These chips use the latest strain of 7nm process technology to extract a modicum of extra performance at the same power levels as existing models. The end result is benchmarking that's up to five percent better along with provably better overclocking potential.

Attracting the same retail prices ought to mean they're no-brainers for anyone previously considering the regular X parts, or Intel equivalents, but that's not the case because the chips they effectively replace in the pecking order are now discounted by up to 20 percent from their SRPs, as evidenced by the XTs trailing the normal X models in the bang4buck charts. On top of this, Ryzen 9 3900XT and Ryzen 7 3800XT don't ship with the capable Wraith Prism coolers, further calling real value into question for some.

AMD argues that it offers enthusiasts the latest technology as soon as it's available, and it is to be commended for that, though the benefits this time around are not anywhere near as clear cut as on previous generations. As X and XT models will coexist for the foreseeable future, AMD does continue to offer great choice. Want to avail yourself of a bit more frequency? Go with XT. Want better value? Go with X. If it was our money on the table, we'd go with X and put the savings into a significantly larger SSD or more memory.

Bottom line: pushing 7nm technology forwards with a trio of Ryzen XT chips, AMD offers yet more choice... at a price.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT

AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT

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TBC.

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