Trying some PBO settings on a 7800x3D, 90 level 2 (90c cap, -20 all core offset) is actually slightly slower than 70 level 2 (70c cap, -20 all core offset) in CPU benchmarks. Using an AK620 but with a very relaxed (quiet) fan curve. It was just as good or slightly better in single core or multicore tests. From reading people have also done -30 or more (there are options up to level 5, or -50), but -20 has been 100% stable so i’m happy with it.

All while drawing 22 watts minimum, or 62.85 watts max during the test on an air cooler. Even in Cinebench testing it doesn’t hit 100W. I swear, these chips are magic. I probably didn’t need the AK620, but it was on sale along with the CPU/board and it performs as good as a D15 and is quiet. Plus it was super easy to mount compared to my old spring screw 212 evo.

If you are looking to upgrade and see a good CPU/board bundle, grab one. The performance and efficiency while being so fast is remarkable. Now I see why people were raving about this CPU so much. Video benchmarks are one thing, but seeing it in action with various games is another.

Trying some PBO settings on a 7800x3D, 90 level 2 (90c cap, -20 all core offset) is actually slightly slower than 70 level 2 (70c cap, -20 all core offset) in CPU benchmarks. Using an AK620 but with a very relaxed (quiet) fan curve. It was just as good or slightly better in single core or multicore tests.

All while drawing 20 watts, or 62.85 watts max during the test on an air cooler. Even in Cinebench testing it doesn’t hit 100W. I swear, these chips are magic. I probably didn’t need the AK620, but it was on sale along with the CPU/board and it performs as good as a D15 and is quiet. Plus it was super easy to mount compared to my old spring screw 212 evo.

If you are looking to upgrade and see a good CPU/board bundle, grab one. The performance and efficiency while being so fast is remarkable.

The 7800x3D is a very interesting chip (and the best for gaming, by a notable amount): when I set my system up with an AK620 the default fan curve in BIOS had the CPU fans going at 1800RPM. But with negligible impact on temps, as these chips are designed to run hotter for clock speed. I put the fan curve to like 30% and tested a few games like far cry 6…same high FPS, no throttling, same behavior. At 1800RPM, the game was at like 50-60C. At 900RPM, the game was at 50-60C. Initially I thought “whoa, I somehow screwed up mounting this cooler even with 2 screws and a simple mount kit”, but it’s intended behavior for these CPUs.

So if you grab one and you are used to intel chips, be mindful of fan curves: default fan curves in BIOS are for CPUs that have much different fan behaviors! And the 7800x3D doesn’t even draw much power, under 100W and outperforming a 14700K that can draw 300W…my GPU doesn’t even draw 300W in most cases!

My mind was blown when I saw a 7800x3D for over $100 off on black friday despite being a literal top tier part. you’d expect ryzen/intel chips from 2 years ago to have discounts like that, not the literal best gaming CPU at the moment. It’s nice to see value for these components, even when they are at the top of the stack. given am5 boards are cheaper now (b650s are good value) and DDR5 has dropped in price and 6000/cl30 kits are cheaper now, it’s a great time to upgrade.