AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

The Zen 5-powered AMD Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X deliver large generational gaming improvements that exceed price-comparable Intel models. The processors also deliver class-leading single-threaded performance but still trail Intel in heavily threaded applications. Overall, Ryzen 9000 delivers impressive generational performance gains, but consume 40% less power than their predecessors, ultimately yielding a cooler, quieter and faster system.

This mid-tier Ryzen 7 9700X processor is genuinely fast and power efficient. For an all-round CPU, the price is very tempting but if you're a gaming enthusiast, you'll probably be better off waiting for the X3D models.

While it’s not much faster than its predecessor, the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X delivers excellent CPU performance, while avoiding the high temperatures that plagued the last generation of processors.

AMD's Ryzen 7 9700X desktop CPU is better than its 7000-series predecessor, mostly on power consumption and heat generation—it's only slightly faster. A lower list price gives it added AM5 appeal.

AMD is delivering a multi-punch knockout with the Ryzen 7 9700X, as it drops the MSRP from its previous-generation 7700X and even returns to the 65W power draw of its 5700X. It comes with caveats, and the generational multi-core improvements are barely worth mentioning. However, its single-core performance is a thing to behold, ranking above most of Intel's comparable chips at 125W. Plus, it matches AMD's own gaming CPU champion, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, while remaining cheaper and more power efficient — it's the new mid-range champion.

AMD provided a price cut with the 9000 series processors, including the Ryzen 7 9700X. Costing less than $400 makes this a compelling CPU choice for gaming systems and those with more demanding software requirements.