At a Glance
- The RTX 5080 benchmarks show only a 2 percent performance lift for the newer 9850X3D.
- In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p ultra, the 9850X3D averages 71.19 FPS versus 69.61 FPS for the 9800X3D.
- Price difference at launch is $30, with the 9800X3D available for $470.
- Why it matters: Gamers with a high-end GPU will see a negligible difference, making the older chip a solid choice.
Gaming enthusiasts often compare the 9800X3D and 9850X3D to gauge whether the newer model justifies an extra spend. While benchmarks hint at a slight edge for the 9850X3D, the real-world impact is minimal.
Benchmark Overview
Older 3DMark tests using the RTX 5080 reveal a tiny performance swing. The Time Spy score increased by less than 1 percent, whereas Speedway saw a near 10 percent lift.
- Time Spy: <1 % increase
- Speedway: ~10 % increase
These numbers suggest the newer chip improves certain synthetic workloads, but the gains are modest.
Gaming Performance
When put into demanding titles, the difference narrows further. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p, ultra settings, ray tracing on, and path tracing off:
- 9800X3D: 69.61 FPS
- 9850X3D: 71.19 FPS
The 2 percent jump translates to roughly 1.6 FPS. Other titles-Marvel Rivals, Arc Raiders, Counter-Strike 2-show no noticeable gap, with only a 3-4 FPS variance when already above 120 FPS.
> “Even the most persnickety gamer would not notice the difference in practice,” said Megan L. Whitfield.
Both GPUs comfortably support high-refresh-rate 1440p gaming when paired with an equally powerful graphics card.
Real-World Impact
For players who already own a 9800X3D, upgrading to the 9850X3D offers no tangible benefit in everyday play. The marginal frame-rate increase is unlikely to affect user experience.
- Existing 9800X3D owners: no upgrade incentive
- New buyers: choose based on price and availability
The 9850X3D’s slight performance edge is most noticeable in synthetic tests rather than in titles that already push the hardware to its limits.
Price Considerations
At launch, the 9800X3D is priced at $470, while the 9850X3D costs $30 more. Given the negligible performance difference, many would opt for the older chip, especially if a discount or bundle is available.
- 9800X3D: $470
- 9850X3D: $500 (launch)
A moderate discount on the 9800X3D could make it the more attractive option.
Conclusion
The 9850X3D delivers a small performance bump in both synthetic benchmarks and real games, but the gains are minor enough that most gamers will not feel the difference. If the price gap narrows or a discount emerges, the 9800X3D remains a compelling choice for 1440p gaming.
Key Takeaways
- RTX 5080 benchmarks show a modest lift for the 9850X3D.
- Cyberpunk 2077 performance difference is about 2 percent.
- Price differential is $30; the 9800X3D may be more cost-effective.
- Upgrade from 9800X3D to 9850X3D offers little practical benefit.
