The AMD Ryzen 5800X is an extremely popular high-end desktop processor, known for its powerful 8-core, 16-thread design based on AMD‘s Zen 3 architecture. With speeds up to 4.7 GHz, PCIe 4.0 support, and excellent single-threaded performance, it‘s a top choice for gaming, streaming, and productivity.
However, the Ryzen 5800X may not be the right fit for everyone. Higher pricing, availability issues, or specific needs around efficiency, platform support or workflows may require considering alternatives.
Fortunately, there are several compelling alternatives to the Ryzen 5800X that may work better depending on your budget and needs:
Best Ryzen 5800X Alternatives
| CPU | Cores/Threads | Base/Boost Clock | TDP | Platform | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 8/16 | 3.4/4.5 GHz | 105W | AM4 | $399 |
| Intel Core i7-13700K | 16/24 | 3.4/5.4 GHz | 125W | Intel 600-series | $359 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 7700X | 8/16 | 4.5/5.4 GHz | 105W | AM5 | $399 |
| Intel Core i5-13600K | 14/20 | 3.5/5.1 GHz | 125W | Intel 600-series | $319 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5700X | 8/16 | 3.4/4.6 GHz | 65W | AM4 | $244 |
Below we‘ll take a deeper look at the strengths of each alternative and how they compare to the Ryzen 5800X:
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D – Best Premium Gaming Performance
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D leverages AMD‘s new 3D V-Cache technology, adding an extra 64MB of L3 cache to boost gaming frame rates by up to 15% compared to the standard Ryzen 5800X.
This makes it arguably the best gaming CPU available today. It outperforms the Ryzen 5800X in FPS-intensive games like Rainbow Six Siege easily.
Beyond gaming, the extra L3 cache improves performance for applications that benefit from large cache sizes. The 5800X3D roughly matches the multi-core performance of the Ryzen 5800X, while adding substantially improved single and lightly threaded task performance.
For pure gaming builds where budget allows, the 5800X3D is a superb step up from the Ryzen 5800X.
Ideal for: High FPS gaming, simulation, financial analysis
Intel Core i7-13700K – Best Overall Performance
The new 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700K delivers excellent multi-threaded performance thanks to its combination of 8 high-performance P-Cores and 8 efficient E-Cores.
It comfortably beats the Ryzen 7 5800X in heavily multi-threaded workloads like video editing, 3D rendering and code compilation. Both single and multi-core performance are substantially ahead.
Intel‘s 13th Gen CPUs also introduce higher base DDR5 memory speeds up to 5600 MT/s. This provides another performance benefit over Ryzen‘s 5000-series DDR4 memory controller for bandwidth-sensitive applications.
For those wanting uncompromising performance across both gaming and creative workloads, the 13700K is an outstanding choice over the Ryzen 5800X. Just note it requires a new Intel 600 series motherboard.
Ideal for: Content creation, video editing, 3D modelling, heavy multitasking
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X – Fastest Multi-Core Performance
The 7700X is AMD‘s new 8-core Zen 4 flagship, delivering dominant multi-threaded throughput compared to previous Ryzen generations.
It beats the Ryzen 5800X handily for productivity, offering a solid 20-25% higher performance in benchmarks. This lead widens further when using fast DDR5 memory kits.
Single core speeds are also improved over Zen 3. And the 7700X introduces modern features like PCIe 5.0 support – great for future-proof NVMe storage upgrades.
For creators and power users wanting leading productivity performance, the 7700X is a superb upgrade choice with strong content creation and code compiling capabilities. As with the 13700K though, an AM5 platform is required.
Ideal for: Video editing, 3D modelling, game, simulation and ML development
Intel Core i5-13600K – Best Value Performance
With an impressive 14 core and 20 thread design in the mid-range price bracket, the 13600K packs incredible multi-core muscle for its price point.
It comfortably outperforms the Ryzen 7 5800X with around 15% higher multi-core speeds, while roughly matching it in gaming fps.
Memory bandwidth is improved through Intel‘s latest DDR5 controller. There‘s also PCIe 5.0 support for cutting-edge NVMe drives.
For those wanting great creator and gaming performance without breaking the bank, the 13600K is an extremely compelling alternative.
Ideal for: Game development, 3D modelling, video editing, high FPS gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X – Most Power Efficient
If low power draw and heat output are priorities, the Ryzen 7 5700X is a compelling alternative at just 65W TDP.
It matches and even slightly beats the 5800X in some games, while drawing substantially less power – great for compact, quiet PC builds.
The 5700X also runs much cooler than the 5800X, allowing easier overclocking and fan curve optimisation. Quieter, cooler operation also benefits lifespan.
With performance nearly on par with more expensive rivals, the 5700X is a top choice where efficiency matters – just expect slightly lower multi-core throughput than pricier options.
Ideal for: Compact gaming builds, home theater PCs, low noise workstations
How to Choose Among the Ryzen 5800X Alternatives
When deciding which of these high performance CPUs is right for you, consider:
Budget – The most affordable option for strong 1080p gaming and creation performance is the 13600K or 5700X. For all out speed, the 7700X and 13700K are superb but pricier choices.
Workload Demands – If you primarily game, the 5800X3D is the ultimate choice today. For heavy multitasking and creation, the extra cores of the 7700X and 13700K deliver more muscle.
Platform Support – The 5800X3D and 5700X work with existing AM4 boards. But for next-gen performance, the 7700X‘s AM5 and Intel 600 chipsets are recommended.
Memory Support – For blistering DDR5 bandwidth, the 7700X, 13700K and 13600K are recommended. But DDR4 options like the 5800X3D and 5700X are more affordable today.
Power Efficiency – If heat output, noise or case size are concerns, the low 65W 5700X is the clear pick. The 13700K can also be tuned for efficiency when needed.
Ideally, match your CPU pick with your overall build budget and needs. Let‘s compare some sample combinations:
| Build Goal | Recommended CPU Pick |
|---|---|
| 4K & Ultra Quality Gaming | Ryzen 7 5800X3D |
| 1080p Competitive Gaming FPS | Core i5-13600K |
| Video Editing Workstation | Ryzen 7 7700X |
| Game Development | Core i7-13700K |
| Compact Low Noise Living Room PC | Ryzen 7 5700X |
Real World Experiences With Ryzen 5800X Alternatives
In practice, these Ryzen alternatives work very well – users switching from a 5800X will enjoy noticeable performance uplifts depending on their choice:
Gaming Focused Builds – Those upgrading to a 5800X3D for gaming can expect striking fps improvements in eSports titles, allowing them to fully leverage high refresh rate monitors. Smooth minimum frame rates also translate to much more consistent, fluid gameplay.
Content Creation Builds – Switching to faster options like the 7700X, 13700K or even 13600K will slash productivity app render times and compile jobs. The difference when exporting edited 8K video or compiling large code bases is substantial. Workflows are markedly faster.
Compact Builds – SFF PC builders employing the 5700X will benefit from stable, thermally constrained performance in tiny cases. Less heat also means not needing to tune noisy fans as aggressively. It‘s an easy drop-in upgrade.
As with most modern CPU upgrades, just ensure your RAM, motherboard, PSU and cooling can support whichever chip you choose, and you‘ll see significant gains over previous generation parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Ryzen 5800X alternative is best for overclocking?
A: The Ryzen 7 7700X, Core i7-13700K and Core i5-13600K offer the most overhead for overclocking. Their upgraded architectures scale very well with voltage and frequency tuning.
Q: Do any of the alternatives include integrated graphics?
A: No, like the Ryzen 5800X none of these high performance CPUs include integrated graphics. A descrete graphics card is still required.
Q: What motherboard do I need for the 7700X/13700K/13600K?
A: These latest generation CPUs all require new platforms – for the 7700X that‘s AM5 chipset boards, while the Intel chips need 600-series motherboards.
Q: Is DDR4 RAM compatible with these alternatives?
A: The Ryzen 5800X3D and 5700X continue supporting DDR4. But for the other options, new DDR5 memory kits are recommended to benefit from faster memory controller performance.
Q: Which alternative is the easiest to cool?
A: The 65W Ryzen 7 5700X outputs substantially lower heat versus the other 125W/105W options. This also makes it easier to air cool quietly.
In Summary
While the Ryzen 5800X remains an extremely capable CPU, the alternatives above each improve upon it in different ways to suit varying builds and budgets.
Carefully weigh up your own use cases – gaming demands, creation workloads, performance targets and system constraints before choosing the best fitting option.
All the CPUs covered above will serve you well as they represent the top of AMD and Intel‘s mainstream desktop portfolio today. Ultimately you can‘t go wrong performance wise – identify where each excels to make the perfect choice for your needs.
