AMD's Ryzen CPUs - A Belated Review of the R7 1800X and R7 1700

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Reviewing the R7 1800X CPU
3. Specifications and Performance of the R7 1800X
4. Benchmark Results and Analysis
   • 4.1 3DMark Benchmark
   • 4.2 Compression and Decompression Benchmarks
   • 4.3 Single Thread Performance Benchmarks
   • 4.4 Multi-thread Performance Benchmarks
   • 4.5 Gaming Benchmarks
     • 4.5.1 Fallout 4
     • 4.5.2 DOOM
     • 4.5.3 GTA V
     • 4.5.4 Mafia 3
     • 4.5.5 Rise of the Tomb Raider
5. Impact of Optimization on Performance
6. Streaming and Content Creation Performance
7. Price Comparison with Intel CPUs
8. Conclusion

Reviewing the R7 1800X CPU

The R7 1800X is AMD's flagship CPU in their Ryzen lineup, and it boasts impressive specifications, including 8 cores, 16 Threads, a base clock of 3.6 GHz, and a boost clock of 4.0 GHz. In this article, we will dive deep into the performance of the R7 1800X, benchmarking it against other CPUs and analyzing its gaming capabilities. We will also discuss the impact of optimization on its performance, as well as its suitability for streaming and content creation. Additionally, we will compare the pricing of the R7 1800X with Intel CPUs to determine its value for money.

Specifications and Performance of the R7 1800X

The R7 1800X shines in terms of its specifications, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, making it an excellent choice for multi-threaded applications. With a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.0 GHz, it offers substantial processing power. However, it's important to note that the boost clock is typically around 3.7 GHz with all cores active and can reach up to 4.1 GHz with a single thread.

Benchmark results demonstrate that the R7 1800X performs exceptionally well in both single-threaded and multi-threaded scenarios. In the 3DMark benchmark, it outperforms Intel CPUs like the i7-7700K, showcasing its prowess in gaming. It also excels in compression and decompression tasks, thanks to its simultaneous multi-threading feature.

Benchmark Results and Analysis

3DMark Benchmark

The R7 1800X impresses in the 3DMark benchmark, surpassing the i7-7700K and other Intel CPUs. Its strong performance in gaming scenarios is evident, with only a slight difference in scores at 1080p resolution. This demonstrates that the R7 1800X is a powerful gaming CPU, capable of delivering smooth gameplay even at high settings.

Compression and Decompression Benchmarks

In compression and decompression benchmarks, the R7 1800X performs admirably, particularly in decompression tasks. It showcases significantly higher scores compared to the i7-7700K, making it ideal for tasks such as unpacking archives efficiently. However, it's worth mentioning that the i7-6800K also performs well in these benchmarks, suggesting that the R7 1800X may face some competition.

Single Thread Performance Benchmarks

The R7 1800X's single-threaded performance is commendable, as it competes closely with the i7-7700K and exhibits superior performance compared to the i5-7600K. This is a testament to the R7 1800X's clock speed and IPC (Instructions Per Clock). While the i7-7700K boasts a higher clock speed, the R7 1800X's superior IPC compensates for this difference.

Multi-thread Performance Benchmarks

One of the standout features of the R7 1800X is its exceptional multi-threaded performance. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it surpasses the i7-7700K in multi-threaded benchmark tests. The R7 1700 also delivers impressive results, indicating that the Ryzen CPUs excel in applications that can fully utilize multiple cores.

Gaming Benchmarks

Gaming benchmarks are crucial to determine the CPU's gaming capabilities. In games like Fallout 4 and DOOM, the R7 1800X performs admirably, consistently providing high frame rates. However, certain games, like Mafia 3, exhibit optimization issues that affect all CPUs, including the R7 1800X. Nonetheless, with optimized games on the horizon, the R7 1800X's gaming performance is likely to improve even further.

Impact of Optimization on Performance

Optimization plays a significant role in CPU performance. As developers continue to optimize their games for the Ryzen architecture, we can expect the R7 1800X to deliver even better performance. Examples such as the performance of the R7 1800X in Mafia 3 prove that Ryzen CPUs can outperform their Intel counterparts in certain scenarios. It is important to track ongoing optimization efforts to fully assess the R7 1800X's potential.

Streaming and Content Creation Performance

The R7 1800X shines in streaming and content creation tasks. Its impressive multi-threaded performance makes it an excellent choice for streamers, allowing for smooth gameplay while simultaneously encoding the stream. Content creators, such as video editors and 3D animators, will also benefit from the R7 1800X's processing power, significantly reducing rendering times and improving overall productivity.

Price Comparison with Intel CPUs

The pricing of the R7 1800X is competitive when compared to Intel CPUs with similar performance. While Intel's i7-7700K may outperform the R7 1800X slightly in certain gaming scenarios, the R7 1800X's superior multi-threaded performance, along with its lower price, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between gaming and productivity.

Conclusion

The R7 1800X impresses with its performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks. Its gaming capabilities are exceptional, and with ongoing optimization efforts, its performance is expected to improve further. The R7 1800X's suitability for streaming and content creation, as well as its competitive pricing, make it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful CPU. With the promise of future compatibility, the R7 1800X ensures a solid foundation for future upgrades.