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No. AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X launched with a 65W default TDP, and AMD’s product page still lists 65W. The 120W figure came from an unconfirmed pre-launch rumor, not a published change to the chip’s default specification. A separate 105W mode arrived later; reported tests found no meaningful gaming-FPS gain from the higher settings in three games.
Where did the 120W claim come from?
On June 27, 2024, PC Gamer reported a WCCFTech-sourced rumor that AMD was considering raising the 9700X’s TDP from 65W to 120W shortly before launch. HotHardware also described the proposed change as unofficial chatter. Neither report cited an AMD announcement confirming a 120W default.
AMD’s June 2, 2024 launch announcement specified a 65W TDP, as does the company’s current Ryzen 7 9700X product page (accessed October 4, 2026). The rumored change did not become the released chip’s official default specification.
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The Ryzen 7 9700X is an eight-core, 16-thread Zen 5 desktop processor for the AM5 socket. AMD lists a 3.8 GHz base clock, boost clock up to 5.5 GHz, 32 MB of L3 cache, and 65W default TDP. Its launch announcement gives 40 MB of total cache.
#1 Best Overall
- This dominant gaming processor can deliver fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 5" architecture
- 5.5 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 40 MB cache, DDR5-5600 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select motherboards
- Cooler not included
TDP is a thermal design rating; it is not the same as measured CPU package power or total system power draw. A 120W setting or rating should not be read as proof that the processor continuously consumes 120W.
Is the later 105W mode the same as the rumored change?
No. The 105W mode was a later option, distinct from the pre-launch rumor about changing the processor’s official default TDP to 120W. Tom’s Hardware reported on September 3, 2024, that Japanese outlet ASCII tested the 9700X at 65W, 105W, and a custom 120W setting. At the time of that report, 105W was available through MSI BIOS, with an AMD AGESA update expected to extend the option. That is historical availability context, not a statement about the firmware options on every motherboard today.
Rank #2
- The world’s fastest gaming processor, built on AMD ‘Zen5’ technology and Next Gen 3D V-Cache.
- 8 cores and 16 threads, delivering +~16% IPC uplift and great power efficiency
- 96MB L3 cache with better thermal performance vs. previous gen and allowing higher clock speeds, up to 5.2GHz
- Drop-in ready for proven Socket AM5 infrastructure
- Cooler not included
Did higher power settings improve gaming FPS?
In ASCII’s reported tests of Black Myth: Wukong, Counter-Strike 2, and F1 24, the 9700X’s frame-rate differences across 65W, 105W, and custom 120W settings were described as virtually zero or within the margin of error. The results do not establish that power settings never affect gaming performance: they cover three games and the conditions of those tests, not every game, resolution, or GPU configuration.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe reported findings give no basis for expecting the higher settings alone to deliver a noticeable FPS uplift in those tested games. They also do not provide a matched independent benchmark comparison establishing an overall gaming winner between the 9700X and 7800X3D.
Rank #3
- This dominant gaming processor can deliver fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 4" architecture
- 5.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 80 MB cache, DDR5-5200 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select 600 Series motherboards
- Cooler not included
How does this relate to the 7800X3D?
The 7800X3D and 9700X differ in architecture and cache configuration; the 9700X has 32 MB of L3 cache, while the 7800X3D uses AMD’s 3D V-Cache design. TDP by itself cannot determine which processor is faster in a game, and the reported power-setting tests do not constitute a direct 7800X3D comparison.
HotHardware attributed this statement to Donny Woligroski, AMD senior technical marketing manager of consumer processors, in a statement to Tom’s Hardware: “Is it the fastest in gaming? It’s faster than the competition in our tests. X3D is still the king of the hill, but by a much smaller margin than typically between X3D and non-X3D. So a 7800X3D would, yes, be faster than 9700X, but maybe not by as much as you would expect,” Woligrowski stated. That is an AMD representative’s view, not an independent benchmark result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU Processor, 8-Core, 16-Thread, 5.5 GHz Max Boost, Unlocked for overclocking, L2+L3 38 MB cache, DDR5, Default TDP 65W. This dominant gaming processor can deliver fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select 600 Series motherboards. OS Support: Windows 11/ 10-64-Bit Edition. Thermal Solution (PIB) Not Included. AMD Radeon Graphics Integrated
- MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard, ATX Form Factor, AM5 Socket, Support Dual Channel DDR5 up to 256GB, PCIe 5.0, 3x M.2 NVMe Slot with 1x PCIe 5.0 x4 & 2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 4x SATA 6GB/s, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Windows 11 64-bit, Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/ 8000/ 7000 Series Desktop Processors
- Supports DDR5 Memory, Dual Channel DDR5 8200+ MT/s (OC);/ Ultra Performance: 12+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, Memory Boost, 6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level material;/ Frozr Guard: Extended Heatsink, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK, additional choke thermal pads and EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II are built for high performance system and non-stop experience
- High-speed Connectivity: 5G LAN with Full-speed Wi-Fi 7 Solution;/ Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 5.0 slot, Lightning Gen 5 x4 M.2, Front USB Type-C;/ EZ DIY: EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, EZ M.2 Clip II, EZ PCIe Clip II and EZ Antenna;/ Audio Boost: Reward your ears with studio-grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
Rank #4
- Processor provides dependable and fast execution of tasks with maximum efficiency.Graphics Frequency : 2200 MHZ.Number of CPU Cores : 8. Maximum Operating Temperature (Tjmax) : 89°C.
- Ryzen 7 product line processor for better usability and increased efficiency
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance with maximum productivity
- Octa-core (8 Core) processor core allows multitasking with great reliability and fast processing speed
- 8 MB L2 plus 96 MB L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
What to check before choosing one
- Game-specific benchmarks: Compare results for the games and settings you actually use. The evidence summarized here does not establish a universal winner or an average FPS lead.
- Cooling: AMD says the boxed 9700X has no included thermal solution and recommends a premium air cooler for optimal performance.
- Platform: AMD lists support for AM5 motherboards using A620, X670E, X670, B650E, B650, X870E, X870, B840, and B850 chipsets. Check the specific board’s CPU support and firmware details before building or upgrading.
- Price and upgrade path: Compare current local prices and the cost of the full platform. No current price comparison or matched benchmark table is established here, so value depends on the offers and system you are considering.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
