With games and other programs benefiting from additional cores, the Ryzen 7 7700X is the model that we recommend, as it delivers that sweet spot between price and performance. Featuring a total of eight cores and 16 threads, the 7700X can operate up to 5.40GHz for impeccable performance and is priced at $348.99. Succeeding the 5900X and 5950X are the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 9 7950X, respectively. The last two Ryzen 7000 CPUs are meant for users that want the absolute best, tackling a plethora of tasks that require multiple cores. The 7900X features 12 cores and 24 threads and is available for $473.99. As for the flagship part, the 7950X costs $573.99, making it significantly more attractive than $699 price it launched at. All AMD 7000 processors support the company’s new AM5 socket, meaning that you will have to purchase a brand new motherboard, along with DDR5 RAM, which is pricey at this time but gives you a significant performance boost. Also, bear in mind that none of the processors listed below are bundled with coolers, so you will have to purchase aftermarket units on your own. Given that each SKU has a higher TDP compared to its direct predecessor, we will recommend our readers do ample research on which cooler can handle the heat output. For instance, the Ryzen 9 7950X has a 170W TDP, which is 65W more than the previous-generation 5950X, and the one before it, the 3950X, suggesting that this CPU and the rest will not run cool under the same heatsink. In any case, these are remarkable discounts for something that launched at the end of September, and if you are looking to upgrade your CPU, look no further than this.
