AMD announced the new Ryzen 3000XT models just a few weeks ago – they’re now available.
This new series of Ryzen processors offer slightly improved performance for the same price as the 3000X series.
AMD says a minor update in the process node technology allows for the bump in clock frequencies.
The 3000XT series of processors boost turbo frequency by 100~200MHz, depending on the model.
That amounts to about a 4% increase in performance for the same price. People already using an AMD Ryzen 3000X series processor probably won’t want to upgrade for such a minor performance increase.
For everyone else, the new 3000XT series outpaces the old 3000X series in every way.
AMD Ryzen 3000XT Series Breakdown
- Ryzen 9 3900XT – ($500 MSRP): 12-cores/24-threads, 3.8 GHz base/ 4.7 GHz boost
- Ryzen 7 3800XT – ($400 MSRP): 8-cores/16-threads, 3.9 GHz base/ 4.7 GHz boost
- Ryzen 5 3600XT – ($250 MSRP): 6-cores/12-threads, 3.8 GHz base/ 4.5 GHz boost
The suggested retail price on the 3000XT series is about $30 more than the 3000X.
One interesting thing to note is that the Ryzen 7 3800XT outperforms the Ryzen 9 3900XT in benchmarks. That’s because the Ryzen 7 has a 100MHz base clock advantage.
However, the Ryzen 9 destroys its Ryzen 7 counterpart in multi-core rendering.
For most people, the Ryzen 7 will be more than sufficient to power 4K gaming and streaming. The Ryzen 9 processor is for power users who are rendering 3D models and need the extra boost.
The new Ryzen XT series exists to give enthusiasts an extra boost in performance. They’re at best a refresh of the already successful 3000X series.
Does it outperform Intel?
The short answer to this question is no. A longer explanation is that outside of multi-core rendering, Intel’s 10th-gen processors outperform their AMD equivalent.
This refresh AMD’s processor line-up brings its offering more in line with Intel’s 17-processor 10th generation line-up. With the addition of the 3000XT series, AMD now offers 13 chips in its current-gen.
The modest performance boost in the Ryzen 3000XT series is kind of confusing. AMD admits the 3000X series is staying on the market.
This new chip series is aimed at people who are upgrading their old rigs and those buying an AMD system for the first time.
Ryzen 3000XT Pros:
- Improved single-thread performance over 3000X series
- Supports PCIe 4.0
Ryzen 3000XT Cons:
- Price increase over 3000X series
- Moderate performance boost doesn’t warrant a price increase
- No bundled coolers in Ryzen XT 9 and 7 chips
- Gaming performance boost is modest at best
