Which is better for gaming?

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Its 96 MB 3D V-Cache and 5.2 GHz boost give it a large frame-rate lead over the 9700K in most titles.

Can I use the 9800X3D in my old LGA 1151 board?

No. The 9800X3D needs an AM5 socket and DDR5 memory. The 9700K needs an LGA 1151 board and DDR4.

Is the 9700K still worth buying?

Only as a cheap upgrade for a PC that already has an LGA 1151 board. For a new build, its 8 threads and DDR4 hold it back.

The 9700K has a lower 95 W TDP versus 120 W for the 9800X3D, but the 9800X3D is easier to cool than earlier X3D chips because the cache sits under the cores.

Do both have integrated graphics?

Yes. Both output video without a discrete GPU, but neither is meant for gaming on integrated graphics.

Is the 9800X3D worth the extra money?

For a new gaming PC, yes. The 9700K is only cheaper if you already own the motherboard and RAM.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Intel Core i7-9700K

For a new gaming build, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the clear pick: Zen 5, 16 threads, 96 MB of L3 cache and DDR5 support put it far ahead of the 2018-era i7-9700K. The 9700K only makes sense if you already own an LGA 1151 board and DDR4 and want a cheap drop-in upgrade. On price, the 9800X3D has been $434.99 to $444.00 in early November 2026; no price was given for the 9700K, which typically sells used for well under $150.

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