The Ryzen 9 3900X is AMD’s third-generation processor that has been making the headlines since its release. This CPU features 12 cores and 24 threads, which help it perform basic to high-demanding tasks. You can use the processor for gaming, video editing, web browsing, and more without significant issues. However, many users have reported several complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X on online forums, asking fellow members to help them resolve the problems.
Some most notable complaints about this process are high power consumption, overheating, instability, unavailability of integrated graphics, average single-core performance, and a few more. Although these issues aren’t reported frequently, they exist, and AMD should address them in future processors.
The latest AMD processors, such as the Ryzen 9 7950X, have addressed most of these issues. However, if you still want to buy the Ryzen 9 3900X, you must learn about its usage, power requirements, and more. So, let’s look at some most common complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X to make the right processor choice. After all, it provides the base of a computer’s performance!
Complaint 1: High Power Consumption
High power consumption is among the most commonly reported complaints about the Ryzen 3900X. The processor typically consumes average power, but when you run high-performing programs, it uses a lot of electricity. It has 105 watts of thermal design power (TDP), meaning it can draw this wattage under normal operating conditions. Your high energy bill will speak for this shortcoming on its own!
However, the actual power consumption of the Ryzen 9 3900X varies with the workload, motherboard, cooling solution, and the system’s power settings. This can be a concern if you want to build an energy-efficient gaming setup.
So, users must first ensure a robust power system before buying the Ryzen 9 3900X. It is also recommended to invest in a high-quality cooling solution capable of dissipating heat to prevent the processor from consuming high power.
Complaint 2: Requires Expensive Motherboards
The motherboard sets the foundation of a computer’s build. No matter what CPU you buy, whether it’s Intel or AMD Ryzen, it won’t come with a motherboard in the box. Instead, the motherboard comes separately. The same is the case with AMD Ryzen 9 3900X. You must buy a compatible motherboard for this CPU — the one it can handle the best.
However, since you will have to buy a motherboard with every CPU, how is this a complaint about the Ryzen 3900X? Well, the thing is, this AMD CPU is compatible with X570, B550, B450, and X470 motherboards. All these options are pretty expensive, especially the X570 one that’s specifically designed for PCIe 4.0 support.
It’s worth noting that all AMD Ryzen CPUs have a Zen architecture, which is only compatible with the AM4 socket. The CPU itself is very heavy on the pocket, and buying an even more expensive motherboard can only remain a dream for many users.
Complaint 3: Gaming Performance Is Not as Impressive as Intel CPUs
Intel Core CPUs are undoubtedly the most high-performing out there. They show low latency to process high volumes of data for smooth gameplay. While AMD’s CPUs are proving to be tough competition regarding gaming performance, it’s not enough to beat their counterparts. That’s another most notable complaint about the Ryzen 9 3900X.
Many users have reported that the Ryzen 9 3900X’s gaming performance is not as excellent as Intel’s Coffee Lake. In fact, this Ryzen CPU isn’t considered purely for gaming, with the R5 3600 being a better investment.
Compared to the Intel i9-9900K, the Ryzen 9 3900X showed 8 to 10% slower performance at 1080p. So, if you plan to enjoy high-end gaming with your Ryzen 9 3900X, consider other options like Ryzen 9 7950X or any Intel CPU.
- 16 Cores, 32 processing threads
- 5.7GHz unlocked overclocking
- DDR5-5200 support
- PCIe 5.0 support (select motherboards)
- Uses AMD's Zen 4 architecture
Complaint 4: Average Single-Core Performance
Ryzen 9 3900X has 12 cores, meaning it can handle large data threads and transfer the data more efficiently. It also ensures a high clock speed. However, the reality can be pretty disappointing. There have been many complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X for its single-core performance.
Compared to other CPUs like that of Intel i9-9900K, you will find the single-core performance of the Ryzen 9 3900X a bit behind. This leads to high latency in some instances, which affects the overall experience with this CPU. While there has been debate about this issue’s reason, the culprit is believed to be the “low clock speeds.”
The clock speed calculates the cycles a CPU completes per second, which ultimately measures its speed. Some other reasons for poor single-core performance are overheating of the CPU, too many background apps opened at once, outdated or faulty hardware, or any malware in the computer or CPU.
Complaint 5: It Doesn’t Come With Integrated Graphics
The lack of integrated graphics complaint about the Ryzen 9 3900X is more like a concern for gamers. While the processor is high-performing, the unavailability of graphics is a major bummer. Yes, you can use a graphics card, but why does this processor not have integrated graphics?
That’s because the Ryzen 9 3900X is designed primarily for high-performance computing tasks, such as gaming, video editing, and other applications that require a separate graphics card. Many users who buy this processor usually have separate graphics cards they plan to use.
From AMD’s point of view, including integrated graphics might have made the processor more complex and increased its manufacturing cost. Unfortunately, it won’t improve the CPU’s performance, so this feature wasn’t necessary. Regardless, integrated graphics would have been a good thing.
Complaint 6: Overheating
The average temperature of the Ryzen 9 3900X processor usually remains between 80-85°C. For heavy loads, it’s better to keep its temperature below 75°C. This processor doesn’t usually overheat when used in normal operating conditions, such as a good cooling system. Yet, overheating is one of the leading complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X.
The processor primarily overheats when it’s not cooled sufficiently or the thermal paste is not applied correctly. It could also be due to poor ventilation or the lousy performance of the fans. Another reason can be frequent overclocking. Yes, it increases the Ryzen 9 3900X’s performance, but it can also produce more heat.
Some users can also be unlucky to have received a defective processor that overheats even under ideal conditions. Ensuring an efficient cooling and ventilation system usually solves the overheating issue. Also, track your Ryzen 9 3900X’s temperature through AMD Ryzen Master or third-party applications like HWMonitor or Core Temp. It shouldn’t exceed the recommended threshold, or the processor will overheat. With that, don’t overclock the processor beyond the limit.
Complaint 7: Not Very Stable
The Ryzen 9 3900X processor is generally stable under ideal operating conditions, such as a proper cooling system, sufficient overclock limit, and compatible hardware and software. However, like any CPU, the Ryzen 9 3900X can show glitches or become unstable if you go against these conditions.
Many users have reported instability as one of the top complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X. The processor can become unstable for multiple reasons, including using incompatible hardware (motherboard or RAM) or wrongly configured BIOS settings. Exceeding overclocking limits on a weak cooling system can also lead to the CPU’s instability.
Whatever the reason, instability is a concern among users, which affects the overall reputation of the Ryzen 9 3900X. Only a handful of people have reported them, but they are still there, waiting to be resolved.
Should We Consider Complaints About the Ryzen 9 3900X When Buying a Processor?
- Supports ECC memory
- Best at complex tasks
- Ultra-fast 100 plus FPS performance
- Comes with 12 Cores and 24 processing threads
Choosing the suitable CPU processor for your computer is essential, considering the diverse range of options available in the market. The above 7 complaints about the Ryzen 3900X may have made it more challenging. However, for your ease, we have narrowed down some critical factors to help you decide if the Ryzen 9 3900X is your ideal pick:
Does It Fulfill Your Needs?
When purchasing a processor, consider what you will use it for. If you want to do gaming, video editing, or other high-demanding tasks, you will need a more powerful processor than if you plan to perform basic tasks like web browsing. Fortunately, the Ryzen 9 3900X is designed for basic to demanding jobs, so it will fulfill all your needs.
Does It Possess Impressive Specifications?
A processor’s two most important features are high clock speeds and multiple cores. Clock speed measures the ability of a processor to execute instructions, while cores determine the number of tasks it can handle at once. The Ryzen 9 3900X has an impressive 3.8 GHz base clock and 4.6 GHz maximum boost clock. It also has 12 CPU cores and 24 threads.
Is It Compatible With Your Processor?
Ensure your chosen processor is compatible with your current motherboard and hardware components. Not all processors work with every motherboard, so always check it before purchasing. However, if you can afford to buy a new motherboard regardless of its price, ignore the complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X and buy it.
What Is Its Power Consumption?
Some CPUs consume more power than others, leading to higher electricity bills. So if you plan to build an efficient gaming setup, check how much power it consumes before investing your money. Unfortunately, the Ryzen 9 3900X uses more electricity than many processors.
Does It Have Positive Reviews?
Always read reviews about the processor online before buying one. Also, check out experts’ opinions to get an idea of the performance and reliability of the processor. Despite the above complaints about the Ryzen 9 3900X, the CPU has positive customer reviews on Amazon and other platforms.
Wrap Up
The Ryzen 9 3900X is a high-end processor with an impressive clock speed and overall performance. People have appreciated many of the processor features since its release, while a few have complained about shortcomings.
We have discussed the biggest complaints about the Ryzen 3900X, including overheating, instability, unavailability of integrated graphics, average single-core performance, high power consumption, and poor gaming performance compared to Intel processors. Considering these issues when buying a CPU is essential, but most are easily fixable.
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core, 24-thread unlocked desktop processor
- Supports ECC memory
- Best at complex tasks
- Ultra-fast 100 plus FPS performance
- Comes with 12 Cores and 24 processing threads
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
- 16 Cores, 32 processing threads
- 5.7GHz unlocked overclocking
- DDR5-5200 support
- PCIe 5.0 support (select motherboards)
- Uses AMD's Zen 4 architecture
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