The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X seemed to offer everything a high-end desktop CPU could want on paper. With 12 powerful Zen 2 cores, ample cache, and fast clocks up to 4.6 GHz boost, its 2019 launch was greatly anticipated by PC enthusiasts.
However, as early adopters put the 3900X through its paces, some nagging issues came to light:
Credit: AMD
Below we dig into the seven most commonly cited complaints and explore their root causes. Are they dealbreakers, or can prudent configurations and software tweaks resolve them? Let‘s investigate.
Complaint #1 – High Power Consumption
With a 105W Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating, the Ryzen 9 3900X can consume sizable amounts of electricity when pushed. Because desktop CPUs have no battery constraints, their power usage scales up rapidly with clock speeds, voltage, and workload.
As this Tom‘s Hardware review shows, the 3900X draws up to 142W under full load – 35% over its TDP. While not unexpected given its performance, this gives some prospective buyers pause:
| Power Consumption Under Load | |
|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 3900X | 142W |
| Core i9-9900K | 127W |
Data Source: Tom‘s Hardware
The actual power draw depends on other system components like the motherboard and power supply. Those building an energy-efficient gaming rig may want to factor TDP into their CPU decision.
On the other hand, creators and power users prioritizing performance have plenty of PSU headroom for the 3900X‘s potential peak usage….
Complaint #2 – Pricey X570 Motherboards Required
While AM4 socket boards still work with the 3900X, AMD specifically designed the new X570 chipset to unleash Zen 2‘s full potential. These cutting-edge motherboards deliver next-gen I/O like PCIe 4.0 for blazing fast SSDs.
But they also carry a hefty price premium over older AM4 boards:
| Motherboard | Chipset | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| MSI X570 Tomahawk | X570 | $219 |
| Asus ROG Strix B550-F | B550 | $188 |
| MSI B450 Tomahawk Max | B450 | $114 |
Prices as of Jan 2023
With the 3900X CPU itself running $449 MSRP, some builders are reluctant to sink over $650 just for the processor and motherboard…
The Budget-Friendly Route
While the X570 unlocks maximum performance, B550 or B450 boards still work. Savvy buyers pair the 3900X with a ~$150 Tomahawk Max for solid 1080p gaming around $600 total…
Complaint #3 – Gaming Frame Rates Trail Intel
Gamers eying blistering 1080p framerates may be let down by the 3900X versus rival Intel chips, despite AMD‘s marketing. Independent testing reveals an 8-10% deficit at 1080p:
Credit: Patrick Lindenberg/Unsplash
| 1080p Game FPS | Ryzen 9 3900X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of Tomb Raider | 150 | 165 |
| Far Cry 5 | 121 | 132 |
Data source: TechSpot
While no slouch, competitive esports gamers may want to compare benchmarks before committing for ultra-high frame rate builds. The hex-core Ryzen 5…
Complaint #4 – Average Single-Threaded Speeds
Given its impressive spec sheet, one would expect chart-topping single-thread metrics. However, benchmarks tell a different story:
Credit: Franck V./Unsplash
| Processor | Single-Thread Rating |
|---|---|
| Core i9-10900K | 3,702 |
| Ryzen 9 3950X | 3,041 |
| Ryzen 9 3900X | 2,894 |
Data source: CPU Benchmark
While certainly speedy, the 3900X falls short of its true rival – Intel‘s 10900K desktop flagship. Possible explanations include…
Complaint #5 – No Integrated GPU
Unlike many competing chips, AMD omitted any integrated graphics processor (IGP) from the 3900X silicon. This raises the total platform cost by necessitating a video card.
AMD likely axed the IGP to focus die area on compute resources rather than graphics. Given most gaming rigs already feature discrete GPUs, they deemed it non-essential. But for budget builders or office PCs, having a basic backup graphics option enables lower cost builds.
The recent Ryzen 5600G does pack a GPU, affirming AMD‘s ability to produce APUs. But buyers wanting the 3900X‘s power must still budget for a card.
Complaint #6 – Overheating at High Loads
While idle temperature hovers around 40-50° C for most 3900X chips, heavy sustained workloads drive the number far higher. Without sufficient cooling, the CPU can hit 95-100° C and trigger emergency thermal throttling.
Credit: Matt Howard/Unsplash
Owners pin blame on everything from improperly mounted coolers, failing case fans, undersized radiators to simply extreme overclocks. Regardless of cause, temperatures exceeding 90°+ inevitably impact stability and performance.
Prudent buying advice includes budgeting for a robust aftermarket cooler, factoring in plenty of radiator clearance, and avoiding small, cramped cases with limited airflow.
Complaint #7 – Stability & Compatibility Issues
Any modern CPU is a complex web of billions of transistors, sensitive to manufacturing defects or adverse conditions. So it‘s no surprise a few lemon units slip through even QA testing. Search Reddit or forum threads and you‘ll find accounts of…
Summary – Should You Buy the Ryzen 9 3900X?
The 3900X remains a computational powerhouse ideal for creators and mega-taskers. By understanding the contexts around these complaints, most can be avoided or mitigated. Weigh its pros and cons against your specific performance, budget and feature needs.
For other options, see our guide to the best AM4 processors. Upgrading BIOS and drivers can also help stabilize configurations.
Now let‘s examine tweaks to help this beast achieve its full potential…
