The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D has finally arrived, promising exceptional efficiency and high performance. This processor appears to be an ideal choice for a small form factor build, but the challenge lies in managing cooling and gaming performance within a compact 18-liter case. The anticipation surrounding the capabilities of this chip is high, and it warrants a closer look at the components, assembly process, and subsequent performance evaluation.

Parts

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is widely considered one of the best gaming CPUs available. This is largely due to its cores being accelerated with 3D V-Cache, which enhances performance in single-threaded applications such as gaming. Priced at $450, the 7800X3D features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock of up to 5GHz. Renowned for its efficiency, this CPU consistently dominates performance charts while consuming less power, making it both powerful and easier to cool.

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

 7800X3D also requires a new AM5 motherboard. I am going to use the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I. This has plenty of USB ports, including a couple of type c ports, one of which has DisplayPort Alt mode, if you were ever to need it. WiFi 6E, a Bios Flash Back button, which can be used to update the bios without having a CPU, RAM or GPU installed.

The motherboard also includes two M.2 slots and large VRM heatsinks, enhancing both performance and cooling. Its aesthetic appeal is noteworthy, making it an attractive option for builders.

Storage: Generation 4 Samsung 980 Pro

The motherboard supports next-generation PCIe 5.0 M.2 drives, although these are not yet widely available. For now, the plan is to use a Gen 4 Samsung 980 Pro. Currently, there are no significant benefits of using a Gen 5 drive over a Gen 4 drive for gaming. A 1TB drive provides ample storage, with the option to utilize the second slot for additional storage in the future.

Case: Cooler Master NR200P Max

The case selected is the Cooler Master NR200P Max, which is an enhanced version of the standard NR200P. This kit includes a 280mm liquid cooler, ensuring effective cooling for the CPU, a Gen 4 GPU riser cable, and an 850W 80 Plus Gold-rated SFX power supply with pre-routed cables. These features simplify the building process and provide sufficient space for a large graphics card, making it an excellent choice for the build.

RAM: Corsair Dominators DDR5-5600 CL36

Next, it’s time to install the RAM, which for this build will be DDR5 memory. The chosen option is 32GB of Corsair Dominators DDR5-5600 CL36 memory. Although not the fastest available, as AMD has indicated that DDR5-6000 is the optimal speed for the 7000 series CPUs, this memory should still perform excellently for the build.

(AMD Confirms DDR5-6000 RAM Is The Sweet Spot For Ryzen 7000 CPUs | Tom’s Hardware (tomshardware.com))

GPU: RTX 4080 Founders Edition

The GPU used for this build is the RTX 4080 Founders edition. The 4080 is fairly easy to come by these days, I picked mine up from Best Buy and its a seriously impressive GPU. Its on par with the 7900 XTX in most games with only the 4090 beating it out in performance. The 4080 is quite pricey though and not everyone will want to spend this much on a GPU, Still it should make a good match paired with the 7800X3D.

Performance Review

Examining gaming benchmarks reveals impressive performance for this machine, delivering high frame rates in 1080p, 1440p, and 4K across all tested titles on high settings. The system performs exceptionally well at any resolution, maintaining high refresh rates even in 4K cinematic titles. For instance, “Hogwarts Legacy” runs at native 4K (without DLSS or frame generation) at around 90-100 frames per second on ultra settings. With ray tracing and DLSS set to quality, it still achieves a smooth 60-70 frames per second.

In “Apex Legends” at 1440p high settings, performance peaks between 200-300 frames per second, making it suitable for high refresh rate 1440p monitors up to 360Hz. For competitive games like “Overwatch 2” or “Valorant,” paired with a high-refresh-rate monitor such as the Alienware 500Hz 1080p, this setup excels. Although a less expensive GPU might suffice for these titles, the 7800X3D ensures optimal performance.

GPU thermals were tested using the Heaven benchmark for over an hour, averaging 60 degrees Celsius with minimal fan noise, even when the system was placed just a foot away on the desk. In a worst-case scenario, during a multi-core test in Cinebench R23, the NR200P’s AIO effectively maintained the 7800X3D at reasonable temperatures, rarely exceeding 70 degrees Celsius. While gaming, both CPU and GPU temperatures ranged between 50-60 degrees Celsius, which is excellent for a small form factor system. Future plans might include adding slim fans to further reduce temperatures, but the current performance is already satisfactory.

Overall, the performance is outstanding. The 7800X3D is a strong contender for those with a top-tier graphics card or planning to acquire one. It requires an AM5 motherboard and more expensive DDR5 RAM, and is more gaming-oriented. For productivity tasks, a standard X chip might be more suitable. It’s worth noting that most recent CPUs offer excellent performance. For instance, a system built with an i5-13600K in the NZXT H1 last week also performed admirably and cost $100 less, with the total build around $1,800 compared to this system’s $2,750.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

1. Lower the CPU into the socket, ensuring the arrow on the top right aligns with the socket arrow. Once it’s in place, lower the latch to secure it.

2. Install the SSD drive. Screw in to secure.

3. Install the RAM by aligning the module’s notch with the slot and applying even pressure until you hear a click. 

4. Remove the bottom case panel. This is done by unscrewing a single screw and popping off the panel. 

5. Remove the GPU bracket by unscrewing the four screws and setting it aside.

6. Install the motherboard. 

7. Align the motherboard with the four standoffs in the case and secure it using the screws included with the case. 

8. Undo the Velcro straps holding the power and case cables together. Separate the USB 3.0 and front panel connectors and connect them to the right side of the motherboard. Connect the HD audio connector to the bottom left of the motherboard. 

9. Plug in the 8-pin CPU power connector at the top left and the 24-pin motherboard connector on the right. If the SATA power cable is not needed, unplug it from the power supply and set it aside.

10. Install the CPU cooler by first installing the AM5 brackets. Align the brackets with the two holes on the cooler and screw them in. 

11. Remove the plastic protection from the cooler, then apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU. 

12. Align the CPU cooler clips with the mounting clips on the motherboard and tighten the two thumbscrews to secure the cooler. Connect the 3-pin pump cable and the 4-pin CPU fan connector, feeding them through from the back of the case to the CPU fan header.

13. Manage the cables to make room for the GPU, setting aside three 8-pin connectors and tying down the remaining cables for better organization. 

14. Install the GPU by removing the slot covers from the GPU bracket, sliding the bracket onto the graphics card, and securing it with two screws. 

15. Plug in the power adapter before securing the GPU mount back to the case. Connect the three 8-pin power connectors to the adapter and then to the graphics card.

16. Line up the graphics card and re-secure the panel using the screws removed earlier. 

17. Open the clip on the motherboard and push the riser cable in until it locks. Align the other end of the riser cable with the graphics card and push until it locks.

18. Secure all panels and ensure all components and cables are properly connected. 

That’s the build complete!