If you're a gamer, you know that your computer specs can have a not-insignificant impact on the quality of your experience. It's definitely worth investing in a PC that will give you a significant advantage over your opponents. Today, we're going to talk about the best gaming processors to upgrade your gaming experience. Check out our other posts for the best RAM, graphics cards, and storage solutions to buy. Let's get started!
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The Best Processors for Gaming
At a Glance:
1. Best Overall: Intel Core i5 12400
Alternative: AMD Ryzen 5 5600
2. Max Performance: Intel Core i9 13900K
Alternative: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
3. Midrange: Intel Core i5 13600K
Alternative: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
4. Budget Option: Intel Core i3 12100 or i3 12100F
1. Best Overall: Intel Core i5 12400
View Today's Pricing
Specifications:
Architecture: Adler Lake Socket: LGA 1700 Cores/Threads: 6(6P + 0E) / 12 Base Frequency: 4.4GHz Top Boost Frequency: 2.5 TDP: 65W
Pros:
+ Excellent Gaming Performance
+ Competitive Pricing
+ PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 Memory
+ Overclocking Support
+ Strong single and multi-threading
Cons:
- Requires LGA1700 Motherboard
If you're looking for the best CPU for gaming, the mid-range 6-core, 12-thread Alder Lake Core i5-12400 is the one for you. With the right tuning, it's even faster in gaming than the previous generation's $549 Core i9-11900K flagship, not to mention faster in gaming than the $230 Ryzen 5 5600X.
The chip supports Hyper-Threading and features 6 P cores running at a base speed of 2.5GHz and a boost speed of 4.4GHz. The 12400 supports state-of-the-art connectivity supporting DDR4-3200 or up to DDR5-4800 memory and supports 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes plus an additional 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the chip for M.2 SSDs.
Our tests show the Core i5-12400 delivers solid performance in all types of thread productivity applications, with its fast single-thread performance outperforming even the fastest Ryzen 5000 processors. . What's more, the Core i5-12400 offers incredible gaming performance yet costs significantly less than comparable AMD processors, setting a new benchmark for budget gaming chips. The Core i5-12400 comes with a powerful cooler capable of handling 65W/117W base/peak power, but it also requires a newer 600 series motherboard. Most gamers will enjoy similar performance to the lower price of DDR4 but can upgrade to the more expensive DDR5 if they need access to more memory throughput. Luckily, Intel's partners now have B-series and H-series motherboards available, and a B660 motherboard paired with a Core i5-12400 CPU makes for the ultimate gaming combo.
1. (Alternative) AMD RYZEN 5 5600
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Specifications:
Architecture: Zen 3 Socket: AM4 Cores/Threads: 6 / 12 Base Frequency: 3.7GHz Top Boost Frequency: 4.6GHz TDP: 65W
Pros:
+ Solid gaming and workstation performance
+ Great upgrade from Ryzen 1000 series
+ Bundled Cooler
+ Overclock support
+ Broad motherboard options with 300-series boards
Cons:
- Poor value over Intel chips
- No integrated graphics
- 5500 only supports PCIe 3.0
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 delivers excellent performance for both gaming and application workloads, bringing a new level of value to the Zen 3 lineup and taking the top spot as the best overall AMD CPU for gaming. bottom. The Ryzen 5 5600 is a great budget alternative to Alder Lake for new builds and is an absolute bargain if you're upgrading a 1st gen Ryzen system. It favors Intel Alder Lake processors that do.
The 5600 replaces the longtime favorite, the Ryzen 5 5600X. The 5600X is #1 ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600 for gaming and multi-threaded PC work but retains a fourth advantage for single-threaded work. However, while the actual difference between the two chips will be largely unnoticeable by the majority of users, the Ryzen 5 5600X costs $35 more which is totally unacceptable given the slight difference. Think of it as a killer.
We find the 6-core and 12-thread Ryzen 5 5600 for $184. This is a significant discount due to competitive pressure from Intel. In fact, our tests show that the Ryzen 5 5600 generally matches the gaming performance of its more expensive sibling, the Ryzen 7 5800X at around $325. This makes the 5600 a very well-balanced chip capable of handling all types of games, from competitive performance with high refresh rate monitors to streaming, providing plenty of power for everyday application workloads. Like all AMD CPUs for gaming, the CPU can be fully overclocked.
The Ryzen 5 5600 has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz, but with proper cooling and motherboards, we can expect a higher boost in the short term. The chip also has a TDP rating of 65W, which is pretty cool and quiet considering its capabilities. Existing AMD owners with 500 series motherboards will breathe a sigh of relief as the 5600X will be a direct fit to their existing 500, 400, and 300 series motherboards. If you need a new motherboard to support your chip, AMD's AM4 motherboards are plentiful and relatively affordable, with the B-series line offering the best overall value in this chip class.
2. Max Performance: Intel Core i9 13900K
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Specifications:
Architecture: Adler Lake Socket: LGA 1700 Cores/Threads: 16(8P+16E)/32 Base Frequency: 3.0GHz Top Boost Frequency: 5.8GHz TDP: 125W
Pros:
+ Fastest gaming processor on the market
+ Huge headroom for overclocking
+ DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
+ Best single-thread performance
+ Great multi-thread performance
+ Value options available
Cons:
- No cooler included
- LGA1700 motherboard required
- Requires high-performance cooler to get max benefits
- Power usage
The Intel Core i9-13900K has snatched the title of the world's fastest gaming processor from AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 7000 families. It outperforms AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X for the most threaded gaming testing and content creation tasks and is also an exceptional value for high-end game streaming. It is also the undisputed leader in x86 single-threaded performance. With Intel's generous injection of more cores, AMD's Ryzen topped the list in core count for the first time since its 2017 debut.
The 13900K also supports state-of-the-art connectivity supporting DDR4-3200 or up to DDR5-5600 memory and also supports 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes and his additional 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the chip for M.2 SSDs. To do.
The chip features 8 P-cores with hyper-threading support and 16 single-threaded E-cores for a total of 24 threads. The P-Core has a base of 3.0 GHz and peak frequency reaches a staggering 5.8 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0 (this feature is only available on P-Core). The E-core will be based at 2.2 GHz and extend up to 4.3 GHz via the standard Turbo Boost 2.0 algorithm. The chip also features 36MB of L3 cache and 32MB of L2 cache.
This 13900K is rated at 125W PBP (base) and 253W MTP (peak), but we noticed it consumes significantly less power than its predecessor. In return, we get industry-leading performance. increase. You should buy a competent cooler for your chips. You'll also need a newer 700 series motherboard or a previous generation 600 series motherboard. You can find a wide range of high-end motherboards that support DDR5 memory. We also only find low- and mid-range DDR4 motherboards, but there is a wide range available. Most gamers will enjoy performance on par with the lower price of DDR4, but if they need access to more memory throughput, the more expensive they can upgrade to DDR5.
2. (Alternative) Max Performance: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
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Specifications:
Architecture: Zen 4 Socket: AM5 Cores/Threads: 16/32 Base Frequency: 4.5GHz
Top Boost Frequency: 5.7GHz TDP: 170W
Pros:
+ Class-leading single and multi-thread
+ Higher boost frequencies
+ Decent price-per-core
+ Overclock supported
+ DDR5 and PCIe 4.0
+ iGPU
Cons:
- Heavy cooling requirements
- No cooler included
- DDR5 only
- AM5 motherboard
AMD's 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen 9 7950X has lowered the entry bar by extending its predecessor's mission of bringing HEDT-class performance to mainstream motherboards. The 7950X is priced at $699 at launch, which is actually $100 less than the introductory price of the previous generation model.
The Ryzen 9 7950X reigns as the overall performance champion for mainstream PCs, delivering unprecedented levels of performance on mainstream platforms. The 7950X combines the Zen 4 architecture with the 5nm TSMC process to deliver a significant performance boost over its predecessor. The chip performs well enough, beating Intel's vaunted Core i9-12900K by 5% in games and offering 44% more performance in threaded workloads. The Zen 4 architecture also bridges the gap with Alder Lake in single-threaded applications.
The Ryzen 9 7950X offers all the conveniences you'd expect from a modern processor, including support for DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and the latest USB connectivity standards. AMD is also the first to add integrated graphics to basic displays. This is a plus if you need to troubleshoot.
AMD's new Ryzen 7000 series chips require bulky coolers, so plan for AIOs from 240mm to 280mm or more for the best performance. Also, the latest Zen processors are not backward compatible and DDR5 memory is the only option, so a new AM5 motherboard would be required.
3. Midrange: Intel Core i5 13600K
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Specifications:
Architecture: Adler Lake Socket: LGA 1700 Cores/Threads: 10(6P+8E) / 20
Base Frequency: 3.5GHz Top Boost Frequency: 5.1GHz TDP: 125W
Pros:
+ Fantastic gaming performance
+ Competitive Pricing
+ PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
+ Overclockable (5.6-5.7GHz)
+ Better gaming performance than Ryzen competition
Cons:
- No cooler included
- More power consumption than predecessors
In-depth testing shows that the Core i5-12600K offers the best gaming performance in its price range, beating out AMD's entire Ryzen 7000 lineup. Combined with its fast single-threaded performance, this is one of the best CPUs for gaming.
The Core i5-13600K is a standout gaming chip. Intel has bumped the price up by $30 over its predecessor, but the stock 13600K beats AMD's entire Ryzen 7000 series at 1080p, and even the $699 model has a small margin. , the Core i5-13600K is pushed to the same level as the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. That's an impressive feat of within 5% of the Core i9-13900K.
The Core i5-13600K has 6 threaded P cores running at 3.5/5.1 GHz and 4 E cores running at 2.6/3.9 GHz for a total of 20 threads. There is also 20MB of L3 cache and 24MB of L2 cache.
The chip supports 16 lanes of the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 interface and an additional 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed M.2 SSD ports. But state-of-the-art connectivity doesn't stop there.
The Core i5-13600K also supports DDR4 or DDR5 memory. Most gamers will enjoy similar performance to the lower price of DDR4 but can upgrade to the more expensive DDR5 if they need access to more memory throughput.
Although the 13600K has a maximum power rating of 181W, the chip consumes significantly less power than its predecessor and offers much better performance when gaming. Low power consumption means the chip works well with a wide variety of standard air and water coolers, but you should make sure your model supports the LGA 1700 socket. I have. Plus, this is a new peak in power consumption for Core i5 models, so you'll need a more robust cooler than those used in this range.
Speaking of which, you also need a newer 700-series or previous-generation 600-series motherboard for your processor. You'll find a wide range of high-end models that support DDR5 memory. There are fewer low-end and mid-range DDR4 motherboards for him, but there are still plenty of options.
3. (Alternate) Ryzen 5 7600X
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Specifications:
Architecture: Zen 4 Socket: AM5 Cores/Threads: 6/12 Base Frequency: 4.7GHz
Top Boost Frequency: 5.3GHz TDP: 105W
Pros:
+ Fantastic gaming performance
+ Solid single and multi-threading
+ PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
+ Overclockable
+iGPU
Cons:
- No cooler included
- Requires AM5 motherboard
- DDR5 only
- Pricing
AMD's 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 7600X offers solid performance but falls short of similarly priced Intel competitors.
The 7950X combines the Zen 4 architecture with the 5nm TSMC process to deliver a significant performance boost over its predecessor. The Ryzen 5 7600X offers essentially the same gaming performance as the fastest 'standard' AMD gaming chip on the market today, the 7950X, but at less than half the cost. This makes for a very good gaming chip.
The Ryzen 5 7600X supports all the standards you'd expect from a modern processor, including DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and the latest USB connectivity standards. AMD is also the first to add integrated graphics to basic displays. This is a plus if you need to troubleshoot.
AMD's new Ryzen 7000 series chips require a high-performance cooler, so plan for a midframe tower cooler (or equivalent) for the best performance. Also, modern Zen processors are not backward compatible and DDR5 memory is the only option, so a new AM5 motherboard would be required.
AMD's 600 series motherboards offer the latest connectivity options like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, along with other extras like USB4. Additionally, the Ryzen chips also feature iGPUs that are more than enough for simple displays, which is a significant step forward.
4. Budget Option: Intel Core i3 12100
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Specifications:
Architecture: Adler Lake Socket: LGA 1700 Cores/Threads: 4(4P+0E) / 8
Base Frequency: 3.3GHz Total Boost Frequency: 4.3GHz TDP: 60W
Pros:
+ Fantastic price/performance combination
+ Leading gaming and single-thread performance at price point
+ Cooler included
+ DDR4 and DDR5 support
+ PCIe 5.0
+ Low power consumption
+ Overclocking support
Cons:
- Only supports Turbo Boost 2.0
- Core frequency not overclockable
Like the rest of the Alder Lake family, the Core i3-12100 is priced at a bargain. The chip is also available as the F-series Core i3-12100F, with Intel shipping it with the integrated graphics disabled for $25 less than the full-featured model. In fact, the Core i3-12100 easily tops our CPU benchmark tier in the $105-$130 price range. AMD doesn't have a clear current-generation competitor, and it performs well at its price point. Overall, in our tests, the quad-core i3-12100's strong combination of price, performance, and upgraded stock cooler dominated the $100-$130 price range, beating out more expensive competitors. This indicates that the Core i3-12100 currently reigns as the fastest budget gaming CPU on the market, and it's also very impressive for lightly threaded apps.
None of the AMD chips can match the 12100 for single-threaded work, so you'll have to look to the other Alder Lake chips to find faster performance. The Core i3-12100 is also excellent for threaded productivity workloads at its price.
The Core i3-12100 is rated at 60W PBP (base) and 89W MTP (peak). The chip runs at 3.3 GHz and increases up to 4.3 GHz. It also comes with 12MB of L3 cache. Intel's Alder Lake will fit 600-series socket 1700 motherboards, including the Z690, H670, B660, and H610. The Core i3-12100 is a locked chip and cannot be overclocked. However, Intel does support memory overclocking on Z690, B660, and H670 motherboards (although Z690 makes no sense for this chip class).
The Core i3-12100 has no similarly priced competitor from AMD to compete with. However, despite the complete absence of contention, it still gives the table a significant improvement in inter-generational performance. In fact, our 1080p gaming benchmark shows that the Core i3-12100 offers 88% of the performance of the Core i5-12400, but costs 56% less. This is a compelling combination of price and performance.
Conclusion:
We hope you enjoyed our blog on the best processors to upgrade your gaming experience. We know that when you are looking to upgrade your gaming PC, you want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck. We have compiled a list of some great choices that we hope will help you find the perfect gaming PC. Thank you for reading, we hope you find our post helpful!
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