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Introduction

The gaming world is constantly evolving, and choosing the best CPU for gaming can make all the difference in your gaming experience. It is critical to have the correct CPU for your gaming PC in order for everything to operate smoothly. When it comes to the top gaming CPUs, there is never a boring moment. This is a highly contested title, and AMD and Intel appear to be competing for it more than ever. The ball is currently in Intel’s court, courtesy to a smart hybrid design and some attractive pricing on its newest Raptor Lake 13th Gen CPUs, but AMD’s Zen 4 is no wimp.

I’m also delighted to say that there are a plethora of excellent low-cost CPUs available right now. And excellent ones. The most expensive is the Core i5 13600K, however there is also the Core i5 12400. AMD also continuously lowering the price of their Ryzen 5000-series CPUs, which is ideal if you currently have an AM4 motherboard and need to upgrade.

A current-generation Intel Core i5 CPU or AMD Ryzen 7 will enough for the great majority of PC gamers. Unless you’re regularly undertaking hardware-intensive chores like streaming and multimedia content production while playing the latest games, “mid-range” CPUs should suffice. Certainly, an i5 or Ryzen 7 will provide excellent value for money. For comparison, the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 is one of the top CPUs for gaming and can outperform an 11th Gen i9.

A high-end processor will also be an option if you want something that can keep up with the greatest graphics cards and RAM for gaming. If you just know one brand of CPU, it’s absolutely worth learning more about the competitors before purchasing your next one. Our best picks are mentioned below.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best CPU for Gaming

Before diving into the specific CPUs, it’s important to consider some key factors that play a vital role in determining the best CPU for your gaming needs:

CPU Cores and Threads

In modern gaming, most titles are designed to take advantage of multi-core processors. Having more cores and threads allows your CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, providing smoother gameplay and improved frame rates. Gamers should opt for CPUs with at least six cores and twelve threads to ensure optimal performance.

Clock Speed

Clock speed, measured in GHz, determines how fast a CPU can execute instructions. A higher clock speed equates to faster processing, resulting in reduced loading times and seamless in-game experiences. Strike a balance between core count and clock speed to find the best CPU for your gaming needs.

Cache Memory

Cache memory acts as a temporary storage buffer for frequently accessed data. A larger cache can lead to faster access times, benefiting gaming performance, especially in open-world games with vast environments.

Overclocking Capability

Overclocking enables users to push their CPU beyond its factory-set limits for increased performance. If you’re an enthusiast seeking maximum power, look for CPUs with unlocked multipliers and excellent overclocking potential.

Compatibility with Graphics Cards

A strong gaming CPU should complement the graphics card seamlessly. Ensuring compatibility between the CPU and GPU is crucial to avoid bottlenecking and unlock the full potential of your gaming setup.

Best Gaming CPU

1. Intel Core i9-13900K

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Fastest Gaming Processor

Multi- Threaded Performances

Super Quick And Responsive

Better Overclocking Headroom

CONS

Needed LGA 1700 Motherboard

Hot, Needs A Powerful cooler

The Core i9 13900K from Intel is extraordinarily brilliant at what it does, which is pretty much everything. Gaming? Of course, it can achieve great frame rates with the most recent GPUs. Multitasking? Yes, it’s that simple. With 24 cores, it’s ideal for a lot of things occurring at once. Creative tasks in high demand? It doesn’t even break a sweat. With the Core i9 13900K, Intel’s hybrid architecture has finally come into its own. Throw it at any issue, and it will most certainly fix it in record speed.

The Intel Core i9-13900K has surpassed AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 7000 families to become the world’s fastest gaming CPU. The 13900K features cutting-edge connectivity with DDR4-3200 or up to DDR5-5600 memory compatibility, as well as 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0 and four lanes of PCIe 4.0 from the CPU for M.2 SSDs. The chip has eight P-cores with hyper-threading functionality and 16 single-threaded E-cores for a total of 24 threads. The P-cores have a base frequency of 3.0 GHz and peak speeds of 5.8 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0. (this feature is only active on P-cores). Meanwhile, the E-cores start at 2.2 GHz and can reach 4.3 GHz using the conventional Turbo Boost 2.0 algorithms.

The 13900K has the same 125W BTP as before, but Intel increased the Maximum Turbo Power (MTP) by 12W, bringing it to 253W. That’s a new height for desktop processors, outstripping Ryzen 7000’s peak 230W rating. The chip also has 36MB of L3 cache and 32MB of L2 cache. This is a powerful CPU at a shockingly low price, and many builders will want one simply because it’s the best of the best—we’re not short of amazing processors right now, and Intel’s Core i9 13900K is at the top of the list.

2. Intel Core i5-13600K

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Better Gaming Performance

Multithreaded Performance

Overclockable (5.6 – 5.7 GHz)

Basically a Core i9

CONS

Runs hotter than Alder Lake predecessor

No bundled cooler

The Intel Core i5 13600K is another powerful mid-range processor from Intel, and you can anticipate a significant increase in core counts even with this more modestly priced Raptor Lake chip. This is the chip most gamers should choose first for their new gaming PC since it is well-tuned to produce great gaming frame rates.

The Core i5-13600K has six threaded P-cores at 3.5 / 5.1 GHz and four E-cores at 2.6 / 3.9 GHz, for a total of 20 threads. This is complemented with 20MB of L3 cache and 24MB of L2 cache. The chip provides 16 lanes of cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 interface and four PCIe 4.0 lanes for a quick M.2 SSD connector. The Core i5-13600cutting-edge K’s connection doesn’t end there: it also supports DDR4 or DDR5 memory. Most gamers will appreciate DDR4’s reduced price and equivalent performance, but if you want higher memory throughput, you can upgrade to the more expensive DDR5.

With Raptor Lake, we’re seeing the greatest gaming chip emerge from the bottom of the stack for the first time. The Core i5 13600K provides great gaming performance in a reasonably priced configuration, offering only a few fps fewer than CPUs that cost twice as much. This is the processor I’d suggest most for a gaming PC built in 2022/23.

3. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Overclocks to 5.7 GHz

DDR5 and PCIe Gen 4.0

Class-leading single- and multi-thread

CONS

Runs hotter than most

DDR5 only and requires AM5 motherboard

The new Ryzen 9 7950X is a development of the Zen 3 architecture, and it is a behemoth of a CPU that runs at the ragged edge of its thermal limits while yet having an incredibly sleek design. Even on the outside—I’ll admit it, I like the new heatspreader aesthetic. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X’s essence is one of raw speed and power. This leading Zen 4 chipset, which was just introduced, lowers the silicon to 5nm and has a 175W base TDP. While this means that the 16-core (32 threads) operates hotter than its predecessor, the performance on display at the high end is undeniably impressive. This AM5-ready model is the greatest option to the 13900K.

The Ryzen 9 7950X includes all of the features we’d expect from a modern processor, such as DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and the most recent USB interface standards. The main attraction here is that this model can be overclocked to 5.7 GHz. AMD has also introduced integrated graphics for the first time for a rudimentary display out, which is useful if you need to debug.The Ryzen 9 7950X’s major advantage over the competition is how quickly it operates right out of the box.

This CPU comes preinstalled with a base rate of 4.5 GHz, which means you won’t have to push it very far to achieve top single-core and multi-core performance. Make no mistake: the best of Zen 4 is really competent, and because the AM5 socket is expected to be around for a long time, upgrading in the future is also an option. The Ryzen 9 7950X is the fastest, hottest, and most power-hungry Zen processor ever, yet it is still the greatest all-around AMD CPU.

4. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Very energy efficient

Strong single- and multi-thread

PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory

CONS

No support for DDR4

DDR5 only and requires AM5 motherboard

Multicore performance lags somewhat

The Ryzen 5 7600X supports all of the newest processing standards, including DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and the most recent USB interface standards. AMD has also introduced integrated graphics for the first time for a rudimentary display out, which is useful if you need to debug. For the optimum performance, AMD’s new Ryzen 7000 series CPUs demand a powerful cooling, therefore go for a mid-frame tower cooler (or comparable). Because the newest Zen CPUs are not backward compatible, you’ll also need a new AM5 motherboard, and DDR5 memory is the sole choice.

Furthermore, the loss of V-Cache has no effect on gaming performance, and gamers seeking to make the switch to AMD’s AM5 platform will find a lot to like about this CPU, especially because its lower price helps offset the expense of a new motherboard and RAM. This variant sticks to the tried and reliable 6-core (12 threads) design while cutting the silicon in half using the 5nm technology.

Well, if you instal an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X with DDR5 RAM in your system, you’ll be able to feel that 4.7 GHz frequency right away. Single-core performance improves with higher clock rates, which won’t be an issue because the greater bandwidth of PCIe 5.0 can be fully utilised.

5. Intel Core i7-13700K

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Single- and Multi-threaded performance

Power efficient and Overclockable

PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory

CONS

 More expensive than Alder Lake

Draws more power than Ryzen

The Intel Core i7-13700K is more than capable of achieving the middle ground that the great majority of PC gamers will seek for. This is due to Raptor Lake’s enhancements, since the newest i7 CPU is 16-core (24 threads) and overclocks to 5.4 GHz. The Intel Core i7 processor may produce excellent software benchmarking results. It has a maximum RAM speed of 6000 MHz and can deliver excellent single and multicore performance.

The 13700K also has cutting-edge connectivity, with DDR4-3200 or up to DDR5-5600 memory compatibility, as well as 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes and four PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU for M.2 SSDs. The 13700K has a base power rating of 125W and a peak power rating of 253W. Nonetheless, we observed far lower power consumption than its predecessor, and in exchange, you receive ultra-competitive performance. For a total of 24 threads, the Core i7-13700K includes eight P-cores (high-performance) and eight E-cores (efficiency). The P-cores have a base/boost speed of 3.4 / 5.4 GHz, while the E-cores have a speed of 2.5 / 4.2 GHz.

Furthermore, the chip is supplied with 30MB of L3 cache and 24MB of L2 cache. This Intel CPU is an updated version of the 12th generation alder lake i7 CPU.  The 13700K is also 18.8% faster than the previous-gen 12700K. This is the greatest mid-to-high-end CPU on the market for PC gaming.

Conclusion

Selecting the best CPU for gaming depends on your specific requirements and budget. Whether you opt for Intel or AMD, both companies offer compelling choices for gamers. For those seeking top-tier performance, the Intel Core i9-13900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X stand out. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Intel Core i5-13600K and AMD Ryzen 5 7600X offer excellent value. Finally, the Intel Core i7-13700K strikes a balance between price and performance, making it an attractive choice for many PC gamers. Consider your needs and preferences when selecting the CPU that will power your ultimate gaming rig.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is a higher core count always better for gaming?

Not necessarily. While many modern games can take advantage of multiple cores, the majority still rely heavily on single-core performance. However, having more cores can future-proof your system and ensure it handles upcoming titles efficiently.

Q2. What is the importance of cache memory in gaming CPUs?

Cache memory allows the CPU to quickly access frequently used data, reducing data retrieval times and enhancing overall gaming performance.

Q3. Can I overclock any CPU for better gaming performance?

Not all CPUs are designed for overclocking. Only CPUs with a “K” or “X” designation from Intel or certain CPUs from AMD’s lineup offer overclocking capabilities.

Q4. Are AMD CPUs better than Intel CPUs for gaming?

Both AMD and Intel offer excellent gaming CPUs. The choice between them often depends on personal preference, budget, and specific use cases.

Q5. Do I need to upgrade my CPU regularly for gaming?

While it’s not necessary to upgrade your CPU very frequently, gaming performance can benefit from occasional upgrades, especially as new, more demanding games are released.