One of the core components of any PC build, finding the right CPU for it is crucial for the best gaming experience. With the power for processing and computing, it works together with the best graphics card to offer an optimal performance and feature set.

With plenty of options on the market, spanning a range of generations and manufacturers, there is certainly some choice to be made. For CPUs, your main choices are either Intel or AMD, and the latter has its range of X3D CPUs that stack the cache, which gives it a boost in gaming, so those are the optimal picks for the job.

Yet there’s still a wide range of scenarios, budgets, and preferences to satisfy. So we’ve picked out and listed a range of options to consider.

How we picked

To pick out the best CPU for gaming, we’ve considered a wide range of factors and options. Looking over our own CPU reviews and processor tests, we have firsthand experience with how good they are in use. We also look across the market to see what is out there and what else might be a good option.

With years of experience, we know what to look out for and what makes a CPU a good choice for gaming. We also keep up-to-date with the latest news, and check over other reviews and more to ensure we can recommend the best options.

Best CPU for gaming

01

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

Hands-on Review

5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

Specifications

• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
• Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
• L3 cache: 96MB
• TDP: 120W
• Platform: AM5

• Shop on Amazon
• Shop on Newegg

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the top contender for the best gaming CPU due to its massive L3 cache enabled by 3D V-Cache technology. This large cache provides a significant performance boost in games by storing frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval.

In our 9800X3D review, the processor delivered a best-in-class performance in all games we tested, completely beating the previous king of gaming, the 7800X3D, and even outperforming flagships like the Core Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 9950X. For example, in CS2, we were constantly getting over 600 FPS at 1080p. For reference, the 7800X3D and 9700X were all the way back in the mid-300s. Even in Cyberpunk 2077, the 9800X3D offered the most framerates at 334 FPS.

Along with that, the 9800X3D can also be overclocked. When we enabled PBO, we saw a good boost in both gaming and productivity benchmarks. Speaking of which, AMD’s architectural changes with the 9800X3D, including using a 4nm process node, have finally given it a good bump in synthetic tests, as the CPU showed good results in single-core benchmarks.

Overall, you can’t deny the numbers, and it is very clear that there is simply no other CPU that can beat the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in gaming. As such, if you want the most framerates, this is a no-brainer choice. Just make sure you pair it with the best motherboard and the best cooler for a smooth experience.

Ryzen 7 9800X3D Blender temperatures graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D CS2 Power graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D Cyberpunk 2077 FPS graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D Blender scores graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D CS2 temperatures graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D Blender power graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D multi core synthetics graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D CS2 FPS graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D synthetics single core graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D Cyberpunk 2077 power graph, Image by PC Guide

Ryzen 7 9800X3D Cyberpunk 2077 temperatures graph, Image by PC Guide

Previous

Next

1 of 12

Previous

Next

Now, if you’re more keen on getting an Intel CPU, then the option we’d recommend is the Core Ultra 265K. Sitting in the middle ground of the Arrow Lake release, it does offer a stronger value to performance out of range. Especially with it offering the cores and threads that are plenty enough for most gamers.

It does come with 20 of both cores and threads, the former of which are split across 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. With a boost clock capable of reaching 5.5GHz, the Intel processor has an L3 cache of 30MB in comparison to AMD’s selection.

It all comes at a TDP of 125W, with a boost potentially reaching 250W. Providing a good option for the LGA 1851 platform, it is a good gaming processor and should come with upgrades down the line, depending on Intel’s plans.

In our review of the processor, it does well in the range of synthetic and gaming tests. In synthetics, it scores 2,036 in Cinebench single-core and 21,730 in multicore benchmarks. With Cyberpunk on low, the game achieved a framerate of 191fps when paired with an RTX 4070 Ti.

Intel Core Ultra 7 265K in Cyberpunk 2077

single-core-test-265K

max-temps-265K-2

cyberpunk-2077-tests-265K

synthetic-multi-core-265K

blender-benchmarks-265K

Previous

Next

1 of 6

Previous

Next

Another option from AMD is the mid-range Ryzen 7 9700X. Cutting down the price but keeping up the specs with its 8 cores and 16 threads. Plus, it has a lower TDP of just 65W on the base level, so it can even cut down on the power requirements of your system, ending up using less power overall.

Those cores do end up running up to a speed of 5.5 GHz with a base clock of 3.8 GHz. As a non-X3D processor, the L3 cache is just 32 MB, but it still offers great performance for it. Particularly if you want it for gaming or other tasks, it does get the job done.

Something we thoroughly tested and found out in the 9700X review. You can see the results of those benchmarks below, so you can get an idea of what it is capable of.

Now, if you want to look for something more on a budget, then the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K is the option for you if you want something from Team Blue. Also made for the LGA 1851 platform, it is an entry-level product for it, in case you want to have something to start with and put money towards other parts.

This comes with just 14 cores and threads, split across six performance and eight efficient ones. Running up boost clocks of up to 5.2 or 4.6 GHz. Along with 24MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 125W, it boosts up to 159W too.

In our review of the processor, it does still provide a strong option in synthetics and gaming. Even outperforming the competition and improving over its older generation. So it’s still a viable option even for the price it goes for.

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K single core synthetics, Image by PC Guide

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K multi core synthetics, Image by PC Guide

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K Blender, Image by PC Guide

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K Cyberpunk 2077, Image by PC Guide

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K average package power, Image by PC Guide

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K temperatures, Image by PC Guide

Previous

Next

1 of 6

Previous

Next

From AMD’s side of things, if you want to jump onto AM5 for a lower price, the Ryzen 5 9600X is the way to go. A popular option that is regularly on sale under $200, with an MSRP of under $280, it has a lot to offer for the value, and getting onto the platform for the future.

Its specs feature 6 cores and 12 threads, with it being able to boost up to 5.4GHz and a base clock of just 3.9GHz. As for the L3 cache, this processor comes with 32MB instead and has a power draw of 65W. Although a later BIOS does increase this if you want performance rather than efficiency.

The 9600X review still shows it to be an effective option that comes with improvements over the 7600X. Still faster and more efficient, it is a great budget pick for AMD.

How to pick the best CPU for games

Here are a few factors you should consider before making a final purchase.

Price

When buying a CPU for your desktop PC, you should consider the asking price and the performance offered. Typically speaking, if you’re someone who wants to push games to their limit, then a Core Ultra 7 / Ryzen 7 would be a smarter choice than the weaker alternatives.

Or if you want the absolute no-limits selection, the flagships are there for the taking. As the Core Ultra 9 or Ryzen 9 processors have everything the platforms have to offer at quite a cost, though.

Clock speeds

Clock speeds are also important, so if you want to overclock, shop for processors pushing the 5.0 GHz rate. What’s more, TDP is an essential consideration as well, as Intel currently goes up to 125W, and AMD’s upcoming line will have a power draw of up to 170W base TDP.

Socket type and motherboards

Then there’s the socket type and corresponding motherboards. With a couple of generations and socket changes, there are many to choose from. But the latest ones are LGA 1851 for Intel and LGA 1718/AM5 for AMD, so those are the ones you want to be looking for.

These also limit your compatibility with what processors can be used in each, so be sure to check what combination you want to consider. The motherboards vary too, with different chipsets bringing various speeds, features, and more, so those have to be considered too. Such as on AM5, the variance of tiers from X870E down to B850 offers differences that can influence your decision.

What is the best CPU for gaming?

Both Intel and AMD offer great processors for gaming. Typically, Intel CPUs are the better choice if you want a processor that can handle intense gaming alongside creative work. On the other hand, AMD is known to be perfect for gamers. They are powerful processors that can handle most of your gaming needs.

Particularly, the X3D range of CPUs has given AMD a huge advantage in gaming. Giving them the ability to work more effectively and achieve higher framerates for their cost, they are the go-to option these days.

Is Ryzen 7 overkill for gaming?

No, the Ryzen 7 is not overkill for gaming. These days, with the harder-to-run games and multitasking you might want to do on your PC, a Ryzen 7 is, in fact, the preferred option most of the time. Offering up more cores and threads, but without being the flagship, Ryzen 7s are a great middle ground to go for between work and games.

Is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D good for gaming?

Yes, the 9800X3D is an excellent option for gaming and the top choice for us in the list. Combining great value for the stacked 3D cache, it excels in tasks and goes beyond what the processor can do. It makes it the top option with the value it provides for gaming.

What is the fastest CPU for gaming?

Beyond the 9800X3D, AMD has even more processors in the stack. There is, in fact, the 9950X3D, which offers up the stacked cache but with the base specs of the flagship Ryzen 9. That gives you no-compromise gaming with the whole power of the Zen 5 generation.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware, news, and deals. He is also a tester and reviewer for the site. Contact him @ [email protected]