Typically, the largest core counts and clock rates are displayed by the best CPU for gaming. There are some fantastic solutions in the list below that will help you get through even the most challenging games, regardless of whether you like Intel or AMD or are still unsure. It’s important to note that there are now several excellent mid-tier best CPU for gaming solutions that you should also take into account.
A current-generation Intel Core i5 CPU or AMD Ryzen 7 has more than enough processing power to keep up with today’s games, so for the great majority of PC gamers, you’re going to be in excellent hands. Having said that, you should set your sights a little higher if you want to diversify into things like multimedia creation and other hardware-intensive jobs. Value for money is obviously the most important factor, so the best CPU for gaming ultimately depend on what you want to accomplish with your gaming PC.
10 Best CPU For Gaming Buyers Guide in 2022 – Tech Station
Saving money on your next processor will allow you to spend a little bit more on a faster SSD or a more potent graphics card, which will have a more obvious impact on your computer. The same cannot be said for having a Turing video card on your computer instead of the RTX 30 series, which delivers significantly better performance across the board.
While you are unlikely to limit your setup with the best CPUs for gaming that is a generation behind, it is possible. Having said that, here are our top selections for the best processors on the market right now that will work with most tastes and budgets.
The Best CPU Recommendations from Us
Our top picks for the best CPU for gaming offer a good balance of performance that can’t be beaten, price, and ease of use. You can watch all of the CPUs on our list in action by visiting our YouTube channel, a PC build, or a Buyers Guide. You can trust the advice we give you because all of the best CPU for gaming we mention have been thoroughly tested by our own staff. We’ve also developed a compatibility guide that covers several chipsets and our recommendations for each possible best CPU for gaming range if you’re having trouble deciding which motherboard to buy for each suggestion.
1. Intel Core i3 12100F
One of our favourite best CPUs for gaming in the GeekaWhat office is the Core i3 12100F. This CPU fully embraces the idea of offering strong performance at an affordable price. The 12100F is a member of the 12th Gen family of CPUs and includes a plethora of new capabilities. You have access to features like Gen4 PCI-E M.2 compatibility and PCI-E 5.0 for graphics cards despite the fact that it lacks integrated graphics (thus the ‘F’ designation). Overall, the i3 12100F is a fantastic low-cost processor!
2. AMD Ryzen 3 3100
The main rival to Intel’s lineup of low-cost best CPUs for gaming is the Ryzen 3 3100. Although it outperforms the i3-12100F in terms of raw performance, it still falls short. The Ryzen 3 3100’s AM4 socket is a great perk because it works with a lot of older parts. The Ryzen 3 3100 features 4 cores, runs at 3.6GHz and is overclockable because of its unlocked design. You have the choice of having greater flexibility.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The Ryzen 3 3100’s older sibling is the Ryzen 5 5500. Once more, this CPU may be overclocked, and this time, you have access to 6 cores and 12 threads. Any mid-range gaming machine will benefit greatly from this enormous amount of multi-threaded performance. The Ryzen 5 5500 is a fantastic all-purpose CPU that excels no matter what you throw at it.
4. Intel Core i5 12400F
Another one of our favourites at GeekaWhat is the Intel i5 12400F, which has been used in a number of builds that you can view on our PC Builds page. The best CPUs for gaming are perfect for mid-range systems that seek amazing gaming performance but are somewhat cost-conscious about their setups because it is equipped with the most recent Intel 12th Gen capabilities. The i5-12400F wins our outstanding value award because it offers superb performance at a reasonable cost. Learn more about our awards and the criteria used to determine them here.
5. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The 5600X is a substantial advance over its less expensive brother, the 5500. This CPU still has 6 cores and 12 threads, but it operates at a little faster clock speed. Having access to PCI-E 4.0 for GPUs and the newest SSDs is a big plus. Since there are so many Ryzen systems out there and first-generation Ryzen best CPUs for gaming are simple to combine with inexpensive motherboards, this may be an excellent upgrade for anyone still using a first-generation Ryzen processor.
6. Intel Core i5 12600K
The main competitor to the 5600X is the i5 12600K, which slightly outperforms it in our performance criteria. Best CPUs for gaming are a great addition to any build because they can be overclocked and has 12th Generation features. It doesn’t get much better than this if you’re searching for mid-range chips! With 10 cores and 16 threads, this processor is a powerhouse in terms of raw output. You are getting a lot for your money with this chip, especially considering that it is designed for cheaper builds.
7. Intel Core i7 12700K
The i7-12700K marks the beginning of the high-end CPUs, which work best when matched with components that offer the maximum performance. With 20 threads and up to 5GHz peak clock speeds, this reliable (but pricey) i7 won’t let you down. This CPU offers class-leading performance, giving AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series CPUs serious competition.
8. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
One of AMD’s most recent upgrades to the Ryzen 5000 series of best CPUs for gaming is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology is the main difference between this and the ordinary 5800X. You get an unrivalled 96MB of L3 cache with this CPU, which will significantly improve performance in your favourite games. This, combined with a top-tier GPU, will give you a really potent machine!
9. Intel Core i9 12900K
When it comes to pure power, the i9 12900K is among the best CPUs for gaming. This is the chip for individuals who want to play games in 4K and work with programmes like Blender, the Adobe suite, or Davinci Resolve. This processor can handle the heaviest tasks because of its astonishing 16 cores and 24 threads. Also, the maximum turbo speed of 5.2GHz offers the best single-thread performance in its class and can be fully unlocked for overclocking.
10. Intel Core i9 12900KS
The ‘KS’ version of this processor, which is comparable to the i9 12900K, is the best consumer desktop CPU that Intel has to offer. This time, there are 16 cores and 24 threads with a massive 5.5GHz turbo clock and, with overclocking, maybe even more. The fact that this CPU is now the fastest gaming CPU on the market shows how powerful the Alder Lake series of best CPU for gaming is. The best hardware, including an RTX 3090Ti and the most recent DDR5 RAM, would work well with this CPU. For those who want the best of the best, this CPU is a beast to be reckoned with.
FAQs About best CPU for gaming
What characteristics should my future best CPU for gaming have?
You should weigh the cost and the performance promised when purchasing a CPU.
Generally speaking, an i7 or Ryzen 7 would be a better option than the less powerful choices if you want to push games to their limits. Additionally, clock speeds matter, so if you want to overclock, look for the best CPU for gaming that is operating at or around 5.0 GHz. TDP is also a crucial factor to take into account since AMD’s forthcoming line will have a base TDP of up to 170W while Intel’s present range is limited to 125W.
The socket type and related motherboards come next. AMD is currently using AM4 and will eventually switch to AM5. Intel, on the other hand, is using LGA 1700. Some types of motherboards, like those that support DDR5, cost more than cheap ones. When selecting your CPU, keep this in mind if you want to design a powerful system.
Which CPU has the best gaming performance?
Processor purchase decisions are getting more and more influenced by clock speeds.
The newest versions are already coming out with boost frequencies of 5.0 GHz and higher, with the next AMD Ryzen 7000 series and Raptor Lake seeking to push the limit even further. If you want the quickest best CPU for gaming, look for AMD and Intel models with higher boost speeds and more cores and threads.
AMD or Intel: Which is superior?
The competition between AMD and Intel to produce the best CPU for gaming for gaming has been tight. With the newest from both teams red and blue due to deploy as soon as possible, the margin is smaller than ever. With support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, Intel’s Alder Lake has you covered if you’re looking for the fastest and most energy-efficient processor available. But keep in mind that this technology will also be incorporated into the Ryzen 7000 series.
What do the best CPUs for gaming need to know about PCIe 5.0?
The new standard for the bandwidth for all parts of your gaming PC is PCIe 5.0. This means that the performance of some of the best DDR5 RAM kits in processors makes gaming faster and more reliable in general. For at least the next three years, PCIe 5.0 will be in use, and everything from SSDs to graphics cards will benefit from the higher rates.
