It's not unusual to begin the search for a great gaming processor for a high-end gaming PC after finding the best graphics cards. It’s not totally unreasonable to prioritize the GPU, as that component ultimately determines which quality settings and resolution you’ll be able to run your games at. But, you can't throw all your time and money into choosing your GPU only to skimp on a CPU. After all, your processor is arguably as important as it dictates how well the rest of your gaming PC runs, and a CPU that's too weak can bottleneck your system, preventing your GPU from even running at its full capacity.
The processor isn’t just known as the ‘central processing unit’ for kicks, it’s in charge of how quickly your whole computer operates from the system memory to the SSDs holding your games – which is why it’s all so important to pick the best gaming CPU for your rig. Unlike graphics cards you’ll likely be swapping in every other generation, the best gaming processors can last for years, so be sure you’re making the right choice you won’t regret in the long term.
Although the market for CPUs boils down to Intel and AMD, each company has myriad offerings, and the market is always changing rapidly. The confusing model numbers don't help much either. To help you figure it all out, here's our rundown of the best CPUs for every type of PC gamer. If you're browsing in the UK, click here to find out where you can find the best CPU for gaming.
Cores: 10 (6P+4E) | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.7GHz (P-core), 2.8 (E-core)| Boost Clock: 4.9GHz (P-core), 3.6GHz (E-core) | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | L3 Cache: 20MB | TDP: 125W
Equal parts fast, affordable, and loaded with the latest technology, the Intel Core i5-12600K is the perfect addition to just about any PC parts list. This is the first i5 chipset to include the 12th generation hybrid architecture, making it as powerful and efficient as CPUs at twice its price. Plus, it will support the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 interfaces for the highest performance possible. This processor packs in ten cores: six power cores and four efficient cores. These will help to divvy up tasks and keep everything running smoothly in your gaming world. And on top of the cores, there is some serious hyper-threading to add to its muscle, so it can handle almost any game and even keep up with some background streaming action too.
The Intel Core i5-12600K runs at 3.7GHz but can boost up to 4.9GHz on its P-core, and it boasts a solid 20MB of L3 cache to maintain consistently smooth performance through everyday operation. For most gamers, this processor has everything you could possibly want to keep you satisfied including a high overclock ceiling. It goes well above what you’d expect from a processor at this mid-range price point
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 2.5GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel Smart Cache: 18MB | TDP: 65W
With all the chip shortages of last year, it’s great to see Intel's latest round of CPUs are not only available but actually priced right. You can get the Intel Core i5-12400 for slightly over $200, which is insane considering all that’s packed into this device. It is part of the latest 12th generation lineup from Intel, but it does lack the hybrid efficient cores seen on other models. It's still no slouch though with a solid six cores and 12-thread gaming.
This CPU has enough might to handle any mainstream gaming PC build, but its overclocking ability really puts it above the pack. Even better is the fact that this chip will stay relatively cool even when it’s being pushed to the limit. You’re in for some solid 1080p gaming, but it’ll also hold up in 1440p and 4K. And, if you still haven’t been able to get your hands on a new graphics card, this chip’s onboard graphics will get your computer up and running. Plus, some light gaming can be done on the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730.
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.9GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | Graphics: Radeon Vega 7 Graphics | L3 Cache: 4MB | TDP: 65W
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is your one-stop shop for affordable PC gaming. This processor comes in at just $259, yet it’s packing all the processing power and graphics power you need to get up and running for games. That’s because this is an APU that bundles a CPU and GPU onto the same chip.
You’ll get six cores and twelve threads that run at a 3.9GHz base clock, easily handling most everyday tasks you throw at them. Meanwhile, the seven Radeon Graphics cores can muster some modest 1080p gaming performance. All of that comes in a 65W power budget that’ll be easy to keep cool for sustained performance.
Cores: 16 (8P+8E) | Threads: 24 | Base Clock: 3.2GHz (P-core), 2.4GHz(E-core) | Boost Clock: 5.2GHz (P-Core), 3.9GHz (E-core) | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | L3 Cache: 30MB | TDP: 125W
Intel’s latest 12th generation CPUs are really giving AMD a run for their money. The architecture of these new processors allows for more cores, higher speeds, and better bandwidth. And, the Intel Core i9-12900K is the best of the bunch. There are a total of 16 cores packed into this chip. Eight of these are performance cores that can reach up to 5.2GHz to enhance gaming and other lightly threaded activities. Then, there are eight efficient cores to help with multi-threading and can remove the load off of the P-cores to prevent interruptions while gaming.
Aside from the new core architecture, the Intel Core i9-12900K also supports the latest DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 interfaces. This means you might be spending a bit more to get this CPU running at peak performance. But, you’ll find that it can handle whatever you throw at it. It's unlikely you'll find a game that this CPU can't handle with ease, even if you're playing at 1080p to push the processor to its limits while gaming at high frame rates. The question isn’t can this processor handle any game, but rather can the game handle this processor.
Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.6GHz | Boost Clock: 4.6GHz | Graphics: Radeon Vega 8 Graphics | L3 Cache: 16MB | TDP: 65W
If you saw the Ryzen 5 5600G and liked the sound of it but wanted to ensure you’d get more power, the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G is the APU for you. Though this one stays at the same 65W TDP as its smaller sibling, AMD has packed in eight cores with multi-threading, and the processor can hit boost clocks up to 4.6GHz.
This chip also comes with a little extra oomph in the graphics department thanks to an extra graphics core, bringing the total to eight Radeon Graphics cores. And, where the Rzyen 5 5600G’s graphics cores run at 1900MHz, the Ryzen 7 5700G’s graphics cores run at 2,000MHz.
Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Base Clock: 3.4GHz | Boost Clock: 4.9GHz | L3 Cache: 64MB | TDP: 105W
When AMD first introduced its Zen architecture, you would have had to turn to its massive Threadripper processors to get a 16-core/32-thread chip. Now, that's officially mainstream – or enthusiast anyway. The Ryzen 9 5950X delivers that incredible core count for well under $1,000. Plus, it keeps those cores fed with information thanks to a hefty 64MB L3 cache.
With this many cores, you'll have no problem recording and streaming your gameplay. And, when it comes to editing, the Ryzen 9 5950X won't miss a beat. Since the CPU supports PCIe 4.0, you'll also be able to take advantage of the fastest SSDs on the market to make loading projects and scrubbing through footage as quick as ever. You won't even need an exotic cooler for this chip, as it only has a 105W TDP.
AMD has made a huge splash with its Ryzen CPUs, and they’ve just continued to get better with each generation. With the Ryzen 5000 Series, they’re as strong as ever. AMD’s graphics department has also been playing catch up with Nvidia and getting within striking distance. Now, AMD is introducing the latest meeting point of those two product segments with the latest Ryzen 5000 Series APUs, which combine AMD’s processing cores with integrated graphics.
These will be coming in the form of the mid-range Ryzen 5 5600G and the higher-end Ryzen 7 5700G. Both are set to hit the market later this year on August 5 with the Ryzen 5 5600G coming in at $259 and the Ryzen 7 5700G at $359.
For PC builders on a budget, these could be very promising products. Both chips have a TDP of just 65W, making it easy to build a low-power PC around them. And, with their integrated graphics, they can help you get gaming while avoiding the graphics card shortage that has plagued the market for the better part of a year now. For perspective, AMD boasts the Ryzen 7 5700G averaging 78fps at 1080p in Rogue Company with graphics set to High. So, these could be a solid bet for esports fans.
Below we've broken down the two types of processors you’ll find online or on store shelves, and some of the key specs you should look for in a gaming processor.
When looking for a gaming CPU, you’ll probably come across two types of processors: mainstream and High-End Desktop (HEDT). Mainstream processors are what you’ll primarily find on store shelves and online catalogs, and these typically include Intel’s Core i3, i5, i7 and, more recently, i9 products as well as AMD Ryzen 3, 5, and 7-series chips.
HEDT processors are less prevalent and are easy enough to spot. All Intel HEDT CPUs come with an ‘X’ or ‘XE’ suffix at the end of their model names, meanwhile, AMD HEDT chips all fall under the Ryzen Threadripper brand.
\What’s the difference between a mainstream processor and HEDT chip? Mainstream processors typically only support dual-channel memory – for a maximum of four DIMMs up to 64GB – and, thus far, a maximum of 24 PCIe lanes, which enable high-speed connections to graphics cards, NVMe
solid-state drives
, and Thunderbolt 3 ports. HEDT processors, on the other hand, are physically larger to make room for more cores, while bringing memory support up to quad-channel – up to eight sticks for a total of 128GB of RAM – and a maximum of 64 PCIe lanes.
So, if you have the money and the desire to build the ultimate gaming PC, HEDT is the way to go. But that’ll probably be overkill for most users, so a mainstream processor should be what most users need.
Most users should aim for at least a quad-core processor
The next thing you should be mindful of is how many cores a processor has. Cores are essentially the part of the CPU that receives instructions to perform calculations or actions, so the more cores you have the more you can do. Most entry-level processors should have two to four cores, four to six cores on mid-range chips, and at least six or eight cores on the highest-end CPUs.
How many cores do you need for gaming? Most users should aim for at least a quad-core processor like the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G or the hexa-core Intel Core i5-8400. Most modern games should run well, but if you’re playing anything with a high character count or an abundance of in-game physics—i.e. anything from the real-time strategy genre—you might see frame rates improve with a hexa- or octa-core processor.
Processor threads are far less important for gaming, but they help with multi-tasking and multi-threaded workloads. You’ll often see a number of threads right next to cores on the spec sheet of a CPU. Usually, the number of threads will be twice as high as the core count and they basically act as schedulers, telling the CPU core what to do next so that there’s no downtime in between tasks.
This process is known as Hyper-threading on Intel’s platform and multi-threading on AMD-powered systems. Despite the different names, they achieve the same goal, whether that be making sure your next song streams in the background or your video renders as quickly as possible.
And that’s everything you need to know about processors for now, but we’ll be updating this list again soon enough. 2019 has already been a plenty interesting as AMD has finally introduced the world’s first 7nm Ryzen 3rd Generation processors—with a 16-core mainstream processor still on the way—meanwhile, Intel is poised to introduce 10nm Ice Lake CPUs by the end of the year as well.
Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Continue reading...
The processor isn’t just known as the ‘central processing unit’ for kicks, it’s in charge of how quickly your whole computer operates from the system memory to the SSDs holding your games – which is why it’s all so important to pick the best gaming CPU for your rig. Unlike graphics cards you’ll likely be swapping in every other generation, the best gaming processors can last for years, so be sure you’re making the right choice you won’t regret in the long term.
Although the market for CPUs boils down to Intel and AMD, each company has myriad offerings, and the market is always changing rapidly. The confusing model numbers don't help much either. To help you figure it all out, here's our rundown of the best CPUs for every type of PC gamer. If you're browsing in the UK, click here to find out where you can find the best CPU for gaming.
TL;DR – These are the Best CPUs for Gaming
- Intel Core i5-12600K
- Intel Core i5-12400
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
- Intel Core i9-12900K
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
1. Intel Core i5-12600K
Best CPU for Gaming
Cores: 10 (6P+4E) | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.7GHz (P-core), 2.8 (E-core)| Boost Clock: 4.9GHz (P-core), 3.6GHz (E-core) | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | L3 Cache: 20MB | TDP: 125W
Equal parts fast, affordable, and loaded with the latest technology, the Intel Core i5-12600K is the perfect addition to just about any PC parts list. This is the first i5 chipset to include the 12th generation hybrid architecture, making it as powerful and efficient as CPUs at twice its price. Plus, it will support the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 interfaces for the highest performance possible. This processor packs in ten cores: six power cores and four efficient cores. These will help to divvy up tasks and keep everything running smoothly in your gaming world. And on top of the cores, there is some serious hyper-threading to add to its muscle, so it can handle almost any game and even keep up with some background streaming action too.
The Intel Core i5-12600K runs at 3.7GHz but can boost up to 4.9GHz on its P-core, and it boasts a solid 20MB of L3 cache to maintain consistently smooth performance through everyday operation. For most gamers, this processor has everything you could possibly want to keep you satisfied including a high overclock ceiling. It goes well above what you’d expect from a processor at this mid-range price point
2. Intel Core i5-12400
Best Budget CPU for Gaming
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 2.5GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel Smart Cache: 18MB | TDP: 65W
With all the chip shortages of last year, it’s great to see Intel's latest round of CPUs are not only available but actually priced right. You can get the Intel Core i5-12400 for slightly over $200, which is insane considering all that’s packed into this device. It is part of the latest 12th generation lineup from Intel, but it does lack the hybrid efficient cores seen on other models. It's still no slouch though with a solid six cores and 12-thread gaming.
This CPU has enough might to handle any mainstream gaming PC build, but its overclocking ability really puts it above the pack. Even better is the fact that this chip will stay relatively cool even when it’s being pushed to the limit. You’re in for some solid 1080p gaming, but it’ll also hold up in 1440p and 4K. And, if you still haven’t been able to get your hands on a new graphics card, this chip’s onboard graphics will get your computer up and running. Plus, some light gaming can be done on the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Best Ultra Cheap CPU for Gaming
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.9GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | Graphics: Radeon Vega 7 Graphics | L3 Cache: 4MB | TDP: 65W
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is your one-stop shop for affordable PC gaming. This processor comes in at just $259, yet it’s packing all the processing power and graphics power you need to get up and running for games. That’s because this is an APU that bundles a CPU and GPU onto the same chip.
You’ll get six cores and twelve threads that run at a 3.9GHz base clock, easily handling most everyday tasks you throw at them. Meanwhile, the seven Radeon Graphics cores can muster some modest 1080p gaming performance. All of that comes in a 65W power budget that’ll be easy to keep cool for sustained performance.
4. Intel Core i9-12900K
Best High-End CPU for Gaming
Cores: 16 (8P+8E) | Threads: 24 | Base Clock: 3.2GHz (P-core), 2.4GHz(E-core) | Boost Clock: 5.2GHz (P-Core), 3.9GHz (E-core) | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | L3 Cache: 30MB | TDP: 125W
Intel’s latest 12th generation CPUs are really giving AMD a run for their money. The architecture of these new processors allows for more cores, higher speeds, and better bandwidth. And, the Intel Core i9-12900K is the best of the bunch. There are a total of 16 cores packed into this chip. Eight of these are performance cores that can reach up to 5.2GHz to enhance gaming and other lightly threaded activities. Then, there are eight efficient cores to help with multi-threading and can remove the load off of the P-cores to prevent interruptions while gaming.
Aside from the new core architecture, the Intel Core i9-12900K also supports the latest DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 interfaces. This means you might be spending a bit more to get this CPU running at peak performance. But, you’ll find that it can handle whatever you throw at it. It's unlikely you'll find a game that this CPU can't handle with ease, even if you're playing at 1080p to push the processor to its limits while gaming at high frame rates. The question isn’t can this processor handle any game, but rather can the game handle this processor.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Best APU for Gaming
Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.6GHz | Boost Clock: 4.6GHz | Graphics: Radeon Vega 8 Graphics | L3 Cache: 16MB | TDP: 65W
If you saw the Ryzen 5 5600G and liked the sound of it but wanted to ensure you’d get more power, the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G is the APU for you. Though this one stays at the same 65W TDP as its smaller sibling, AMD has packed in eight cores with multi-threading, and the processor can hit boost clocks up to 4.6GHz.
This chip also comes with a little extra oomph in the graphics department thanks to an extra graphics core, bringing the total to eight Radeon Graphics cores. And, where the Rzyen 5 5600G’s graphics cores run at 1900MHz, the Ryzen 7 5700G’s graphics cores run at 2,000MHz.
6. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Best CPU for Gaming Video Editing
Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Base Clock: 3.4GHz | Boost Clock: 4.9GHz | L3 Cache: 64MB | TDP: 105W
When AMD first introduced its Zen architecture, you would have had to turn to its massive Threadripper processors to get a 16-core/32-thread chip. Now, that's officially mainstream – or enthusiast anyway. The Ryzen 9 5950X delivers that incredible core count for well under $1,000. Plus, it keeps those cores fed with information thanks to a hefty 64MB L3 cache.
With this many cores, you'll have no problem recording and streaming your gameplay. And, when it comes to editing, the Ryzen 9 5950X won't miss a beat. Since the CPU supports PCIe 4.0, you'll also be able to take advantage of the fastest SSDs on the market to make loading projects and scrubbing through footage as quick as ever. You won't even need an exotic cooler for this chip, as it only has a 105W TDP.
Where to Get the Best CPU for Gaming in the UK
What's Next for Gaming CPUs
AMD has made a huge splash with its Ryzen CPUs, and they’ve just continued to get better with each generation. With the Ryzen 5000 Series, they’re as strong as ever. AMD’s graphics department has also been playing catch up with Nvidia and getting within striking distance. Now, AMD is introducing the latest meeting point of those two product segments with the latest Ryzen 5000 Series APUs, which combine AMD’s processing cores with integrated graphics.
These will be coming in the form of the mid-range Ryzen 5 5600G and the higher-end Ryzen 7 5700G. Both are set to hit the market later this year on August 5 with the Ryzen 5 5600G coming in at $259 and the Ryzen 7 5700G at $359.
For PC builders on a budget, these could be very promising products. Both chips have a TDP of just 65W, making it easy to build a low-power PC around them. And, with their integrated graphics, they can help you get gaming while avoiding the graphics card shortage that has plagued the market for the better part of a year now. For perspective, AMD boasts the Ryzen 7 5700G averaging 78fps at 1080p in Rogue Company with graphics set to High. So, these could be a solid bet for esports fans.
What to Look in for a CPU for Gaming
Below we've broken down the two types of processors you’ll find online or on store shelves, and some of the key specs you should look for in a gaming processor.
When looking for a gaming CPU, you’ll probably come across two types of processors: mainstream and High-End Desktop (HEDT). Mainstream processors are what you’ll primarily find on store shelves and online catalogs, and these typically include Intel’s Core i3, i5, i7 and, more recently, i9 products as well as AMD Ryzen 3, 5, and 7-series chips.
HEDT processors are less prevalent and are easy enough to spot. All Intel HEDT CPUs come with an ‘X’ or ‘XE’ suffix at the end of their model names, meanwhile, AMD HEDT chips all fall under the Ryzen Threadripper brand.
\What’s the difference between a mainstream processor and HEDT chip? Mainstream processors typically only support dual-channel memory – for a maximum of four DIMMs up to 64GB – and, thus far, a maximum of 24 PCIe lanes, which enable high-speed connections to graphics cards, NVMe
solid-state drives
, and Thunderbolt 3 ports. HEDT processors, on the other hand, are physically larger to make room for more cores, while bringing memory support up to quad-channel – up to eight sticks for a total of 128GB of RAM – and a maximum of 64 PCIe lanes.
So, if you have the money and the desire to build the ultimate gaming PC, HEDT is the way to go. But that’ll probably be overkill for most users, so a mainstream processor should be what most users need.
Most users should aim for at least a quad-core processor
The next thing you should be mindful of is how many cores a processor has. Cores are essentially the part of the CPU that receives instructions to perform calculations or actions, so the more cores you have the more you can do. Most entry-level processors should have two to four cores, four to six cores on mid-range chips, and at least six or eight cores on the highest-end CPUs.
How many cores do you need for gaming? Most users should aim for at least a quad-core processor like the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G or the hexa-core Intel Core i5-8400. Most modern games should run well, but if you’re playing anything with a high character count or an abundance of in-game physics—i.e. anything from the real-time strategy genre—you might see frame rates improve with a hexa- or octa-core processor.
Processor threads are far less important for gaming, but they help with multi-tasking and multi-threaded workloads. You’ll often see a number of threads right next to cores on the spec sheet of a CPU. Usually, the number of threads will be twice as high as the core count and they basically act as schedulers, telling the CPU core what to do next so that there’s no downtime in between tasks.
This process is known as Hyper-threading on Intel’s platform and multi-threading on AMD-powered systems. Despite the different names, they achieve the same goal, whether that be making sure your next song streams in the background or your video renders as quickly as possible.
And that’s everything you need to know about processors for now, but we’ll be updating this list again soon enough. 2019 has already been a plenty interesting as AMD has finally introduced the world’s first 7nm Ryzen 3rd Generation processors—with a 16-core mainstream processor still on the way—meanwhile, Intel is poised to introduce 10nm Ice Lake CPUs by the end of the year as well.
Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Continue reading...
