The best CPU for gaming is something that you can call the “Powerful Silicon Heart” of your gaming PC. It is something that makes the product worth the money invested. It is your setup to juice out the maximum performance from your GPU and CPU at once to deliver you a remarkable output while gaming, streaming, editing, or any activities.
The best means something with a decent price, which can deliver up to your demands of cores for optimal performance. Here are the best suggestions for beat CPU Gaming or the best computer processor for gaming that you must consider wisely.
To make the take easier for you we have picked out the best CPU for gaming in 2020, the best Intel CPU for gaming, the best AMD CPU for gaming the best Ryzen CPU for gaming among all the options that we have.
Best CPU for Gaming | At a Glance
| S No. | Best CPU | Reviews |
| 1. | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | 5 out of 5 |
| 2. | Intel Core i5 11600K | 4 out of 5 |
| 3. | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | 4 out of 5 |
| 4. | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | 4 out of 5 |
| 5. | Intel Core i9 10900K | 3 out of 5 |
Best CPU for Gaming | In-Detail
Now you know the best ones that we have included in our list. It is time to know a little more about them that will give you a better insight on why we picked these chips out of all that are available in the market in 2023.
In this section of the article we will give you a brief information about each one of these processors and will also tell you a little about its features and specifications. Let’s look at each of these processors.
1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Top Pick
BRAND: AMD | VERSION: Ryzen 9 5900X | PRICE: 💰💰💰💰
TOP SPECIFICATIONS
- Cores: 12
- Threads: 24
- Base Clock: 3.7 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.8 GHz
- Overclocking: Yes
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 105 W
- PCIe 4.0 lanes: 20
It is a notable fact that with each generation of advancement, AMD’s Zen architecture has improved. But the fact that AMD achieved a staggering 19 percent improvement in IPC with Zen 3 is mind-boggling. As gamers, the most important takeaway for us is that AMD can now match up with Intel on gaming with this improvement. Honestly, there’s so little between the two now that anyone who says otherwise is delusional.
No matter what resolution you are gaming at on your PC using this CPU, it can pretty much handle it without a squeak and supply the graphics card of your choice with lots of high-quality frames.
In addition, the fact that this remarkable processor features a 12-core, 24-thread processing system means it can handle whatever else you fetch it. So, no doubt, you’ve got the right set. On top of all this, the fact that the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X won’t put bars on your gaming requirements makes it even more perfect. The price and missing Wraith cooler are the only grave concerns about this processor that you should note before considering it for final purchase.
It is suggested that you better check the onboard cooling system and its efficiency before buying this one here. Because if you don’t consider the heating part at the time of purchase, you might end up having trouble later. Do not worry much about the performance part. You are simply getting the best of what you are paying to buy. This one here is undoubtedly an excellent chip for gaming and anything else you want it to handle.
2. Intel Core i5 11600K | Best CPU for Gaming in Budget
Intel Core i5 11600K
2. 3.9 GHz Processor Base Frequency
3. Intel Optane Memory Support
BRAND: INTEL | VERSION: Core i5 11600K | PRICE: 💰💰💰
TOP SPECIFICATIONS
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Base clock: 3.9 GHz
- Turbo clock: 4.9 GHz (single core)
- Overclocking: Yes, 4.9 GHz typical all-core
- L3 cache: 12 MB
- TDP: 125 W
- PCIe 4.0 lanes: 20
Yes, the popular intelligence processor, obviously this one had to be among the top CPUs on our list. No doubt, the Core i5 11600K is my favorite new generation chip from Intel. This Rocket Lake generation processor marks a nostalgic return to the old golden days of Intel CPU launches when they were at the help and no one to compete.
The top processors of Intel have always been a decent Halo product, and all will agree to this, keeping in view the popularity and performance that i7s and the recent i9s have given. But still, there is no processor that matches the demand, popularity that the i5s have delivered over time. The price and performance metrics of the i5s must have really sold a new generation.
Since from what the experts say, the 11900K is a frustrating chip. It still might not be a total throwback to the old days for Intel, but with the 11600K, they still have something good with an excellent six-core, 12-thread gaming processor in the market. The i5 11600K from Intel is also highly affordable and is priced considerably below the Ryzen 5 5600X. Moreover, it has the performance numbers that make it the perfect rival for AMD’s excellent Zen 3 chip.
Talking more about it, the 14nm Cypress Cove backport might have made this intel’s beauty quite power-hungry, but that doesn’t stop it from being a great CPU. Also, it is a great processor that delivers loads of silicon at a considerable price. When combined with a PCIe 4.0 supported- Intel 500 Series motherboards, it can deliver optimal performance in terms of data transfer. So, it is still one of the best budget gaming CPUs out there.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | Money Value
BRAND: AMD | VERSION: Ryzen 5 5600X | PRICE: 💰💰💰💰
TOP SPECIFICATIONS
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Base Clock: 3.7 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.6 GHz
- Overclocking: Yes
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- PCIe 4.0 lanes: 20
When it comes to gaming, all the best on the 5900X also applies to this cheaper Zen 3 chip. There’s nothing between the Ryzen 5000 chips in games. It means that this chip will get you the same frame rates. This has half as many cores as this top chip and rolls like 6-cores and 12-threads. However, this is only a problem with these more severe workloads, and for more sensible things, this is more than enough.
One could argue that the games could go beyond the 12 threads we have here, but there is no evidence so far to suggest that it is, despite the next-gen 8-core, 16-thread consoles. The Ryzen 5 5600X also costs money the Ryzen 5000 family trend by shipping with a Wraith Stealth cooler, so you don’t have to spend extra money on a third-party Arty cooler.
This is a decent little overclocker that, while winning, doesn’t detract from gaming much but will be of great help in other areas. So go for it as it’s a win.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | For Great Gaming Performance
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
2. Memory Support: DDR4 3200MHz, Memory Channels: 2, TDP: 105W
3. Compatible with Motherboards (500 Series Chipset)
BRAND: AMD | VERSION: Ryzen 7 5800X | PRICE: 💰💰💰
TOP SPECIFICATIONS
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base Clock: 3.8 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.7 GHz
- Overclocking: Yes
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105 W
- PCIe 4.0 lanes: 20
In a world where the Intel Core i7 doesn’t exist, this would be a fantastic processor and would have made it one of our top three picks, without a doubt. It is excellent for gaming, and it delivers the same stats as that of the 5900X and 5600X. When it comes to the configuration, it seems to reserve the sweet spot, with its 8- cores and 16-threads specs. You will undoubtedly see it well for the future because this is the thing that drives the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5 in the first place.
For AMD, Intel is non-existent, and this is something that hurts them badly at times. The blue company’s Core i7 10700K matches this board from AMD on many significant metrics, giving it a neck-to-neck challenge. A point where Intel beats this AMD chip is the affordability. So the pricing factor of Intel outperforms this chip. And value for money is one of the most critical factors that many buyers consider before buying any equipment.
If a buyer gets the desired speed and performance from a processor, they most likely won’t be thinking twice before buying it. This is the thing this processor is known for among gaming PC builders. Again, telling you that this machine is costlier than t Intel ones doesn’t mean it is priced higher meaninglessly. This chip is still a Ryzen Zen 3, and you cannot deny its remarkable performance.
It also comes with Support for PCIe 4.0 modules and slots, and this certainly is a trendsetting chip that will stay by your side in the long run over the years.
5. Intel Core i9 10900K | Excellent Processor
Intel Core i9 10900K
2. Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3. 0 support
3. Intel Optane Memory support
BRAND: INTEL | VERSION: Core i9 10900K | PRICE: 💰💰💰
TOP SPECIFICATIONS
- Cores: 10
- Threads: 20
- Base Clock: 3.7 GHz
- Turbo Clock: 5.3 GHz
- Overclocking: Yes, 5.0-5.3 GHz typical
- L3 Cache: 20 MB
- TDP: 95 W
- PCIe 3.0 lanes: 16
The Core i9 10900K, considered as Intel’s best Comet Lake gaming chip, lost a lot of what made it special with the introduction of Zen 3 by AMD. When the 10900K was first introduced, it was the fastest gaming processor in the world. However, this no longer claims that it can own any longer. This is because lately a lot of games have awarded AMD’s Ryzen 5900X as winner of processing when it comes to gaming.
It’s still an excellent gaming chip and by the aforementioned comparison we did not mean to let it down. But, as a matter of fact, once it was knowns as the most powerful processor in the world and in a span of only a few years its title lost all its shine. What hasn’t been overshadowed is the latest version from Intel. The Rocket Lake i9 11900K is almost as powerful overall, but more expensive and still gets lost on the multithreaded side.
The 10900k is still overkill in most cases putting aside the very, very high-end and serious workloads. The AMD chips make the most sense for such work but, there is still an odd appeal attached to this CPU. Intel’s i9 10900K is the first time when they managed to squeeze 10 processor cores into a mainline product, and with the ability to reach 5.3 GHz (even for a short time), it definitely represents an impressive departure for the 14- nm technology.
If you are planning on buying this one, you will have to invest on getting a Z490 chipset based motherboard to support it. And not only that, you will also have to look out for some serious cooling (a decent PSU wouldn’t hurt, either). Don’t let this reasonable TDP of 95W fool you as it goes way beyond that, especially if you are thinking of exploring its overclocking capabilities.
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Things to Consider when Selecting the Best Gaming CPU
Selecting the right processor for your requirements could be challenging, particularly when you’re not an expert in technology. Below are some factors you need to consider before buying the best gaming CPU for your setup.
1. Clocking Speeds
It is the processor’s operating speed, which is measured as gigahertz (GHz). The higher it gets the more speed it brings.
Since many modern CPUs change their clock speeds according to the application and tasks, you will find a turbo and base clock speed already stated.
2. Threads
This is the maximum independent operation that a chip can manage. A lot of CPUs can support multithreading and are therefore are considered superior. This is referred to Hyper-Threading from Intel and SMT from AMD. More threads mean better multitasking and speed.
3. Cores
They are the processors inside the processor. Modern CPUs include from two to 64 cores and the majority of them have between four and eight cores. Each one is capable of handling their own responsibilities. Most of the time, a minimum of four cores are needed.
4. Cache
It lets your CPU and RAM access information and instructions quicker. There are three kinds of caches. L1 is the fastest, but also the most compact; L2 is bigger but slower while L3 is the largest and slower.
5. Power and Thermal Design
It’s crucial to determine the TDP to get the correct cooling and power equipment for your CPU. A larger TDP is typically associated with higher performance, but other variables like process node size and overall efficiency of the architecture are also important.
6. Brand
AMD was underestimated till 2017. However, thanks to its Ryzen and Threadripper family processors, AMD is steadily moving closer to achieving the same performance as Intel.
AMD has outperformed Intel’s current offerings in many ways and is delivering superior performance for both challenging and light workloads. So, both Intel and AMD have dominance in the market.
7. IPC
Does not matter if two CPUs have exact clock speed or threads, they’ll have distinct levels of IPC if they have different brands or designs. IPC is heavily dependent on the structure of the CPU. Therefore, the latest models will perform better than previous generations.
8. Customer Reviews
Last but not least check the customer reviews of the motherboard that you will buy. You can rest assured about this aspect because all the best gaming motherboards here have the highest customer reviews and positive feedback.
Basic terminologies related to a Computer Processor or CPU
Q1. What is a Cache? How is Cache memory relevant for CPU?
Cache or Cache Memory: A system in which a small segment of high-speed memory is dedicated to store and execute commonly-used commands/instructions. This small memory helps to boost the software execution and makes specific processes fast.
CPUs/processors are part of the computer with this type of small memory. The cache memory inside the CPU is defined as Level 1, 2, and 3 caches. The L1 cache being the fastest and smallest, and L3 being the slowest and largest type.
In general, companies give you processors that have an L3 cache. But if you are looking for a processor that delivers your gaming needs try looking for an L2 or an L1 cache memory type. What about checking the Best Mouse Bungee for Gaming ?
Q2. What is a Core in CPU? How is core important in a processor? What does the core numbers imply?
Core: When we talk of modern computer technology, you can find anywhere between 2-cores to 70-cores (used in supercomputers).
A core is a smaller processor that combines to make a bigger Core processing Unit. So you can call it the building block of a CPU.
The CPUs used in most consumer machines have between 4 to 8cores, and the latest AMD CPUs have up to 16-cores. The higher the cores, the faster your CPU will work.
Q3. What is a Clock Speed? What does the Clock speed of a processor indicate?
Clock-Speed: Many of us have heard about this term when we are researching or discussing a computer’s processor. In reality, it is still a question of how people understand this. To clock something means to spike or raise it or its numbers.
Similarly, the Clock Speed of a processor tells us about how fast a CPU can execute commands. The clock speed is measured in Hertz (Hz).
In simple terms, If you have a processor that has mentioned its Clock Speed to be 3.7 GHz, it means that your processor can process as many as 3.7 billion commands in just 1 second.
The clock of a processor is among the most important terms that you should keep in mind while researching the best gaming CPU. It will help you in figuring out the overall performance of the processor.
Moreover, with the help of clock speed, you can also identify a processor’s capacity to check out its ability to manage the workload functions of gaming.
