The Best Gaming CPUs
So you're ready to build your first gaming rig, or maybe put together a new one to power your burgeoning addiction. But where to start? While picking the right gaming GPU is arguably the most important step, since it will determine your overall graphics quality, finding a CPU is equally as critical, since it will help you get the most out of your system. But determining which CPU is right for you is more complicated than just getting the newest or most powerful model. Not only do you have to make sure it's compatible with your system, but also that its performance is in line with the rest of your machine, since it's pointless to spend a ton of money on the most expensive CPU if your GPU and other specs don't need all that power. Luckily for you, we've broken down each of the best models on the market, from 9th generation Intel cards to 2nd generation AMD ones.
1. Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor
Fast And Affordable
Let’s get this out of the way first: the Intel Core i7-9700K is not the fastest gaming CPU out there. But for casual-to-serious gamers looking for a premium processor at a reasonable price with a ton of great features, it just might be the best option. Not only does it have the same number of cores and similar clockspeeds as Intel’s more powerful — and expensive — i9 CPUs, but it also comes in at a fraction of the price, making it an all-around great buy for those who are trying to leave at least some cash left over for their gaming budget. It also allows for overclocking, so you can really squeeze the most performance possible out of your system.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable speeds
- Eight cores and threads
- Comes unlocked
Cons:
- No hyper threading
- Only for Intel systems
2. AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Desktop Processor with Wraith Prism
Balanced Speed And Features
If you’re looking for AMD’s version of our #1 pick, the Ryzen 7 3800X is it. While it’s not quite as fast in terms of gaaming performance as its Intel competitor, it features twice the number of threads, meaning in multi-threaded applications — which, actually, are becoming more and more popular in gaming — the 3800X excels. And not only does it excel in multi-threaded power, but it also beats most of its competitors on price, since it comes in slightly cheaper than similar CPUs. On top of all that, this model includes one of AMD’s Wraith Prism coolers, which boasts LED lighting and Razer Chroma compatibility.
Pros:
- Eight cores and 16 threads
- Cool and efficient performance
- PCIe Gen4 support
Cons:
- Limited overclocking
- Only AMD compatible systems
3. Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor
Power To The Max
Casual and even many serious gamers probably don’t need all the power that the Intel Core i9-9900K offers, but if you’re the kind of user that demands top-of-the-line performance from your machine, there’s hardly a better choice. It’s the fastest gaming CPU that Intel makes, thanks to eight processing cores, 16 threads, and countless other features that help maximize efficiency and streamline operation, making it capable of powering not only all your gameplay but also other tasks, such as video editing and streaming. It’s a little expensive, true, but you can look at it as an investment, since it’s likely to last through many years of GPU upgrades and evolutions in gaming technology.
Pros:
- 5.0 GHz processing frequency
- Intel Optane memory support
- Unlocked for overclocking
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Requires extra cooling
4. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X Processor
For Power-Hungry Creators
While you may be searching for a CPU to primarily power all of your gaming, chances are that’s not the only thing you’ll be doing on your PC. Indeed, gamers who also use their machines for other processing-intensive tasks, such as video editing or even game designing, need all the power and performance they can get out of their CPU. If that’s the case for you, then you need the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. It’s by far the most advanced CPU for AMD systems on the market, complete with a whopping 16 cores and 32 processing threads that can be pushed even further with automatic overclocking via the company’s new precision boost overdrive feature. It’s truly a monster of a CPU, though if you’re not going to push it to its full potential, you’re probably better off with a more mainstream — and cheaper — model.
Pros:
- Good for workstations
- Great for VFX and 3d modeling
- Will last well into the future
Cons:
- Very expensive
- May be slower than cheaper CPUs for gaming if not pushed to potential
5. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
For Casual Gamers
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a CPU capable of powering all the latest games, as the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 demonstrates. The six core, 12 thread model isn’t the most advanced or feature-rich in AMD’s line of processors, but it does represent one of the best values, thanks to its above-par speeds and sub-par price tag. It’s capable of reaching 4.2 GHz with max boost on most games, and is unlocked for overclocking when others require a little extra oomph. Overall, it’s perfect for casual gamers looking to step up their machines for more serious gameplay.
Pros:
- 35 MB of game cache
- Includes high-performance cooler
- Great value for price
Cons:
- No multi-threading
- Not ideal for high-end GPUs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gaming CPU?
A gaming CPU, as its name suggests, is a central processing unit designed specifically for gaming. Gaming CPUs generally prioritize clock speeds over core counts, since in most cases gaming is a relatively simple processing task that doesn’t require multi-threading (or the ability to provide multiple threads of execution at the same time). Still, knowing that many of today’s more advanced gamers may use their machines for work and other tasks, many of the latest gaming CPUs will also boast high core and thread counts, making them capable of handling a diverse range of applications. Gaming CPUs are also crucial for supporting gaming GPUs, or graphics processing units, which are arguably the most important part of a gaming rig, as they determine the visual quality.
Which gaming CPU is right for me?
This depends on a range of factors, from budget to system type to what level of performance you’re trying to get out of your machine. There are two main CPU makers — Intel and AMD — and you’ll first have to determine which is compatible with your motherboard. And while Intel chips generally offer faster performance for gaming applications specifically, AMD chips offer higher core counts (often at a lower price), making them preferable for multi-tasking applications. We’ve included both types in this list, with models suitable for a range of budgets.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.