The Ultimate Gaming CPU Guide: Unveiling the Top Picks for 2023

Modern PCs have significantly outperformed their predecessors and are capable of handling a wide range of tasks beyond the basics. Among these tasks, gaming has become increasingly important and is considered a major source of entertainment. Interestingly, modern consoles are beginning to resemble their PC counterparts as the gaming industry continues to grow.

While gaming PCs typically allocate a considerable portion of their budget to powerful GPUs, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of the CPU. CPU-induced bottlenecks can limit the overall gaming performance of a PC, even for individuals with the latest and most advanced GPUs available. Certain CPUs are specifically designed to enhance gaming performance through optimizations that prioritize the requirements of games and video game engines. Examples of such CPUs include the Ryzen 7000 and 5000 X3D processors.

Here are our handpicked contenders for the best CPUs for gaming in 2023:

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The Fastest CPU For Gaming $439 at Amazon

Core i9 13900K

The Fastest Intel CPU For Gaming $570 at Amazon

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Best Mid-Range AMD CPU For Gaming $200 at Amazon

Intel Core i5-13600K

Best Mid-Range Intel CPU For Gaming $318 at Newegg

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU

The Best Budget AMD CPU For Gaming $161 at Amazon

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Intel Core i3-13100

The Best Budget Intel CPU For Gaming $140 at Amazon

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The Fastest CPU For GamingOcta-core Performance Crowned By 3D V-Cache

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the ultimate gaming CPU from AMD. It delivers exceptional gaming performance, ranking at the top of the charts. With its 3D V-Cache technology, this CPU is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to gaming on a PC.

Brand: AMD

CPU Model: Ryzen 7 7800X3D

CPU Socket: AM5

Cores: 8

Threads: 16

PCIe 4.0 Support: Yes, supports up to PCI-E 5.0

Architecture: Zen 4

Process: 5nm

Base Clock Speed: 4.2GHz

Boost Clock Speed: 5.0GHz

Cache: 8MB L2 + 96MB L3

TDP: 120W

iGPU: Yes, integrated Radeon 2 Core

Pros: Currently the fastest gaming CPU available in the market.

Much cheaper than Intel's and AMD's highest core count CPUs while offering better gaming performance

Extremely power efficient compared to the competition

Cons Pricey for an 8-Core CPU relative to alternatives that offer upto 24 cores at slightly higher prices

Lackluster multicore performance relative to higher-end options from Intel & AMD

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the top choice for gamers, as it not only offers excellent speed but is also the best gaming CPU from AMD. While its 8-core, 16-thread capabilities may be similar to mid-range options from both Intel and AMD, its standout feature is its impressive 3D V-Cache. This technology allows the 7800X3D to have a massive 96MB L3 Cache, which results in exceptional performance across various tests. It surpasses AMD's 7000 series processors and frequently outperforms Intel's flagship 13th-gen processors.

Priced at $450, this CPU may not be the most affordable option available, but its speed surpasses others, making it ideal for gamers. With the AM5 platform, it supports PCI-E 5.0 and DDR5 memory, while consuming significantly less power compared to its competitors - often at half the power draw. On average, it consumes approximately 50W across various titles at the CPU level.

Overall, this CPU is excellent for gaming, as it offers both efficiency and speed. It is our top choice due to being the fastest AMD CPU and showcasing remarkable benchmarked gains. For creators who require the impressive speeds offered by the 7800X3D, AMD also provides a 16-Core version, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which offers additional multi-core performance and power, although at a higher price.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains at the top of our list as the fastest gaming CPU. It outperforms both AMD and Intel's CPUs, thanks to its powerful 3D V-cache technology. Even though it sometimes has a slight discount, it has managed to maintain its price due to high demand and a reliable supply from AMD.

Note: AMD's 7000 Series CPUs and GPUs now include a free copy of Starfield: Premium Edition, which is valued at $99. This offer also applies to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D Processor.

Core i9 13900K

The Fastest Intel CPU For Gaming24 Core Juggernaut Backed By Excellent Single Core Performance

The Intel Core i9 is Intel's flagship processor in their 13th generation Raptor Lake lineup. It offers outstanding gaming performance and achieves impressive benchmark results across a wide range of tasks. With its 24-core, 32-thread configuration, this processor effortlessly handles demanding workloads. It is also compatible with PCI-E 4.0/5.0 and can be used with both 700 series and 12th generation motherboards that share the same socket.

Brand: Intel

CPU Model: 13900K

CPU Socket: LGA 1700

Cores: 24

Threads: 32

PCIe 4.0 Support: N/A

Base Clock Speed: 3.0GHz

Boost Clock Speed: 5.8GHz

Cache: 68MB

PCIe Compatibility: PCI-E 4.0 & 5.0

TDP: 253W

Integrated GPU: Yes, Intel® UHD Graphics 770

Pros: Excellent Single Core Performance

Has a whopping 24 Cores that handle 32 threads simultaneously

Excellent Multi-core performance

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Manages the demands of both gaming and creator-related tasks effortlessly due to its substantial power advantage over its rivals.

Downsides: Generates more heat compared to its competition due to its higher clock speeds, power consumption, and number of cores.

Is not currently the fastest processor for gaming despite being Intel's flagship this generation

Is the most expensive CPU currently available on our list

$570 on Amazon and Newegg

The Intel Core i9 13900K is currently the fastest desktop-grade CPU offered by Intel, excluding the pricier and superior-binned version, the 6GHz Intel Core i9 13900KS. With an impressive clock speed of up to 5.8GHz on a single core, this CPU boasts 24 cores and can handle 32 threads. In specific titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which values single-core performance, it outperforms AMD's newer Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X3D. However, it does get outperformed in more benchmarks due to the higher amount of L3 cache in Team Red's CPUs, giving them an advantage.

The limitations of the Intel Core i9 13900K are worth noting. It tends to run much hotter compared to its competitors, which means that adequate cooling through liquid or air cooling methods is not just recommended, but necessary. Additionally, the i9 13900K consumes significantly more power than its counterparts when running at full speed. This often requires users to upgrade their power supply units (PSU) to prevent exceeding specified limits. This is especially important with the release of Nvidia's high-end RTX 4000 series chips, as they surpass the power limits of previous generations.

However, despite these limitations, the Intel Core i9 13900K remains the fastest chip offered by Intel by a considerable margin. It more than justifies its price for gamers who require its outstanding multicore capabilities, leaving competitors in the dust effortlessly. Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for content creators, streamers running intensive applications, and gamers playing certain games. While the i9 13900K may come at a higher cost, it remains unmatched in performance, although AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X3D with its 16 cores and 32 threads may also be a viable option in some cases.

Update: The Intel Core i9 13900K continues to reign supreme as the top choice for those seeking a powerful and efficient CPU, whether it be for demanding work tasks or immersive gaming experiences. Despite the allure of the better-binned Intel Core i9 13900KS, which comes at a higher price due to its limited availability, and the speculation surrounding Intel's potential upgrade in their 14th generation lineup, set to arrive as early as October, the 13900K remains unrivaled. Its stable pricing can be attributed to the fact that no other current product from Team Blue can surpass its capabilities, and the demand for Intel's flagship processor from the 13th generation remains strong. However, this may change once the anticipated Raptor Lake refresh is released.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Best Mid-Range AMD CPU for Gaming: Zen 4 Gaming on a Budget

Save $55 with the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, a perfect entry-level option for gamers embracing the new generation of CPUs. Enjoy the benefits of PCIe 5.0, DDR5 RAM, and the convenient switch to motherboard pins, eliminating the risk of CPU pin bending.

Brand: AMD

CPU Model: Ryzen 5 7600X

CPU Socket: AMD AM5

Cores: 6

Threads: 12

PCIe: Supports PCI-E 4.0 and lower

Base Clock Speed: 4.7 GHz

Boost Clock Speed: 5.3 GHz

Cache: 6MB L2 + 32MB L3 Cache

RAM: Up to 128 GB DDR5 5000 MHz

TDP: 105W

UserBenchmark Ranking: 27th

iGPU: 2-Core AMD Radeon™ Graphics

Pros: Power efficient compared to competition

Replaces the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D with faster speeds and a lower cost, while offering the newer AM5 socket as a platform.

Handles most modern games considerably well within its price range

Extremely price-competitive at sub $200 for a Zen 4 Hexacore processor

The competing Intel Core i5 13600k consistently outperforms it in most benchmarks, both in terms of single-core and multi-core performance. However, the limitation of having only 6 cores in 2023 may pose a challenge for gamers who rely on power-hungry applications that heavily depend on strong multi-threaded performance.

The AMD Ryen 5 7600X, with its 6 cores and 12 threads, offers impressive performance at a significantly reduced price compared to its original MSRP. This processor is a great choice for those looking to upgrade to the AM5 platform and provides a compelling alternative to the older 5800X3D. With its newer architecture, improved memory support, and higher boost clocks, the 7600X slightly outperforms the locked AM4-based processor in modern games.

The Ryzen 5 7600X offers decent single-core performance and slightly disappointing multicore performance. It is significantly cheaper (around $80-100) than the Intel Core i5 13600K, which is often compared to it. However, a more appropriate comparison would be with the Intel Core i5 13500, which has better single-core performance but worse multicore performance. Given that many games prioritize single-core performance, the 7600X is a great mid-range AMD CPU for gaming. It has become increasingly competitive in recent months.

Update: The Ryzen 5 7600X has undergone several price cuts and is now available at a price point below $200. This brings out the full potential of its faster Zen 4 cores and makes it an affordable choice for budget gaming. With falling DRAM prices and inexpensive AMD AM5 motherboards, it has effectively replaced the Ryzen 7 5800X3D as the preferred gaming CPU on many lists. It offers better performance, upgrade options, and support for newer technologies such as PCI-Express 5.0 and DDR5 memory. Additionally, AMD's partner programs provide regular free game offerings, making it a clear choice for gamers looking to upgrade in 2023.

The AMD 7000 Series CPUs and GPUs of the current generation also offer a bundled copy of Starfield Standard Edition, valued at $70. This exceptional deal extends to the Ryzen 7 7600X Processor.

Introducing the Intel Core i5-13600K.

Introducing the Ultimate Mid-Range Intel CPU for Gaming: The 14-Core Powerhouse

Price: $318 ($319 retail price, save $1)

Get ready to elevate your gaming experience with the Intel Core i5-13600K. With an impressive 14 cores, 20 threads, and incredible overclocking potential, this powerhouse processor is a game-changer. Offering unparalleled value, performance, and cutting-edge features, it's the go-to choice for discerning gamers.

Not only does Intel outperform its competitor AMD in the same category, but they have also gone the extra mile to deliver a product that goes head-to-head with AMD's top-tier CPUs.

Intel's brand new CPU model, the Core i5-13600K, features a CPU socket of LGA 1700 and boasts an impressive 14 cores and 20 threads. With support for PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, this processor offers a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1 GHz. It also provides a generous cache of 44MB. When it comes to RAM, it can handle up to 128 GB of DDR5 running at a blazing 5600 MHz. With a TDP of 125W, this CPU ranks 9th on the UserBenchmark scale. One of its major advantages is its outstanding single-core performance, outshining its competitors. Additionally, it surpasses its direct competition by offering a significantly higher number of cores and threads.

Excellent multi-threaded performance

Cons Requires a decent 3rd party cooling solution (no stock solution)

Considerably more expensive than AMD's equivalent mid-range CPU lineup

Runs considerably hotter than the competition

The Intel Core i5 13600K, priced at $318 on both Newegg and Amazon, is the ideal choice for gamers in the 13th generation. With 14 cores and 20 threads, this CPU offers a similar configuration to Intel's i5 13500 processor but with the added benefit of higher clocks and unlocked cores. In terms of gaming performance, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the epitome of value-for-money, rivaling the pricier i7 13700K and coming remarkably close to the flagship i9 13900K.

The Intel Core i5 13600K, while not the fastest chip in its generation, comes close enough to be considered. It provides significant power for demanding applications that require high CPU performance or multiple threads. Similar to other Intel 13th gen CPUs, the 13600K tends to run hotter and consume more power compared to its competitors. Additionally, it does not include a stock cooler, which means ensuring proper cooling is crucial for maximizing the potential of Intel's value-centric processor based on Raptor Lake.

Update: The Intel Core i5 13600K remains an excellent choice for mid-range gamers on a budget, offering more power than similarly priced alternatives from AMD. Despite Intel's upcoming 14th generation release, the processor's price has remained unchanged below $320, demonstrating its value.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU

The Best Budget AMD CPU For GamingHexa-core Entry-level Processor

$161 $309 Save $148 The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a powerful midrange CPU that is perfect for gaming setups. It is AMD's fastest six-core processor and boasts 12 processing threads. According to AMD, this processor provides outstanding performance, delivering over 100 FPS in the most popular games. It supports DDR4 RAM up to 3200 MHz and offers impressive specs such as a max boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz, overclocking capability, and a generous 35 MB cache. Additionally, this model includes the reliable AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, which operates quietly and effectively.

Brand: AMD

CPU Model: 5600X

CPU Socket: AMD AM4

Cores: 6

Threads: 12

PCIe 4.0 Support: Yes

Base Clock Speed: 3.7GHz

Boost Clock Speed: 4.6GHz

Cache: 3MB L2 + 32MB L3

Graphics: N/A

TDP: 105W

Pros: Excellent value-for-money processor

Has a plethora of cheap motherboard and memory options to take advantage of

Decent single-core and multicore performance in its own price bracket

Cons Dated AM4 Platform-based processor

Does get beaten comprehensively by even lower-end Intel CPUs in the 13th gen for single-core performance

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor, priced at $161 on Amazon and $170 on Newegg, remains a strong contender in the market. With its 6 cores and 12 threads, this processor delivers impressive performance and excellent value compared to other lower-tier options from Intel and AMD. Though it lacks integrated graphics, like other CPUs in the 5000 series, it offers reliable single-core performance, although not on par with Intel's 12th and 13th generation processors. Additionally, the 5600X benefits from the well-established AM4 platform, offering a wide range of motherboard options at various price points. Unlike its newer counterpart, the 7600X, it works seamlessly with DDR4 memory right out of the box.

AMD has recently introduced deeper discounts on their 7000 series, particularly with the launch of the 7000 X3D processor offerings. As a result, the popularity of the 5600X as a value purchase has decreased. However, for gamers who have an AM4 motherboard or spare DDR4 memory (or anyone seeking an AM4-based upgrade), the Ryzen 5 5600X is still a capable processor that doesn't significantly limit performance in most games at resolutions of 1080P or higher.

Update: Although the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X briefly dropped to below $150 for gamers during the Prime Day event, its price has since increased. Nevertheless, it remains the most practical choice for an entry-level CPU compatible with the AM4 bracket. It is still somewhat cheaper than AMD's entry-level Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, making it a reasonable compromise for gamers who plan to use an older DDR4 and AM4-based motherboard.

Intel Core i3-13100

The Best Budget Intel CPU For GamingQuad Core Single-Core Juggernaut

The Intel Core i3-13100 is a 4-Core, 8-Thread CPU from the latest 13th-generation Intel offerings. It is suitable for entry-level gaming and provides access to newer technology. Additionally, it offers a solid upgrade path. However, its performance is somewhat limited due to being a quad-core CPU with Rocket Lake P-Cores.

Brand: Intel

CPU Model: Core i3 13100

CPU Socket: LGA 1700

Cores: 4 P-Cores

Threads: 8 Threads

Architecture: Raptor Lake

Process: Intel 7 (10Nm)

Base Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz

Boost Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz

Cache: 12MB L3, 5MB L2 Cache

RAM: N/A

PCIe: PCI-E 4.0 and 5.0 Supported

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 730

TDP: 89 W Turbo, 60 W Base Power

Pros: Strong Single Core Performance compared to competitors

Excellent Value for money for an Esports-ready processor

Has a solid upgrade path to both 12th and 13th gen processors

Cons A 4-core, 8-thread config CPU might be dated or obsolete out of the box in 2023 for some games and applications

$140 at Amazon $145 at Newegg

The Intel Core i3 13100 offers a slightly higher clock speed compared to its predecessor, the Intel Core i3 12100. Its performance remains within a similar range, with the ability to Turbo up to 4.5 GHz, unlike the 4.3 GHz of the previous model. It serves as an excellent quad-core CPU, providing an entry point into Intel's higher-end 13th-generation core series processors. For most users, an upgrade option may be available in the future, as both Intel and AMD fiercely compete in this market segment.

However, it's important to note that purchasing a quad-core CPU, even at an entry-level price, may not be the best choice for gamers, power users, or creators. This is because applications are becoming increasingly power-hungry and require more multithreaded performance, even though games continue to prioritize strong single-core performance.

The Intel Core i5 13100 and its cheaper variant, the 13100F, remain the only options in Intel's 13th generation lineup priced below $150. While its core count and subsequent thread counts may be somewhat limited, its competitive price point compensates for this drawback. With no current-generation AMD processors available at a similar price range in 2023, the Intel Core i5 13100 stands as a suitable choice for gamers without any better alternatives.

Choosing The Best CPUs For Gaming

Gone are the days when selecting a CPU for gaming was a straightforward task. In the past, there were only a few CPU choices available, each offering vastly different performance levels from one generation to the next. However, with the diminishing impact of Moore's law and incremental performance gains ranging from 5% to 15% between generations, we now find ourselves faced with numerous CPU generations competing at similar price ranges. As a result, gamers are left with a wide array of options, requiring careful consideration to find the perfect CPU that matches their specific requirements.

The performance and selection of a gaming CPU for gamers depends on three crucial factors: single core performance, number of cores, and pricing.

Single Core Performance: Undoubtedly, this is the most crucial factor in determining a CPU's impact on gaming. Most games heavily favor single core performance, as a game's speed is limited by the performance of its main thread. As a result, high single core performance and clock speeds are key indicators of how fast a CPU can run certain titles.

Exceptions to the rule exist in the case of AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPUs. These CPUs utilize the newer Zen 4 cores and stacked L3 cache, resulting in significantly faster access to larger data chunks compared to their Intel counterparts and AMD's non-X3D processors. This makes them an exceptional choice for gaming, prioritizing performance.

Modern CPUs have adapted to the complexity of modern games and game engines. They excel at handling multiple tasks and do so more efficiently than their predecessors. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced scheduling, smarter game engines, and the distribution of computing workloads.

While modern hexacore CPUs adequately meet the requirements of most games, octa-core CPUs have gained popularity due to the growing computing demands of new games. These CPUs are crucial for games that effectively utilize the additional cores that were previously unused.

When it comes to pricing, most modern CPUs are capable of handling gaming effectively. The ideal price range for gaming CPUs is between $200 and $400, as they offer the best value for performance. Spending a significant amount of money to achieve a slight increase in FPS may not be considered a worthwhile investment by everyone, especially considering the escalating prices of modern GPUs, which arguably offer more significant performance improvements for the money spent.

FAQ:

As a result, the dominance of Intel's Core i7 and AMD's Ryzen 7 CPUs has somewhat diminished. These higher-end processors are often overshadowed by their more affordable counterparts, the Core i5 and Ryzen 5, which provide excellent value for the money. In fact, the modest performance improvements offered by the pricier options are not substantial enough to justify the increased cost. Consequently, budget-conscious gamers are increasingly opting for mid-range CPUs when it comes to gaming.

Q: Why is single-core performance so important for games?

A: Video games are intricate code structures with millions of lines of code. Consequently, they often struggle to fully utilize multicore performance since a single thread or core bears the burden of processing our game-centric demands on the CPU. Consequently, this bias towards raw performance serves as a reliable benchmark for evaluating how well a game title will run on a processor.

Q: Which processors come with a CPU cooler?

A: Locked Intel processors are accompanied by a stock CPU cooler included in the package. Conversely, unlocked Intel CPUs are sold without a cooler as users are expected to employ sufficient cooling to maximize CPU performance in an overclocked state. On the other hand, for AMD processors, the provision of stock coolers appears to be more influenced by the tier of the CPU. Less expensive CPUs generally offer stock coolers, while more expensive and larger CPUs, particularly those designed for gaming, tend to omit this inclusion.