The central processing unit (CPU) is the beating heart of your gaming PC, directly influencing your in-game frame rates and overall system responsiveness. Choosing the right one is crucial for unlocking your graphics card’s full potential and ensuring a smooth, immersive gaming experience. We’re here to guide you through the latest and greatest processors, helping you find the perfect fit for your new build.
Our top recommendation for gamers right now is the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, an absolute powerhouse that excels in gaming and handles other demanding tasks with ease. If you’re building on a tighter budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X delivers impressive gaming performance without breaking the bank. For an even more economical option, the Intel Core i5 12400F offers exceptional value. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of our top picks, ranging from high-end to budget-friendly, along with expert advice on how to choose the best CPU for your needs and answers to frequently asked questions. We’ve also included a section on other processors we’ve tested that are worth noting.
How We Test Gaming CPUs
At PCGamesN, our experts dedicate countless hours to thoroughly testing PC hardware, including CPUs. We provide honest, unbiased opinions to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Our rigorous testing process involves benchmarking each chip’s gaming capabilities using a robust test rig. This setup includes an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Founders Edition graphics card, a Corsair H100x Elite 240mm AIO cooler, a Corsair RM1000x PSU, 32GB of G.Skill TridentZ 5 Neo RGB 6,000MHz CL28 RAM, and a 2TB WD Black SN850X SSD, all running on the latest version of Windows.
Our benchmarks cover a diverse suite of PC games, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 6, F1 24, and Total War: Warhammer 3. We also evaluate application performance using Handbrake for video encoding and Cinebench R24 for rendering. Additionally, we closely monitor processor temperatures under load and record how long each chip can sustain its advertised boost clock speeds to ensure reliable and consistent performance metrics.
Best Gaming CPUs of 2025: Our Top Picks
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D – Best overall
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D – Best value AMD X3D
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600X – Best budget CPU
- Intel Core i9 14900K – Best Intel
- Intel Core i5 14600K – Best mid-range Intel
- Intel Core i5 13400F – Best value Intel
- Intel Core i5 12400F – Best budget Intel
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X – Best 16-core AMD
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600G – Best integrated graphics
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best gaming CPU overall
PCGamesN Score: 9/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: AM5
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base clock: 4.7GHz
- Boost clock: 5.2GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
Pros:
- Phenomenal gaming performance
- Overclockable
- Much faster than 7800X3D in multi-threaded software
Cons:
- High price
- Only eight cores
- Draws more power than 7800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is currently the ultimate gaming CPU. While it comes with a premium price tag, this eight-core processor builds upon the success of its predecessor, the 7800X3D, to deliver unparalleled gaming performance and significant power for other applications. It consistently dominates our frame rate charts in popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Far Cry 6, also showing marked improvements in non-gaming tasks compared to its forebear.
The secret to its prowess lies in 2nd-gen AMD 3D V-cache, a substantial 64MB silicon layer that boosts cache access and reduces reliance on slower system RAM. This technology dramatically enhances gaming performance. Crucially, in the 9800X3D, this cache is positioned underneath the CPU cores, allowing for more direct and efficient cooling of the cores themselves. This design not only results in lower operating temperatures than the 7800X3D but also enables higher clock speeds, reaching a boost clock of 5.2GHz.
Combined with AMD’s efficient Zen 5 architecture, the 9800X3D is a formidable gaming CPU capable of handling multi-threaded software with ease. While it might not offer the highest core count for extreme workstation applications (for which the 9950X or 7950X might be more suitable), it provides ample power for most users and is an outstanding choice for gaming enthusiasts.
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best value AMD X3D
PCGamesN Score: 9/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: AM5
- Cores (P+E): 8
- Threads: 16
- Base clock: 4.20GHz
- Boost clock: Up to 5.00GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
Pros:
- Flagship performance under $500
- Extremely efficient
- AM5 platform is feature-rich and has longevity
Cons:
- Relatively slow clock speeds
- No stock cooler
- L3 cache doesn’t guarantee higher frame rates in all scenarios
While the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D has been succeeded by the more powerful 9800X3D, it remains an excellent choice, especially if you’re looking to save some money. Opting for the 7800X3D can save you around $100, with only a marginal drop in performance, and you still retain the option to upgrade to a 9800X3D later on the same motherboard.
Similar to the 9800X3D, its 96MB of L3 cache significantly boosts frame rates, ensuring your graphics card is fully utilized. This benefit is most pronounced at resolutions like 1080p, making it perfect for competitive gamers. However, if you primarily game at higher resolutions where your GPU is the primary bottleneck, the performance difference compared to the 9800X3D will be almost negligible.
Although less competitive than the 9800X3D in non-gaming tasks, the 7800X3D is still more than sufficient for most users’ daily needs. Furthermore, its AM5 motherboard platform offers excellent longevity, allowing for future upgrades to current or upcoming AMD CPUs, including the powerful 9950X3D.
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
Best budget gaming CPU
PCGamesN Score: 8/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: AM5
- Cores (P+E): 6
- Threads: 12
- Base clock: 3.9GHz
- Boost clock: 5.4GHz
- L3 cache: 32MB
- TDP: 65W or 105W
Pros:
- Solid gaming frame rates
- Great value at current price
- Runs cool
Cons:
- Not as quick as X3D CPUs in games
- Only six cores
- Intel 14600K is quicker at multi-threading
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is an excellent choice for gamers building a new PC on a tight budget. Its combination of solid gaming performance and an attractive price point makes it stand out.
Despite having only six cores, this Zen 5 processor offers ample power for most gaming scenarios, backed by AMD’s latest architecture. Its main drawback is that it trails Intel’s similarly priced chips, like the Core i5 14600K, in multi-threaded applications, though it generally offers superior gaming performance.
This chip is also remarkably power-efficient and easy to cool. With a default TDP of just 65W, a modest CPU cooler is sufficient. However, you can unlock a 105W mode for a boost in multi-threading performance when needed.
Crucially, the 9600X utilizes AMD’s AM5 socket, meaning you can invest in a motherboard now that will support future upgrades, including more powerful 9800X3D and other 9000 series CPUs. While its launch price in 2024 was higher, it’s now available for under $200. It’s significantly more powerful for gaming than the Core i5 12400F, and the AM5 platform ensures future-proofing.
Intel Core i9 14900K
Best Intel gaming CPU
PCGamesN Score: 6/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Cores (P+E): 24 (8+16)
- Threads: 32
- Base clock: 3.20GHz / 2.40GHz
- Boost clock: Up to 5.60GHz / 4.40GHz
- L3 cache: 36MB
- TDP: 125W
Pros:
- Great frame rate consistency
- 6GHz maximum turbo frequency
- Unrivalled multi-threaded capabilities
Cons:
- Extraordinarily power hungry
- Requires a high-end cooling solution
- Often falls behind cheaper AMD X3D CPUs in games
The Intel Core i9 14900K leads Intel’s lineup of gaming CPUs, boasting incredible 6GHz clock speeds. This processor features 24 cores and 32 threads, a configuration consistent with the last three generations of Core i9 chips. Its primary competitor, the Core i9 13900KS, offers similar performance at a higher cost, making the 14900K the more sensible choice.
This CPU is best suited for systems that perform double duty as both a high-end gaming rig and a workstation, as its multi-core capabilities truly shine in demanding workloads. Be prepared with a powerful cooling solution and a robust power supply, as this chip is notoriously power-hungry.
A critical consideration for this CPU is the documented issues with voltage fluctuations, which can lead to game crashes and even permanent hardware damage. It is highly recommended to update your motherboard’s BIOS with the latest microcode before running this processor to mitigate these risks.
Intel Core i5 14600K
Best mid-range Intel gaming CPU
PCGamesN Score: 7/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Cores (P+E): 16 (6+8)
- Threads: 14
- Base clock: 3.5GHz / 2.6GHz
- Boost clock: Up to 5.3GHz / 4.0GHz
- L3 cache: 24MB
- TDP: 125W
Pros:
- Easily handles 120fps ‘x264 Slower’ encoding in real time
- Great gaming and creative application performance
Cons:
- Can be beaten by AMD Ryzen 7000 processors
- Runs a touch hot
The 14600K is a highly capable mid-range processor, featuring six performance cores and eight efficiency cores, totaling 14 cores, all for under $190. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-tasking users.
Its gaming speed is also respectable. While it may not match the higher clock speeds of the 14900K or AMD’s X3D chips, it still offers strong performance. The ‘K’ in its name signifies that it can be easily overclocked, potentially offering free additional performance if paired with an adequate CPU cooler.
For a new system build, the Intel LGA 1700 platform isn’t our top recommendation, as it is now two generations old with no further CPU upgrade path. However, if you already own an LGA 1700 motherboard or can find an affordable second-hand one, the 14600K is a superb processor. Furthermore, you always have the option to upgrade to chips like the 14700K or 14900K later on.
Intel Core i5 13400F
Best value gaming Intel CPU
PCGamesN Score: 8/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Cores (P+E): 10 (6+4)
- Threads: 16
- Base clock: 2.50GHz / 1.80GHz
- Boost clock: Up to 4.60GHz / 3.30GHz
- L3 cache: 18MB
- TDP: 65W
Pros:
- Generous price
- Slightly higher clock speed than 12400F
- Four E-Cores over 12400F
Cons:
- No overclocking capabilities
- Limited boost clock
- No integrated GPU
For those seeking a solid gaming CPU on a tight budget while also desiring a boost in multi-threaded tasks like video encoding and rendering, the Core i5 13400F is an excellent option. It boasts six of Intel’s latest Raptor Lake P-Cores and a 4.6GHz boost clock, making it marginally faster than the 12400F for gaming, with an additional advantage.
Unlike its predecessor, the 13400F incorporates four of Intel’s low-power E-Cores, totaling ten cores, which provides a notable performance increase in multi-threaded software. This makes it an ideal choice for users who engage in a variety of computing tasks beyond just gaming, without needing to spend a fortune.
The ‘F’ in its model name indicates the absence of an integrated GPU, which helps reduce the price if you plan on using a dedicated graphics card anyway. Like the 12400F, it lacks ‘K’ series overclocking capabilities via multiplier adjustments. You won’t need a high-end CPU cooler for this chip, and the retail version even includes an adequate Intel stock air cooler. For only about $30 more than the 12400F, it represents a worthwhile upgrade.
Intel Core i5 12400F
Best budget Intel gaming CPU
PCGamesN Score: 9/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Cores (P+E): 6 (6+0)
- Threads: 12
- Base clock: 2.5GHz
- Boost clock: 4.4GHz
- L3 cache: 18MB
- TDP: 65W
Pros:
- Six P-Cores
- Amazing price
- Solid gaming performance
Cons:
- Clock speed could be higher
- No E-Cores
- No integrated GPU
If you’re looking for an affordable upgrade for an older PC that still delivers strong gaming performance, the Intel Core i5 12400F is a fantastic option. Priced around $110, it’s one of the most budget-friendly modern CPUs available. Its compatibility with older Intel motherboards and DDR4 RAM means you might be able to reuse many existing components.
Specifically, if you possess an Intel LGA 1700 motherboard (or can acquire one cheaply secondhand) and have 16GB or more of DDR4 RAM, this CPU can easily slot in. It brings six powerful, performance-oriented P-Cores, which are crucial for gaming, a higher count than some of Intel’s more recent budget CPUs.
Don’t let the ’12’ in its model number mislead you; the Alder Lake architecture it uses is very similar to the Raptor Lake architecture found in Intel’s latest 14th gen CPUs, proving highly capable for gaming. With a TDP of just 65W, it doesn’t demand an expensive AIO cooler; a basic air cooler will suffice. There are a few caveats: the ‘F’ model lacks an integrated GPU (not an issue for a gaming PC with a dedicated graphics card), and it doesn’t feature Intel’s E-Cores, which are largely irrelevant for most gaming scenarios.
Its peak clock speed of 4.4GHz could be higher, and it’s not a ‘K’-series CPU, so overclocking isn’t straightforward, but at this price, it offers exceptional value. It’s the best choice for a cheap, easy upgrade, though for a brand new system, slightly more expensive options might offer better overall value.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
Best 16-core AMD gaming CPU
PCGamesN Score: 8/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: AM5
- Cores (P+E): 16
- Threads: 32
- Base clock: 4.50GHz
- Boost clock: Up to 5.70GHz
- L3 cache: 64MB
- TDP: 170W
Pros:
- Great power efficiency
- So much multi-core power
- Eco mode works great
Cons:
- Gets hot in multi-threaded workloads
- Best for workloads other than gaming
- High price
If you need an immensely powerful CPU for demanding multi-core processing without completely exhausting your budget, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is an excellent choice. This 16-core chip offers twice the core count of the 9800X3D, delivering formidable multi-core processing power.
While it might be slightly outperformed by rivals like the Intel Core i9-14900K in some workloads, the difference is often minimal. Crucially, AMD’s chip achieves its performance with impressive power efficiency. It even features an eco mode that reduces its TDP to just 65W (from its default 170W), which, while slightly lowering peak performance, drastically cuts power consumption.
This low-power mode is particularly appealing as it allows you to operate your CPU efficiently for most of the workday and then switch to full power for evening gaming sessions, maximizing frame rates (a reboot is required for this switch, but it’s a small trade-off for such versatility). Moreover, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is very competitively priced for its power, now widely available for under $450, significantly less than its original launch price of around $600. Its compatibility with AMD’s latest 9000 series CPUs and future chip generations on the same motherboard ensures a robust upgrade path.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
Best CPU with integrated graphics
PCGamesN Score: 7/10
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Specifications:
- Socket: AM5
- Cores (P+E): 6
- Threads: 12
- Base clock: 4.3GHz
- Boost clock: 5GHz
- L3 cache: 16MB
- TDP: 65W
Pros:
- Best value integrated GPU on the market
- Included air cooler
- Good CPU performance in games
Cons:
- 6,000MHz+ RAM is a must for integrated GPU performance
- So-so value versus cheap dedicated graphics card
- Doesn’t have 16x PCIe 4.0 lanes
For those who need a single chip to handle both CPU and GPU duties, perhaps for a compact system build, or when a dedicated graphics card is simply not within budget, the Ryzen 5 8600G is an unbeatable choice. With six Zen 4 cores and a Radeon 760M integrated GPU, it excels as both a processor and a capable standalone graphics solution.
The 8600G truly shines in less graphically demanding games, but it can even manage titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 30 frames per second at 1080p with low settings. It also supports FidelityFX Super Resolution, which can further boost frame rates through upscaling and frame generation techniques.
To maximize the performance of its integrated graphics, pairing the 8600G with DDR5 RAM clocked at 6,000MHz or higher is essential. While this adds to the initial cost, the same RAM can be carried over if you decide to upgrade your CPU in the future, and fast DDR5 RAM is becoming increasingly affordable.
If you plan to add a dedicated graphics card soon, the 8600G might not be the most ideal processor, as it’s not as fast as similarly priced CPUs without powerful integrated graphics and offers a limited number of PCIe lanes. However, unless you’re upgrading to a particularly high-end graphics card, this CPU is unlikely to be the primary bottleneck for gaming performance.
Also Tested
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
Intel’s latest generation of CPUs initially didn’t impress us with its gaming performance, as it couldn’t quite keep pace with AMD’s X3D chips. However, with recent price reductions on the Core Ultra 200 series, these CPUs are now a compelling option if ultra-high frame rates aren’t your absolute top priority. This is because CPU speed typically only becomes a critical factor at low resolutions, lower graphics settings, and very high frame rates. For higher resolutions and graphical settings, your GPU almost always dictates performance. Thus, a Core Ultra 200 system, at the right price, is definitely worth considering. Beyond gaming, it’s a very powerful and energy-efficient chip.
How to Choose a CPU for Gaming
When selecting a new CPU, your first consideration should be whether you’re upgrading an existing system or building a new one from scratch. For older systems, particularly AMD AM4 platforms, upgrading to last-generation chips like the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Ryzen 7 5800X3D can be a very sensible and cost-effective choice. If you have an older Intel system (12th to 14th gen), there might still be compatible options that offer a performance boost, though generational gains might be less dramatic. For example, moving from an Intel Core i5 12600K to an Intel Core i7-14700K could be a worthwhile upgrade.
For a new system, your budget is paramount. If funds are limited, avoid high-end chips. Instead, invest in a budget CPU and allocate more funds towards a powerful graphics card. You can always upgrade your CPU later. Entry-level CPUs can be found for just over $100, mid-range options typically fall between $200-$400, and high-end chips can exceed $700.
Once your budget is set, consider your primary use case. If gaming is your sole focus, with other activities limited to basic web browsing, email, and video streaming, an eight-core CPU is more than adequate, and even six-core chips often suffice. We highly recommend AMD’s X3D chips in these scenarios, as their additional cache dramatically improves gaming performance. The current leader is the 9800X3D, but the 7800X3D is also excellent, and for older AM4 systems, the 5800X3D remains the best gaming CPU.
For budget-conscious gamers, X3D chips might be too expensive. In such cases, the six-core AMD Ryzen 9600X or the six-performance-core Intel Core i5 14600K are strong contenders. If you need a more versatile powerhouse for multi-core processing tasks beyond gaming, consider CPUs with more than eight cores. The 16-core AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently a top performer, with the Intel Core i9 14900K also offering immense power.
Alternatively, if you want to save even more money, consider an AMD APU. These chips combine a CPU with a basic Radeon GPU, eliminating the need for a separate graphics card. Chips like the Ryzen 5 8600G can handle basic gaming at 1080p with low settings, though they won’t match the performance of AMD’s dedicated CPUs if you eventually add a discrete graphics card.
Gaming CPU Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a CPU?
The central processing unit (CPU) is the core processing component of your PC, responsible for nearly all calculations that enable applications and games to run. While graphics cards handle 2D and 3D rendering, the CPU manages all other processing. It resides in the motherboard, connecting to RAM, the graphics card, and other components, facilitating communication and power delivery. Without a CPU, your PC cannot function.
Generally, a CPU with more processing cores and a faster clock speed can complete more tasks quicker, boosting system performance. However, there’s a point beyond which a faster CPU won’t significantly increase frame rates in games. Once a game runs smoothly at lower graphics settings and resolutions, higher frame rates at enhanced graphical settings become predominantly the graphics card’s responsibility.
How we test the best gaming CPUs
With numerous gaming CPUs on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. To assist you, we meticulously evaluate each chip’s gaming capabilities. Our test rig features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Founders Edition graphics card, a Corsair H100x Elite 240mm AIO cooler, a Corsair RM1000x PSU, 32GB of G.Skill TridentZ 5 Neo RGB 6,000MHz CL28 RAM, and a 2TB WD Black SN850X SSD, all running on the latest Windows version.
Our gaming benchmarks include popular titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 6, F1 24, and Total War: Warhammer 3. We also assess application performance using Handbrake for video encoding and Cinebench R24 for rendering. During testing, we monitor the processor’s temperatures under load and its ability to maintain advertised boost clock speeds.
Can I upgrade my CPU?
Upgrading your gaming PC’s CPU involves physically swapping out your current processor for a more powerful one. This process is generally straightforward, provided you have a compatible chip, an adequate cooling solution, and the necessary tools. Before upgrading, always verify that the new CPU is compatible with your motherboard. Intel and AMD both offer online compatibility tools to help you check compatible motherboards and any required BIOS updates. Our seven-step CPU upgrade guide provides detailed installation advice, and our best CPU cooler guide can help you find the right cooler for your new processor.
How do you install a CPU?
Installing a CPU is relatively simple but requires careful attention to avoid damage. First, confirm that your chosen CPU is compatible with your motherboard, ensuring they share the same socket type (e.g., LGA 1700 or AM5) and that your motherboard’s BIOS supports the CPU. You can usually find a list of supported CPUs and necessary BIOS updates on the motherboard manufacturer’s website.
Once compatibility is confirmed, the installation typically involves removing your existing CPU cooler, opening the locking clip around the CPU socket on the motherboard, gently aligning the new CPU according to the indicator markings, and seating it into the socket. Close the locking clip to secure it. The final step is to install a CPU cooler. For comprehensive instructions on cooler installation, refer to our guide on how to build a gaming PC. For a full breakdown of CPU installation, consult our dedicated CPU upgrade guide.
When to upgrade a gaming CPU?
There’s no fixed lifespan for a CPU, but several indicators can suggest it’s time for an upgrade. You might notice your system slowing down and no longer meeting your performance expectations, or you may want to boost the speed of specific tasks, or simply wish to future-proof your setup with the latest technology.
To determine if your CPU is the bottleneck in your gaming rig, tools like CapFrameX and Rivatuner Statistics Server can display real-time CPU and GPU loads while you play games. If your GPU isn’t consistently hitting near 100% usage, but you’re experiencing stutters or overall slow performance, your CPU (or possibly RAM) is likely holding you back. However, if your graphics card usage hovers around 90-100%, upgrading your graphics card might yield better results than a CPU upgrade.
What should CPU usage be when gaming?
In a well-balanced system (where the CPU and GPU are of similar performance, like an RX 7700 XT with a Ryzen 5 7600, or an RTX 4090 with a Core i9 14900K), your CPU usage during gaming largely depends on the specific game genre. RTS games, for example, tend to be more CPU-intensive due to complex AI and unit management.
Generally, your GPU usage should be close to 100% long before your processor is fully utilized. However, achieving very high frame rates (240 FPS and above) will place a greater demand on your CPU. For more ways to enhance your gaming PC’s performance, explore our guides on the best gaming motherboards to pair with your new CPU, and the best gaming RAM to complement your processor.