Unleash Your PC’s Potential: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming CPUs of 2025

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands as the best gaming CPU available today. While not inexpensive, this eight-core processor refines the winning strategy of its predecessor, the 7800X3D, delivering a chip that is not only significantly faster in games but also robustly powerful for other tasks.

Quite simply, the 9800X3D has achieved the highest gaming frame rates we’ve ever observed in testing, consistently outperforming Intel’s current rivals. This CPU dominates our frame rate charts in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Far Cry 6, and it also demonstrates a considerable speed advantage over its predecessor in non-gaming applications.

The key to this CPU’s exceptional performance lies in its 2nd-gen AMD 3D V-cache, a substantial 64MB silicon layer positioned directly beneath the CPU cores. This large cache minimizes the need to access slower system RAM for data, dramatically boosting gaming performance.

Crucially, with the cache positioned beneath the CPU cores on the 9800X3D (unlike the 7800X3D where it was on top), your CPU cooler can now directly cool the cores. This innovation leads to lower operating temperatures compared to the 7800X3D and has allowed AMD to push clock speeds higher, achieving a peak boost clock of 5.2GHz.

Combine this with AMD’s cutting-edge Zen 5 architecture, and you have an outstanding gaming CPU. It also excels in multi-threaded software, handling intensive tasks with ease. While it might not boast the sheer number of cores for extremely heavy-duty workstation applications (for which the 9950X or 7950X might be considered), it offers sufficient power for most users and is an exceptional choice for gaming.

For more details, consult our AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review.

While the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D has been succeeded by the superior 9800X3D, it remains a compelling option, especially if the newer chip is beyond your budget. Opting for the 7800X3D could save you up to $100 while sacrificing only a small amount of performance, and you’ll still retain the flexibility to upgrade to a 9800X3D later.

Similar to the 9800X3D, the 96MB of L3 cache within the 7800X3D significantly boosts frame rates, ensuring your graphics card can deliver its full potential. This impact is most noticeable at resolutions like 1080p, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers. Conversely, if you primarily game at higher resolutions where the GPU is typically the limiting factor, you’ll barely perceive any difference in game performance compared to the 9800X3D.

Beyond gaming, this chip is not as potent as the 9800X3D for non-gaming tasks, but it’s more than sufficient for most users’ needs. Moreover, its AM5 motherboard not only allows for an easy upgrade to a 9800X3D or a 16-core AMD chip like the 9950X3D but also promises support for future AMD CPUs, as the company has committed to the AM5 socket for at least another generation.

For our full assessment, read our AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D review.

The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a new gaming PC on a strict budget, thanks to its robust gaming performance and sub-$200 price point.

This Zen 5 processor, though equipped with only six cores, offers more than enough power for the majority of gaming scenarios, especially when backed by AMD’s latest architecture. The main drawback is that it doesn’t match the multi-threaded performance of similarly priced Intel chips, such as the Core i5 14600K, though it does offer superior gaming capabilities.

Remarkably, this chip is also very power-efficient, making it economical to run and easy to cool. Its default TDP is just 65W, allowing it to be managed effectively with a modest CPU cooler. However, you can also activate a 105W mode to boost its performance in multi-threading applications.

Furthermore, because this CPU uses AMD’s contemporary AM5 socket, you can invest in a motherboard now that will support future upgrades, including current CPUs like the highly praised 9800X3D, and upcoming AMD processors.

Crucially, this chip no longer carries its initial launch price of $279 from 2024 and is now available for under $200. While still more expensive than the Core i5 12400F, it offers significantly more powerful gaming performance, and the Socket AM5 platform ensures longevity for future upgrades.

For a detailed analysis, read our AMD Ryzen 5 9600X review.

If you’re seeking a CPU that excels across the board, AMD’s flagship Ryzen 9 9950X3D is unparalleled. Its 16 Zen 5 cores effortlessly handle multi-threaded workloads, even outperforming the 24-core Intel Core i9 14900K in Cinebench tests.

The best part is that you don’t sacrifice gaming performance. Eight of this CPU’s cores feature a 64MB slice of AMD’s 3D V-cache, delivering incredible gaming performance. Essentially, it’s a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, but with an additional eight cores dedicated to multi-threaded tasks.

These extra eight (non-X3D) cores can also boost up to 5.7GHz, which is 500MHz faster than the 9800X3D. Our tests show this translates to superior performance in both single and multi-threaded workloads compared to the eight-core chip. All this, and it still manages to run surprisingly cool, especially when compared to Intel’s 14th-gen Raptor Lake chips.

The sole drawback of this CPU is its hefty price tag of $699. Realistically, you might find it for around $670, but that’s still a significant investment. If gaming is your primary focus, the 9800X3D offers better value. However, if you demand both stellar gaming performance and top-tier multi-threading speeds for productivity, this is unequivocally the CPU to buy.

For a complete breakdown, read our full AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D review.

At the pinnacle of Intel’s gaming CPU lineup sits the Core i9 14900K, one of the rare chips capable of reaching 6GHz clock speeds.

It features the familiar configuration of 24 cores and 32 threads, a hallmark of Core i9 processors over the last three generations. The only other LGA 1700 processor that truly competes with it is the Core i9 13900KS, but the 14900K is virtually identical to that more expensive CPU.

The Core i9 14900K is ideally suited for systems that perform double duty as both a gaming rig and a workstation, as its strengths are most pronounced in multi-core workloads. Just be prepared with a robust power supply and an excellent cooling solution, as this chip consumes a significant amount of electricity.

A word of caution regarding this CPU: there have been reported issues with voltage fluctuations, leading to game crashes and even permanent damage to CPUs. If you plan to use this CPU, ensure you flash your motherboard’s BIOS to include the latest microcode beforehand.

For a full review, read our Intel Core i9 14900K review.

The 14600K is an exceptionally capable mid-range chip, combining six of Intel’s performance cores with eight efficiency cores for a total of 14 cores, all while costing under $190. This makes it a superb choice for multi-tasking.

Moreover, its gaming speed is commendable. While it trails behind the higher-clocked 14900K and AMD’s latest X3D chips, it remains a fast CPU. The ‘K’ in its name signifies easy overclocking capabilities, potentially offering free extra performance if your CPU cooler can handle the increased thermal output.

For a completely new system build, Intel’s LGA 1700 platform isn’t our top recommendation, as it’s now two generations old with no future CPU upgrade options. However, if you possess an older LGA 1700 motherboard or can acquire one cheaply secondhand, the 14600K makes an excellent pairing. Furthermore, you always have the option to upgrade to chips like the 14700K or 14900K at a later date.

For a detailed look, read our Intel Core i5 14600K review.

If you’re seeking a capable gaming CPU on a tight budget that also offers a noticeable boost in multi-threaded tasks like video encoding and rendering, the Core i5 13400F is a strong contender. It boasts six of Intel’s latest Raptor Lake P-Cores and a 4.6GHz boost clock, making it slightly faster for gaming than the 12400F, with an additional advantage.

Unlike its predecessor, the 13400F incorporates four of Intel’s low-power E-Cores beneath its heat spreader, bringing the total core count to ten. This provides a significant uplift in multi-threaded software performance, making it an ideal choice for users who engage in more than just gaming but don’t have a large budget to spare.

Similar to the 12400F, the absence of a ‘K’ in this chip’s model name means it cannot be officially overclocked by altering the multiplier. The ‘F’ designation indicates the lack of an integrated GPU, which is a non-issue for a gaming PC since a dedicated graphics card is recommended anyway, and it can save you some money.

You won’t need a top-tier CPU cooler to keep this processor’s temperatures in check; a budget-friendly air cooler will suffice. If you purchase the retail version, it even includes an adequate Intel stock air cooler in the box. For just $30 more than the 12400F, it represents a worthwhile upgrade.

Read our Intel Core i5 13400F review for an in-depth analysis.

If you possess older PC components and are seeking an affordable upgrade that still delivers robust gaming performance, the Intel Core i5 12400F is an excellent purchase. Priced at approximately $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 repurpose much of your existing hardware.

Specifically, if you have an Intel LGA 1700 motherboard (or can find a secondhand one for a low price) and 16GB or more of DDR4 RAM (anything less, and a new DDR5 purchase is advisable), this CPU will seamlessly integrate, providing you with six of Intel’s capable, performance-oriented P-Cores. This is two more than some of Intel’s more recent budget CPUs, and these P-Cores are crucial for gaming performance.

Don’t let the ’12’ in its model number mislead you into thinking it’s too old; the Alder Lake architecture used in this chip is very similar to the Raptor Lake architecture found in Intel’s latest 14th-gen CPUs, and we’ve found it to be more than competent for gaming.

With a TDP of just 65W, this CPU doesn’t require an expensive AIO cooler; a budget air cooler will manage its temperatures effectively. There are a few considerations: the ‘F’ model lacks an integrated GPU, but this isn’t an issue for a gaming PC, as a dedicated graphics card is always recommended (only AMD offers integrated GPUs powerful enough for gaming). It also doesn’t feature any of Intel’s E-Cores, which boost multi-threaded performance, but these are largely irrelevant for performance in most games.

The peak clock speed of 4.4GHz could also be higher, and since it’s not a K-series CPU, it’s not easily overclockable. However, at this price point, these are acceptable compromises. This is the best option for a cheap, straightforward upgrade, though for a slightly higher investment, superior choices exist for building a brand-new system.

For more details, read our Intel Core i5 12400F review.

For those who require a single chip capable of handling both CPU and GPU duties, perhaps for a compact system build, or if you’re on a tight budget where an additional $200 for a graphics card isn’t feasible, look no further than the Ryzen 5 8600G. With six Zen 4 cores and a Radeon 760M integrated GPU, it delivers vibrant performance as both a processor and a capable stand-in graphics card.

The 8600G performs best in less demanding games, but it can even manage titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 30fps if you’re comfortable playing at 1080p with low settings. It also supports FidelityFX Super Resolution, which can further boost frame rates through upscaling and frame generation.

To maximize the performance of its integrated graphics, you’ll need to pair the 8600G with DDR5 RAM clocked at 6,000MHz or higher. While this adds to the overall system cost, the same RAM can be utilized if you decide to upgrade your CPU in the future. Moreover, even relatively fast DDR5 RAM is becoming quite affordable.

If you plan to upgrade to a dedicated graphics card in the near future, the 8600G might not be the most ideal processor. It’s not as fast as equivalently 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, it’s likely your GPU, rather than this CPU, that will bottleneck gaming performance.

For a detailed overview, read our AMD Ryzen 5 8600G review.