Beste prozessor für gaming: CPU-Ranking 2022 fr Spieler

CPU-Ranking 2022 fr Spieler

Kurz und Knapp

• Intel Raptor Lake holt sich die Gaming-Spitze!
• Auch AMD’s Ryzen-7000er-Serie ganz oben dabei
• Einstiegsklasse ab 80 Euro, Mittelklasse ab 150 und Oberklasse ab 250 Euro
• Anzahl der Kerne haben noch wenig Einfluss beim Gaming → Takt und Singlecore-Leistung ist wichtiger
• Stets aktuelles Live-CPU-Rangliste mit den aktuellen Preisen
• Intel Core i5 12400(F) und Core i3 12100F die Geheimtipps im P/L-Segment!

Quelle: pixabay.com

Beim Spielen am PC kommt es nicht nur auf Grafikleistung an: Auch die Leistung des Prozessors ist wichtig. Zwar kann die Beanspruchung je nach Spiele-Engine variieren, jedoch gilt wie bei den Grafikkarten: Je mehr Leistung vorhanden ist, desto flssiger luft das Spiel. Grundstzlich gibt es derzeit kaum Spiele, die mehr als vier Kerne nutzen. Die Anzahl der Kerne spielt also eine untergeordnete Rolle, wobei Spiele wie Battlefield 1 auch das Gegenteil beweisen. Viel wichtiger ist der Takt, die Singlecore-Leistung und die Effizienz der CPU. Hier sollte man zwischen dem Basis- und sogenannten Boost- oder Turbotakt unterscheiden. Der Basistakt ergibt sich durch den anliegenden Frontsidebus von standardgem 100 MHz multipliziert mit dem entsprechend programmierten Multiplikator. So hat beispielsweise der Intel Core i5-12400F einen Basistakt von 2,5 GHz, was einem Multiplikator von 25 entspricht. Im Turbomodus sind es sogar 4,4 GHz, also ist der Multiplikator 44. Je nach Anforderung taktet sich die CPU im Turbomodus selber hoch — es ist quasi eine integrierte bertaktungsfunktion.

Bei vielen CPUs gibt es zudem einen frei einstellbaren Multiplikator: Bei AMD wurden frher solche Prozessoren mit Black Edition oder kurz BE gekennzeichnet. Nun besitzen bei AMD alle aktuellen Ryzen-CPUs einen freien Multiplikator — bei Intel zeigt die Endung K oder KF, dass man den Multiplikator frei konfigurieren kann. Ohne zu weit ins Detail zu gehen, sollte jedem bewusst sein, dass man beim bertakten einer CPU sich auerhalb der Spezifikationen befindet und somit bei Beschdigung die Herstellergarantie nicht mehr greift. Zudem sollte man beachten, dass man fr das bertakten nicht nur die passende CPU selber, sondern auch ber ein geeignetes Mainboard, bei Intel mit Z- und bei AMD mit X-oder B-Chipsatz und auerdem ber eine ausreichend gute Khlung verfgt.

Insgesamt haben wir in unserem berblick fr Gaming-Prozessoren mehr als 50 gngige Prozessoren, ltere bis topaktuelle Modelle von AMD und Intel betrachtet und diese mittels zahlreicher im Internet bereitgestellter Spiele-Benchmarks in ein Live-Ranking eingepflegt, in dem auch der aktuelle Preis bercksichtigt wird.

Direkt zu den Empfehlungen

Live-Ranking fr Gaming-CPUs

Liveranking: bersicht aller aktuellen CPUs im Leistungsvergleich mit live Preisen (inkl. Versandkosten).

Intel Core i9-13900KF (24/32 2,2-5,8GHz 36MB 125-253W)Intel Core i9-13900KF (24/32 2,2-5,8GHz 36MB 125-253W)100%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 663 Intel Core i9-13900K (24/32 2,2-5,8GHz UHD 770 125-253W)Intel Core i9-13900K (24/32 2,2-5,8GHz UHD 770 125-253W)99%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 689 Intel Core i7-13700KF (16/24 2,5-5,4GHz 30MB 125-253W)Intel Core i7-13700KF (16/24 2,5-5,4GHz 30MB 125-253W)94%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 448 Intel Core i7-13700K (16/24 2,5-5,4GHz UHD 770 125-253W)Intel Core i7-13700K (16/24 2,5-5,4GHz UHD 770 125-253W)93%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 466 Intel Core i5-13600KF (14/20 2,6-5,1GHz 24MB 125-181W)Intel Core i5-13600KF (14/20 2,6-5,1GHz 24MB 125-181W)90%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 324 Intel Core i5-13600K (14/20 2,6-5,1GHz UHD 770 125-181W)Intel Core i5-13600K (14/20 2,6-5,1GHz UHD 770 125-181W)89%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 356 AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (8/16 3,4-4,5GHz 96MB 105W)AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (8/16 3,4-4,5GHz 96MB 105W)87%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 366 AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (12/24 4,7-5,6GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 170-230W)AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (12/24 4,7-5,6GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 170-230W)84%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 514 Intel Core i9-12900KS (16/24 3,2-5,5GHz UHD 770 241W)Intel Core i9-12900KS (16/24 3,2-5,5GHz UHD 770 241W)83%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 641 AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (16/32 4,5-5,7GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 170-230W)AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (16/32 4,5-5,7GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 170-230W)82%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 633 AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (8/16 4,5-5,4GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 105-142W)AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (8/16 4,5-5,4GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 105-142W)82%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 378 Intel Core i9-12900K (16/24 3,2-5,2GHz UHD 770 241W)Intel Core i9-12900K (16/24 3,2-5,2GHz UHD 770 241W)82%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 535 Intel Core i7-12700K (12/20 3,6-5,0GHz UHD 770 190W)Intel Core i7-12700K (12/20 3,6-5,0GHz UHD 770 190W)79%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 378 Intel Core i5-12600K (10/16 3,7-4,9GHz UHD 770 150W)Intel Core i5-12600K (10/16 3,7-4,9GHz UHD 770 150W)77%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 288 AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (12/24 3,7-4,8GHz 64MB 105W)AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (12/24 3,7-4,8GHz 64MB 105W)77%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 378 AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (16/32 3,4-4,9GHz 64MB 105W)AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (16/32 3,4-4,9GHz 64MB 105W)76%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 526 AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (8/16 3,8-4,7GHz 32MB 105W)AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (8/16 3,8-4,7GHz 32MB 105W)75%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 250 AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (6/12 4,7-5,3GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 105-142W)AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (6/12 4,7-5,3GHz Radeon2 2,2GHz 105-142W)75%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 284 Intel Core i5-12500 (6/12 3,0-4,6GHz UHD 730 117W)Intel Core i5-12500 (6/12 3,0-4,6GHz UHD 730 117W)73%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 236 AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (8/16 3,4-4,6GHz 32MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (8/16 3,4-4,6GHz 32MB 65W)73%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 214 Intel Core i9-10900K (10/20 3,7-5,1GHz UHD 630 125W)Intel Core i9-10900K (10/20 3,7-5,1GHz UHD 630 125W)73%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 368 Intel Core i9-11900K (8/16 3,5-5,3GHz UHD 750 125W)Intel Core i9-11900K (8/16 3,5-5,3GHz UHD 750 125W)72%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 361 Intel Core i5-12400F (6/12 2,5-4,4GHz 18MB 117W)Intel Core i5-12400F (6/12 2,5-4,4GHz 18MB 117W)72%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 160 AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6/12 3,7-4,6GHz 32MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6/12 3,7-4,6GHz 32MB 65W)72%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 168 Intel Core i5-12400 (6/12 2,5-4,4GHz UHD 730 117W)Intel Core i5-12400 (6/12 2,5-4,4GHz UHD 730 117W)72%3 Prozessoren anzeigen3 Prozessoren anzeigenab 191 Intel Core i9-10850K (10/20 3,6-5,2GHz UHD 630 125W)Intel Core i9-10850K (10/20 3,6-5,2GHz UHD 630 125W)72%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 428 Intel Core i7-11700K (8/16 3,6-5,0GHz UHD 750 125W)Intel Core i7-11700K (8/16 3,6-5,0GHz UHD 750 125W)71%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 307 AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (6/12 3,5-4,4GHz 32MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (6/12 3,5-4,4GHz 32MB 65W)71%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 150 Intel Core i7-10700K (8/16 3,8-5,1GHz UHD 630 125W)Intel Core i7-10700K (8/16 3,8-5,1GHz UHD 630 125W)70%3 Prozessoren anzeigen3 Prozessoren anzeigenab 276 Intel Core i5-11600K (6/12 3,9-4,9GHz UHD 750 125W)Intel Core i5-11600K (6/12 3,9-4,9GHz UHD 750 125W)70%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 279 AMD Ryzen 7 5700G (8/16 3,8-4,6GHz Vega8 2,0GHz 65W)AMD Ryzen 7 5700G (8/16 3,8-4,6GHz Vega8 2,0GHz 65W)67%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 201 Intel Core i5-10600K (6/12 4,1-4,8GHz UHD 630 125W)Intel Core i5-10600K (6/12 4,1-4,8GHz UHD 630 125W)67%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 192 Intel Core i7-9700K (8/8 3,6-4,9GHz UHD 630 95W)Intel Core i7-9700K (8/8 3,6-4,9GHz UHD 630 95W)67%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigen Intel Core i5-11400F (6/12 2,6-4,4GHz 12 MB 65W)Intel Core i5-11400F (6/12 2,6-4,4GHz 12 MB 65W)67%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 132 Intel Core i3-12100F (4/8 3,3-4,3GHz 12MB 89W)Intel Core i3-12100F (4/8 3,3-4,3GHz 12MB 89W)67%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 104 AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT (8/16 3,9-4,7GHz 32MB 105W)AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT (8/16 3,9-4,7GHz 32MB 105W)67%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 539 AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (16/32 3,5-4,7GHz 64B 105W)AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (16/32 3,5-4,7GHz 64B 105W)65%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 805 AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (12/24 3,8-4,6GHz 64B 105W)AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (12/24 3,8-4,6GHz 64B 105W)65%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 519 Intel Core i7-9700 (8/8 3,0-4,7GHz UHD 630 65W)Intel Core i7-9700 (8/8 3,0-4,7GHz UHD 630 65W)65%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 356 AMD Ryzen 7 3800X (8/16 3,9-4,5GHz 32MB 105W)AMD Ryzen 7 3800X (8/16 3,9-4,5GHz 32MB 105W)65%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 259 AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6/12 3,6-4,2GHz 16MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6/12 3,6-4,2GHz 16MB 65W)64%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 104 AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6/12 3,9-4,7GHz Vega7 1,9GHz 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6/12 3,9-4,7GHz Vega7 1,9GHz 65W)64%3 Prozessoren anzeigen3 Prozessoren anzeigenab 132 AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8/16 3,6-4,4GHz 32MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8/16 3,6-4,4GHz 32MB 65W)63%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 187 Intel Core i5-10400F (6/12 2,9-4,3GHz 12MB 65W)Intel Core i5-10400F (6/12 2,9-4,3GHz 12MB 65W)62%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 106 Intel Core i5-9600K (6/6 3,7-4,6GHz UHD 630 95W)Intel Core i5-9600K (6/6 3,7-4,6GHz UHD 630 95W)61%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 260 AMD Ryzen 5 3600X (6/12 3,8-4,4GHz 32MB 95W)AMD Ryzen 5 3600X (6/12 3,8-4,4GHz 32MB 95W)60%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 304 AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G (6/12 3,7-4,2GHz Vega7 1,9GHz 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G (6/12 3,7-4,2GHz Vega7 1,9GHz 65W)60%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 140 Intel Core i9-10980XE (18/36 3,0-4,6GHz 24,75MB 165W)Intel Core i9-10980XE (18/36 3,0-4,6GHz 24,75MB 165W)60%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 1247 AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (6/12 3,6-4,2GHz 32MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (6/12 3,6-4,2GHz 32MB 65W)60%4 Prozessoren anzeigen4 Prozessoren anzeigenab 104 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X (24/48 3,8-4,5GHz 128MB 280W)AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X (24/48 3,8-4,5GHz 128MB 280W)60%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 637 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X (64/128 2,9-4,3GHz 256MB 280W)AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X (64/128 2,9-4,3GHz 256MB 280W)59%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigen Intel Core i5-8400 (6x 2,8-4,0GHz / UHD 630 / 65W)Intel Core i5-8400 (6x 2,8-4,0GHz / UHD 630 / 65W)57%3 Prozessoren anzeigen3 Prozessoren anzeigenab 231 Intel Core i9-7960X (16x 2,8-4,4GHz / 22MB / 165W)Intel Core i9-7960X (16x 2,8-4,4GHz / 22MB / 165W)56%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigen AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (4/8 3,6-3,9GHz 16MB 65W)AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (4/8 3,6-3,9GHz 16MB 65W)54%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 254 AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (8x 3,7-4,3GHz / 16MB / 105W)AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (8x 3,7-4,3GHz / 16MB / 105W)54%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 200 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X (12x 3,5-4,3GHz / 32MB / 180W)AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X (12x 3,5-4,3GHz / 32MB / 180W)51%2 Prozessoren anzeigen2 Prozessoren anzeigenab 711 AMD Ryzen 7 1800X (8x 3,6-4,0GHz / 16MB / 95W)AMD Ryzen 7 1800X (8x 3,6-4,0GHz / 16MB / 95W)49%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 228 AMD Ryzen 5 1600X (6x 3,6-4,0GHz / 16MB / 95W)AMD Ryzen 5 1600X (6x 3,6-4,0GHz / 16MB / 95W)46%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigen AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX (32x 3,0-4,2GHz / 64MB / 250W)AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX (32x 3,0-4,2GHz / 64MB / 250W)45%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 2333 AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4/8 3,7-4,2GHz Vega11 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4/8 3,7-4,2GHz Vega11 65W)44%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 129 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX (24x 3,0-4,2GHz / 64MB / 250W)AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX (24x 3,0-4,2GHz / 64MB / 250W)44%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigen AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (6x 3,2-3,6GHz / 16MB / 65W)AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (6x 3,2-3,6GHz / 16MB / 65W)44%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 220 AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (4/4 3,6-4,0GHz Vega8 65W)AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (4/4 3,6-4,0GHz Vega8 65W)41%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 107 AMD Athlon 3000G (2x 3,5GHz / Vega3 / 35W)AMD Athlon 3000G (2x 3,5GHz / Vega3 / 35W)35%1 Prozessoren anzeigen1 Prozessoren anzeigenab 104

Stand: 13. 12.2022 07:44Uhr

Der Leistungsindex zeigt in Prozent, welcher Prozessor, relativ gesehen, wie stark ist. Die Machtgefge bei den Gaming-CPUs haben sich erneut verschoben. AMD ist nun wieder ganz oben, Intel knapp dahinter. Intel bietet zudem derzeit im unteren Preissegment die bessere Preis-Leistung. Das aktuelle Non-Plus-Ultra in Sachen Gaming-Performance ist der AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Dies kommt nicht von ungefhr, denn der Turbotakt des 8-Kerners liegt bei 4,5 GHz — allerdings dann nur auf einem Kern gleichzeitig. Zudem sorgt der neue L3-Cache inkl. 64 MB 3D V-Cache fr einen massiven Leistungsgewinn im Vergleich zum lteren Ryzen 7 5800X. Gleichzeitig ist dann der Stromverbrauch vergleichsweise niedrig — und das bei der derzeit schnellsten Gaming-CPU. Wem die knapp 440 zuviel sind, der wird auch mit dem gnstigeren Intel Core i5-12600K auf seine Kosten kommen.

Was die Preis-Leistung betrifft, kann der AMD Ryzen 5 5600X neben dem Intel Core i5-12400F mit das beste Preis-/Leistungsverhltnis bieten.

Server-Prozessoren wie die Threadripper CPUs von AMD oder Xeons von Intel rechnen in Spielen allerdings nicht wirklich schnell. In Anwendungen sieht das dann natrlich ganz anders aus. Dank der Erhhung der Single-Core-Leistung sowie der Anzahl der Kerne kann AMD mit der aktuellen Ryzen Generation wieder klar die Fhrung im Spieleranking behaupten.

Die aktuell schnellsten Prozessoren

Wer einfach die beste Leistung haben mchte und das Geld keine Rolle spielt, dann sind diese CPUs die beste Wahl:

Intel Core i9-13900K Bestes Angebot von:
33 weitere Preise und Anbieter Intel Core i7-13700K Bestes Angebot von:
39 weitere Preise und Anbieter Intel Core i5-13600K Bestes Angebot von:
39 weitere Preise und Anbieter

Was muss ich beim Kauf einer CPU beachten?

Beim Kauf einer neuen CPU gibt es einiges zu beachten. Du musst dich als erstes am vorhandenen Mainboard orientieren: Welches Modell ist es? Welchen Sockel hat es? Ist dies geklrt und die gewnschte CPU passt zum Sockel, sollte man zudem abklren, ob die CPU auch vom Mainboard untersttzt wird. Gerade bei lteren Boards ist dies ein Problem, wenn fr den selben Sockel neue Prozessoren auf den Markt kommen. Hier ist gegebenenfalls ein Bios-Update ntig, das man vor dem CPU-Wechsel durchfhren muss. Die Anleitung und die dafr ntige Software, sofern man das Update nicht direkt im Bios durchfhren will, findest du auf der Herstellerseite deines Mainboards.

Sind die Fragen der Kompatibilitt geklrt, bleibt noch die Frage der Khlung. Eine leistungsstrkere CPU hat oftmals einen hheren Stromverbrauch und somit eine hhere Abwrme. Hier gilt es also, den vorhandenen CPU-Khler zu berprfen, ob dieser fr die neue Aufgabe gerstet ist. Falls nicht, haben wir hier den richtigen Artikel fr dich.

Passt die gewnschte CPU nicht auf das aktuelle Mainboard, bleibt nur noch die Option ein neues zu kaufen. Hierbei wird allerdings oft nicht beachtet, dass man eventuell auch neuen Arbeitsspeicher (DDR4), einen anderen CPU-Khler oder gar ein neues Gehuse und Netzteil bentigt. Die meisten CPUs gibt es als sogenannte Boxed- und zudem als Tray-Version im Handel. Bei der Boxed-Version erhlt man die CPU in Original-Verpackung, je nach Modell mit dem dazugehrigen Boxed-Khler und dazu drei Jahre Herstellergarantie. Beim Kauf einer oft gnstigeren Tray-Variante entfllt jeglicher Lieferumfang und die Garantie beschrnkt sich meist auf ein Jahr.

Was kostet ein Prozessor zum Spielen?

Der Einstieg in die Welt der Spiele-CPUs ist mit etwa 50 Euro denkbar gnstig, wobei man sich in diesem Fall natrlich am unteren Ende des Leistungsdiagramms befindet. Wie auch bei den Grafikkarten gilt die Formel: Je mehr Leistung man haben mchte, desto tiefer muss man in die Tasche greifen. Wir sehen jetzt mal von bertaktung ab, bei der diese Formel nur bedingt gilt. Whrend die Einstiegsklasse vor allem Intel gehrt, wird die Mittel- und Oberklasse auch von AMD dominiert — das bezieht sich sowohl auf den Preis als auch auf die Leistung.

Whrend die meisten Intel-Core-i5- und -i7-, bzw. AMD-Ryzen-5/7-Modelle zwischen 200 und 400 Euro kosten, gibt es spezielle Modelle wie den AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, der an der 800-Euro-Grenze kratzt. Dabei handelt es sich um einen Consumer-16-Kern-Prozessor. Intel mit der Raptor-Lake-Serie nun wieder die leistungsstrksten Spiele-CPUs, angefangen beim Core i9-13900K(F) mit 24 Kernen, der fr 689 Euro zu haben ist. Dahinter folgen die Intel Core i7-13700K und Core i5-13600K. Zusammen mit einem Z690- oder Z790-Mainboard sicherlich die aktuell beste Wahl in Sachen Spieleleistung. AMD wird mit dem Ryzen 7 5800X3D auf Platz 4 und dem neuen Ryzen 9 7900X auf Platz 5 verdrngt. Nochmals ein wenig langsamer sind die aktuellen AMD Ryzen 9 7950X und Ryzen 7 7700X fr derzeit ab etwa 633 Eurobzw. 378 Euro. Was die Preis-Leistung betrifft, sind der Intel Core i5-12400F, bzw. der Intel Core i5-12400 die derzeit besten CPUs auf dem Markt.

Einstiegsklasse bis 150 Euro

Hier bietet AMD ein riesiges Portfolio von CPUs an. Angefangen vom kostengnstigen AMD Athlon 3000G mit 3,5 GHz Basistakt und zwei Kernen bis hin zum quasi nicht mehr erhltlichen AMD Ryzen 3300X. Auch dabei ist der Intel Core i3-10100F, welcher jedoch keine integrierte Grafikeinheit mit sich bringt. Er bietet eine hohe Taktung von bis 4.3 GHz und vier echte Kerne. DIE Empfehlung bis 150 ist derzeit der Intel Core i5-12100F. Dieser Prozessor rechnet auf einem Level mit dem Ryzen 7 5800X — in Spielen wohlgemerkt. Lediglich beim bertakten aufgrund des fehlendes frei whlbaren Multiplikators und bei Multicore-Anwendungen hat er das Nachsehen. Ebenfalls eine Empfehlung ist der AMD Ryzen 5 5500 im unteren Preissegment mit sechs Kernen und 12 Threads.

Kaufempfehlungen der Redaktion

Intel Core i3-10100F Box (BX8070110100F) Bestes Angebot von:
30 weitere Preise und Anbieter Intel Core i3-12100F Bestes Angebot von:
33 weitere Preise und Anbieter AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Wraith Stealth Box (100-100000457BOX) Bestes Angebot von:
27 weitere Preise und Anbieter

Mittelklasse bis 250 Euro

In der Mittelklasse macht der Intel Core-i5-12400F den Anfang. Der Sechskerner bietet 2,5 GHz Basis- und bis zu 4,4 GHz Turbotakt und leistet damit soviel wie ein Intel Core i9-11900K in Spielen. Preislich geht es ab 163 Euro los.

Auch AMD hat mit dem Ryzen 5 5600X eine lohnenswerte CPU in der Mittelklasse. Fr rund 168 Euro bekommt man hier eine gute Leistung mit bertaktungspotential.

Mit dem AMD Ryzen 5 5600G bekommt man fr knapp 132 Euro eine CPU mit vergleichsweise starker integrierter Grafikeinheit und ist bei der Spiele-Leistung im Mittelfeld dabei. Fr einfache Spiele braucht man hier also keine separate Grafikkarte.

Kaufempfehlungen der Redaktion

Intel Core i5-12400F Bestes Angebot von:
51 weitere Preise und Anbieter AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Bestes Angebot von:
54 weitere Preise und Anbieter AMD Ryzen 5 5600G Wraith Stealth Box (100-100000252BOX) Bestes Angebot von:
38 weitere Preise und Anbieter

Oberklasse ab 250 Euro

In der Oberklasse fr Spiele-CPUs finden wir neben den neuen AMD-Ryzen-CPUs der 7000er-Serie nun auch die neuen Intel Core-i-Prozessoren der 13. Generation. Dank einer hohen Anzahl von Kernen und Threads, die aktuell allerdings nur in wenigen Spielen genutzt werden, sind diese Modelle die derzeit besten auf dem Gaming-CPU-Markt — vor allem der Intel Core i9-13900K aber auch die anderen CPUs der 13. Core-i-Generation. Wer sich den aktuell schnellsten Oberklasse-Prozessor von AMD gnnen mchte, der greift am besten zum AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, welcher mit 3,4 GHz im Basistakt taktet und bis zu 4,5 GHz im Turbo mit 3D-Cache bietet. In Kombination mit einem kostengnstigen AM4-Mainboard und einer sehr guten Khlung kann man nochmals etwas mehr aus dem Chips locken. Preislich startet dieser ab 366 Euro und man bekommt dafr fast das Beste unter den Spiele-CPUs. Zudem bietet das Bundle aktuell mit die besten Preis-Leistung in der Oberklasse.

Die aktuellen Ryzen-CPUs der aktuellen Generation (Zen 4) fr den AM5-Sockel sind ebenfalls mit oben im Ranking. Hier machen der Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 9 7950X und Ryzen 7 7700X den Anfang, die knapp hinter den schnellsten Intel-CPUs liegen.

Kaufempfehlungen der Redaktion

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D Box (100-100000651WOF) Bestes Angebot von:
26 weitere Preise und Anbieter Intel Core i7-13700K Bestes Angebot von:
39 weitere Preise und Anbieter Intel Core i5-13600K Bestes Angebot von:
39 weitere Preise und Anbieter

Wer das Beste vom Besten mchte, kommt derzeit nicht an der 13. Generation der Core-i-CPUs von Intel vorbei. Allerdings sind nicht nur die CPUs, sondern vor allem die Mainboards relativ kostenintensiv.

Die besten Gaming-PC Zusammenstellungen

Die besten Streaming-PC Zusammenstellungen

Du hast Fragen zum CPU-Kauf? Der Hardwareschotte hilft dir gerne!

Hier kommentieren

What’s the best CPU for gaming? AMD and Intel picks for 2022

Skip to content

Home / PCs & Components / Best Picks

Best Picks

Game on with these picks for every budget.

By Alaina Yee and Brad Chacos

PCWorld Nov 18, 2022 6:27 am PST

Rob Schultz/IDG

Buying a processor for a gaming rig is both easier and harder than it used to be. AMD’s Ryzen 7000-series and Intel’s 13th-gen Core CPUs offer fantastic performance—with the promise of even more impressive chips on the way. (6GHz clock speeds, anyone?) If you want hearty performance, the fastest clock speeds and highest core counts yet await you. It’s very straightforward.

The rough part is the complexity of these new chip lineups. There’s more nuance to understand, especially when deciding between the new hotness and last-gen’s best. Sure, you can throw your cash blindly at the best out there, but if you want the most bang for your gaming buck, smart shopping will leave more cash for higher priorities: that is, your graphics card. A few specific chips stand out from the rest as the best gaming CPUs due to their price, performance, or nifty extras. You can choose from a whole raft of runners-up too, thanks to a current pricing war between AMD and Intel. (It’s even amplified by holiday sales at the moment.)

Whether you’re on a budget or willing to pay for sheer face-melting speed, these are the best CPUs for gaming PCs that you can buy.

The best CPUs for gaming

Intel Core i5-12400 – Best gaming CPU for most people

Midrange CPUs are the sweet spot for PC gamers. In fact, if you don’t need the additional cores of pricier CPU options, this class of chip offers essentially the same gaming experience of processors that cost hundreds more. The reason? Most of the computing burden falls on your graphics card.

At an MSRP of about $200, the Intel Core i5-12400 strikes a smooth balance between performance and affordability. Sure, it’s technically a last-generation chip now, with Intel’s launch of 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors. But a comparable successor is still on the way (as is a comparable rival from AMD), leaving the 12400 to continue ruling the sub-$300 space. And for good reason: This six-core, 12-thread processor offers plenty of oomph. Have a peek at gaming benchmarks in reviews (like those at Guru3D and PCGamer) and you’ll see the Core i5-12400 usually trails behind the $320 Core i5-12600K and $589 Core i9-12900K by only a handful of frames at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. You also don’t need to upgrade to Windows 11 to get the most out of this chip.

This CPU also outperforms AMD’s rival Ryzen 5 5600 slightly. If you’re upgrading from an older AM4 B450 motherboard, you may find it more cost-effective to stick with AMD (especially given AMD’s steep price drops as of late), but otherwise, the 12400 is the chip to get.

Intel Core i9-13900K – Best high-end gaming CPU

Need more cores for productivity tasks, want eight cores for streaming or future-proofing against console hardware configurations, or simply demand the absolute fastest potential frame rates in any situation? The $589 Intel Core i9-13900K is the 16-core, 32-thread processor for you.

AMD’s $550 Ryzen 9 7900X is another solid option that offers high frame rates, but paying that much for a 12-core chip doesn’t make sense if pure gaming is your goal.

The big caveat to these recommendations: They’re best if you don’t care about electricity costs. AMD and Intel’s latest architectures both take a “more is more” approach to energy consumption, with Ryzen 7000 and 13th-gen Raptor Lake both gobbling down watts to achieve mindbending performance.

So if you simply want ultra-fast gaming frame rates and don’t need a borderline insane amount of CPU cores for productivity work or care to spike your utility bills, consider stepping down to the Core i7-13700K (MSRP $409) or even Core i5-13600K (MSRP $319). The 13700K shares the core count (and 8/8 split between performance and efficiency cores) as the 13900K, with fewer threads (24). The 13600K drops down to “just” 14 cores (6p/8e split), but given its ability to match Intel’s last-gen flagship, the Core i9-12900K, in game benchmarks, it’s an incredible sweet spot for high-octane gaming.

Meanwhile, if you don’t mind spending up for the ultimate 1080p gaming performance and already have a first- or second-generation Ryzen motherboard, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a killer upgrade option, especially given its recent lower street prices ($330~).

Intel Core i3-12100F – Best budget gaming CPU

Just four chips were part of Intel’s 13th-gen Raptor Lake launch. The cheapest of them sports an MSRP of $319—hardly budget territory.

So for now, last generation parts still rule here. You have several options in the $100 to $135(ish) range, with one extremely compelling standout among them. As you’ll see in gaming benchmarks from sites like Tom’s Hardware and TechSpot, Intel’s $110 Core i3-12100F doesn’t just offer a hefty boost in frame rates when pitted against AMD’s comparable offering. It also posts gaming performance nearly on par with Intel’s last-gen Core i5-11600K—a processor that costs twice as much.

You must have a dedicated graphics card to pair with this CPU, however. This variant of the $135 Core i3-12100 lacks integrated graphics, which is how you save cash. If you’re still saving your pennies for a (reasonably) affordable graphics card, you may instead want one of AMD’s APUs, which we discuss in the next entry below.

Ryzen 5 5600G – Best CPU if you’re waiting to buy a graphics card

Graphics cards are coming down in price now (finally), but shelves aren’t yet flush with affordable cards. One workaround is to purchase an APU, or a CPU with supercharged integrated graphics. We recommended this tactic last year and it still works well now—especially since the street prices of the Ryzen 5 5600G (MSRP $260) and Ryzen 7 5700G processors (MSRP $360) have plummeted with the recent launch of new CPU lineups from AMD and Intel. You can now play most games at 720p or 1080p resolution for well under these APUs’ list price. In the last few months, the 5600G’s cost dropped by almost half and the 5700G by about one-third.

The beauty of this approach is that you can play games now on this one purchase, then snag a graphics card at your leisure (and within budget). The CPU cores in these APUs are very good for mainstream gaming, as our Ryzen 7 5700G review showed.

The 5600G offers 6 cores and 12 threads, paired with 7 Radeon graphics cores clocked at 1.9GHz. The step-up 5700G bumps that up to 8 cores and 16 threads, alongside 8 Radeon cores running at 2GHz. Most shoppers on a budget are better off with the cheaper part, unless you have a specific need for the higher CPU core count in the Ryzen 7 chip.

How we test CPUs

We evaluate CPUs based on the benchmark results that span multiple use categories. Gaming performance is a key focus, and we run both synthetic tests (that is, dedicated benchmarking programs) and in-game benchmarks in a variety of modern titles. Our current suite includes Far Cry 6, Strange Brigade, Horizon Zero Dawn, Metro Exodus, Gears Tatics, CS: Go, Red Dead Redemption, Ashes of the Singularity, and Dirt 5. We also evaluate CPU reviews from our peers for models we haven’t tested yet.

Test PCs are built with the CPU’s capabilities in mind—for example, AMD’s Ryzen 7950X and Intel’s Core i9-13900K support DDR5 RAM. Rival and older chips used for comparison are retested at the same time, with a similar use of appropriate contemporaneous hardware. In all our test rigs, we use a current high-end flagship graphics card to better isolate differences in the CPUs’ performance.

Top 7 best gaming processors in 2023

Table of contents

• What is the best gaming processor to buy in 2023?
  • Best Intel Gaming Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K
  • Best AMD Gaming Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
  • Best High Performance Gaming Processor: Intel Core i9-12900K
  • Best Streaming Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7009 9006
  • Best budget processor for gaming: Intel Core i5-12400
  • Best processor for gaming with integrated graphics: AMD Ryzen 5600G
  • Processors for games, which one to choose?

We already have an extensive selection of the best CPUs on the market, detailing the different processor options for different categories and workloads.

However, we think gaming processors deserve a separate review in their own right. Things are more exciting than ever for gamers now, with serious contenders from both AMD and Intel.

Gaming is one of the most popular reasons for a good PC build. But getting the best result doesn’t just mean getting the most expensive, highest-performing parts you can find.

Games require less CPU power than you might think, so buying a mid-range processor is a better buy in most cases.

Best Intel Processor for Gaming: Intel Core i5-12600K

12th generation Intel Alder Lake processors come with a powerful combination of high performance and competitive pricing.

Recently, Intel has been under pressure from AMD and is trying to assert itself by invading traditional Ryzen territory.

13th generation Intel processors until they arrive and the Intel Core i5-12600K remains the best all-round processor for gaming.

The

Core i5-12600K is a 10-core, 16-thread hybrid processor. The new heterogeneous design means that high-priority tasks are handled by the P (performance) cores, while background and multi-threaded workloads are handled by the E (efficient) cores.

This allows the Core i5-12600K to excel in several benchmarks and various workloads, and its eventual successor to the Core i5-13600K will be built on top of it.

The Intel Core i5-12600K’s price tag also makes it extremely attractive without a significant price increase.

It goes hand in hand with the six-core, twelve-thread Ryzen 5 5600X processor and represents the lowest entry point for gamers into the 12th generation Intel Alder Lake family.

The

12600K offers six multi-threaded P-cores that run at 3.7/4.9GHz. It also has four E-cores running at 2.8/3.6GHz and a total of 16 threads. We are also considering 20MB L3 cache and 9.5 MB L2 cache.

In terms of performance, Intel has certainly regained the lead with the 12th generation. The competing AMD chip uses less power, but the new Intel 7 processor reduces power consumption by a third compared to its predecessor.

The

Intel Core i5-12600K is a good choice as it performs about 40% faster in multi-threaded applications than the Ryzen 5 5600X processor. It can even compete with the Ryzen 7 5700X and look good.

Enthusiast gamers can also boost the performance of the 12600K by overclocking on supported platforms.

It works best with Windows 11 as it is the only operating system to support the new Intel Thread Director technology.

New Alder Lake processors provide a significant performance boost with DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 interface. You can opt for DDR4 memory with the Core i5-12600K, but with that, you’ll be leaving most of the performance idle.

Best AMD Processor for Gaming: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

There was a time when when buying a processor we chose AMD for multi-core, multi-thread performance and Intel for single-core performance. The latter helped Intel take the lead in pure gaming, but fell behind Ryzen in everything else.

But now everything has changed. Where Intel has hybrid design processors with high core counts, AMD has retained a more traditional design and impressive single-core performance.

The

Ryzen 5 7600X is now also AMD’s entry-level model, at least for now. There is currently no Ryzen 3, and for gamers, Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 is overkill.

6 cores, 12 threads, only now for the first time, also integrated graphics. The base clock is 4.7GHz and the boost clock is 5.3GHz, and like all Ryzen chips, it’s also unlocked if you want to tinker.

As you’d expect, it outperforms the Intel Core i5-12600K in games, thanks in no small part to better single-core performance.

Things become less clear when you switch to multi-core, but this is partly due to Intel’s hybrid design and high core count. But the Ryzen 5 is a solid all-rounder.

In tasks like coding and software like Blender, the Ryzen 5 7600X is ahead. But with all that performance comes the side effect of a little heat, up to 95°C actually, so good cooling is very important when building.

AMD’s 7000 series is the first new socket in several years to switch to AM5. With it, you will be able to use only DDR5 RAM, which, while unlocking some serious performance, also increases your overall budget.

It also supports PCIe 5.0 which is currently limited but will become available in the not too distant future. AMD has a history of supporting its platforms for the long haul, so while it needs a completely new system right now, you’ll be covered for many years to come.

Best High Performance Gaming Processor: Intel Core i9-12900K

The unlocked Intel Core i5-12600K is a fantastic value all-rounder, but the Core i9-12900K is simply the best in Intel’s lineup right now.

This is Intel’s most powerful high-performance mainstream processor to date. However, its successor, the Core i9-13900K, is on its way.

The

Intel Core i9-12900K embodies all of Intel’s efforts to deliver the most revolutionary architectural shift in a decade, the combination of P-cores and E-cores.

The Golden Cove architecture powers the P cores while the E cores come with the Gracemont architecture. Both of them work together to deliver impressive IPC improvements.

The

Core i9-12900K is based on the Intel 7 process technology and has 16 cores and 24 threads. We consider eight P-cores that support hyperthreading, as well as eight single-threaded E-cores, for a total of 24 threads. P-cores have a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a peak frequency of 5.2 GHz thanks to the Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 feature.

Intel says the 12900K comes with 125W rated processor power (PBP) and 241W maximum Turbo Power (MTP). The values ​​are higher because Intel also changed the default boost duration for all K-series chips from 56 seconds with Rocket Lake to unlimited. This means that 12900K will run on MTP 241W when under load.

The

Intel Core i9-12900K is currently the best high performance processor you can buy right now. It beat out the Ryzen 9 5950X to become the new performance champion.

Best for streamers: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

The latest and most powerful AMD Ryzen processor will set streamers on their toes. One of the strengths of Ryzen processors since their introduction to the market has been their incredible multi-threaded performance, which is important for heavy workloads.

The

Intel took a different path with its hybrid design, but AMD is still taking a more traditional approach and the Ryzen 9 7950X is 16 cores and 32 threads of massive power.

Gamers may be better off spending their money as 16 cores is overkill, but the 7950X is for those who want to game and stream, render high-definition video, those who use programs like Blender or Unreal Engine.

The

Ryzen 9 7950X is one of AMD’s first Zen 4 chips, AM5, with a new socket for the first time in years. Thus, you will need to update everything in your installation. It only supports DDR5, you will also need a new motherboard.

It’s built to support PCIe 5. 0, although there are admittedly limited use cases for this right now, but you can migrate your existing PCIe 4.0 drives.

In our testing, the Ryzen 9 7950X is impressive. It outperforms the Intel Core i9-12900K in almost every test, even single-core performance. Temperatures can get a little high, but don’t exceed the 95°C AMD has previously stated.

In normal mode, it will run smoothly at 40C under an AIO cooler, and you can lower it even further with some serious liquid cooling. However, it’s still a bit heavier than competing Intel processors and we haven’t seen a Core i9 yet.13th generation on the test bench.

Ultimately, AMD has made a pretty significant upgrade to the Ryzen family, and its flagship model will be popular with gamers and content creators alike.

Best Budget CPU for Gaming: Intel Core i5-12400

We recommend the Intel Core i5-12600K, but we think there’s another one worth checking out in the budget segment. It’s an Intel Core i5-12400 and we think it’s the best budget processor right now when it comes to gaming.

In terms of specifications, the Intel Core i5-12400 has a base frequency of 2.5GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4GHz. We’re looking at six cores and twelve threads for this chip and 18MB of L3 cache.

This chip, unlike high performance Alder Lake components, comes with only six performance cores and no efficiency cores.

The lack of efficient cores means it’s not a hybrid chip, but it still uses the Golden Cove architecture inside its high performance cores. And it’s perfect for gamers because it means you’ll get better single-core performance.

In terms of performance, it is on par with many other higher-end chips on the market for gaming.

It offers excellent single-core performance and relatively commendable multi-threaded performance, delivering impressive gaming results.

It easily outperforms many previous generation chips, including the wonderful 11th generation product, the Core i9-11900K. The 11900K performs better in multi-core tasks, but the budget part of Alder Lake easily beats it in other tests.

The

Core i5-12400 is also very forgiving when it comes to power consumption and thermal performance. Even a decent air cooler is enough to keep this chip cool.

In fact, Intel’s own Laminar CPU coolers that are included in the package should be enough to control the temperature of this chip.

This makes it a solid proposition for buyers on a budget who want to save as much money as possible on their new build.

We recommend pairing the Core i5-12400 with a motherboard based on the B660 chipset for maximum bang for your buck. There are many budget B660 motherboards that support DDR4 memory.

You’ll also be able to take advantage of all the fast PCIe 4.0 SSDs on this board, so it’s a great choice even for those on a budget.

The

Core i5-12400 is not a «K» series chip, but you can still overclock it thanks to base clock overclocking (BCLK OC) support. At the same time, 12400 works fine at standard settings and we do not recommend overclocking it.

Best Processor for Gaming with Integrated Graphics: AMD Ryzen 5600G

AMD Ryzen

APUs have integrated GPUs and use system memory to deliver impressive gaming performance.

The

AMD has a solid lineup of APUs in the 5000 series market. The Ryzen 7 5700G is a slightly more powerful APU, but we think the Ryzen 5 5600G deserves a place in your PC.

The Ryzen 7 5700G hype quickly fades once you get your hands on the Ryzen 5 5600G, which is about 96% of its 5700G performance, but for less money.

The

Ryzen 5 5600G has six cores and twelve threads and is part of the first of AMD’s 7nm Cezanne desktop APUs.

The

Cezanne APUs ship with Zen 3 execution cores paired with the Radeon Vega graphics engine. Ryzen 5 5600G comes with 3.7GHz base clock and 4.4GHz base clock, 16MB L3 cache and seven Radeon RX Vega CUs running at 1.9GHz.

We’re also looking at a configurable TDP that ranges from 45W to 65W, although you can expect it to run mostly at a TDP of 65W under load. Like the Zen 3 processor, the Ryzen 5 5600G uses a DDR4-3200 interface instead of DDR4-2933.

This will further improve overall iGPU gaming performance. Adding an iGPU means you’re sacrificing a bit of peak CPU frequency. And you must remember that you will lose some of the total system memory capacity due to Vega graphics.

At the same time, the Ryzen 5 5600G is currently the leader among processors with an integrated graphics core, especially in its price category.

It’s capable of running most of the new games on the market, although you might have to lower your expectations when it comes to overall graphical fidelity.

We’d recommend a discrete GPU over an APU for serious gaming, but entry-level gamers will find more value in the integrated graphics. It is also an ideal CPU choice for small PCs or home entertainment PCs.

You can always upgrade to the more expensive Ryzen 7 5700G for a better overall experience if you plan to buy a discrete GPU later on. But for others, we think the Ryzen 5 5600G comes close in performance to the 5700G at a much more affordable price.

Processors for games, which one to choose?

The processor is one of those core build components that you may not want to update often. Your graphics card will play a huge role in deciding what games you can and cannot play on your PC, but the CPU is just as important.

We’re also in a constant process of releasing and updating processors, so it’s a little hard to say definitively whether you should choose Intel or AMD.

On the one hand, you can buy an Intel Core i5-12600K and build a great gaming PC. But it’s also not entirely fair to compare it to AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series. Intel’s response to this series should be out soon, so we’ll have a clearer picture then.

Best Budget CPUs for Gaming

If you’re building a gaming PC and on a tight budget, you might want to take a look at our selection of budget CPUs. Read, compare, choose.

The choice of PC components is always a compromise. If you don’t have an infinite budget, you have to decide where to save.

And if in the case of a video card it is recommended to take the most powerful option «for all the money», then there are no such serious requirements for other components. Including processors: of course, the more powerful the CPU, the better, but in this category, using a cheaper model will not lead to a significant drop in frame rates.

In this article, we will tell you which budget processors you should buy in order to get the best value for money.

Top Intel processors

Intel Core i3-12100

• Architecture: Alder Lake | Socket: LGA1700 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.3 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3 GHz | TDP: 60W

The Intel Core i3-12100 is one of the best low-cost processors on the market, and it has almost no competitors from AMD in its price category. Especially if we talk about single-threaded performance, in which he confidently outperforms his opponents.

This processor operates at a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.3 GHz. The possibility of overclocking the CPU is blocked, but with this model you can count on efficient overclocking of the RAM.

When it comes to video games, here’s an example: at 1080p, the Intel Core i3-12100 delivers 88% of the performance of almost twice the price of the Intel Core i3-12400! Thus, without overpaying, you will get an excellent processor for a budget gaming build.

Intel Core i3-12100F

• Architecture: Alder Lake | Socket: LGA1700 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.3 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3 GHz | TDP: 60W

If you don’t need an integrated video core, then the Intel Core i3-12100F is the best choice among Intel CPUs.

The manufacturer disabled the integrated graphics processor in this model, which reduced the price of the processor by $25, while maintaining the same single and multi-threaded performance as in the version without the “F” prefix. Considering that the video cores in Intel APUs usually do not offer enough power to run modern games, we will not consider this loss significant.

You will find a cooler with the processor, which will allow you to save some more money. Although, you may still want to get a third-party cooling system to reduce noise levels.

Intel Core i5-10400F

• Architecture: Comet Lake | Socket: LGA1200 | Cores/threads: 6/12 | Base frequency: 2.9 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3 GHz | TDP: 65W

The

Intel Core i5-10400F offers enough performance to build not only a budget but also a mid-range PC. At the same time, the processor is very economical: TDP does not exceed 65 W, and the bundled cooler will successfully cope with heat dissipation, although we would recommend finding an alternative, less noisy cooling system.

Considering auto overclocking to 4.3 GHz, you can count on high fps even in CPU-intensive games. The disadvantages of this model include the lack of a built-in video core, but this is also its advantage, which made it possible to reduce the price of the processor.

Intel Core i3-10100F

• Architecture: Comet Lake | Socket: LGA1200 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3 GHz | TDP: 65W

Like other «F» processors, the Intel Core i3-10100F is suitable for users who have a discrete graphics card, as this model does not have an integrated graphics core. You’re not missing much as the Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU used in the Intel Core i3-10100 is not designed for gaming.

The device combines four cores and eight threads, can overclock to 4.3 GHz, has 6 MB of L3 cache and supports DDR4 memory. You can even pair this processor with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090, and at the same time it will show very decent results. And the remaining doubts will disappear when you look at the price tag of this processor: it is really very cheap.

Intel Core i3-9100

• Architecture: Coffee Lake | Socket: LGA1151 v2 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.2 GHz | TDP: 65W

Although the Intel Core i3-9100 is quite outdated, it is still a good processor for gaming. Since the CPU, in principle, is less than all other components at risk of failure due to wear and tear (in other words, if you bought a non-defective processor, then with proper operation it can serve you for decades), you can pay attention to used options and save some more money.

The processor boasts good single and multi-core performance with modest power consumption, as well as support for dual-channel memory up to 64 GB, which will make it the basis for a budget gaming PC. There is also an integrated video core, although its power is not as good as that of competitors from AMD.

Intel Core i3-8100

• Architecture: Coffee Lake | Socket: LGA 1151 v2 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.6 GHz | TDP: 65W

The

Intel Core i3-8100 is often pitted against the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X as its closest competitor, and it outperforms opponents in every way, even though both chips received the same number of cores/threads.

You can use this processor with entry-level and mid-range graphics cards to unlock their full potential. If we talk about top-end graphics adapters, then it is better to consider more powerful CPUs, although the i3-8100 will show itself worthy, albeit with a greater load compared to expensive processors.

Intel Pentium Gold G7400

• Architecture: Alder Lake | Socket: LGA1700 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3. 7 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7 GHz | TDP: 46W

One of the cheapest current processors, a good choice for an office PC or entry-level gaming PC. Yes, two cores and four threads is not what is suitable for modern AAA games, but the performance of the model is enough to comfortably play new and popular network titles.

At the same time, the Intel Pentium Gold G7400 supports DDR4-3200 memory and even DDR5 memory, also supports PCIe Gen 5, making it a promising option for use with the latest hardware. If you haven’t saved up enough money to buy a discrete graphics card yet, the built-in Intel UHD Graphics 710 will help you liven up the wait.

In terms of competition, this dual-core processor is breathing down the back of the quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 3200G, and it’s really surprising given half the price.

Intel Pentium Gold G5400

• Architecture: Coffee Lake | Socket: LGA1151 v2 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3. 7 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7 GHz | TDP: 58W

Intel Pentium Gold G5400 can also be the basis for a budget gaming build. Its performance approaches Intel Core i3 processors, and support for Hyper-Threading technology will compensate for the presence of only two cores.

The processor’s integrated graphics can handle 4K video, but don’t expect great results in games.

Best processors AMD

AMD Athlon 200GE

• Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3.2 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.2 GHz | TDP: 35W

The AMD Athlon 200GE is a budget processor that can be an optimal solution thanks to four processing threads and integrated Vega 3 graphics capable of playing light games at an acceptable frame rate.

Although this CPU loses to Intel’s competitors in multi-threaded performance, you can count on moderate overclocking, even if this feature is not officially declared by AMD.

AMD Athlon 3000G

• Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.5 GHz | TDP: 35W

The AMD Athlon 3000G is the first AMD Athlon processor based on the Zen architecture with an unlocked multiplier, which means you can overclock the processor by squeezing a little more performance out of it than it’s listed.

In addition to good overclocking potential, you will also get an integrated Vega 3 video core, which will provide comfortable fps in less resource-intensive games. This processor is faster than the competition from Intel in the budget segment, and its graphics card is more powerful than integrated Intel UHD solutions.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

• Architecture: Zen 2 | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 6/12 | Base frequency: 3. 6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.2 GHz | TDP: 65W

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is the «people’s» processor of the Zen 2 generation: it offers good value for money, with enough performance to handle any challenge, including AAA games and resource-demanding work applications.

It supports dual channel DDR4-3200 memory and you can get good overclocking results. There is also a modification of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, with higher frequencies and a more efficient bundled cooler; if you are willing to pay extra for these options, opt for the older version.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600

• Architecture: Zen+ | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 6/12 | Base frequency: 3.4 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.9 GHz | TDP: 65W

AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is a rather outdated model, but due to its affordable price, you can pay attention to it now, especially given the large number of offers on the secondary market.

Six cores and twelve threads are enough for actual tasks, including games, but this processor loses to competitors in single-threaded performance. Questions also arise about the efficiency of the stock cooler, so we recommend taking the OEM version and purchasing a third-party cooling system.

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

• Architecture: Zen 2 | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.0 GHz | TDP: 65W

Quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 3200G can be selected as an alternative to the more powerful but more expensive AMD Ryzen 3 3400G. This processor does not have Hyper-Threading support, and the integrated video core is not as powerful as in the older model, but it is still a pretty good chip.

The CPU comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which is quiet and efficient enough to handle heat dissipation, but if you plan to use the CPU for serious work, you should choose a different cooling system.

AMD Ryzen 3 3100

• Architecture: Zen 2 | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.9 GHz | TDP: 65W

Affordable AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor uses four cores and eight threads for excellent performance. It is unlocked for overclocking, automatically reaches 3.9 GHz in turbo boost, and also supports PCIe 4.0 to work with ultra-fast SSDs.

This model is great for a low cost build, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have an onboard video core, so you’ll need to get a discrete graphics card.

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

• Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7 GHz | TDP: 65W

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is the perfect choice if you need an APU, a processor with an integrated graphics card. Its Vega 8 graphics chip is twice as powerful as the Vega 3 integrated video adapter used in Athlon processors, and you can play AAA games at 1080p with minimum settings, as well as count on medium and high graphics settings in games of yesteryear.

The processor comes with a bundled cooler that will provide adequate cooling when running at stock frequencies, but if you are planning on overclocking, it is better to look for an additional cooler.

AMD Ryzen 3 1300X

• Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7 GHz | TDP: 65W

Like its closest competitor, the Intel Core i3-8100, the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has four cores and four threads, but this processor is slightly faster in auto-overclocking, includes a standard cooler in the kit and is cheaper.

However, the 1300X does not have an integrated video core, while the i3-8100 does. However, if we talk about assembling a gaming PC, even a budget one, the presence of a discrete graphics card is assumed by default.

AMD Ryzen 3 1200

• Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.1 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.4 GHz | TDP: 65W

With proper overclocking, the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 comes close to the Ryzen 3 1300X, and this processor is much cheaper than its “big brother”.

It’s powerful and reliable, but the stock cooler can’t handle the power boost from overclocking. And there is also no integrated graphics, although for a gaming build this can be a weighty argument.

How to choose a budget processor

A few quick tips to help you make the right decision.

• Intel or AMD — no difference . Both companies offer good budget solutions, and neither of them has an uncompromising option: for every decent processor there is an alternative from the opposite camp.