Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for 1440p Gaming
From the Ryzen 7 7700 to the Core i7-14700K: four processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
At 1440p, cache and boost clocks still matter with a fast GPU. Every pick has 32MB+ of L3 and a 5.2GHz+ boost, ordered by cache.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
A Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab)
Highest Core Count
Intel Core i7-14700K
The highest core count here (20 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
A lower price than the Ryzen 9 7900 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest core count here (20 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Ryzen 9 7900 and the rest when we checked. | Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 4
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Ryzen 7 7700 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X on L3 cache (64MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 9 7900X (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700 (5.3GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 12 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 at 65W. Like the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 7 7700, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i7-14700K uses an LGA1700 socket.
It also offers 12 cores at a 65W rating. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7700 and below the Ryzen 9 7900X at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 4
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. It matches the Ryzen 9 7900 on L3 cache (64MB). It matches the Core i7-14700K on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W. Like the Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i7-14700K uses an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. When we checked, only the Ryzen 9 7900 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i7-14700K cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 170W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (65W)
Highest Core Count3 of 4
Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-14700K runs on LGA1700 with high clocks and 20 cores.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a strong high-refresh option for Intel owners with a compatible board and a capable cooler. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 33MB: the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 64MB, and the Ryzen 7 7700 comes in at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 5.6GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 20 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900 (12 cores). Its 125W rated power ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 9 7900 (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X (170W). You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 7700 and its an AM5 socket.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 9 7900X. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 33MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 28
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if L3 cache matters most to you; the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 64MB.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. On L3 cache it trails the group at 32MB, while the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 64MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.3GHz, while the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 5.6GHz.
Its 8 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700K leads at 20 cores. It matches the Ryzen 9 7900 on rated power (65W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 9 7900X; the Core i7-14700K goes with an LGA1700 socket.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. It undercut the Ryzen 9 7900 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- A lower price than the Ryzen 9 7900 and the rest when we checked
Cons
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (5.6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700K (20 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Ryzen 9 7900 to the Ryzen 7 7700, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share integrated graphics.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 9 7900 for a Wraith Prism cooler in the box; the Ryzen 9 7900X for the Zen 4 architecture; the Core i7-14700K for the highest core count here (20 cores).
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 7700 ($150 to $250) to the Core i7-14700K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for 1440p Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 7 7700 to 64MB on the Ryzen 9 7900. The Ryzen 9 7900 is the pick for L3 cache.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 5.3GHz on the Ryzen 7 7700 to 5.6GHz on the Ryzen 9 7900X. Start with the Ryzen 9 7900X if boost clock decides it.
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7700 to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700K. For less, the Ryzen 9 7900 is the runner-up at 12 cores.
Memory
The Ryzen 9 7900, the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 7 7700 list DDR5; the Core i7-14700K lists DDR4 or DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 7 7700 have it; the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Core i7-14700K go without. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
How to Choose a CPUs for 1440p Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box | Ryzen 9 7900 | A Wraith Prism cooler in the box |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 9 7900X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who put core count first | Core i7-14700K | The highest core count here (20 cores) |
| Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money | Ryzen 7 7700 | A lower price than the Ryzen 9 7900 and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7900 leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X at 64MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Core i7-14700K | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick and the Core i7-14700K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 9 7900X, Core i7-14700K |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 9 7900 compare with the Core i7-14700K on core count?
The Core i7-14700K leads at 20 cores, with the Ryzen 9 7900 at 12 cores. The Ryzen 7 7700 is at the other end of this group with 8 cores.
Is the Core i7-14700K worth paying more than the Ryzen 7 7700?
On paper it adds L3 cache (33MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.6GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (20 cores against 8 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 7700 still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Core i7-14700K the Highest Core Count?
It earns the label for the highest core count here (20 cores). It suits anyone who put core count first.
Do the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Core i7-14700K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 9 7900, the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 7 7700 use AM5; the Core i7-14700K uses LGA1700.
What should I check before buying the Ryzen 9 7900X?
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. In this guide it ranks second of 4.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 9 7900X apart?
The Ryzen 9 7900: a Wraith Prism cooler in the box. The Ryzen 9 7900X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Core i7-14700K: 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 7900, chosen for a Wraith Prism cooler in the box. Look at the Ryzen 9 7900X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Core i7-14700K for the highest core count here (20 cores) and the Ryzen 7 7700 for a lower price than the Ryzen 9 7900 and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
X3D chips shine at high refresh 1440p.