Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Age of Empires II
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 7 5700X has the largest L3 cache, and the Ryzen 5 5500 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For Age of Empires II, spend on the graphics card, memory or storage rather than the most powerful processor. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered by core count.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and a missing L3 cache is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The largest L3 cache here (32MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
A lower price than the Core Ultra 5 225F and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Core Ultra 5 225F the next step up.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 8400F
A 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5.
Best for: Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (32MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Core Ultra 5 225F and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the Core Ultra 5 225F the next step up. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5. | Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. Its 24MB L3 cache ranks second of 3 here, behind the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (22MB). On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.2GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 14 cores core count; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes closest at 10 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 65W. Like the Core Ultra 5 225F, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 7 5700X uses an AM4 socket.
You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 8400F and below the Ryzen 7 5700X at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 14
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 5700X (65W)
Also Consider2 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Its 22MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 7 5700X leads at 32MB. Its 4.9GHz boost clock ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (5.2GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (4.2GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 10 cores: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores, and the Ryzen 5 8400F comes in at 6 cores. Like the Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5500 uses an AM4 socket. It also comes with 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 5500 cost less, and the Ryzen 5 8400F cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 22MB
- Max boost: 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads: 10 cores
- Socket: LGA1851
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 8400F
- Core count of 10 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700X
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB)
- No published rated power
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700X stands out for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP, and it adds DDR4-3200 dual-channel support.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It also offers a 32MB L3 cache and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 32MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes next at 24MB. Its 8 cores core count ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 8400F (6 cores).
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500 on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500; the Ryzen 5 8400F goes with an AM5 socket. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Core Ultra 5 245KF. Buyers who need a confirmed boost clock should compare it with the Core Ultra 5 245KF, which offers 5.2GHz.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP
- DDR4-3200 dual-channel support
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (32MB)
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published boost clock
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500 stands out for a 65W TDP with 19MB of cache, and it adds a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Core Ultra 5 225F the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.2GHz, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 8400F on core count (6 cores).
It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5700X; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with an LGA1851 socket. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Core Ultra 5 225F was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 7 5700X, which offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 65W TDP with 19MB of cache
- A lower price than the Core Ultra 5 225F and the rest when we checked
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published L3 cache
Strong Alternative5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8400F is built around a 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5, with DDR5 memory support on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.7GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (5.2GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (4.2GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 6 cores.
It is the only pick here with an AM5 socket; the Core Ultra 5 245KF has an LGA1851 socket instead. 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. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 225F and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF cost more. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Ryzen 7 5700X instead: it offers 32MB, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
Pros
- 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5
- DDR5 memory support
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
- AM5 socket, the only one here
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No published L3 cache
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and boost clock are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 5 245KF to the Ryzen 5 8400F, state core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 8400F give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Ryzen 7 5700X ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Age of Empires II
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 8400F to 14 cores on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, a 133% spread. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 10 cores, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF.
Boost clock
Across these 4 picks boost clock spans 4.2GHz (the Ryzen 5 5500) to 5.2GHz (the Core Ultra 5 245KF). For less, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the runner-up at 4.9GHz ($100 to $150 tier). The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
L3 cache across these picks
Across these 3 picks L3 cache spans 22MB (the Core Ultra 5 225F) to 32MB (the Ryzen 7 5700X). The Core Ultra 5 245KF comes second at 24MB, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 7 5700X. The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 8400F give no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 5 8400F list DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5500 list DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 2.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 5 245KF goes without; the Ryzen 5 5500 has it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for Age of Empires II
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz) |
| Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores | Core Ultra 5 225F | 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 7 5700X | The largest L3 cache here (32MB) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Core Ultra 5 225F the next step up | Ryzen 5 5500 | A lower price than the Core Ultra 5 225F and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5 | Ryzen 5 8400F | A 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads on core count at 14 cores, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 8400F leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | Not listed | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500 | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 8400F | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 5500 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Ryzen 7 5700X the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 8400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 7 5700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest core count: the Core Ultra 5 245KF or the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops core count at 14 cores; the Core Ultra 5 225F follows at 10 cores, 40% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 8400F at 6 cores.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F on boost clock?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. The Ryzen 5 5500 closes the ranking at 4.2GHz. No boost clock figure is published for the Ryzen 7 5700X, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 7 5700X ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 7 5700X leads at 32MB, with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 24MB. The Core Ultra 5 225F is at the other end of this group with 22MB. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 8400F, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Ryzen 7 5700X add over the Ryzen 5 5500?
On paper it adds core count (8 cores against 6 cores). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 5500 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Ryzen 7 5700X in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if core count decides your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 5700X our Largest Game Cache pick?
It carries the badge for the largest L3 cache here (32MB). On L3 cache it leads the Core Ultra 5 245KF, 32MB against 24MB, a 33% margin. The Ryzen 5 5500, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Do the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 7 5700X differ on socket?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core Ultra 5 225F use LGA1851; the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5500 use AM4; the Ryzen 5 8400F uses AM5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 245KF, chosen for the highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). Look at the Core Ultra 5 225F for 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores, the Ryzen 5 5500 for a lower price than the Core Ultra 5 225F and the rest when we checked and the Ryzen 5 8400F for a 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5 if those matter more to you.
Match the memory type (DDR4 or DDR5) to the board you choose.