Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Apex Legends
From the Core i5-14600KF to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Apex Legends runs on an older engine that favours cache and clock speed in big fights. Every pick has at least eight cores and boosts to 5.3GHz or more, ordered by L3 cache.
Our comparison rests on published figures for L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
The lowest rated power here (120W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-14600KF
A lower price than the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 6 performance and 8 efficient cores for the least money.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest rated power here (120W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the rest when we checked. | Getting 6 performance and 8 efficient cores for the least money. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Rated Power1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D adds 3D V-Cache to a twelve-core layout.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. It matches the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core Ultra 7 265K on boost clock (5.5GHz). On core count it trails the group at 12 cores, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 20 cores.
Nothing else here matches its 120W rated power; the Core Ultra 7 265KF comes closest at 125W. Like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14600KF uses an LGA1700 socket. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Core Ultra 7 265K and below the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 120W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 7 265KF (20 cores)
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600KF at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D adds a second eight-core die to the X3D formula, giving 16 cores for work while keeping 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. Nothing else here matches its 5.7GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes closest at 5.5GHz. On core count it sits mid-pack at 16 cores: the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 20 cores, and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes in at 12 cores.
On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 120W. Like the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14600KF uses an LGA1700 socket. You also get a design aimed at both games and content creation.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Only the Ryzen 9 9900X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 16 cores
- Rated power: 170W
- Threads: 32
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 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 9900X3D (120W)
Also Consider3 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the 265K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for any display output. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265K at 30MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Core Ultra 7 265K at 5.5GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 7 265K on core count (20 cores). It matches the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core i5-14600KF on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Core Ultra 7 265K; the Core i5-14600KF goes with an LGA1700 socket.
You also get 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. Its price falls between the Core i5-14600KF and the Core Ultra 7 265K, based on our last check. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 30MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600KF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 7 265K is Intel's strongest all-rounder here, with 20 cores for games plus background work, on the LGA1851 socket.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a builder who wants an Intel platform and a lot of multi-threaded headroom. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 30MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 5.5GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core i5-14600KF on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Core Ultra 7 265KF; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D goes with an AM5 socket. You also get 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Its price falls between the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 30MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz 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 Core i5-14600KF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Getting 6 performance and 8 efficient cores for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. On L3 cache it trails the group at 24MB, while the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.3GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz.
Its 14 cores core count ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 7 265KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12 cores). An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D uses an AM5 socket. You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Core Ultra 7 265K and its DDR5 memory.
It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It undercut the Core Ultra 7 265KF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
- Rated power of 125W, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 9 9900X3D to the Core i5-14600KF, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 9 9900X3D for the lowest rated power here (120W); the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz); the Core Ultra 7 265KF for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i5-14600KF ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Apex Legends
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 24MB on the Core i5-14600KF to 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. The Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the pick for L3 cache.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 5.3GHz on the Core i5-14600KF to 5.7GHz on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes second for less money.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 9900X3D to 20 cores on the Core Ultra 7 265KF. The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core Ultra 7 265K list DDR5; the Core i5-14600KF lists DDR4 or DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265KF, the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core i5-14600KF go without.
How to Choose a CPUs for Apex Legends
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | The lowest rated power here (120W) |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz) |
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores | Core Ultra 7 265KF | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores | Core Ultra 7 265K | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Getting 6 performance and 8 efficient cores for the least money | Core i5-14600KF | A lower price than the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 128MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Core Ultra 7 265KF | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core i5-14600KF was the lowest-priced pick and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14600KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Core Ultra 7 265KF, Core Ultra 7 265K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 9 9900X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on boost clock?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 5.5GHz. The Core i5-14600KF is at the other end of this group with 5.3GHz.
Is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265KF on rated power?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes out best at 120W, with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 125W. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is at the other end of this group with 170W.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth paying more than the Core i5-14600KF?
On paper it adds L3 cache (128MB against 24MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (16 cores against 14 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Core i5-14600KF still leads on rated power (125W). The Core i5-14600KF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Ryzen 9 9900X3D the Lowest Rated Power?
It earns the label for the lowest rated power here (120W). It suits anyone who put rated power first.
Do the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Core Ultra 7 265KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D use AM5; the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core Ultra 7 265K use LGA1851; the Core i5-14600KF uses LGA1700.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D apart?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D: 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies. The Core Ultra 7 265KF: 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, chosen for the lowest rated power here (120W). Look at the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz), the Core Ultra 7 265KF for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and the Core Ultra 7 265K for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
Cap the frame rate just under your monitor's refresh rate for steadier frame times.