Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Company of Heroes
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 5 5600 has the largest L3 cache, and the Ryzen 5 5500F costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A budget processor is enough for Company of Heroes, and the same chip also covers other lighter games in your library. 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)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting Wraith Stealth cooler in the box for the least money.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
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 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT
Integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500F costs less.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT (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 lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting Wraith Stealth cooler in the box for the least money. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (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 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| Integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500F costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT (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
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
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 5 5600 (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).
Its 14 cores core count is the highest here; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes next at 10 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 5 5500F offers 65W. Like the Core Ultra 5 225F, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses an AM4 socket.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 5600GT, which has DDR4 memory. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 5600 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 5600GT cost more.
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 5 5500F (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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required.
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 5 5600 leads at 32MB. Its 4.9GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (5.2GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500F (4.2GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 10 cores: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores, and the Ryzen 5 5600GT comes in at 6 cores. Like the Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5500F uses an AM4 socket. It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 5500F and below the Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing.
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 5600GT
- Core count of 10 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500F
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB)
- No published rated power
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500F is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache on top.
Best for
- Getting Wraith Stealth cooler in the box for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. Its 4.2GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz. On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600GT at 6 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 65W. Like the Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 5 5600GT, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses 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.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core Ultra 5 225F was closest. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Ryzen 5 5600 instead: it offers 32MB, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Largest Game Cache4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. Nothing else here matches its 32MB L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes closest at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.4GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500F comes in at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500F and Ryzen 5 5600GT; the Core Ultra 5 225F goes with an LGA1851 socket.
It also comes with DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Core Ultra 5 225F and the pricier Core Ultra 5 245KF, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (32MB)
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Premium Pick5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600GT is built around integrated Radeon graphics, with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500F costs less.
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
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.6GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500F comes in at 4.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 on core count (6 cores).
It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500F and Ryzen 5 5600; the Core Ultra 5 225F 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 highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the rest. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated Radeon graphics
- Boost clock of 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600
- Integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group
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
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 as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 5 245KF to the Ryzen 5 5600GT, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500F ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 5 5600GT ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Company of Heroes
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 4.2GHz on the Ryzen 5 5500F to 5.2GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, a 24% spread. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 4.9GHz, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF.
How much core count you need
Across these 5 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 5600GT) to 14 cores (the Core Ultra 5 245KF). For less, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the runner-up at 10 cores ($100 to $150 tier).
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 5 5600 tops L3 cache at 32MB and the Core Ultra 5 225F sits lowest at 22MB. The Ryzen 5 5600 is the pick for L3 cache. The Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core Ultra 5 245KF lists DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600GT list DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 5 245KF goes without; the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600GT have it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for Company of Heroes
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 |
| Getting Wraith Stealth cooler in the box for the least money | Ryzen 5 5500F | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 5 5600 | The largest L3 cache here (32MB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500F costs less | Ryzen 5 5600GT | Integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads on boost clock at 5.2GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT 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 5 5500F | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600GT | Not listed | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 5500F was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ryzen 5 5600GT the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 5500F, Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 5 5600GT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core Ultra 5 245KF or the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops boost clock at 5.2GHz; the Core Ultra 5 225F follows at 4.9GHz, 6% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 14 cores, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores. The Ryzen 5 5600GT closes the ranking at 6 cores.
How does the Core Ultra 5 245KF compare with the Ryzen 5 5600 on L3 cache?
Between the top two, it is 32MB on the Ryzen 5 5600 against 24MB on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, a 33% difference. The Core Ultra 5 225F closes the ranking at 22MB. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Ryzen 5 5600GT add over the Ryzen 5 5500F?
The spec sheets show boost clock (4.6GHz against 4.2GHz) in its favour. On our last price check the Ryzen 5 5500F was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 5 5600GT in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 5 5600 our Largest Game Cache pick?
The label rests on 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 5500F, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 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 5 5500F differ on socket?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core Ultra 5 225F use LGA1851; the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600GT use AM4.
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 5500F for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the Ryzen 5 5600GT for integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Check the motherboard's socket and BIOS version before ordering a processor.