Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Crusader Kings III
We weighed four processors on L3 cache and boost clock, and the Core i5-12400F costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Crusader Kings III lists a Core i5-4670K or Ryzen 5 2400G for its recommended tier. Every pick is an LGA1700 processor with at least six cores that cost $250 or less.
Crusader Kings III's official PC requirements list Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G and 8GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the Core i5-12400F, the Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K are a newer generation than the Core i5-4670K.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-12400F
Undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Core i5-14400F the next step up.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-14400F
6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-14600KF
6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-14600K
The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the Core i5-14400F the next step up. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Intel Core i5-12400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-12400F is a six-core LGA1700 chip at a low price.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Core i5-14400F 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
This is the OEM pack, so budget for a cooler; it suits a low-cost gaming build with DDR4. On L3 cache it trails the group at 18MB, while the Core i5-14600KF offers 24MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.4GHz, while the Core i5-14600KF offers 5.3GHz.
Its 6 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core i5-14600KF leads at 14 cores. You also get six performance cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and 600- and 700-series chipset support. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Core i5-14400F was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 18MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- Six performance cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 600- and 700-series chipset support
- Undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Also Consider2 of 4
Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14400F is a locked ten-core LGA1700 chip with no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (24MB) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (18MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (4.4GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 10 cores: the Core i5-14600KF offers 14 cores, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 6 cores. You also get 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.
It was priced above the Core i5-12400F and below the Core i5-14600KF at the time of writing. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Core i5-14600K; by contrast, the Core i5-14600K has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 20MB
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 10 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support
- L3 cache of 20MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core i5-12400F at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. It matches the Core i5-14600K on L3 cache (24MB). It matches the Core i5-14600K on boost clock (5.3GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 14 cores. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Core i5-14400F and below the Core i5-14600K 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
- L3 cache of 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core i5-12400F at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Its 14 cores give good headroom for a mid-range gaming build. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. It matches the Core i5-14600KF on L3 cache (24MB).
It matches the Core i5-14600KF on boost clock (5.3GHz). On core count it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 14 cores. It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i5-14600KF the nearest cheaper option. Rated power is its weakest area, and the Core i5-12400F covers it better at 125W.
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: Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-12400F at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Core i5-12400F to the Core i5-14600K, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share LGA1700 socket and DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i5-12400F for undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked; the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores; the Core i5-14600KF for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
- Price range
- From the Core i5-12400F to the Core i5-14600K, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a CPUs for Crusader Kings III
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 18MB on the Core i5-12400F to 24MB on the Core i5-14600KF, a 33% spread. Start with the Core i5-14600KF if L3 cache decides it.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 4 picks boost clock spans 4.4GHz (the Core i5-12400F) to 5.3GHz (the Core i5-14600KF). If boost clock is your first filter, the Core i5-14600KF sets the ceiling at 5.3GHz.
How much core count you need
Across these 4 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Core i5-12400F) to 14 cores (the Core i5-14600KF). The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for core count.
Extras that separate them
The Core i5-12400F: DDR4 and DDR5 support. The Core i5-14600KF: an unlocked multiplier. The Core i5-14600K: support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards.
How much to spend
All 4 sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, from the Core i5-12400F at the low end to the Core i5-14600K at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a CPUs for Crusader Kings III
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the Core i5-14400F the next step up | Core i5-12400F | Undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core i5-14600K | The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
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Key specs side by side
The Core i5-14600KF leads on L3 cache at 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600K at 24MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Crusader Kings III at recommended settings?
In Crusader Kings III's list, the Core i5-12400F, the Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Crusader Kings III also lists 8GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
What does the Core i5-14600K add over the Core i5-12400F?
What it brings is L3 cache (24MB against 18MB), boost clock (5.3GHz against 4.4GHz) and core count (14 cores against 6 cores). Both sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, so the gains in L3 cache and boost clock cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Core i5-14600K our Premium Pick?
The label rests on the top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. It is aimed at spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Does the Core i5-14600K have integrated graphics, and which others do?
The Core i5-14600K has it; the Core i5-12400F, the Core i5-14400F and the Core i5-14600KF do not.
What extras do the Core i5-12400F and the Core i5-14400F include?
The Core i5-12400F: six performance cores. The Core i5-14400F: 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. The Core i5-14600KF: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Who should choose the Core i5-12400F?
The Core i5-12400F carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked. It ranks first of 4 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits spending as little as possible, with the Core i5-14400F the next step up.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i5-12400F, chosen for undercutting the Core i5-14400F on price when we checked. Look at the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, the Core i5-14600KF for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and the Core i5-14600K for the top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
Compare boost clocks as well as core counts.