Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for DayZ
Four processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 9 7900X has the largest L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 9600X is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
DayZ is CPU-limited in towns and on busy servers. Every pick has 32MB+ of L3 and a 5GHz+ boost and cost $350 or less.
DayZ's official PC requirements list Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD R5 1600X and 12GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: DayZ on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Core i7-14700KF is a newer generation than the Core i5-6600K; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 1600X.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Requirements source: DayZ on Steam
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Core Count
Intel Core i7-14700KFThe highest core count here (20 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 7900XThe largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XThe Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 9600X costs less.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XThe cheapest way into this group, below the Core i7-14700KF.
Best for: Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest core count here (20 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (64MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 9600X costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i7-14700KF. | Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Core Count1 of 4
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. Its 33MB L3 cache ranks second of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X on boost clock (5.6GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Ryzen 9 7900X comes closest at 12 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 125W: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 7900X comes in at 170W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Ryzen 5 9600X has an AM5 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 9600X, which has DDR5 memory. It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier.
Key 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
- No
Pros
- 5.6GHz 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 Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900X; by contrast, the Ryzen 9 7900X has it.
Largest Game Cache2 of 4
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. Nothing else here matches its 64MB L3 cache; the Core i7-14700KF comes closest at 33MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 5.6GHz.
Its 12 cores core count ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X (6 cores). Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9700X leads at 65W. It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X; the Core i7-14700KF goes with an LGA1700 socket.
It also comes with the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper Core i7-14700KF and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
Key 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 7 9700X (65W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W.
Premium Pick3 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 9600X costs less.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 5 9600X comes in at 5.4GHz.
Its 8 cores core count ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power (65W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 5 9600X; the Core i7-14700KF goes with an LGA1700 socket.
You also get the Zen 5 architecture. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 9 7900X and the rest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
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 suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 65W. Like the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 7 9700X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i7-14700KF 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. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i7-14700KF the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i7-14700KF
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB)
The catch
It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 4 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Core i7-14700KF to the Ryzen 5 9600X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i7-14700KF for the highest core count here (20 cores); the Ryzen 9 7900X for the largest L3 cache here (64MB); the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9700X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for DayZ
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 9 7900X tops L3 cache at 64MB and the Ryzen 5 9600X sits lowest at 32MB. The Core i7-14700KF comes second at 33MB, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 7900X.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X to 5.6GHz on the Core i7-14700KF, a 4% spread. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if boost clock decides it.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count
Across these 4 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 9600X) to 20 cores (the Core i7-14700KF). Start with the Core i7-14700KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Core i7-14700KF lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X list DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-14700KF, the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X go without.
How to Choose a CPUs for DayZ
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put core count first | Core i7-14700KF | The highest core count here (20 cores) |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 7900X | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 9600X costs less | Ryzen 7 9700X | The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group |
| Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money | Ryzen 5 9600X | The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i7-14700KF |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7900X leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 9600X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 7 9700X the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 7 9700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run DayZ at recommended settings?
In DayZ's list, the Core i7-14700KF, the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. DayZ also lists 12GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Is the Ryzen 9 7900X ahead of the Core i7-14700KF on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 7900X tops L3 cache at 64MB; the Core i7-14700KF follows at 33MB, 94% apart. The Ryzen 5 9600X is at the other end of this group with 32MB.
How does the Ryzen 9 7900X compare with the Core i7-14700KF on core count?
The Core i7-14700KF leads at 20 cores, with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 12 cores. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 9600X at 6 cores.
What does the Ryzen 7 9700X add over the Ryzen 5 9600X?
What it brings is boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.4GHz) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 9600X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9700X in the $250 to $500 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 9 7900X our Largest Game Cache pick?
The label rests on the largest L3 cache here (64MB). On L3 cache it leads the Core i7-14700KF, 64MB against 33MB, a 94% margin. The price of that: the Ryzen 5 9600X, the cheapest pick, still beats it on rated power (65W against 170W). It makes sense for games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Do the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X differ on socket?
The Core i7-14700KF uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X use AM5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for the highest core count here (20 cores). Look at the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group and the Ryzen 5 9600X for the cheapest way into this group, below the Core i7-14700KF if those matter more to you.
Lower object detail in cities.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget CPUs
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsWhat Is a Motherboard VRM and When Does It Matter?
- Similar guideThe Best AM4 CPU
- Topic hubAll processors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles