Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Desert Stalker
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock, and the Core i5-12400F costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For Desert Stalker, spend on the graphics card, memory or storage rather than the most powerful processor. Every pick is an LGA1700 processor that cost $260 or less, ordered from the highest price.
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 out cores / threads, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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)
Also Consider
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)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-12400
18MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 18MB of cache.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400 (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Intel Core i3-12100
UHD Graphics 730.
Best for: Buyers who want UHD Graphics 730.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i3-12100 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-12400F
Undercutting the Core i3-12100 on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Core i3-12100 the next step up.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 18MB of cache. | Buyers who want 18MB of cache. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400 (opens in a new tab) |
| UHD Graphics 730. | Buyers who want UHD Graphics 730. | Check price for Intel Core i3-12100 (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Core i3-12100 on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the Core i3-12100 the next step up. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
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
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
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. You also get 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. Only the Core i5-14600KF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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
Also Consider2 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
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
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. It also comes with 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. When we checked, only the Core i5-12400 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-14600K cost more.
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 i5-12400
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 5
Intel Core i5-12400 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Core i5-12400 brings to the table is 18MB of cache, plus a 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo.
Best for
- Buyers who want 18MB of cache.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its core count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
The maker lists 18MB of L3 cache and an LGA1700 socket, so it needs a compatible board. Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 730 supports up to four monitors, which lets you set up the PC before adding a graphics card. 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.
When we checked, only the Core i3-12100 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-14600KF cost more. If you want a confirmed core count, look to the Core i5-14600K instead: it offers 14 cores, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 18MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Socket: LGA1700
Pros
- 18MB of cache
- 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo
- L3 cache of 18MB, ahead of the Core i3-12100
- Boost clock of 4.4GHz, ahead of the Core i3-12100
Cons
- No published core count
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core i5-12400F at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Intel Core i3-12100 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Core i3-12100 brings to the table is UHD Graphics 730, plus a 4-core part for entry-level builds.
Best for
- Buyers who want UHD Graphics 730.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12MB L3 cache and offers a 4.3GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it trails the group at 12MB, while the Core i5-14600K offers 24MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.3GHz, while the Core i5-14600K offers 5.3GHz.
Its 4 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core i5-14600K leads at 14 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. Its price falls between the Core i5-12400F and the Core i5-12400, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 12MB
- Max boost: 4.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 4 cores
- Socket: LGA1700
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- UHD Graphics 730
- 4-core part for entry-level builds
Cons
- 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- L3 cache trails the Core i5-14600K (24MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i5-14600K (5.3GHz)
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
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 i3-12100 the next step up.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 ties with the Core i5-12400 at 18MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i5-12400 at 4.4GHz.
Its 6 cores core count ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core i5-14600K (14 cores) and ahead of the Core i3-12100 (4 cores). It also offers 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 undercut the Core i3-12100 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Core i5-14600K offers 125W.
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
- L3 cache of 18MB, ahead of the Core i3-12100
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
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, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and core count and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i5-14600K to the Core i5-12400F, state L3 cache, boost clock and socket and share LGA1700 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i5-12400 gives no core count; the Core i5-12400 and the Core i3-12100 give no rated power.
- 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 Desert Stalker
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Across these 5 picks L3 cache spans 12MB (the Core i3-12100) to 24MB (the Core i5-14600K). The Core i5-14600KF comes second at 24MB, in the $150 to $250 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core i5-14600K.
Boost clock
The Core i5-14600K tops boost clock at 5.3GHz and the Core i3-12100 sits lowest at 4.3GHz; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the Core i5-14600KF is the runner-up at 5.3GHz ($150 to $250 tier).
Core count
Here core count runs from 4 cores on the Core i3-12100 to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600K, a 250% spread. The Core i5-14600KF comes second at 14 cores, in the $150 to $250 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core i5-14600K. The Core i5-12400 gives no core count figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The Core i5-12400: a 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo. The Core i3-12100: a 4-core part for entry-level builds. The Core i5-12400F: DDR4 and DDR5 support.
Where your budget lands
All 5 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 Desert Stalker
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 18MB of cache | Core i5-12400 | 18MB of cache |
| Buyers who want UHD Graphics 730 | Core i3-12100 | UHD Graphics 730 |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Core i3-12100 the next step up | Core i5-12400F | Undercutting the Core i3-12100 on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i5-14600K leads on L3 cache at 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB. "Not listed" marks core count where the Core i5-12400 leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-12400 | 18MB | 4.4GHz | Not listed | Not listed |
| Core i3-12100 | 12MB | 4.3GHz | 4 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Core i5-14600K add over the Core i5-12400F?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (24MB against 18MB), boost clock (5.3GHz against 4.4GHz) and core count (14 cores against 6 cores) in its favour. 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 i5-12400F our Lowest Price Here pick?
The label rests on undercutting the Core i3-12100 on price when we checked. It makes sense for spending as little as possible, with the Core i3-12100 the next step up.
Does the Core i5-14600K have integrated graphics, and which others do?
The Core i5-14600K and the Core i3-12100 have it; the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-12400F do not. The Core i5-12400 has no integrated graphics listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-14600KF include?
The Core i5-14600K: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. The Core i5-14600KF: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. The Core i5-12400: 18MB of cache.
Who should choose the Core i5-14600K?
The Core i5-14600K carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i5-14600K, chosen for the top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. Look at the Core i5-14600KF for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, the Core i5-12400 for 18MB of cache and the Core i3-12100 for UHD Graphics 730 if those matter more to you.
Check whether the processor has integrated graphics if you are not adding a card yet.