Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Diablo II
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 7 7700X has the highest core count; the Ryzen 5 8500G is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A budget processor is enough for Diablo II, and the same chip also covers other lighter games in your library. Every pick has integrated graphics and cost $250 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Highest Core Count
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The highest core count here (8 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (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) |
| The highest core count here (8 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8500G is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with Radeon graphics built in on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Core i3-12100 comes in at 4.3GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores).
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 7600X was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 5 7600X, which offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon graphics built in
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Core i3-12100
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No published L3 cache
- No published rated power
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600X is the least expensive route to 240Hz here, with six Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
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 needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Core i3-12100 comes in at 4.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on rated power (105W). You also get the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 9600X, based on our last check. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 8500G. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 8500G has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
- 5nm process
- PCIe 5.0 support on AM5
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Lowest Rated Power3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 5 7600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on boost clock (5.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 6 cores. Its 65W rated power is the lowest here; the Ryzen 5 7600X comes next at 105W. 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.
When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 7600X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i3-12100 cost more. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 8500G; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 8500G has it.
Key dimensions & 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
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i3-12100
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
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 Ryzen 5 7600X offers 32MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.3GHz, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz.
Its 4 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 7700X leads at 8 cores. An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses an AM5 socket. 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 9600X and the pricier Ryzen 7 7700X, at the time of writing.
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
- LGA1700 socket, the only one here
Cons
- 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X (32MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz)
Highest Core Count5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700X brings eight Zen 4 cores with high clocks to AM5 at a lower price than the X3D chips.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It gives esports titles plenty of headroom without the cache premium. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 5.4GHz.
Its 8 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 5 8500G comes next at 6 cores. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X on rated power (105W). It also comes with the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Core i3-12100. If rated power is your priority, the Ryzen 5 9600X (65W) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
- 5nm process
- PCIe 5.0 support on AM5
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G 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 compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 8500G to the Ryzen 7 7700X, state boost clock, core count and socket and share integrated graphics.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Core i3-12100 give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 8500G ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 7 7700X ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Diablo II
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.3GHz (the Core i3-12100) to 5.4GHz (the Ryzen 5 9600X). If boost clock is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 9600X sets the ceiling at 5.4GHz.
Core count across these picks
The Ryzen 7 7700X tops core count at 8 cores and the Core i3-12100 sits lowest at 4 cores. For less, the Ryzen 5 8500G is the runner-up at 6 cores ($100 to $150 tier).
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 5 7600X tops L3 cache at 32MB and the Core i3-12100 sits lowest at 12MB; 3 picks share the top figure. Start with the Ryzen 5 7600X if L3 cache decides it. The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 8500G has it; the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X go without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 3 and 1.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 5 7600X: a 5nm process. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Core i3-12100: a 4-core part for entry-level builds.
How to Choose a CPUs for Diablo II
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up | Ryzen 5 8500G | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Buyers who want UHD Graphics 730 | Core i3-12100 | UHD Graphics 730 |
| Buyers who put core count first | Ryzen 7 7700X | The highest core count here (8 cores) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads on boost clock at 5.4GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X at 5.4GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 8500G leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 8500G | Not listed | 5GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i3-12100 | 12MB | 4.3GHz | 4 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 8500G was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ryzen 7 7700X the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 8500G |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 5 9600X, Core i3-12100, Ryzen 7 7700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 7700X ahead of the Ryzen 5 8500G on core count?
The Ryzen 7 7700X leads at 8 cores, with the Ryzen 5 8500G at 6 cores. The Core i3-12100 closes the ranking at 4 cores.
How does the Ryzen 5 7600X compare with the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 65W on the Ryzen 5 9600X against 105W on the Ryzen 5 7600X, a 38% difference. The Ryzen 5 8500G and the Core i3-12100 are left out of this ranking because their rated power isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 7 7700X add over the Ryzen 5 8500G?
The spec sheets show boost clock (5.4GHz against 5GHz) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores) in its favour. On our last price check the Ryzen 5 8500G was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 7 7700X in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 7700X our Highest Core Count pick?
It carries the badge for the highest core count here (8 cores). On core count it leads the Ryzen 5 8500G, 8 cores against 6 cores, a 33% margin. The Ryzen 5 8500G, 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 anyone who puts core count first.
Do the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Core i3-12100 differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X use AM5; the Core i3-12100 uses LGA1700.
What extras do the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 7600X include?
The Ryzen 5 8500G: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 7600X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 8500G, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 9600X for the lowest rated power here (65W) and the Core i3-12100 for UHD Graphics 730 if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward an SSD or more memory.