Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Dragon's Dogma 2
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Core i7-14700KF has the largest L3 cache; the Core i5-14400F is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Dragon's Dogma 2 recommends 16GB of RAM and names a Core i7-10700 or Ryzen 5 3600X. Every pick has at least eight cores on an AM5 or LGA1700 socket and cost $350 or less.
Dragon's Dogma 2's official PC requirements list Intel Core i7-10700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the Core i5-14400F, the Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-12700K are a newer generation than the Core i7-10700; the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 7700X are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 3600X. The requirements say ray tracing needs an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6800.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; if a maker skips rated power, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-14400F
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 7700.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 7700.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The largest L3 cache here (33MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i7-12700K
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and can spend more than the Core i7-14700KF costs.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 7700. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 7700. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (33MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and can spend more than the Core i7-14700KF costs. | Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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 would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 7700.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 33MB. Its 4.7GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it sits mid-pack at 10 cores: the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores, and the Ryzen 7 7700X comes in at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 125W. Like the Core i7-14700KF and Core i7-12700K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket.
You also get 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 7 7700 was closest.
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
- Core count of 10 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Core i7-14700KF (33MB)
Lowest Rated Power2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Core i5-14400F, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-14400F (4.7GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X at 8 cores. Nothing else here matches its 65W rated power; the Ryzen 7 7700X comes closest at 105W. Like the Ryzen 7 7700X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i7-12700K
Cons
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
Also Consider3 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 want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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 7 7700 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.4GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i5-14400F comes in at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 cores). Its 105W rated power ranks second of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 7 7700 (65W) and ahead of the Core i7-14700KF (125W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 7700; the Core i5-14400F goes with an LGA1700 socket.
It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 7 7700; the Core i7-14700KF goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7700 and the pricier Core i7-14700KF, at the time of writing. The trade-off is core count; for more, the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores.
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
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache4 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. Nothing else here matches its 33MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 7700 comes closest at 32MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X (5.4GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Core i7-12700K comes closest at 12 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 125W. Like the Core i5-14400F and Core i7-12700K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7700X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i7-12700K cost more. Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 7700 covers it better at 65W.
Key dimensions & 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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 7700 (65W)
Premium Pick5 of 5
Intel Core i7-12700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Core i7-12700K brings to the table is 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores, plus integrated Intel UHD graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and can spend more than the Core i7-14700KF costs.
Skip if
- Its rated power is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also offers a 25MB L3 cache and offers a 5GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 25MB: the Core i7-14700KF offers 33MB, and the Core i5-14400F comes in at 20MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i5-14400F comes in at 4.7GHz.
Its 12 cores core count ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X (8 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14400F and Core i7-14700KF; the Ryzen 7 7700X goes with an AM5 socket. 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 i7-14700KF and the rest. The maker doesn't give its rated power; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 7 7700 offers 65W.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 25MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Socket: LGA1700
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- Integrated Intel UHD graphics
Cons
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- 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: 1 of 5 picks leave out rated power.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i5-14400F to the Core i7-12700K, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i7-12700K gives no rated power; the Core i7-12700K gives no threads.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i5-14400F ($150 to $250) to the Core i7-12700K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Dragon's Dogma 2
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 20MB (the Core i5-14400F) to 33MB (the Core i7-14700KF). The Ryzen 7 7700 comes second at 32MB, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Core i7-14700KF.
Boost clock
The Core i7-14700KF tops boost clock at 5.6GHz and the Core i5-14400F sits lowest at 4.7GHz. For less, the Ryzen 7 7700X is the runner-up at 5.4GHz ($150 to $250 tier).
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7700X to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF, a 150% spread. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Core i5-14400F and the Core i7-14700KF list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 7700X list DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14400F, the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Core i7-14700KF go without; the Ryzen 7 7700 has it. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 3 and 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for Dragon's Dogma 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 7700 | Core i5-14400F | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 7700 |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 7 7700 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 7 7700X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Core i7-14700KF | The largest L3 cache here (33MB) |
| Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and can spend more than the Core i7-14700KF costs | Core i7-12700K | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i7-14700KF leads on L3 cache at 33MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700 at 32MB. "Not listed" marks rated power where the Core i7-12700K leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-12700K | 25MB | 5GHz | 12 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core i5-14400F was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Core i7-12700K the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Ryzen 7 7700, Ryzen 7 7700X |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Core i7-12700K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Dragon's Dogma 2 at recommended settings?
In Dragon's Dogma 2's list, the Core i5-14400F, the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-12700K meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Dragon's Dogma 2 also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
How does the Ryzen 7 7700 compare with the Core i7-14700KF on L3 cache?
Between the top two, it is 33MB on the Core i7-14700KF against 32MB on the Ryzen 7 7700, a 3% difference. The Core i5-14400F closes the ranking at 20MB.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core i7-14700KF or the Ryzen 7 7700X?
The Core i7-14700KF tops boost clock at 5.6GHz; the Ryzen 7 7700X follows at 5.4GHz, 4% apart. The Core i5-14400F is at the other end of this group with 4.7GHz.
Is the Core i7-14700KF ahead of the Core i7-12700K on core count?
The Core i7-14700KF leads at 20 cores, with the Core i7-12700K at 12 cores. The Ryzen 7 7700X is at the other end of this group with 8 cores.
What does the Core i7-12700K add over the Core i5-14400F?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (25MB against 20MB), boost clock (5GHz against 4.7GHz) and core count (12 cores against 10 cores) in its favour. On our last price check the Core i5-14400F was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Core i7-12700K in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Core i5-14400F our Lowest Price Here pick?
The label rests on the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 7700. It makes sense for anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 7700.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i5-14400F, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 7700. Look at the Ryzen 7 7700 for the lowest rated power here (65W), the Ryzen 7 7700X for the Zen 4 architecture and the Core i7-12700K for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores if those matter more to you.
Pair the processor with fast DDR5 or well-timed DDR4 to match the board you choose.