Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Dwarf Fortress
Five processors compared, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Core i5-12400F, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Dwarf Fortress does not push current hardware, so this guide is about the lowest-cost processor that suits a wider library. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F
A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The largest L3 cache here (22MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
The highest boost clock here (5GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-12400F
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with six performance cores.
Best for: Buyers who want six performance cores and can spend more than the Ryzen 5 8500G costs.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (22MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with six performance cores. | Buyers who want six performance cores and can spend more than the Ryzen 5 8500G costs. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500 is the cheapest six-core chip here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
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 has a smaller 16MB L3 cache and runs PCIe 3.0, which matters little for a budget graphics card. On L3 cache it trails the group at 16MB, while the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Core i5-12400F on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500F; the Core Ultra 5 225F goes with an LGA1851 socket.
It also offers a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 5500F was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- One of the cheapest six-core desktop chips
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500F is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 4.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Core i5-12400F on core count (6 cores).
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500 on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500; the Core i5-12400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Core Ultra 5 225F, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Core Ultra 5 225F, which offers 22MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Its 22MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core i5-12400F comes next at 18MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.9GHz: the Ryzen 5 8500G offers 5GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500F comes in at 4.2GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 10 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 5500F uses an AM4 socket. It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5500F and the pricier Ryzen 5 8500G, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its rated power; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 5 5500 offers 65W.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 22MB
- Max boost: 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads: 10 cores
- Socket: LGA1851
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (22MB)
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i5-12400F
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock4 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
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. Its 5GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes next at 4.9GHz. On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Core i5-12400F at 6 cores.
No other pick in this guide offers an AM5 socket; compare the Core Ultra 5 225F, which has an LGA1851 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR5 memory; the Ryzen 5 5500F has DDR4 memory instead. 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 priced above the Core Ultra 5 225F and below the Core i5-12400F at the time of writing. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB.
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
- Highest boost clock of the picks (5GHz)
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No published L3 cache
- No published rated power
Premium Pick5 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
- Buyers who want six performance cores and can spend more than the Ryzen 5 8500G costs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
This is the OEM pack, so budget for a cooler; it suits a low-cost gaming build with DDR4. Its 18MB L3 cache ranks second of 3 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 225F (22MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). Its 4.4GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 8500G (5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500F (4.2GHz).
On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 5 5500 offers 65W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Core Ultra 5 225F, which has an LGA1851 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR4 or DDR5 memory; the Ryzen 5 5500F has DDR4 memory instead.
Only the Ryzen 5 8500G came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on core count, where the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 10 cores.
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 Ryzen 5 5500
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 from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Core i5-12400F, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8500G give no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 5 8500G give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Core i5-12400F ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Dwarf Fortress
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.2GHz (the Ryzen 5 5500F) to 5GHz (the Ryzen 5 8500G). For less, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the runner-up at 4.9GHz ($100 to $150 tier).
Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Core i5-12400F to 10 cores on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 67% spread. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the pick for core count.
How much L3 cache you need
Here L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5500 to 22MB on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 38% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Core Ultra 5 225F sets the ceiling at 22MB. The Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8500G give no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F list DDR4; the Ryzen 5 8500G lists DDR5; the Core i5-12400F lists DDR4 or DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2, 1 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8500G have it; the Core i5-12400F goes without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 3 and 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for Dwarf Fortress
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5500F | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Core Ultra 5 225F | The largest L3 cache here (22MB) |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 5 8500G | The highest boost clock here (5GHz) |
| Buyers who want six performance cores and can spend more than the Ryzen 5 8500G costs | Core i5-12400F | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with six performance cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 8500G leads on boost clock at 5GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8500G leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500F | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 8500G | Not listed | 5GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 5500, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Core i5-12400F at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 5500F, Core Ultra 5 225F, Ryzen 5 8500G |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-12400F |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 5 8500G or the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Ryzen 5 8500G tops boost clock at 5GHz; the Core Ultra 5 225F follows at 4.9GHz, 2% apart. The Ryzen 5 5500F closes the ranking at 4.2GHz.
How does the Ryzen 5 5500 compare with the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count?
Between the top two, it is 10 cores on the Core Ultra 5 225F against 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 5500, a 67% difference.
How does the Core i5-12400F compare with the Core Ultra 5 225F on L3 cache?
Between the top two, it is 22MB on the Core Ultra 5 225F against 18MB on the Core i5-12400F, a 22% difference. The Ryzen 5 5500 is at the other end of this group with 16MB. The Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8500G are left out of this ranking because their L3 cache isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Core i5-12400F worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5500?
The spec sheets show boost clock (4.4GHz against 4.2GHz) and L3 cache (18MB against 16MB) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 5500 still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 5500 sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Core i5-12400F in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and L3 cache decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 5500 the Lowest Price Here?
The label rests on the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. It is aimed at anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Do the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Core Ultra 5 225F differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F use AM4; the Core Ultra 5 225F uses LGA1851; the Ryzen 5 8500G uses AM5; the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 5500, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. Look at the Ryzen 5 5500F for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, the Ryzen 5 8500G for the highest boost clock here (5GHz) and the Core i5-12400F for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with six performance cores if those matter more to you.
Match the memory type (DDR4 or DDR5) to the board you choose.