Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Elden Ring
From the Core i5-12400F to the Ryzen 5 7600X3D: four processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Elden Ring is capped at 60fps by default, so any modern six-core chip is enough and the savings can go to the GPU. Every pick is a chip for a DDR5-capable platform with at least six cores that cost $240 or less.
Our comparison rests on published figures for L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D (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)
Highest Core Count
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The highest core count here (14 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-12400F
Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600X on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (96MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D (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 highest core count here (14 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600X on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 4
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (4.4GHz). On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X (105W).
Like the Ryzen 5 7600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14600KF 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. Only the Core i5-14600KF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 96MB
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-12400F at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. Its 32MB L3 cache ranks second of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (18MB). It matches the Core i5-14600KF on boost clock (5.3GHz).
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 125W. Like the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14600KF uses an LGA1700 socket. 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Core i5-12400F and below the Core i5-14600KF at the time of writing.
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 Core i5-12400F at the time of writing
Highest Core Count3 of 4
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 put core count first.
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. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 24MB: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 18MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X at 5.3GHz.
Its 14 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes next at 6 cores. It matches the Core i5-12400F on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-12400F; the Ryzen 5 7600X goes with an AM5 socket.
You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, based on our last check. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600X3D. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D has it.
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 i5-12400F
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
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
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.
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. Its 18MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 96MB. Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600X leads at 5.3GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 125W. Like the Core i5-14600KF, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 5 7600X3D uses an AM5 socket.
You also get six performance cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and 600- and 700-series chipset support. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
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
- Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600X on price when we checked
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.
- What we compared
- We set side by side four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Ryzen 5 7600X3D to the Core i5-12400F, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 5 7600X3D for the largest L3 cache here (96MB); the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture; the Core i5-14600KF for the highest core count here (14 cores).
- Price range
- From the Core i5-12400F to the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a CPUs for Elden Ring
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 18MB on the Core i5-12400F to 96MB on the Ryzen 5 7600X3D. For less, the Ryzen 5 7600X is the runner-up at 32MB.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.4GHz on the Core i5-12400F to 5.3GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600X. Start with the Ryzen 5 7600X if boost clock decides it.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Core i5-12400F to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600KF. The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X list DDR5; the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-12400F list DDR4 or DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-12400F go without.
How to Choose a CPUs for Elden Ring
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who put core count first | Core i5-14600KF | The highest core count here (14 cores) |
| Spending as little as possible | Core i5-12400F | Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600X on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D or the Ryzen 5 7600X?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 96MB, with the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB. The Core i5-12400F is at the other end of this group with 18MB.
How does the Ryzen 5 7600X3D compare with the Core i5-14600KF on core count?
The Core i5-14600KF leads at 14 cores, with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 6 cores.
How does the Ryzen 5 7600X compare with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D on rated power?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes out best at 65W, with the Ryzen 5 7600X at 105W. The Core i5-12400F is at the other end of this group with 125W.
Is the Ryzen 5 7600X3D worth paying more than the Core i5-12400F?
On paper it adds L3 cache (96MB against 18MB), boost clock (4.7GHz against 4.4GHz) and rated power (65W against 125W). The Core i5-12400F was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600X3D the Largest Game Cache?
It earns the label for the largest L3 cache here (96MB). It suits players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Core i5-14600KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X use AM5; the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-12400F use LGA1700.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 7600X3D. Look at the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Core i5-14600KF for the highest core count here (14 cores) and the Core i5-12400F for undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600X on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Put spare budget into the GPU; the 60fps cap means a faster CPU rarely adds frame rate.