Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for a Gaming PC
Five processors for a gaming PC, led by the large-cache chips that help most in CPU-heavy games.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Games reward fast cores and, above all, a large L3 cache. AMD's X3D chips stack extra cache and lead this list.
We compared cores, boost clock, L3 cache, rated power and platform from manufacturer specifications. Gaming results depend on the graphics card, resolution and game, so we make no frame-rate claims.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Gaming CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DEight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: Most high-end gaming builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DA 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3.
Best for: High-refresh monitors.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D96MB of L3 on Zen 4.
Best for: Putting more into the GPU.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pick
Intel Core i5-14600KFourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support.
Best for: Existing LGA1700 boards.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Power Eight-Core
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XEight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Quiet or compact builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3. | Most high-end gaming builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3. | High-refresh monitors. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 96MB of L3 on Zen 4. | Putting more into the GPU. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Fourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support. | Existing LGA1700 boards. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating. | Quiet or compact builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Gaming CPU1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs AMD's 3D V-Cache with eight Zen 5 cores, and games that lean on cache respond to it more than to extra cores.
Best for
- Most high-end gaming builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the chip to pair with a high-end graphics card when the CPU would otherwise hold frame rates back. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz. It also offers second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores and an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips.
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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
Highest Boost X3D2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for
- High-refresh monitors.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It targets players who want the most gaming headroom AMD offers in an eight-core chip. It is AMD's second-generation X3D eight-core chip with 96MB of L3 cache. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache (96MB).
On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz). 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
Best Value X3D3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Putting more into the GPU.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D leads at 5.6GHz. On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores.
It also comes with first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache and the Zen 4 architecture. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 9700X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz)
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
The catch
Boost clock is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D covers it better at 5.6GHz.
Best Intel Pick4 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Existing LGA1700 boards.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
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. On L3 cache it trails the group at 24MB, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 96MB.
On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz. Its 14 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes next at 8 cores. Its 125W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9700X leads at 65W.
You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 9700X and its an AM5 socket. DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 9850X3D uses DDR5 memory. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 7 9700X was the next step up.
Key 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
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB)
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9700X (65W)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB) is the stronger choice.
Best Low-Power Eight-Core5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Quiet or compact builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. Its 32MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-14600K (24MB). Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (120W). 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. When we checked, only the Core i5-14600K cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600K (14 cores)
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
The catch
Core count is its weakest area, and the Core i5-14600K covers it better at 14 cores.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 9 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 7 9700X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share integrated graphics.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for a 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for 96MB of L3 on Zen 4.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i5-14600K ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9850X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Core i5-14600K sits lowest at 24MB; 3 picks share the top figure. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the pick for L3 cache.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 5GHz (the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) to 5.6GHz (the Ryzen 7 9850X3D). The Ryzen 7 9700X comes second at 5.5GHz, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 7 9850X3D.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 9700X to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600K, a 75% spread. If core count is your first filter, the Core i5-14600K sets the ceiling at 14 cores.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X list DDR5; the Core i5-14600K lists DDR4 or DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Core i5-14600K and the Ryzen 7 9700X go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 5 picks to 5.
How to Choose a CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most high-end gaming builds | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| High-refresh monitors | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | A 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3 |
| Putting more into the GPU | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB of L3 on Zen 4 |
| Existing LGA1700 boards | Core i5-14600K | Fourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support |
| Quiet or compact builds | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Core i5-14600K, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 9850X3D ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X on boost clock?
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D tops boost clock at 5.6GHz; the Ryzen 7 9700X follows at 5.5GHz, 2% apart. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D closes the ranking at 5GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Core i5-14600K or the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
Between the top two, it is 14 cores on the Core i5-14600K against 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 75% difference.
How does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D compare with the Ryzen 7 9700X on rated power?
The Ryzen 7 9700X comes out best at 65W, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 120W. The spread runs down to the Core i5-14600K at 125W.
Is the Ryzen 7 9850X3D worth paying more than the Core i5-14600K?
What it brings is L3 cache (96MB against 24MB), boost clock (5.6GHz against 5.3GHz) and rated power (120W against 125W). It does not win everywhere: the Core i5-14600K still leads on core count (14 cores). The Core i5-14600K sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 7 9800X3D the Best Gaming CPU?
It earns the label for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3. It gives up boost clock (5.2GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (8 cores against 14 cores) to the Core i5-14600K, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for most high-end gaming builds.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core i5-14600K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X use AM5; the Core i5-14600K uses LGA1700.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the gaming pick for most high-end builds. The 9850X3D adds boost clock, the 7800X3D saves money, the i5-14600K suits Intel boards, and the 9700X is the efficient eight-core.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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