Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for God of War
From the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Core i5-14400F: 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
God of War lists a Core i5-6600K or Ryzen 5 2400G for its recommended tier. Every pick has at least six cores and cost $170 or less, ordered by core count.
God of War's official PC requirements list Intel i5-6600k or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G and 8GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core i5-14400F are a newer generation than the Core i5-6600K; the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 2400G.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-14400F
6 performance and 4 efficient cores at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
A lower price than the Ryzen 5 5500F and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 5500F the next step up.
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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 6 performance and 4 efficient cores at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Ryzen 5 5500F and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 5500F the next step up. | 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) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 4
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
- Pass on it if no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Nothing else here matches its 4.9GHz boost clock; the Core i5-14400F comes closest at 4.7GHz. You get an LGA1851 socket here, which sets it apart from the Core i5-14400F and its an LGA1700 socket.
It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Core i5-14400F, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed rated power should compare it with the Ryzen 5 5500, which 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)
- Highest boost clock of the picks (4.9GHz)
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
Premium Pick2 of 4
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 for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 4.9GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500F comes in at 4.2GHz. It matches the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count (10 cores).
Its 125W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 5500 leads at 65W. An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 5500F and its DDR4 memory.
It also offers 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core Ultra 5 225F and the rest.
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
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 5500 (65W)
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500 stands out for a 65W TDP with 19MB of cache, and it adds a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 5500F 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
It also offers a 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F on boost clock (4.2GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F at 6 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F at 65W. Like the Ryzen 5 5500F, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 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.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 5 5500F was closest. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Core Ultra 5 225F instead: it offers 22MB, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 65W TDP with 19MB of cache
- A lower price than the Ryzen 5 5500F and the rest when we checked
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published L3 cache
Also Consider4 of 4
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 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 i5-14400F 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.
On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5500 and the pricier Core Ultra 5 225F, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Core Ultra 5 225F 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
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 as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while L3 cache and rated power have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Ryzen 5 5500F, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F give no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Core i5-14400F ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for God of War
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops boost clock at 4.9GHz and the Ryzen 5 5500F sits lowest at 4.2GHz. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the pick for boost clock.
How much core count you need
Across these 4 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 5500F) to 10 cores (the Core Ultra 5 225F). If core count is your first filter, the Core Ultra 5 225F sets the ceiling at 10 cores.
How much rated power you need
Here rated power runs from 125W on the Core i5-14400F to 65W on the Ryzen 5 5500, a 48% spread. If rated power is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 5500 sets the ceiling at 65W. The Core Ultra 5 225F gives no rated power figure, so 3 of 4 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F list DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14400F goes without; the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F have it. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 2 and 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for God of War
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Core Ultra 5 225F | The largest L3 cache here (22MB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores at the highest price in the group |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 5500F the next step up | Ryzen 5 5500 | A lower price than the Ryzen 5 5500F and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5500F | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads on boost clock at 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i5-14400F at 4.7GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 5500 | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500F | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
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 i5-14400F 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 |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run God of War at recommended settings?
In God of War's list, the Core Ultra 5 225F, the Core i5-14400F, the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. God of War also lists 8GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core Ultra 5 225F or the Core i5-14400F?
Between the top two, it is 4.9GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F against 4.7GHz on the Core i5-14400F, a 4% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
How does the Core i5-14400F compare with the Core Ultra 5 225F on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads at 22MB, with the Core i5-14400F at 20MB. The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F don't state a L3 cache figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 4 picks are ranked.
Is the Core i5-14400F worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5500?
The spec sheets show boost clock (4.7GHz against 4.2GHz) and core count (10 cores against 6 cores) 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 i5-14400F in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Core Ultra 5 225F the Largest Game Cache?
The label rests on the largest L3 cache here (22MB). The Core i5-14400F is next on L3 cache at 20MB, so this pick's 22MB is 10% further out. The Ryzen 5 5500, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core i5-14400F differ on socket?
The Core Ultra 5 225F uses LGA1851; the Core i5-14400F uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F use AM4.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 225F. Look at the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores at the highest price in the group, the Ryzen 5 5500 for a lower price than the Ryzen 5 5500F and the rest when we checked and the Ryzen 5 5500F for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box if those matter more to you.
At this price, check that the board you already own supports the processor before ordering.