Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Helldivers 2
From the Core i5-14600K to the Core Ultra 7 265K: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Helldivers 2 spawns large groups of enemies, which use many threads. Every pick has eight or more cores and 16 or more threads and cost $350 or less, ordered by thread count.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
The largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-14600K
Undercutting the Ryzen 9 7900 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-13600K
6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
8 performance and 12 efficient cores at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (64MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Ryzen 9 7900 on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 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
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 33MB: the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 64MB, and the Core i5-13600K comes in at 24MB. Its 5.6GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 7 265K comes next at 5.5GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 7 265K on core count (20 cores). It matches the Core i5-14600K, the Core i5-13600K and the Core Ultra 7 265K on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14600K and Core i5-13600K; the Core Ultra 7 265K goes with an LGA1851 socket.
It also comes with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. Its price falls between the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Core i5-13600K, based on our last check. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
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
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Skip it if core count matters most to you; the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. Its 64MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core i7-14700KF comes next at 33MB. Its 5.4GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (5.1GHz).
On core count it trails the group at 12 cores, while the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Core i7-14700KF (125W). It is the only pick here with an AM5 socket; the Core i7-14700KF has an LGA1700 socket instead.
Like the Core Ultra 7 265K, it has DDR5 memory, while the Core i5-14600K uses DDR4 or DDR5 memory. It also comes with 12 cores at a 65W rating. When we checked, only the Core i5-14600K cost less, and the Core i7-14700KF cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
Cons
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
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 ties with the Core i5-13600K at 24MB.
On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i5-13600K comes in at 5.1GHz. It matches the Core i5-13600K on core count (14 cores). It matches the Core i7-14700KF, the Core i5-13600K and the Core Ultra 7 265K on rated power (125W).
It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i7-14700KF and Core i5-13600K; the Core Ultra 7 265K goes with an LGA1851 socket. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. It undercut the Ryzen 9 7900 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 7900 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: 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
Also Consider4 of 5
Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-13600K is the previous-generation fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It fits the same boards as the 14600K. It matches the Core i5-14600K on L3 cache (24MB). Its 5.1GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 14 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF, the Core i5-14600K and the Core Ultra 7 265K at 125W. Like the Core i7-14700KF and Core i5-14600K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 9 7900 uses an AM5 socket.
You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. When we checked, only the Core i7-14700KF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core Ultra 7 265K cost more. L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 9 7900 covers it better at 64MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.1GHz
- 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
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz)
Premium Pick5 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 7 265K is Intel's strongest all-rounder here, with 20 cores for games plus background work, on the LGA1851 socket.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a builder who wants an Intel platform and a lot of multi-threaded headroom. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 30MB: the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 64MB, and the Core i5-13600K comes in at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i5-13600K comes in at 5.1GHz.
An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 9 7900 uses an AM5 socket. It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 9 7900; the Core i5-13600K goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory. It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features.
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 i5-13600K and the rest. The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 30MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (65W)
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K 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, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i7-14700KF to the Core Ultra 7 265K, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i7-14700KF for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz); the Ryzen 9 7900 for the largest L3 cache here (64MB); the Core i5-14600K for undercutting the Ryzen 9 7900 on price when we checked.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i5-14600K ($150 to $250) to the Core Ultra 7 265K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Helldivers 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 24MB on the Core i5-13600K to 64MB on the Ryzen 9 7900. The Ryzen 9 7900 is the pick for L3 cache.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 5.1GHz on the Core i5-13600K to 5.6GHz on the Core i7-14700KF. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if boost clock decides it.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 7900 to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF. The Core i7-14700KF is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Core i7-14700KF, the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Core Ultra 7 265K list DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-14700KF, the Core i5-14600K, the Core i5-13600K and the Core Ultra 7 265K go without; the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
How to Choose a CPUs for Helldivers 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core i7-14700KF | The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz) |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 7900 | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Core i5-14600K | Undercutting the Ryzen 9 7900 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-13600K | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Core Ultra 7 265K | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7900 leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-13600K | 24MB | 5.1GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core i5-14600K was the lowest-priced pick and the Core Ultra 7 265K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900, Core i7-14700KF, Core i5-13600K, Core Ultra 7 265K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 9 7900 or the Core i7-14700KF?
The Ryzen 9 7900 leads at 64MB, with the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB. The Core i5-13600K is at the other end of this group with 24MB.
How does the Core Ultra 7 265K compare with the Core i7-14700KF on boost clock?
The Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz, with the Core Ultra 7 265K at 5.5GHz. The Core i5-13600K is at the other end of this group with 5.1GHz.
How does the Core i7-14700KF compare with the Ryzen 9 7900 on rated power?
The Ryzen 9 7900 comes out best at 65W, with the Core i7-14700KF at 125W.
Is the Core Ultra 7 265K worth paying more than the Core i5-14600K?
On paper it adds L3 cache (30MB against 24MB), boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (20 cores against 14 cores). The Core i5-14600K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Core i7-14700KF the Highest Boost Clock?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). It suits anyone who put boost clock first.
Do the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900 differ on socket?
The Core i7-14700KF, the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K use LGA1700; the Ryzen 9 7900 uses AM5; the Core Ultra 7 265K uses LGA1851.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). Look at the Core i5-14600K for undercutting the Ryzen 9 7900 on price when we checked, the Core i5-13600K for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and the Core Ultra 7 265K for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Keep the game on an SSD and update the GPU driver before big patches.