Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Hide Online
We weighed four processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Core Ultra 5 245KF has the largest L3 cache, and the Core Ultra 5 225F costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Hide Online is a light PC game, which makes price and socket support the main buying points for a processor. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered by core count.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out cores / threads, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The largest L3 cache here (24MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-14400F
6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-12400
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 18MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 18MB of cache and can spend more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (24MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 18MB of cache. | Buyers who want 18MB of cache and can spend more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 4
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. Its 24MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes next at 22MB. Nothing else here matches its 5.2GHz boost clock; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes closest at 4.9GHz.
Like the Core Ultra 5 225F, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Core i5-14400F and below the Core i5-12400 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 14
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 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
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Its 22MB L3 cache ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB) and ahead of the Core i5-12400 (18MB). On core count it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 10 cores.
Like the Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. You also get 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.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core i5-14400F was closest. If you want a confirmed rated power, look to the Core Ultra 5 245KF instead: it offers 125W, while this one gives no figure.
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
- L3 cache of 22MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- No published rated power
Also Consider3 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 who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB) and ahead of the Core i5-12400 (18MB). On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores.
Like the Core i5-12400, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses an LGA1851 socket. It also offers 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.
It was priced above the Core Ultra 5 225F and below the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing. It gives ground on core count, where the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores.
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
- L3 cache of 20MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores)
Premium Pick4 of 4
Intel Core i5-12400 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Core i5-12400 brings to the table is 18MB of cache, plus a 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo.
Best for
- Buyers who want 18MB of cache and can spend more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if L3 cache matters most to you; the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 24MB.
Why we like it
The maker lists 18MB of L3 cache and an LGA1700 socket, so it needs a compatible board. Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 730 supports up to four monitors, which lets you set up the PC before adding a graphics card. Its 18MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 24MB.
Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz. Like the Core i5-14400F, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses an LGA1851 socket. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Only the Core Ultra 5 245KF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 18MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Socket: LGA1700
Pros
- 18MB of cache
- 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 18MB of cache
Cons
- L3 cache trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (5.2GHz)
- No published core count
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and core count and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Core Ultra 5 245KF to the Core i5-12400, state L3 cache, boost clock and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i5-12400 gives no core count; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core i5-12400 give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Core i5-12400 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Hide Online
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops L3 cache at 24MB and the Core i5-12400 sits lowest at 18MB. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 22MB, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.4GHz on the Core i5-12400 to 5.2GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, an 18% spread. For less, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the runner-up at 4.9GHz ($100 to $150 tier).
Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 10 cores on the Core i5-14400F to 14 cores on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, a 40% spread. The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the pick for core count. The Core i5-12400 gives no core count figure, so 3 of 4 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core Ultra 5 245KF lists DDR5; the Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 1 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 2 picks to 2.
How to Choose a CPUs for Hide Online
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The largest L3 cache here (24MB) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F | Core Ultra 5 225F | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 18MB of cache and can spend more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs | Core i5-12400 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 18MB of cache |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads on L3 cache at 24MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F at 22MB. "Not listed" marks core count where the Core i5-12400 leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-12400 | 18MB | 4.4GHz | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 5 225F was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Core i5-12400 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Core i5-12400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core Ultra 5 225F compare with the Core Ultra 5 245KF on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 24MB, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 22MB. The Core i5-12400 is at the other end of this group with 18MB.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core Ultra 5 245KF or the Core Ultra 5 225F?
Between the top two, it is 5.2GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF against 4.9GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 6% difference. The spread runs down to the Core i5-12400 at 4.4GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Core Ultra 5 245KF or the Core Ultra 5 225F?
Between the top two, it is 14 cores on the Core Ultra 5 245KF against 10 cores on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 40% difference. No core count figure is published for the Core i5-12400, which leaves 3 of 4 picks ranked here.
What does the Core i5-12400 add over the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Core i5-12400 matches or trails the Core Ultra 5 225F on L3 cache and boost clock, so the extra spend buys only what the spec sheet doesn't show. It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 5 225F still leads on L3 cache (22MB) and boost clock (4.9GHz). On our last price check the Core Ultra 5 225F was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Core i5-12400 in the $150 to $250 tier, with 2 other picks between them.
Why is the Core Ultra 5 245KF our Largest Game Cache pick?
It carries the badge for the largest L3 cache here (24MB). On L3 cache it leads the Core Ultra 5 225F, 24MB against 22MB, a 9% margin. The Core Ultra 5 225F, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Do the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F differ on socket?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core Ultra 5 225F use LGA1851; the Core i5-14400F and the Core i5-12400 use LGA1700.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 245KF. Look at the Core Ultra 5 225F for the lowest price among these processors at the time of writing, the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores and the Core i5-12400 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 18MB of cache if those matter more to you.
Check whether the processor has integrated graphics if you are not adding a card yet.