Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Overwatch 2
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 5 9600X has the highest boost clock; the Ryzen 5 5600 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Overwatch 2 runs on a modest CPU, and high frame rates come from clock speed. Every pick has six or more cores and cost $180 or less, ordered by boost clock.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (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 Ultra 5 245KF
The highest core count here (14 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
A lower price than the Core i5-12400F and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-12400F
Six performance cores.
Best for: Buyers who want six performance cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (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 Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Core i5-12400F and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| Six performance cores. | Buyers who want six performance cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600 on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 5 7600X comes next at 5.3GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Core i5-12400F at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 65W. Like the Ryzen 5 7600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-12400F uses an LGA1700 socket.
It was priced above the Ryzen 5 7600X and below the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 5600 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 4.4GHz.
Its 105W rated power ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (65W) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (125W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 5 9600X; the Ryzen 5 5600 goes with an AM4 socket. It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 5 9600X and Core Ultra 5 245KF; the Core i5-12400F goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-12400F and the pricier Ryzen 5 9600X, at the time of writing. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
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 Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Highest Core Count3 of 5
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
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (32MB) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (18MB). Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-12400F (4.4GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 14 cores core count; the Ryzen 5 9600X comes closest at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i5-12400F at 125W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Ryzen 5 9600X has an AM5 socket instead.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 5 9600X the nearest cheaper option. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
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 Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i5-12400F at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Core i5-12400F on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power (65W). An AM4 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses an AM5 socket.
You get DDR4 memory here, which sets it apart from the Core i5-12400F and its DDR4 or DDR5 memory. It also comes with DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap. It undercut the Core i5-12400F and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 9600X. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 9600X has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- 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 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF
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
Strong Alternative5 of 5
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
- Buyers who want six performance cores.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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. On L3 cache it trails the group at 18MB, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600 on core count (6 cores). It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on rated power (125W). An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses an AM5 socket.
You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 5600 and its DDR4 memory. You also get six performance cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and 600- and 700-series chipset support. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5600 and the pricier Ryzen 5 7600X, at the time of writing.
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
- LGA1700 socket, the only one here
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side 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.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 9600X to the Core i5-12400F, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 5 9600X for the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz); the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture; the Core Ultra 5 245KF for the highest core count here (14 cores).
- Price range
- From the Ryzen 5 5600 to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a CPUs for Overwatch 2
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 32MB on the Ryzen 5 9600X. The Ryzen 5 7600X comes second for less money.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 4.4GHz on the Core i5-12400F to 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X. For less, the Ryzen 5 7600X is the runner-up at 5.3GHz.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Core i5-12400F to 14 cores on the Core Ultra 5 245KF. Start with the Core Ultra 5 245KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Core Ultra 5 245KF list DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5600 lists DDR4; the Core i5-12400F lists DDR4 or DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-12400F go without; the Ryzen 5 5600 has it. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
How to Choose a CPUs for Overwatch 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who put core count first | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The highest core count here (14 cores) |
| Spending as little as possible | Ryzen 5 5600 | A lower price than the Core i5-12400F and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want six performance cores | Core i5-12400F | Six performance cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads on L3 cache at 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 5 9600X or the Ryzen 5 7600X?
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 5.4GHz, with the Ryzen 5 7600X at 5.3GHz. The Core i5-12400F is at the other end of this group with 4.4GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 14 cores, with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 6 cores.
What does the Core Ultra 5 245KF add over the Ryzen 5 5600?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.2GHz against 4.4GHz) and core count (14 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 5600 still leads on L3 cache (32MB) and rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 5600 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Core Ultra 5 245KF our Highest Core Count pick?
It earns the label for the highest core count here (14 cores). It suits anyone who put core count first.
Do the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Core Ultra 5 245KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X use AM5; the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses LGA1851; the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4; the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700.
What extras do the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X include?
The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Ryzen 5 7600X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Core Ultra 5 245KF: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 9600X, chosen for the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). Look at the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Core Ultra 5 245KF for the highest core count here (14 cores) and the Ryzen 5 5600 for a lower price than the Core i5-12400F and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Pair it with a high-refresh monitor; a 144Hz screen wastes a fast CPU.