Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Persona 5 Royal
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 7 5700X has the largest L3 cache, and the Ryzen 5 5500 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Persona 5 Royal runs on almost any current processor, so the best choice is the cheapest sensible one. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered by core count.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; we did not test these processors ourselves, and if a maker skips max boost, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The largest L3 cache here (32MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The cheapest way into this group, below the Core Ultra 5 225F.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core Ultra 5 225F.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | 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 largest L3 cache here (32MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Core Ultra 5 225F. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core Ultra 5 225F. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 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 boost clock first.
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 ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.2GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 14 cores core count; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes closest at 10 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 125W. Like the Core Ultra 5 225F, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5500 uses an AM4 socket.
It was priced above the Core i5-14400F and below the Ryzen 7 5700X at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5500; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5500 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 5500 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
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 want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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 third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). Its 4.9GHz boost clock ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (5.2GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (4.2GHz).
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. It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 5500 cost less, and the Core i5-14400F cost more. If you want a confirmed rated power, look to the Ryzen 7 5700X instead: it offers 65W, 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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (5.2GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (4.2GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 125W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Ryzen 7 5700X, which has an AM4 socket.
It is the only pick here with DDR4 or DDR5 memory; the Ryzen 7 5700X has DDR4 memory instead. 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 rated power, where the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 65W.
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 Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 5700X (65W)
Largest Game Cache4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700X stands out for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP, and it adds DDR4-3200 dual-channel support.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 32MB L3 cache and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 32MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes next at 24MB. Its 8 cores core count ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (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.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Core Ultra 5 245KF. Buyers who need a confirmed boost clock should compare it with the Core Ultra 5 245KF, which offers 5.2GHz.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP
- DDR4-3200 dual-channel support
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (32MB)
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published boost clock
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500 is the cheapest six-core chip here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core Ultra 5 225F.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It has a smaller 16MB L3 cache and runs PCIe 3.0, which matters little for a budget graphics card. Its 16MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 7 5700X leads at 32MB. Its 4.2GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X at 65W. Like the Ryzen 7 5700X, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket.
It also offers a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Core Ultra 5 225F the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- 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
- One of the cheapest six-core desktop chips
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Core Ultra 5 225F
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 five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while boost clock and rated power have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 5 245KF to the Ryzen 5 5500, state L3 cache, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock; 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 Ryzen 7 5700X ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Persona 5 Royal
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Across these 5 picks L3 cache spans 16MB (the Ryzen 5 5500) to 32MB (the Ryzen 7 5700X). The Core Ultra 5 245KF comes second at 24MB, in the $150 to $250 tier against $150 to $250 for the Ryzen 7 5700X.
Core count across these picks
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops core count at 14 cores and the Ryzen 5 5500 sits lowest at 6 cores. For less, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the runner-up at 10 cores ($100 to $150 tier).
How much boost clock you need
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops boost clock at 5.2GHz and the Ryzen 5 5500 sits lowest at 4.2GHz. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 4.9GHz, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core Ultra 5 245KF lists DDR5; the Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5500 list DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F go without; the Ryzen 5 5500 has it.
How to Choose a CPUs for Persona 5 Royal
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz) |
| Buyers who want 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores | Core Ultra 5 225F | 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 7 5700X | The largest L3 cache here (32MB) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Core Ultra 5 225F |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 5700X leads on L3 cache at 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 24MB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Ryzen 7 5700X 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 |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | Not listed | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 5500 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Ryzen 7 5700X the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 7 5700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 5700X ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 7 5700X tops L3 cache at 32MB; the Core Ultra 5 245KF follows at 24MB, 33% apart. The Ryzen 5 5500 is at the other end of this group with 16MB.
How does the Core Ultra 5 225F compare with the Core Ultra 5 245KF on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 14 cores, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5500 at 6 cores.
How does the Core Ultra 5 225F compare with the Core Ultra 5 245KF on boost clock?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. The Ryzen 5 5500 closes the ranking at 4.2GHz. The Ryzen 7 5700X doesn't state a boost clock figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 7 5700X add over the Ryzen 5 5500?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (32MB against 16MB) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores) in its favour. On our last price check the Ryzen 5 5500 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Ryzen 7 5700X in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 5 5500 our Lowest Price Here pick?
The label rests on the cheapest way into this group, below the Core Ultra 5 225F. It is aimed at anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core Ultra 5 225F.
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 uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5500 use AM4.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 245KF, chosen for the highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). Look at the Core Ultra 5 225F for 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores, the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores and the Ryzen 5 5500 for the cheapest way into this group, below the Core Ultra 5 225F if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward an SSD or more memory.