Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Princess Maker 2
Four processors compared, from the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Ryzen 7 5800X, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
For Princess Maker 2, spend on the graphics card, memory or storage rather than the most powerful processor. Every pick has at least eight cores and cost $300 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads; where a maker leaves out L3 cache, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
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)
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)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 5700
A 65W TDP.
Best for: Buyers who want 65W TDP.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
The top of this price range, adding an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache.
Best for: Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (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. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
| A 65W TDP. | Buyers who want 65W TDP. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache. | Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (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
- 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. Nothing else here matches its 22MB L3 cache; the Core i5-14400F comes closest at 20MB. Nothing else here matches its 4.9GHz boost clock; the Core i5-14400F comes closest at 4.7GHz.
An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses an AM4 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.
It undercut the Core i5-14400F and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its rated power; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 7 5700 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
Also Consider2 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. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 20MB: the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB, and the Ryzen 7 5700 comes in at 16MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 5800X at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count (10 cores). You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 5700 and its an AM4 socket. DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses DDR4 memory.
It also offers 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. Its price falls between the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 7 5700, based on our last check. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 5700. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 5700 has it.
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 7 5700
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
Strong Alternative3 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 5700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700 is built around a 65W TDP, with a Wraith Spire cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 65W TDP.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16MB L3 cache and offers a 4.6GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it trails the group at 16MB, while the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.6GHz, while the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 4.9GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 5800X on core count (8 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5800X; the Core i5-14400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. It also offers a 65W TDP.
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 third of 4, between the cheaper Core i5-14400F and the pricier Ryzen 7 5800X, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 65W TDP
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (22MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz)
Premium Pick4 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5800X stands out for an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache, and it adds PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 boards.
Best for
- Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4.7GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 at 8 cores. Like the Ryzen 7 5700, 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 cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. Only the Ryzen 7 5700 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
Pros
- Unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache
- PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 boards
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
- The top of this price range, adding an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared 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 7 5800X, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 5800X gives no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 7 5800X give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 7 5800X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Princess Maker 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 4.6GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700 to 4.9GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 7% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 5 225F if boost clock decides it.
Core count across these picks
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops core count at 10 cores and the Ryzen 7 5800X sits lowest at 8 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the pick for core count.
L3 cache
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops L3 cache at 22MB and the Ryzen 7 5700 sits lowest at 16MB. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Core Ultra 5 225F sets the ceiling at 22MB. The Ryzen 7 5800X gives no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 4 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 5800X list DDR4. Sort out memory before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 2 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14400F and the Ryzen 7 5800X go without; the Ryzen 7 5700 has 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 Princess Maker 2
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 who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 65W TDP | Ryzen 7 5700 | A 65W TDP |
| Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Ryzen 7 5800X | The top of this price range, adding an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache |
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 7 5800X leaves 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 7 5700 | 16MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Core Ultra 5 225F, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 5800X at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Ryzen 7 5700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core i5-14400F compare with the Core Ultra 5 225F on boost clock?
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 Ryzen 7 5700 is at the other end of this group with 4.6GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 225F ahead of the Core i5-14400F on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads at 22MB, with the Core i5-14400F at 20MB. The Ryzen 7 5700 closes the ranking at 16MB. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 7 5800X, which leaves 3 of 4 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 7 5700 ahead of the Core i5-14400F on rated power?
The Ryzen 7 5700 comes out best at 65W, with the Core i5-14400F at 125W. No rated power figure is published for the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 7 5800X, which leaves 2 of 4 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 7 5800X worth paying more than the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Ryzen 7 5800X matches or trails the Core Ultra 5 225F on boost clock and core count, 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 boost clock (4.9GHz) and core count (10 cores). The Core Ultra 5 225F sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 7 5800X in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them.
What makes the Core Ultra 5 225F the Largest Game Cache?
It earns the label for 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. 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 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 5800X 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, the Ryzen 7 5700 for a 65W TDP and the Ryzen 7 5800X for the top of this price range, adding an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache if those matter more to you.
Check whether the processor has integrated graphics if you are not adding a card yet.