Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Red Dead Redemption 2
From the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Ryzen 5 8600G: 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
Red Dead Redemption 2 lists a quad-core i7-4770K or Ryzen 5 1500X for its recommended tier. Every pick has at least six cores and cost $200 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Red Dead Redemption 2's official PC requirements list Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X and 12GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8600G are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 1500X; the Core i5-9400F and the Core Ultra 5 245KF are a newer generation than the Core i7-4770K.
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 a missing L3 cache is flagged, not filled in.
Requirements source: Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F
A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-9400F
6 cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 cores at a 65W rating.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-9400F (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The largest L3 cache here (24MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
The top of this price range, adding Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Best for: Spending more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 cores at a 65W rating. | Buyers who want 6 cores at a 65W rating. | Check price for Intel Core i5-9400F (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (24MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding Radeon 760M integrated graphics. | Spending more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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 Ryzen 5 5500F.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 8600G at 16MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Core i5-9400F and the Ryzen 5 8600G on core count (6 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500F; the Core i5-9400F goes with an LGA1151 socket. It also comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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 undercut the Ryzen 5 5500F and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 8600G. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 8600G has it.
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
- L3 cache of 16MB, ahead of the Core i5-9400F
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
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500F is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 4.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Core i5-9400F and the Ryzen 5 8600G on core count (6 cores).
It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500; the Core i5-9400F goes with an LGA1151 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5500 and the pricier Core i5-9400F, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 24MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- 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
- DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache
- Boost clock of 4.2GHz, ahead of the Core i5-9400F
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 Alternative3 of 5
Intel Core i5-9400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-9400F has six cores at a 65W rating and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 cores at a 65W rating.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the low-cost way to move a 300-series board off a dual- or quad-core chip. On L3 cache it trails the group at 9MB, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 24MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.1GHz, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8600G on core count (6 cores). An LGA1151 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 5500F uses an AM4 socket. It shares DDR4 memory with the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5500F; the Ryzen 5 8600G goes with DDR5 memory. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5500F and the pricier Core Ultra 5 245KF, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 9MB
- Max boost: 4.1GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 6
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 6 cores at a 65W rating
- LGA1151 socket, the only one here
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB)
Largest Game Cache4 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
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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. On L3 cache it leads this guide at 24MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). Nothing else here matches its 5.2GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 5 8600G comes closest at 5GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 14 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores). Its 125W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 5500 leads at 65W. An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 5500F uses an AM4 socket.
It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 5 8600G; the Core i5-9400F goes with DDR4 memory. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-9400F and the pricier Ryzen 5 8600G, 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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 5500 (65W)
Premium Pick5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8600G pairs six cores with Radeon 760M graphics.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
It can run a PC without a graphics card until you buy one. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 16MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Core i5-9400F comes in at 4.1GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Core i5-9400F on core count (6 cores). You get an AM5 socket here, which sets it apart from the Core Ultra 5 245KF and its an LGA1851 socket. It shares DDR5 memory with the Core Ultra 5 245KF; the Ryzen 5 5500 goes with DDR4 memory.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Core Ultra 5 245KF. If core count is your priority, the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon 760M integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Ryzen 5 8600G, state boost clock, core count and rated power.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500F gives no L3 cache; the Core i5-9400F gives no cooler in box.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Ryzen 5 8600G ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Red Dead Redemption 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops boost clock at 5.2GHz and the Core i5-9400F sits lowest at 4.1GHz. The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the pick for boost clock.
How much core count you need
Across these 5 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 8600G) to 14 cores (the Core Ultra 5 245KF). If core count is your first filter, the Core Ultra 5 245KF sets the ceiling at 14 cores.
How much rated power you need
Here rated power runs from 125W on the Core Ultra 5 245KF to 65W on the Ryzen 5 5500, a 48% spread. If rated power is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 5500 sets the ceiling at 65W.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Core i5-9400F list DDR4; the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 5 8600G list DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3 and 2.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 8600G have it; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes without.
How to Choose a CPUs for Red Dead Redemption 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5500F | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
| Buyers who want 6 cores at a 65W rating | Core i5-9400F | 6 cores at a 65W rating |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The largest L3 cache here (24MB) |
| Spending more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Ryzen 5 8600G | The top of this price range, adding Radeon 760M integrated graphics |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads on boost clock at 5.2GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 8600G at 5GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500F leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500F | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-9400F | 9MB | 4.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 8600G | 16MB | 5GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 5500, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 5 8600G at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 5500F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-9400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 5 8600G |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Red Dead Redemption 2 at recommended settings?
In Red Dead Redemption 2's list, the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Core i5-9400F, the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 5 8600G meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Red Dead Redemption 2 also lists 12GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core Ultra 5 245KF or the Ryzen 5 8600G?
Between the top two, it is 5.2GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF against 5GHz on the Ryzen 5 8600G, a 4% difference. The Core i5-9400F is at the other end of this group with 4.1GHz.
How does the Ryzen 5 5500 compare with the Core Ultra 5 245KF on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 14 cores, with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 6 cores.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops L3 cache at 24MB; the Ryzen 5 5500 follows at 16MB, 50% apart. The Core i5-9400F closes the ranking at 9MB. The Ryzen 5 5500F doesn't state a L3 cache figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 5 8600G worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5500?
On paper it adds boost clock (5GHz against 4.2GHz). The Ryzen 5 5500 sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Ryzen 5 8600G in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 5500 the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. It is aimed at anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 5500, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. Look at the Ryzen 5 5500F for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, the Core i5-9400F for 6 cores at a 65W rating and the Ryzen 5 8600G for the top of this price range, adding Radeon 760M integrated graphics if those matter more to you.
Check the board's socket and BIOS version before buying a processor from a newer generation.