Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Resident Evil 4
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock, and the Ryzen 5 9600X costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Resident Evil 4 remake recommends a Ryzen 5 3600 or Core i7-8700 with 16GB of RAM. Every pick has at least six cores and cost between $150 and $270, ordered by boost clock.
Resident Evil 4's official PC requirements list AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7 8700 and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Resident Evil 4 on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 5 8600G are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 3600; the Core i7-9700K is a newer generation than the Core i7-8700. Steam gives the recommended settings as 1080p at an estimated 60 fps.
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 L3 cache, we say so.
Requirements source: Resident Evil 4 on Steam
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 8600G.
Best for: Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
The top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Best for: Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Intel Core i7-9700K
8 cores without Hyper-Threading.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 cores without Hyper-Threading.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 8600G. | Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money. | 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 7 7700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch. | Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab) |
| Radeon 760M integrated graphics. | Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 cores without Hyper-Threading. | Buyers who want 8 cores without Hyper-Threading. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
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
It suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on boost clock (5.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 8600G at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 8600G at 65W. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 5 8600G was closest. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 8700G; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 8700G 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 Ryzen 5 8600G
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700X brings eight Zen 4 cores with high clocks to AM5 at a lower price than the X3D chips.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It gives esports titles plenty of headroom without the cache premium. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 5.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Core i7-9700K on core count (8 cores). Its 105W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 65W. You also get the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Core i7-9700K, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 16
- 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
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 8700G stands out for AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch, and it adds a Wraith Spire cooler in the box.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- The maker gives no L3 cache, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.1GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.1GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Core i7-9700K comes in at 4.9GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Core i7-9700K on core count (8 cores).
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Core i7-9700K. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 5 9600X, which offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch
- Boost clock of 5.1GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 8600G
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 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
- Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
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. Its 16MB L3 cache ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (32MB) and ahead of the Core i7-9700K (12MB). Its 5GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Core i7-9700K (4.9GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 65W. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 9600X cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7700X cost more. Core count is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 7700X covers it better at 8 cores.
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 Ryzen 7 7700X (8 cores)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Intel Core i7-9700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-9700K has eight cores without Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 cores without Hyper-Threading.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the most common upgrade for a Z370 or Z390 board still running a four- or six-core chip. Its 12MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 32MB. Its 4.9GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 5.4GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Ryzen 7 8700G at 8 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 95W: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 65W, and the Ryzen 7 7700X comes in at 105W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1151 socket; compare the Ryzen 7 8700G, which has an AM5 socket.
It is the only pick here with DDR4 memory; the Ryzen 5 9600X has DDR5 memory instead. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7700X and below the Ryzen 7 8700G at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 12MB
- Max boost: 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 95W
- Threads: 8
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 cores without Hyper-Threading
- Unlocked multiplier
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (32MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up 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, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 9600X to the Core i7-9700K, state boost clock, core count and threads and share integrated graphics.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 8700G gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 8700G gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 8700G ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Resident Evil 4
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
The Ryzen 5 9600X tops boost clock at 5.4GHz and the Core i7-9700K sits lowest at 4.9GHz; 2 picks share the top figure. The Ryzen 5 9600X is the pick for boost clock.
Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 8600G to 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7700X, a 33% spread. Start with the Ryzen 7 7700X if core count decides it.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 12MB on the Core i7-9700K to 32MB on the Ryzen 5 9600X, a 167% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 9600X sets the ceiling at 32MB. The Ryzen 7 8700G gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 5 8600G list DDR5; the Core i7-9700K lists DDR4. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Core i7-9700K go without; the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 5 8600G have it. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3 and 2.
How to Choose a CPUs for Resident Evil 4
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money | Ryzen 5 9600X | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 8600G |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 7 7700X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Ryzen 7 8700G | The top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch |
| Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics | Ryzen 5 8600G | Radeon 760M integrated graphics |
| Buyers who want 8 cores without Hyper-Threading | Core i7-9700K | 8 cores without Hyper-Threading |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads on boost clock at 5.4GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X at 5.4GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 7 8700G leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 8700G | Not listed | 5.1GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 8600G | 16MB | 5GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i7-9700K | 12MB | 4.9GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 9600X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 7 8700G the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 5 8600G, Ryzen 7 7700X |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-9700K, Ryzen 7 8700G |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Resident Evil 4 at recommended settings?
In Resident Evil 4's list, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Core i7-9700K meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Resident Evil 4 also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
What does the Ryzen 7 8700G add over the Ryzen 5 9600X?
What it brings is core count (8 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 9600X still leads on boost clock (5.4GHz). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 9600X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 8700G in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if core count decides your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 5 9600X our Lowest Price Here pick?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 8600G. It makes sense for getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
Do the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Core i7-9700K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 5 8600G use AM5; the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151.
What extras do the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X include?
The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Ryzen 7 7700X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 7 8700G: AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch.
Should I pick the Ryzen 5 9600X or the Core i7-9700K?
The Ryzen 5 9600X suits getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money; the Core i7-9700K suits buyers who want 8 cores without Hyper-Threading.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 9600X, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 8600G. Look at the Ryzen 7 7700X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 7 8700G for the top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch and the Ryzen 5 8600G for Radeon 760M integrated graphics if those matter more to you.
Pair the processor with a card from the same price tier so neither holds the other back.