Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
Five processors compared, from the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Ryzen 7 9700X, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A budget processor is enough for Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, and the same chip also covers other lighter games in your library. 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 5 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)
Worth a Look
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch.
Best for: Buyers who want AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (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) |
| AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch. | Buyers who want AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 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
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
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. Nothing else here matches its 22MB L3 cache; the Core i5-14400F comes closest at 20MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.9GHz: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5700 comes in at 4.6GHz.
An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses an AM4 socket. You also get 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)
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Also Consider2 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
- 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 sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5700 comes in at 4.6GHz.
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 9700X and its an AM5 socket. DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 8700G uses DDR5 memory.
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 5
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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 Ryzen 7 9700X offers 5.5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X on core count (8 cores). An AM4 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. You get DDR4 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 8700G and its DDR5 memory.
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 5, between the cheaper Core i5-14400F and the pricier Ryzen 7 8700G, 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
- AM4 socket, the only one here
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 Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz)
Worth a Look4 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
- Buyers who want AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch.
Skip if
- Pass if a published L3 cache matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.1GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 5.1GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700 (4.6GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores.
Like the Ryzen 7 9700X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR5 memory; the Core i5-14400F has DDR4 or DDR5 memory instead. 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 priced above the Ryzen 7 5700 and below the Ryzen 7 9700X at the time of writing. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB.
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 Core Ultra 5 225F
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Ryzen 7 9700X brings to the table is an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
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 5.5GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 8700G (5.1GHz). It matches the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 8700G on core count (8 cores).
It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 8700G; the Core i5-14400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 7 8700G. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Core Ultra 5 225F, which offers 22MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost
- The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz)
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores)
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
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. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Ryzen 7 9700X, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X give no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F, the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X 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 9700X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.6GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700 to 5.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X, a 20% spread. For less, the Ryzen 7 8700G is the runner-up at 5.1GHz ($250 to $500 tier).
How much core count you need
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops core count at 10 cores and the Ryzen 7 9700X sits lowest at 8 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the pick for core count.
L3 cache across these picks
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 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X give no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700 lists DDR4; the Ryzen 7 8700G lists DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 1, 1 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14400F goes without; the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 8700G have it.
How to Choose a CPUs for Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
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 |
| Buyers who want AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch | Ryzen 7 8700G | AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 7 9700X | The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 9700X leads on boost clock at 5.5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 8700G at 5.1GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X leave 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 8700G | Not listed | 5.1GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | Not listed | 5.5GHz | 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 9700X 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 8700G, Ryzen 7 9700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 7 8700G compare with the Ryzen 7 9700X on boost clock?
The Ryzen 7 9700X leads at 5.5GHz, with the Ryzen 7 8700G at 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 7 5700 closes the ranking at 4.6GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 225F ahead of the Core i5-14400F on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops L3 cache at 22MB; the Core i5-14400F follows at 20MB, 10% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 7 5700 at 16MB. The Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X are left out of this ranking because their L3 cache isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 7 5700 ahead of the Core i5-14400F on rated power?
The Ryzen 7 5700 is lowest on rated power at 65W; the Core i5-14400F follows at 125W, 48% apart. The Core Ultra 5 225F, the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X are left out of this ranking because their rated power isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 7 9700X worth paying more than the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The spec sheets show boost clock (5.5GHz against 4.9GHz) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 5 225F still leads on core count (10 cores). The Core Ultra 5 225F sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 7 9700X in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
What makes the Core Ultra 5 225F the Largest Game Cache?
It carries the badge 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 makes sense for 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 uses AM4; the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X use AM5.
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 8700G for AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch if those matter more to you.
Check the motherboard's socket and BIOS version before ordering a processor.