Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Star Citizen
Four processors compared, from the Ryzen 7 7700X to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Star Citizen is heavy on CPU and memory. Every pick has eight or more cores, 32MB+ of L3 and DDR5, ordered by cache.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip.
Best for: Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. | Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 4
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D adds 3D V-Cache to a twelve-core layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on boost clock (5.5GHz). On core count it sits mid-pack at 12 cores: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 16 cores, and the Ryzen 7 9700X comes in at 8 cores.
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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 9700X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 120W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700X at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock2 of 4
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D adds a second eight-core die to the X3D formula, giving 16 cores for work while keeping 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. Its 5.7GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes next at 5.5GHz. Its 16 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes next at 12 cores.
On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W. It also comes with a design aimed at both games and content creation. 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.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 16 cores
- Rated power: 170W
- Threads: 32
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9700X (65W)
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
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
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It gives esports titles plenty of headroom without the cache premium. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D comes in at 170W. It also comes with 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. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 7 9700X the next step up.
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
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
Lowest Rated Power4 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X3D on boost clock (5.5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X at 8 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X (105W). 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. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7700X and below the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at the time of writing. It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB)
- Core count trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Ryzen 9 9900X3D to the Ryzen 7 9700X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share AM5 socket and DDR5 memory.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 9 9900X3D for 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz); the Ryzen 7 7700X for the lowest price of the group at our last check.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 7700X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Star Citizen
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Here L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 7 9700X to 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. The Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the pick for L3 cache.
Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 7 7700X to 5.7GHz on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes second for less money.
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 9700X to 16 cores on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. For less, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the runner-up at 12 cores.
What to check at home
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 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.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D: a design aimed at both games and content creation. The Ryzen 7 7700X: a 5nm process. The Ryzen 7 9700X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
How to Choose a CPUs for Star Citizen
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz) |
| Keeping the budget tight | Ryzen 7 7700X | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 7 9700X | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 128MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 7700X was the lowest-priced pick and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 7700X |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D on boost clock?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 5.5GHz. The Ryzen 7 7700X is at the other end of this group with 5.4GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 9 9900X3D?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 16 cores, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 12 cores. The Ryzen 7 9700X is at the other end of this group with 8 cores.
Which has the lowest rated power: the Ryzen 7 9700X or the Ryzen 7 7700X?
The Ryzen 7 9700X comes out best at 65W, with the Ryzen 7 7700X at 105W. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is at the other end of this group with 170W.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 7 7700X?
On paper it adds L3 cache (128MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.4GHz) and core count (16 cores against 8 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 7700X still leads on rated power (105W). The Ryzen 7 7700X was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the Highest Boost Clock?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz). It suits anyone who put boost clock first.
What should I check before buying the Ryzen 7 9700X?
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. In this guide it ranks fourth of 4, as our Lowest Rated Power pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, chosen for 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. Look at the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz), the Ryzen 7 7700X for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the Ryzen 7 9700X for the lowest rated power here (65W) if those matter more to you.
Use 32GB of RAM or more.