Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Sub Culture
From the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Ryzen 5 7500F: 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
You do not need a flagship processor for Sub Culture; a low-cost current chip clears the game and leaves money for other parts. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered by core count.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600.
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)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
The largest L3 cache here (32MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 7500F
A low-cost Zen 4 entry to AM5 at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core Ultra 5 225F costs less.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7500F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600. | 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) |
| The largest L3 cache here (32MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| A low-cost Zen 4 entry to AM5 at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core Ultra 5 225F costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7500F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 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
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 sits mid-pack at 24MB: the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB, and the Core i5-14400F comes in at 20MB. Nothing else here matches its 5.2GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 5 7500F comes closest at 5GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 14 cores, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores). It matches the Core i5-14400F on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Core Ultra 5 225F; the Ryzen 5 7500F goes with an AM5 socket.
On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-14400F and the pricier Ryzen 5 7500F, at the time of writing. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
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
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 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
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 22MB: the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB, and the Core i5-14400F comes in at 20MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.9GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600 comes in at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Core i5-14400F on core count (10 cores). It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Core Ultra 5 245KF; the Core i5-14400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 5600 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed rated power should compare it with the Ryzen 5 5600, which 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
- L3 cache of 22MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- No published rated power
Also Consider3 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. On L3 cache it trails the group at 20MB, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600 comes in at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count (10 cores). It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on rated power (125W). An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket.
You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Core Ultra 5 245KF and its DDR5 memory. It also offers 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5600 and the pricier Core Ultra 5 245KF, at the time of writing.
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
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB)
Largest Game Cache4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. Its 32MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes next at 24MB. Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7500F at 6 cores. Nothing else here matches its 65W rated power; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes closest at 125W. It is the only pick here with an AM4 socket; the Core Ultra 5 245KF has an LGA1851 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 7500F, which has DDR5 memory. You also get DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 225F cost less, and the Core i5-14400F cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- 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 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (32MB)
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
Premium Pick5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Ryzen 5 7500F brings to the table is a low-cost Zen 4 entry to AM5, plus DDR5 memory support.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core Ultra 5 225F costs less.
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 also offers a 5GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600 comes in at 4.4GHz. You get an AM5 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 5600 and its an AM4 socket.
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 Ultra 5 245KF. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 5 5600, which offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
Pros
- Low-cost Zen 4 entry to AM5
- DDR5 memory support
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F
- AM5 socket, the only one here
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No published L3 cache
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores)
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 Core Ultra 5 245KF to the Ryzen 5 7500F, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 7500F gives no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 5 7500F 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 5 7500F ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Sub Culture
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 to 5.2GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, an 18% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 5 245KF if boost clock decides it.
How much core count you need
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops core count at 14 cores and the Ryzen 5 7500F sits lowest at 6 cores. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 10 cores, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF.
How much L3 cache you need
Across these 4 picks L3 cache spans 20MB (the Core i5-14400F) to 32MB (the Ryzen 5 5600). The Ryzen 5 5600 is the pick for L3 cache. The Ryzen 5 7500F gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 5 7500F list DDR5; the Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5600 lists DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F go without; the Ryzen 5 5600 has it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for Sub Culture
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The highest boost clock here (5.2GHz) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600 | Core Ultra 5 225F | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 5 5600 | The largest L3 cache here (32MB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core Ultra 5 225F costs less | Ryzen 5 7500F | A low-cost Zen 4 entry to AM5 at the highest price in the group |
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 7500F at 5GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 7500F leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7500F | Not listed | 5GHz | 6 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, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 5 7500F at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Core i5-14400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 5 7500F |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 5 7500F compare with the Core Ultra 5 245KF on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.2GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF against 5GHz on the Ryzen 5 7500F, a 4% difference. The Ryzen 5 5600 closes the ranking at 4.4GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 14 cores, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 7500F at 6 cores.
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 5 5600 or the Core Ultra 5 245KF?
The Ryzen 5 5600 tops L3 cache at 32MB; the Core Ultra 5 245KF follows at 24MB, 33% apart. The spread runs down to the Core i5-14400F at 20MB. The Ryzen 5 7500F is left out of this ranking because its L3 cache isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 5 7500F worth paying more than the Core Ultra 5 225F?
On paper it adds boost clock (5GHz against 4.9GHz). 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 5 7500F 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 Core Ultra 5 245KF the Highest Boost Clock?
It carries the badge for the highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). The Ryzen 5 7500F is next on boost clock at 5GHz, so this pick's 5.2GHz is 4% further out. The Core Ultra 5 225F, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F differ on socket?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core Ultra 5 225F use LGA1851; the Core i5-14400F uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4; the Ryzen 5 7500F uses AM5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 245KF, chosen for the highest boost clock here (5.2GHz). Look at the Core Ultra 5 225F for the lowest price among these processors at the time of writing, the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores and the Ryzen 5 7500F for a low-cost Zen 4 entry to AM5 at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Match the memory type (DDR4 or DDR5) to the board you choose.