Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Skyrim
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 7 5700 has the lowest rated power; the Core Ultra 5 225F is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Skyrim does not push current hardware, so this guide is about the lowest-cost processor that suits a wider library. Every pick has at least eight cores and cost $300 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out rated power, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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 Core i5-14400F.
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)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 7 5700
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-14600KF
6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-14600K
The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F. | 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 lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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 Core i5-14400F.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Its 22MB L3 cache ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (24MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700 (16MB). Its 4.9GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700 (4.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 10 cores. It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Core i5-14400F has an LGA1700 socket instead. It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core i5-14400F was closest. If you want a confirmed rated power, look to the Ryzen 7 5700 instead: it offers 65W, while this one gives no figure.
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 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (24MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700 (16MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700 (4.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores. Like the Core i5-14600KF and Core i5-14600K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. Like the Core i5-14600KF and Core i5-14600K, it has DDR4 or DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses DDR4 memory.
It was priced above the Core Ultra 5 225F and below the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 5700; by contrast, 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
Lowest Rated Power3 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 put rated power first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16MB L3 cache and offers a 4.6GHz boost clock. Its 16MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core i5-14600KF leads at 24MB. Its 4.6GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i5-14600KF leads at 5.3GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 8 cores, while the Core i5-14600KF offers 14 cores. Its 65W rated power is the lowest here; the Core i5-14400F comes next at 125W. It is the only pick here with an AM4 socket; the Core Ultra 5 225F has an LGA1851 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 memory; compare the Core i5-14400F, which has DDR4 or DDR5 memory. It also comes with a 65W TDP. When we checked, only the Core i5-14400F and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-14600KF cost more.
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 i5-14600KF (24MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. It matches the Core i5-14600K on L3 cache (24MB). It matches the Core i5-14600K on boost clock (5.3GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 14 cores. Like the Core i5-14400F and Core i5-14600K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. Like the Core i5-14400F and Core i5-14600K, it has DDR4 or DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses DDR4 memory.
You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 5700 and below the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 5700; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 5700 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
- L3 cache of 24MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F
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
Premium Pick5 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Its 14 cores give good headroom for a mid-range gaming build. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. It matches the Core i5-14600KF on L3 cache (24MB).
It matches the Core i5-14600KF on boost clock (5.3GHz). On core count it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 14 cores. Like the Core i5-14400F and Core i5-14600KF, it has DDR4 or DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses DDR4 memory.
It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. 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 Core i5-14600KF the nearest cheaper option. Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 5700 covers it better at 65W.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 5700 (65W)
- 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 compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out rated power.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Core i5-14600K, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core Ultra 5 225F gives no rated power; the Core Ultra 5 225F gives no threads.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Core i5-14600K ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Skyrim
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
The Core i5-14600KF tops L3 cache at 24MB and the Ryzen 7 5700 sits lowest at 16MB; 2 picks share the top figure. The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for L3 cache.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 4.6GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700 to 5.3GHz on the Core i5-14600KF, a 15% spread. Start with the Core i5-14600KF if boost clock decides it.
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 5700 to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600KF, a 75% spread. If core count is your first filter, the Core i5-14600KF sets the ceiling at 14 cores.
Memory
The Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700 lists DDR4. Sort out memory before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 3 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K go without; the Ryzen 7 5700 has it.
How to Choose a CPUs for Skyrim
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F | 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 |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 7 5700 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Spending more than the Core i5-14600KF costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core i5-14600K | The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i5-14600KF leads on L3 cache at 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600K at 24MB. "Not listed" marks rated power where the Core Ultra 5 225F leaves 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 |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 5 225F was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Core i5-14600K the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Ryzen 7 5700, Core i5-14600KF, Core i5-14600K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 5700 ahead of the Core i5-14400F on rated power?
The Ryzen 7 5700 comes out best at 65W, with the Core i5-14400F at 125W. No rated power figure is published for the Core Ultra 5 225F, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Core i5-14600K add over the Core Ultra 5 225F?
On paper it adds L3 cache (24MB against 22MB), boost clock (5.3GHz against 4.9GHz) and core count (14 cores against 10 cores). On our last price check the Core Ultra 5 225F was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Core i5-14600K in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 5700 our Lowest Rated Power pick?
The label rests on the lowest rated power here (65W). On rated power it leads the Core i5-14400F, 65W against 125W, a 48% margin. The price of that: the Core Ultra 5 225F, the cheapest pick, still beats it on L3 cache (22MB against 16MB) and boost clock (4.9GHz against 4.6GHz). It is aimed at anyone who puts rated power first.
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, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K use LGA1700; the Ryzen 7 5700 uses AM4.
What extras do the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core i5-14400F include?
The Core Ultra 5 225F: 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. The Core i5-14400F: 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. The Ryzen 7 5700: a 65W TDP.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 225F, chosen for the lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. Look at the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, the Ryzen 7 5700 for the lowest rated power here (65W) and the Core i5-14600KF for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward an SSD or more memory.