Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for The Sims Legacy Collection
Five processors compared, from the Core Ultra 5 225F to the Core i7-9700, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Sims Legacy Collection is a light PC game, which makes price and socket support the main buying points for a processor. 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
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)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i7-9700
The top of this price range, adding 8 cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 (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) |
| 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) |
| The top of this price range, adding 8 cores at a 65W rating. | Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 (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
- 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 leads this guide at 22MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F (20MB). On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-9700K at 4.9GHz.
It matches the Core i5-14400F on core count (10 cores). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses an AM4 socket. It also offers 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
- 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
- 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 Core i7-9700K comes in at 12MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-9700 at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count (10 cores). Its 125W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 5700 leads at 65W. You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Core i7-9700 and its an LGA1151 socket.
DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 5700 uses DDR4 memory. It also offers 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. Its price falls between the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 7 5700, based on our last check.
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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 5700 (65W)
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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 sits mid-pack at 16MB: the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB, and the Core i7-9700K comes in at 12MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.6GHz, while the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 4.9GHz.
It matches the Core i7-9700 on rated power (65W). An AM4 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. It shares DDR4 memory with the Core i7-9700K and Core i7-9700; the Core i5-14400F goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
It also comes with a 65W TDP. 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 Core i7-9700K, 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
- L3 cache of 16MB, ahead of the Core i7-9700K
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- Boost clock trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz)
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 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
- Look at the others if this bothers 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. On L3 cache it trails the group at 12MB, while the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Core i7-9700 on core count (8 cores). Its 95W rated power ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 7 5700 (65W) and ahead of the Core i5-14400F (125W). It shares an LGA1151 socket with the Core i7-9700; the Core Ultra 5 225F goes with an LGA1851 socket.
It shares DDR4 memory with the Ryzen 7 5700 and Core i7-9700; the Core i5-14400F goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory. It also comes with Intel UHD Graphics 630 and DDR4-2666 support up to 64GB. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Core i7-9700, based on our last check.
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 Core Ultra 5 225F (22MB)
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Intel Core i7-9700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-9700 is the locked, 65W version of the 9700K.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its L3 cache before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It suits B365 and H370 boards that cannot overclock anyway, and the maker notes that some boards need a BIOS update first. It matches the Core i5-14400F on boost clock (4.7GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Core i7-9700K at 8 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 at 65W. Like the Core i7-9700K, it has an LGA1151 socket, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. Like the Ryzen 7 5700 and Core i7-9700K, it has DDR4 memory, while the Core i5-14400F uses DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
You also get 8 cores at a 65W rating. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i7-9700K the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Core Ultra 5 225F instead: it offers 22MB, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 8
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 8 cores at a 65W rating
- Listing note that some boards need a BIOS update first
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
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 Core i7-9700, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i7-9700 gives no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Core i7-9700 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for The Sims Legacy Collection
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.6GHz (the Ryzen 7 5700) to 4.9GHz (the Core Ultra 5 225F). If boost clock is your first filter, the Core Ultra 5 225F sets the ceiling at 4.9GHz.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Core i7-9700 to 10 cores on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 25% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 5 225F if core count decides it.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 12MB on the Core i7-9700K to 22MB on the Core Ultra 5 225F, an 83% spread. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the pick for L3 cache. The Core i7-9700 gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700, the Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 list DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14400F and the Core i7-9700K go without; the Ryzen 7 5700 has it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
How to Choose a CPUs for The Sims Legacy Collection
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 8 cores without Hyper-Threading | Core i7-9700K | 8 cores without Hyper-Threading |
| Spending more than the Core i7-9700K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core i7-9700 | The top of this price range, adding 8 cores at a 65W rating |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads on boost clock at 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i7-9700K at 4.9GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Core i7-9700 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 i7-9700K | 12MB | 4.9GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Core i7-9700 | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
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 Core i7-9700 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 | Core i7-9700K, Core i7-9700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core Ultra 5 225F ahead of the Core i5-14400F on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads at 22MB, with the Core i5-14400F at 20MB. The Core i7-9700K is at the other end of this group with 12MB. The Core i7-9700 doesn't state a L3 cache figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Core i7-9700 worth paying more than the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Core i7-9700 matches or trails the Core Ultra 5 225F on boost clock and core count, so the extra spend buys only what the spec sheet doesn't show. It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 5 225F still leads on boost clock (4.9GHz) and core count (10 cores). The Core Ultra 5 225F sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Core i7-9700 in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them.
What makes the Core Ultra 5 225F the Largest Game Cache?
It earns the label 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 suits 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 Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 use LGA1151.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core i5-14400F apart?
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. Look at the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, the Ryzen 7 5700 for a 65W TDP and the Core i7-9700K for 8 cores without Hyper-Threading if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward an SSD or more memory.