Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for The Witcher 3
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 5 9600X has the highest boost clock, and the Ryzen 5 8500G costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Witcher 3 lists a Core i5-7400 or Ryzen 5 1600 for its recommended tier with 8GB of RAM. Every pick has at least six cores and integrated graphics and cost $200 or less.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's official PC requirements list Intel Core i5-7400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and 8GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 5600G are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 1600.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; we did not test these processors ourselves, and if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Best for: Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
The top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics.
Best for: Spending more than the Ryzen 5 8600G costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab) |
| Radeon 760M integrated graphics. | Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics. | Spending more than the Ryzen 5 8600G costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8500G is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with Radeon graphics built in on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. 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. Worth noting: integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card.
It makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up, since it offers the lowest price of the group at our last check. It undercut the Ryzen 5 7600X and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 5 7600X offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Threads: 12
- 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
- Radeon graphics built in
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600G
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No published L3 cache
- No published rated power
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600X is the least expensive route to 240Hz here, with six Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
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 needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600G comes in at 4.4GHz.
Its 105W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 65W. It also offers 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 8500G and the pricier Ryzen 5 9600X, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 12
- 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
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (65W)
Highest Boost Clock3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
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 suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X on L3 cache (32MB). Nothing else here matches its 5.4GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 5 7600X comes closest at 5.3GHz.
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 5 7600X and below the Ryzen 5 8600G at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 8500G; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 8500G has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 8600G
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8600G pairs six cores with Radeon 760M graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It can run a PC without a graphics card until you buy one. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600G on L3 cache (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 8500G on boost clock (5GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G at 65W. 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. Another plus: 65W rating suits a modest air cooler. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 9600X and below the Ryzen 5 5600G at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon 760M integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600G pairs six Zen 3 cores with Radeon integrated graphics and a boxed cooler.
Best for
- Spending more than the Ryzen 5 8600G costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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 runs lighter games without a graphics card on cheap AM4 boards and DDR4 memory, and a card can be added later. It matches the Ryzen 5 8600G on L3 cache (16MB). Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 5.4GHz.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 8600G at 65W. It is the only pick here with an AM4 socket; the Ryzen 5 8500G has an AM5 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 9600X, which has DDR5 memory.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 5 8600G the nearest cheaper option. L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 5 7600X covers it better at 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X (32MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 8500G to the Ryzen 5 5600G, state boost clock, core count and threads and share integrated graphics.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 8500G gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 8500G ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 5 5600G ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for The Witcher 3
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
The Ryzen 5 9600X tops boost clock at 5.4GHz and the Ryzen 5 5600G sits lowest at 4.4GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600X comes second at 5.3GHz, in the $150 to $250 tier against $150 to $250 for the Ryzen 5 9600X.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5600G to 32MB on the Ryzen 5 7600X, a 100% spread. The Ryzen 5 7600X is the pick for L3 cache. The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Rated power across these picks
Across these 4 picks rated power spans 105W (the Ryzen 5 7600X) to 65W (the Ryzen 5 9600X). The Ryzen 5 9600X is the pick for rated power. The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no rated power figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 8600G list DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5600G lists DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 5600G have it; the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 9600X go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
How to Choose a CPUs for The Witcher 3
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up | Ryzen 5 8500G | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz) |
| Buyers who want Radeon 760M integrated graphics | Ryzen 5 8600G | Radeon 760M integrated graphics |
| Spending more than the Ryzen 5 8600G costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Ryzen 5 5600G | The top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads on boost clock at 5.4GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X at 5.3GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 8500G leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 8500G | Not listed | 5GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 8600G | 16MB | 5GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 8500G was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ryzen 5 5600G the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 8500G |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 5 8600G, Ryzen 5 5600G |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt at recommended settings?
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's list, the Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 5600G meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt also lists 8GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 5 9600X or the Ryzen 5 7600X?
Between the top two, it is 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X against 5.3GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600X, a 2% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5600G at 4.4GHz.
What does the Ryzen 5 5600G add over the Ryzen 5 8500G?
The Ryzen 5 5600G matches or trails the Ryzen 5 8500G on boost clock, so the extra spend buys only what the spec sheet doesn't show. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 8500G still leads on boost clock (5GHz). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 8500G was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 5 5600G in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them.
Why is the Ryzen 5 9600X our Highest Boost Clock pick?
The label rests on the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). On boost clock it leads the Ryzen 5 7600X, 5.4GHz against 5.3GHz, a 2% margin. The Ryzen 5 8500G, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 5600G differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 8600G use AM5; the Ryzen 5 5600G uses AM4.
What extras do the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 7600X include?
The Ryzen 5 8500G: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 7600X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 8500G, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 9600X for the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz) and the Ryzen 5 8600G for Radeon 760M integrated graphics if those matter more to you.
Integrated graphics let you start the PC before a graphics card arrives.