Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Total War: Warhammer II
Five processors compared, from the Core i7-9700K to the Core Ultra 9 285K, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Total War: Warhammer II lists a Core i5-4570 for its recommended tier, so any current processor clears it. Every pick has at least eight cores and cost $250 or more, ordered by core count.
Total War: Warhammer II's official PC requirements list Intel Core i5-4570 3.20 GHz and 8GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the Core i9-14900K, the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 are a newer generation than the Core i5-4570. The list names no AMD processor we can rank, so the Ryzen 9 5950X can't be matched against it directly.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core i9-14900K
The highest boost clock here (6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
16 cores with 72MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 16 cores with 72MB of cache.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i7-9700K
Undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
Intel Core i7-9700
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. | Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (opens in a new tab) |
| 16 cores with 72MB of cache. | Buyers who want 16 cores with 72MB of cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i9-14900K is the last LGA1700 flagship with a 6.0GHz boost clock.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Check your board has the latest BIOS for Intel's stability microcode. It matches the Core Ultra 9 285K on L3 cache (36MB). Its 6GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 9 285K comes next at 5.7GHz.
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K at 24 cores. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Core Ultra 9 285K has an LGA1851 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Core i7-9700K, which has DDR4 memory.
It also comes with 8 performance and 16 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 9 5950X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core Ultra 9 285K cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 36MB
- Max boost: 6GHz
- Cores / threads: 24 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 32
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 6GHz maximum boost
- 24 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 16 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i7-9700K at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's flagship on LGA1851, with 24 cores and high single-threaded clocks.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i9-14900K 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
It suits competitive players who also stream from the same machine. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i9-14900K at 36MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.7GHz: the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz, and the Core i7-9700 comes in at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Core i9-14900K on rated power (125W). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 9 5950X uses an AM4 socket. You get DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Core i7-9700 and its DDR4 memory.
It also offers 8 performance and 16 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core i9-14900K and the rest. The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Core i7-9700 offers 65W.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 36MB
- Max boost: 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 24 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 24 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 16 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Core i7-9700 (65W)
- Costs more than the Core i7-9700K at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 5950X stands out for 16 cores with 72MB of cache, and it adds a liquid cooler recommended by AMD.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16 cores with 72MB of cache.
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
It also offers a 4.9GHz boost clock and offers a 16 cores core count. Its 16 cores core count ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (24 cores) and ahead of the Core i7-9700 (8 cores). An AM4 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses an LGA1851 socket.
It shares DDR4 memory with the Core i7-9700K and Core i7-9700; the Core Ultra 9 285K goes with DDR5 memory. 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Core i7-9700 and the pricier Core i9-14900K, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Core i9-14900K offers 36MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads: 16 cores
- Threads: 32
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
Pros
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- 16 cores with 72MB of cache
- Liquid cooler recommended by AMD
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i7-9700
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
Lowest Price Here4 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 would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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 i9-14900K offers 36MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 5950X at 4.9GHz.
Its 95W rated power ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core i7-9700 (65W) and ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K (125W). It shares an LGA1151 socket with the Core i7-9700; the Ryzen 9 5950X goes with an AM4 socket. It also offers Intel UHD Graphics 630 and DDR4-2666 support up to 64GB.
It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Core i7-9700 was the next step up.
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 i9-14900K (36MB)
Lowest Rated Power5 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
- Buyers who put rated power first.
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. Its 4.7GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz. On core count it ties with the Core i7-9700K at 8 cores.
Its 65W rated power is the lowest here; the Core i7-9700K comes next at 95W. Like the Core i7-9700K, it has an LGA1151 socket, while the Core i9-14900K uses an LGA1700 socket. Like the Ryzen 9 5950X and Core i7-9700K, it has DDR4 memory, while the Core i9-14900K uses DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
It also offers 8 cores at a 65W rating. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Core i9-14900K instead: it offers 36MB, 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
- The lowest rated power here (65W)
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Boost clock trails the Core i9-14900K (6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i9-14900K (24 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while L3 cache and rated power have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i9-14900K to the Core i7-9700, state boost clock, core count and threads.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 9 5950X and the Core i7-9700 give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 5950X gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i7-9700K ($250 to $500) to the Core Ultra 9 285K ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Total War: Warhammer II
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
The Core i9-14900K tops boost clock at 6GHz and the Core i7-9700 sits lowest at 4.7GHz. The Core i9-14900K is the pick for boost clock.
Core count across these picks
Across these 5 picks core count spans 8 cores (the Core i7-9700) to 24 cores (the Core i9-14900K). If core count is your first filter, the Core i9-14900K sets the ceiling at 24 cores.
Rated power
Across these 4 picks rated power spans 125W (the Core Ultra 9 285K) to 65W (the Core i7-9700). For less, the Core i7-9700K is the runner-up at 95W ($250 to $500 tier). The Ryzen 9 5950X gives no rated power figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i9-14900K lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 9 285K lists DDR5; the Ryzen 9 5950X, the Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 list DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 1 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i9-14900K, the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Ryzen 9 5950X and the Core i7-9700K go without.
How to Choose a CPUs for Total War: Warhammer II
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core i9-14900K | The highest boost clock here (6GHz) |
| Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core Ultra 9 285K | The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 16 cores with 72MB of cache | Ryzen 9 5950X | 16 cores with 72MB of cache |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700 | Core i7-9700K | Undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Core i7-9700 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i9-14900K leads on boost clock at 6GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K at 5.7GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 9 5950X and the Core i7-9700 leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-14900K | 36MB | 6GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 36MB | 5.7GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 5950X | Not listed | 4.9GHz | 16 cores | Not listed |
| 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 i7-9700K, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Core Ultra 9 285K at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-9700K, Core i7-9700, Ryzen 9 5950X, Core i9-14900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Total War: Warhammer II at recommended settings?
In Total War: Warhammer II's list, the Core i9-14900K, the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. The Ryzen 9 5950X is outside the brands the list names, so look for an equivalent on Total War: Warhammer II's page. Total War: Warhammer II also lists 8GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Is the Core i9-14900K ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K on boost clock?
The Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz, with the Core Ultra 9 285K at 5.7GHz. The spread runs down to the Core i7-9700 at 4.7GHz.
Which has the lowest rated power: the Core i7-9700 or the Core i7-9700K?
The Core i7-9700 is lowest on rated power at 65W; the Core i7-9700K follows at 95W, 32% apart. The Core Ultra 9 285K is at the other end of this group with 125W. The Ryzen 9 5950X is left out of this ranking because its rated power isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Core Ultra 9 285K worth paying more than the Core i7-9700K?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.7GHz against 4.9GHz), core count (24 cores against 8 cores) and L3 cache (36MB against 12MB). It does not win everywhere: the Core i7-9700K still leads on rated power (95W). The Core i7-9700K sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the Core Ultra 9 285K in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Core i9-14900K the Highest Boost Clock?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285K is next on boost clock at 5.7GHz, so this pick's 6GHz is 5% further out. It gives up rated power (125W against 95W) to the Core i7-9700K, the cheapest pick. It suits anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Core i9-14900K and the Core Ultra 9 285K differ on socket?
The Core i9-14900K uses LGA1700; the Core Ultra 9 285K uses LGA1851; the Ryzen 9 5950X uses AM4; the Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 use LGA1151.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i9-14900K, chosen for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). Look at the Core Ultra 9 285K for the top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores, the Ryzen 9 5950X for 16 cores with 72MB of cache and the Core i7-9700K for undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Compare core counts and boost clocks together before picking.