Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for 1080p Gaming
Six processors compared on L3 cache, boost clock and platform for 1080p, where the CPU limits frame rates more often than at higher resolutions.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
At 1080p a modern graphics card often waits on the CPU, especially on 144Hz and faster monitors. Large L3 caches help most in that situation.
We compared six processors on cache, boost clock and platform, using AMD and Intel specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best for High-Refresh 1080p
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D96MB of L3 with a higher boost clock than the 7800X3D.
Best for: 240Hz and faster 1080p monitors.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DThe same 96MB of L3 cache at a lower price.
Best for: High-refresh 1080p on a smaller budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Six-Core X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W.
Best for: Mid-range 1080p builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XThe Ryzen 5 9600X brings Zen 5 to six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Buyers who want 65w rating suits a modest air cooler.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pick
Intel Core i5-14600KFFourteen cores on LGA1700 with DDR4 support.
Best for: Intel 1080p builds.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Upgrade
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D96MB of L3 cache on AM4.
Best for: AM4 owners who keep their board.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for High-Refresh 1080p1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs 96MB of L3 cache with eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for
- 240Hz and faster 1080p monitors.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
AMD moved the cache below the cores on this generation, which lets it clock higher than the 7800X3D. Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks third of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 8 cores.
It also offers an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Only the Ryzen 7 5800X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Best Value X3D2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- High-refresh 1080p on a smaller budget.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It carries the same 96MB of L3 as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock and a lower price. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on core count (8 cores).
It also comes with the Zen 4 architecture. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Core i5-14600KF and the pricier Ryzen 7 5800X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Best Six-Core X3D3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Mid-range 1080p builds.
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 the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 96MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power (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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 9600X and the pricier Core i5-14600KF, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings Zen 5 to six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Buyers who want 65w rating suits a modest air cooler.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
It is AMD's current entry point for AM5 builds that plan a later CPU upgrade. Its 32MB L3 cache ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-14600KF (24MB). On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.4GHz, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 6 cores. 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 cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D the next step up.
Key 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 Core i5-14600KF
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores)
The catch
It gives ground on core count, where the Core i5-14600KF offers 14 cores.
Best Intel Pick5 of 6
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel 1080p builds.
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. Its 24MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads at 96MB. Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks second of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 14 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8 cores). On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D has an AM5 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 9600X, which has DDR5 memory. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier.
Key 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
- Boost clock of 5.3GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB)
The catch
L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D covers it better at 96MB.
Best AM4 Upgrade6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- AM4 owners who keep their board.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 96MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.5GHz, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz.
Its 105W rated power ranks third of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W) and ahead of the Core i5-14600KF (125W). You get an AM4 socket here, which sets it apart from the Core i5-14600KF and its an LGA1700 socket. DDR4 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 9600X uses DDR5 memory.
It also comes with a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform
- Drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update
- Core count of 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
If boost clock is your priority, the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We lined up six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 6 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for 96MB of L3 with a higher boost clock than the 7800X3D; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for the same 96MB of L3 cache at a lower price; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D for 96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for 1080p Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Here L3 cache runs from 24MB on the Core i5-14600KF to 96MB on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 300% spread. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes second at 96MB, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Boost clock
Across these 6 picks boost clock spans 4.5GHz (the Ryzen 7 5800X3D) to 5.4GHz (the Ryzen 5 9600X). Start with the Ryzen 5 9600X if boost clock decides it.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count
The Core i5-14600KF tops core count at 14 cores and the Ryzen 5 9600X sits lowest at 6 cores. Start with the Core i5-14600KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X list DDR5; the Core i5-14600KF lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D lists DDR4. Sort out memory before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 4, 1 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Core i5-14600KF and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a CPUs for 1080p Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 240Hz and faster 1080p monitors | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB of L3 with a higher boost clock than the 7800X3D |
| High-refresh 1080p on a smaller budget | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | The same 96MB of L3 cache at a lower price |
| Mid-range 1080p builds | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W |
| Intel 1080p builds | Core i5-14600KF | Fourteen cores on LGA1700 with DDR4 support |
| AM4 owners who keep their board | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB of L3 cache on AM4 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 9600X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 5 7600X3D, Core i5-14600KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 5 9600X ahead of the Core i5-14600KF on boost clock?
The Ryzen 5 9600X tops boost clock at 5.4GHz; the Core i5-14600KF follows at 5.3GHz, 2% apart. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is at the other end of this group with 4.5GHz.
How does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D compare with the Core i5-14600KF on core count?
The Core i5-14600KF leads at 14 cores, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 8 cores. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 9600X at 6 cores.
What does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D add over the Ryzen 5 9600X?
What it brings is L3 cache (96MB against 32MB) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 9600X still leads on boost clock (5.4GHz) and rated power (65W). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 9600X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in the $250 to $500 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D our Best AM4 Upgrade pick?
It carries the badge for 96MB of L3 cache on AM4. The price of that: the Ryzen 5 9600X, the cheapest pick, still beats it on boost clock (5.4GHz against 4.5GHz) and rated power (65W against 105W). It suits AM4 owners who keep their board.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core i5-14600KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X use AM5; the Core i5-14600KF uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses AM4.
What extras do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D include?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D: second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D sets the highest ceiling for high-refresh 1080p, and the 7800X3D gives similar cache for less. The 7600X3D suits mid-range cards, and the 5800X3D is the AM4 upgrade.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 240Hz Competitive Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 1440p Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs by Core Count
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsWhat Is a Motherboard VRM and When Does It Matter?
- Similar guideThe Best X3D CPUs for Gaming
- Topic hubAll processors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles