Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for 4K Gaming
Six processors compared for 4K gaming, where the graphics card sets frame rates and extra cores often serve work more than games.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
At 4K, and even with upscaling, the graphics card sets the frame rate in most games. The CPU matters in simulation games and when upscaling lowers the render resolution.
We compared six processors on cache, cores 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 4K Gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D96MB of L3 that also helps 4K with upscaling.
Best for: Top-end graphics cards.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest-Clocked X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DA higher boost ceiling than the 9800X3D.
Best for: Players who want the fastest eight-core X3D.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value at 4K
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XEight Zen 5 cores at 65W.
Best for: 4K builds that spend more on the graphics card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pick
Intel Core Ultra 9 285KTwenty-four cores on LGA1851.
Best for: Intel builds for heavy creative work.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DThe Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 96mb of l3 cache from 3d v-cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for 4K Gaming1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs 96MB of L3 cache with eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for
- Top-end graphics cards.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
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 fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores.
You also get 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.
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 7 9700X at the time of writing
Highest-Clocked X3D2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the 9800X3D: the same eight cores and 96MB of L3 with a higher boost ceiling.
Best for
- Players who want the fastest eight-core X3D.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is AMD's second-generation X3D eight-core chip with 96MB of L3 cache. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.6GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on rated power (120W).
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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core Ultra 9 285K, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- 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
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 9700X at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D combines sixteen cores with 128MB of L3 cache.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It is the chip for players who also render, compile or encode on the same machine. Nothing else here matches its 128MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes closest at 96MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K at 5.7GHz.
Its 16 cores core count ranks second of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 9 285K (24 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8 cores). Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9700X leads at 65W. You also get 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies and a design aimed at both games and content creation. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core Ultra 9 285K and the rest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 128MB
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9700X (65W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W.
Best Value at 4K4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X runs eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W default rating.
Best for
- 4K builds that spend more on the graphics card.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs only a modest cooler and has room to grow with AMD's power boost setting. On L3 cache it trails the group at 32MB, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on core count (8 cores). On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (120W). 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 the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) is the stronger choice.
Best Intel Pick5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's twenty-four-core LGA1851 flagship.
Best for
- Intel builds for heavy creative work.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It targets heavy creative work more than frame rates alone. Its 36MB L3 cache ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on boost clock (5.7GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 24 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores). On rated power it sits mid-pack at 125W: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D comes in at 170W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has an AM5 socket instead.
You also get 8 performance and 16 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D cost more.
Key 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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 9700X at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- Buyers who want 96mb of l3 cache from 3d v-cache.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
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 trails the group at 5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X on core count (8 cores).
You also get 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, based on our last check.
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
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 9 285K (24 cores)
The catch
If boost clock is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared 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 7800X3D, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share DDR5 memory and integrated graphics.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for 96MB of L3 that also helps 4K with upscaling; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for a higher boost ceiling than the 9800X3D; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the largest L3 cache here (128MB).
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 9700X ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for 4K Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB and the Ryzen 7 9700X sits lowest at 32MB. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes second at 96MB, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 5GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 5.7GHz on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 14% spread. For less, the Core Ultra 9 285K is the runner-up at 5.7GHz.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 24 cores on the Core Ultra 9 285K, a 200% spread. If core count is your first filter, the Core Ultra 9 285K sets the ceiling at 24 cores.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D go without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 6.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 7 9700X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Core Ultra 9 285K: a built-in NPU for AI features. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: the Zen 4 architecture.
How to Choose a CPUs for 4K Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top-end graphics cards | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB of L3 that also helps 4K with upscaling |
| Players who want the fastest eight-core X3D | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | A higher boost ceiling than the 9800X3D |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| 4K builds that spend more on the graphics card | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight Zen 5 cores at 65W |
| Intel builds for heavy creative work | Core Ultra 9 285K | Twenty-four cores on LGA1851 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 36MB | 5.7GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 9700X was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 128MB, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 96MB. The Ryzen 7 9700X closes the ranking at 32MB.
How does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D compare with the Core Ultra 9 285K on core count?
Between the top two, it is 24 cores on the Core Ultra 9 285K against 16 cores on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 50% difference. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is at the other end of this group with 8 cores.
How does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D compare with the Ryzen 7 9700X on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 65W on the Ryzen 7 9700X against 120W on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 46% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 170W.
What does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D add over the Ryzen 7 9700X?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (128MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.5GHz) and core count (16 cores against 8 cores) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 9700X still leads on rated power (65W). On our last price check the Ryzen 7 9700X was in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D our Best for 4K Gaming pick?
It earns the label for 96MB of L3 that also helps 4K with upscaling. The price of that: the Ryzen 7 9700X, the cheapest pick, still beats it on boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.2GHz) and rated power (65W against 120W). It suits top-end graphics cards.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core Ultra 9 285K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D use AM5; the Core Ultra 9 285K uses LGA1851.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the safe 4K gaming pick. Choose the 9950X3D or Core Ultra 9 285K if the same PC renders or encodes, and the Ryzen 7 9700X if the budget should go to the graphics card.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best High-End Ryzen CPUs for 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: motherboardsATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX
- 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