Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Baldur's Gate 3
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Core i7-14700KF has the highest core count, and the Ryzen 5 7600X costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Baldur's Gate 3 is CPU-bound in Act 3's city, where many characters are active at once. Every pick has at least six cores and 32MB of L3 cache and cost $400 or less.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; we did not test these processors ourselves, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Core Count
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The highest core count here (20 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with the Zen 5 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
A lower price than the Ryzen 5 7600 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest core count here (20 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with the Zen 5 architecture. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Ryzen 5 7600 and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Core Count1 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. Its 33MB L3 cache ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600 (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 9900X on boost clock (5.6GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Ryzen 9 7900X comes closest at 12 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 125W: the Ryzen 5 7600 offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 7900X comes in at 170W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Ryzen 5 7600X, which has an AM5 socket.
It was priced above the Ryzen 5 7600 and below the Ryzen 9 7900X at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 33MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 28
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AI is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X at 64MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 9900X at 5.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X on core count (12 cores). Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600 leads at 65W. It also comes with 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Its price falls between the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 9900X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 170W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 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 5 7600 (65W)
Premium Pick3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X steps down to 12 cores on Zen 5.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It leaves plenty of threads for an encoder alongside a game, with a lower power rating than the 16-core chips. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 64MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X at 5.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X on core count (12 cores). Its 120W rated power ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600 (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X (170W). 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.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 9 7900X. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 120W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 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
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600 comes in at 5.1GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600 on core count (6 cores). Its 105W rated power ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600 (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X (170W). 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 7600 was the next step up. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
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
Lowest Rated Power5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the cheapest way onto AM5 here and ships with a Wraith Stealth cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game is a problem.
Why we like it
Six cores are enough for most games paired with a mid-range graphics card. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.1GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X at 6 cores. Its 65W rated power is the lowest here; the Ryzen 5 7600X comes next at 105W. It also comes with 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 7600X cost less, and the Core i7-14700KF cost more. L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 9 7900X covers it better at 64MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.1GHz
- 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
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
What to Look for in a CPUs for Baldur's Gate 3
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on L3 cache first
Among these picks, L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 5 7600 to 64MB on the Ryzen 9 7900X. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Check BIOS support before buying
Newer CPUs on older boards may need a BIOS update before the system will start. Check the board's CPU support list for the version you need and whether the board can flash without a CPU installed.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
How to Choose a CPUs for Baldur's Gate 3
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put core count first | Core i7-14700KF | The highest core count here (20 cores) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 9 7900X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Ryzen 9 9900X | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with the Zen 5 architecture |
| Keeping the budget tight | Ryzen 5 7600X | A lower price than the Ryzen 5 7600 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 5 7600 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 32MB | 5.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 5 7600 |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 9 9900X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these processors has the lowest rated power?
The Ryzen 5 7600, at 65W. The Ryzen 5 7600X follows at 105W, while the Ryzen 9 7900X has 170W.
What is the least I can spend on one of these processors?
The Ryzen 5 7600X cost the least when we checked, and the Ryzen 9 9900X sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for the highest core count here (20 cores). Look at the Ryzen 9 7900X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 9 9900X for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with the Zen 5 architecture and the Ryzen 5 7600X for a lower price than the Ryzen 5 7600 and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Install the game on an SSD; loading into Act 3 is slow from a hard drive.