Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Gaming
Six gaming CPUs from AMD and Intel compared on cache, cores, boost clock, platform and cooling needs, from X3D chips to budget six-cores.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
For games, the CPU decides how high frame rates can go once the graphics card is no longer the limit. Large L3 cache helps many games more than extra cores, which is why AMD's X3D chips lead most gaming comparisons.
We compared six CPUs on cache, cores, clocks, socket and cooler requirements. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Pick the platform first: AM5 and LGA1851 are current sockets, while LGA1700 suits upgraders who already own a board.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for Gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
96MB of L3 cache with 8 cores on AM5.
Best for: High-refresh gaming with a fast graphics card.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The same 96MB L3 cache as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock.
Best for: Gamers who want 3D V-Cache without paying for the newest chip.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pick
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
20 cores on the current LGA1851 platform.
Best for: Builders who game and also run heavy multi-threaded work.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Intel Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for: Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget AM5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
A 65W rating on AM5.
Best for: A budget gaming build with an upgrade path.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest Way Onto LGA1851
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
14 cores on Intel's current socket.
Best for: Intel gaming builds on a budget with a graphics card.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96MB of L3 cache with 8 cores on AM5. | High-refresh gaming with a fast graphics card. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The same 96MB L3 cache as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock. | Gamers who want 3D V-Cache without paying for the newest chip. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| 20 cores on the current LGA1851 platform. | Builders who game and also run heavy multi-threaded work. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab) |
| The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket. | Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K (opens in a new tab) |
| A 65W rating on AM5. | A budget gaming build with an upgrade path. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab) |
| 14 cores on Intel's current socket. | Intel gaming builds on a budget with a graphics card. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best for Gaming1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs AMD's 3D V-Cache with eight Zen 5 cores, and games that lean on cache respond to it more than to extra cores.
Best for
- High-refresh gaming with a fast graphics card.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the chip to pair with a high-end graphics card when the CPU would otherwise hold frame rates back. It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on boost clock (5.2GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores.
Like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 5 9600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core Ultra 7 265K uses an LGA1851 socket. It also offers second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores and 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core Ultra 7 265K the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Gamers who want 3D V-Cache without paying for the newest chip.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. On boost clock it trails the group at 5GHz, while the Core Ultra 7 265K offers 5.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on core count (8 cores).
It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 5 9600X; the Core i5-14600K goes with an LGA1700 socket. It also offers first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache and 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 Core i5-14600K and the Core Ultra 7 265K, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 Core Ultra 7 265K (5.5GHz)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Best Intel Pick3 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 7 265K is Intel's strongest all-rounder here, with 20 cores for games plus background work, on the LGA1851 socket.
Best for
- Builders who game and also run heavy multi-threaded work.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits a builder who wants an Intel platform and a lot of multi-threaded headroom. Its 30MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB). Nothing else here matches its 5.5GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 5 9600X comes closest at 5.4GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Core i5-14600K comes closest at 14 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i5-14600K and the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 125W. It also comes with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 30MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 6
Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Its 14 cores give good headroom for a mid-range gaming build. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on L3 cache (24MB).
Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks third of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 7 265K (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz). On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 14 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 125W.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which has DDR5 memory. It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 245KF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cost more.
Key dimensions & 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: Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Best Budget AM55 of 6
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
- A budget gaming build with an upgrade path.
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 suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. Its 32MB L3 cache ranks third of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock ranks second of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 7 265K (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Core Ultra 7 265K offers 20 cores. Nothing else here matches its 65W rated power; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes closest at 120W. Like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 7 7800X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14600K uses an LGA1700 socket.
You also get the Zen 5 architecture. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF was closest.
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 Core Ultra 7 265K
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 7 265K (20 cores)
Cheapest Way Onto LGA18516 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel gaming builds on a budget with a graphics card.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. It matches the Core i5-14600K on L3 cache (24MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on boost clock (5.2GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core i5-14600K at 125W. Like the Core Ultra 7 265K, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Core i5-14600K uses an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 9600X and below the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing. It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 96MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 14
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- 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.
- 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 Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
How to Choose a CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh gaming with a fast graphics card | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB of L3 cache with 8 cores on AM5 |
| Gamers who want 3D V-Cache without paying for the newest chip | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | The same 96MB L3 cache as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock |
| Builders who game and also run heavy multi-threaded work | Core Ultra 7 265K | 20 cores on the current LGA1851 platform |
| A budget gaming build with an upgrade path | Ryzen 5 9600X | A 65W rating on AM5 |
| Intel gaming builds on a budget with a graphics card | Core Ultra 5 245KF | 14 cores on Intel's current socket |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
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 9600X, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Core Ultra 7 265K, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
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.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the strongest gaming pick, and the 7800X3D delivers the same cache for less. The Core Ultra 7 265K is the Intel choice for mixed gaming and heavy work.
The Ryzen 5 9600X and Core Ultra 5 245KF are the budget entry points on current sockets, and the Core i5-14600K suits LGA1700 upgraders.