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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best for Gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D96MB of L3 cache with 8 cores on AM5.
Best for: High-refresh gaming with a fast graphics card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DThe 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.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pick
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K20 cores on the current LGA1851 platform.
Best for: Builders who game and also run heavy multi-threaded work.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Intel Core i5-14600KThe 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.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget AM5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XA 65W rating on AM5.
Best for: A budget gaming build with an upgrade path.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest Way Onto LGA1851
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF14 cores on Intel's current socket.
Best for: Intel gaming builds on a budget with a graphics card.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check 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 on Amazon (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 on Amazon (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 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. | Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (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 on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best for Gaming1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
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 box 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 Ryzen 7 7800X3D the nearest cheaper option.
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 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 Ultra 7 265K 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 Core Ultra 7 265K (5.5GHz)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
If boost clock is your priority, the Core Ultra 7 265K (5.5GHz) is the stronger choice.
Best Intel Pick3 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
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 Core i5-14600K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cost more.
Key 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
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. 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.
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
- 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
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 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)
The catch
Core count is its weakest area, and the Core Ultra 7 265K covers it better at 20 cores.
Cheapest Way Onto LGA18516 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
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.
Key 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)
The catch
It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 96MB.
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 lined up six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and all 9 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for 96MB of L3 cache with 8 cores on AM5; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for the same 96MB L3 cache as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock; the Core Ultra 7 265K for 20 cores on the current LGA1851 platform.
- 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 Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Core Ultra 5 245KF sits lowest at 24MB; 2 picks share the top figure. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes second at 96MB, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 5GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 5.5GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265K, a 10% spread. For less, the Ryzen 5 9600X is the runner-up at 5.4GHz ($150 to $250 tier).
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 9600X to 20 cores on the Core Ultra 7 265K, a 233% spread. The Core i5-14600K comes second at 14 cores, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Core Ultra 7 265K.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265K, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Core Ultra 5 245KF list DDR5; the Core i5-14600K lists DDR4 or DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265K, the Core i5-14600K, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Core Ultra 5 245KF go without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 6.
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
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 |
| 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
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, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Core Ultra 7 265K, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 5 9600X compare with the Core Ultra 7 265K on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.5GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265K against 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X, a 2% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 5GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Core Ultra 7 265K or the Core i5-14600K?
The Core Ultra 7 265K tops core count at 20 cores; the Core i5-14600K follows at 14 cores, 43% apart. The Ryzen 5 9600X closes the ranking at 6 cores.
Which has the lowest rated power: the Ryzen 5 9600X or the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The Ryzen 5 9600X is lowest on rated power at 65W; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D follows at 120W, 46% apart. The Core Ultra 5 245KF is at the other end of this group with 125W.
What does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D add over the Ryzen 5 9600X?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (96MB against 32MB) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores) in its favour. 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 7800X3D our Best Value X3D pick?
It carries the badge for the same 96MB L3 cache as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock. The price of that: the Ryzen 5 9600X, the cheapest pick, still beats it on boost clock (5.4GHz against 5GHz) and rated power (65W against 120W). It makes sense for anyone who wants 3D V-Cache without paying for the newest chip.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core Ultra 7 265K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X use AM5; the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core Ultra 5 245KF use LGA1851; the Core i5-14600K uses LGA1700.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPU Air Coolers
- Related guideA practical checklist for choosing PC components
- 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: motherboardsHow to Check Motherboard BIOS Compatibility
- 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
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