Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming
Six CPUs for playing and streaming on one PC compared on cores, threads, cache and power, for builds that encode while they game.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Streaming from the same PC you play on adds an encoding job on top of the game. Modern graphics cards encode with little impact, so extra cores matter most if you encode on the CPU, record in high quality or run many apps at once.
We compared six CPUs with 12 or more cores on threads, cache, power and platform. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Threads
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X16 cores and 32 threads without X3D pricing.
Best for: CPU-encoded streams and heavy video work.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Worth Considering
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XThe Ryzen 9 9900X steps down to 12 cores on Zen 5.
Best for: Buyers who want 64mb of l3 cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value 12-Core
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X12 cores on AM5 at a lower price than the newer 9900X.
Best for: Streamers on a budget who want many cores.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KThe Core Ultra 7 265K has 20 cores and an integrated GPU with Quick Sync, which can take on encoding or recording work.
Best for: Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Intel Core i7-14700KThe Core i7-14700K also has 20 cores and Quick Sync, on the LGA1700 socket.
Best for: Buyers who want 5.6ghz maximum boost.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 16 cores and 32 threads without X3D pricing. | CPU-encoded streams and heavy video work. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Ryzen 9 9900X steps down to 12 cores on Zen 5. | Buyers who want 64mb of l3 cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 12 cores on AM5 at a lower price than the newer 9900X. | Streamers on a budget who want many cores. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Core Ultra 7 265K has 20 cores and an integrated GPU with Quick Sync, which can take on encoding or recording work. | Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Core i7-14700K also has 20 cores and Quick Sync, on the LGA1700 socket. | Buyers who want 5.6ghz maximum boost. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the one chip here that leads in both halves of the job: 16 cores for encoding and 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
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 suits streamers who refuse to trade frame rates for stream quality. Nothing else here matches its 128MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 9950X comes closest at 64MB. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X on boost clock (5.7GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Ryzen 9 7900X at 170W. It also offers 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies and a design aimed at both games and content creation. 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 9 9950X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 9 7900X at the time of writing
Most Threads2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
The Ryzen 9 9950X gives 16 cores and 32 threads without the X3D premium.
Best for
- CPU-encoded streams and heavy video work.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the better buy when CPU encoding and editing matter more than the last few frames per second. It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 7900X on L3 cache (64MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on boost clock (5.7GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900X at 170W. It also comes with AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. 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. It was priced above the Core i7-14700K and below the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- 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
- 64MB of L3 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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 9 7900X at the time of writing
Worth Considering3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X steps down to 12 cores on Zen 5.
Best for
- Buyers who want 64mb of l3 cache.
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. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Ryzen 9 7900X on L3 cache (64MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Core i7-14700K on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 12 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 120W, ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265K (125W). 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. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 7 265K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i7-14700K cost more.
Key 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 9 7900X at the time of writing
Best Value 12-Core4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Streamers on a budget who want many cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Ryzen 9 9900X on L3 cache (64MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Core i7-14700K on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X at 12 cores. 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.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core Ultra 7 265K was closest.
Key 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
- 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.
Well-Rounded Choice5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
The Core Ultra 7 265K has 20 cores and an integrated GPU with Quick Sync, which can take on encoding or recording work.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It fits streamers who prefer Intel's platform. On L3 cache it trails the group at 30MB, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz.
It matches the Core i7-14700K on rated power (125W). You get an LGA1851 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 9 7900X and its an AM5 socket. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Its price falls between the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 9900X, based on our last check.
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
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) is the stronger choice.
Solid Alternative6 of 6
Intel Core i7-14700K
The Core i7-14700K also has 20 cores and Quick Sync, on the LGA1700 socket.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5.6ghz maximum boost.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits streamers upgrading an existing Intel board. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 33MB: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB, and the Core Ultra 7 265K comes in at 30MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 7900X at 5.6GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 7 265K on core count (20 cores). You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 9 9900X and its an AM5 socket. DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 7 265K uses DDR5 memory.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards. Its price falls between the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 9950X, based on our last check.
Key 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
- Yes
Pros
- 5.6GHz 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 9 7900X at the time of writing
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 from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 9 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to the Core i7-14700K, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share integrated graphics.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the largest L3 cache here (128MB); the Ryzen 9 9950X for 16 cores and 32 threads without X3D pricing; the Ryzen 9 7900X for 12 cores on AM5 at a lower price than the newer 9900X.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 9 7900X ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 30MB on the Core Ultra 7 265K to 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 327% spread. For less, the Ryzen 9 9950X is the runner-up at 64MB.
Boost clock
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops boost clock at 5.7GHz and the Core Ultra 7 265K sits lowest at 5.5GHz; 2 picks share the top figure. The Ryzen 9 9950X comes second at 5.7GHz, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count
Across these 6 picks core count spans 12 cores (the Ryzen 9 7900X) to 20 cores (the Core Ultra 7 265K). The Core Ultra 7 265K is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Core Ultra 7 265K list DDR5; the Core i7-14700K lists DDR4 or DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 6 picks to 5 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core i7-14700K go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a CPUs for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| CPU-encoded streams and heavy video work | Ryzen 9 9950X | 16 cores and 32 threads without X3D pricing |
| Streamers on a budget who want many cores | Ryzen 9 7900X | 12 cores on AM5 at a lower price than the newer 9900X |
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 9 9950X at 64MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 64MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-14700K | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 9 7900X, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900X, Core Ultra 7 265K, Ryzen 9 9900X, Core i7-14700K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 9 9950X?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB; the Ryzen 9 9950X follows at 64MB, 100% apart. The Core Ultra 7 265K is at the other end of this group with 30MB.
How does the Core Ultra 7 265K compare with the Ryzen 9 9900X on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 120W on the Ryzen 9 9900X against 125W on the Core Ultra 7 265K, a 4% difference. The Ryzen 9 7900X closes the ranking at 170W.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 9 7900X?
On paper it adds L3 cache (128MB against 64MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.6GHz) and core count (16 cores against 12 cores). The Ryzen 9 7900X sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the Largest Game Cache?
It carries the badge for the largest L3 cache here (128MB). The Ryzen 9 9950X is next on L3 cache at 64MB, so this pick's 128MB is 100% further out. The Ryzen 9 7900X, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Core Ultra 7 265K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 7900X use AM5; the Core Ultra 7 265K uses LGA1851; the Core i7-14700K uses LGA1700.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X apart?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies. The Ryzen 9 9950X: AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. The Ryzen 9 9900X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best pick for gaming and streaming on one PC, and the Ryzen 9 9950X is the value choice for CPU encoding.
The Ryzen 9 9900X and 7900X offer 12 cores for less, and the Core Ultra 7 265K and Core i7-14700K are the Intel options with Quick Sync.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best 360mm AIO Liquid 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 Choose a Motherboard for Your PC Build
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for Streaming
- 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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