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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Most Threads
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
16 cores and 32 threads without X3D pricing.
Best for: CPU-encoded streams and heavy video work.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
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.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab)
Best Value 12-Core
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
12 cores on AM5 at a lower price than the newer 9900X.
Best for: Streamers on a budget who want many cores.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
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.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
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.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 AI 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 Ryzen 9 7900X cost less, and the Core Ultra 7 265K cost more.
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 9 7900X at the time of writing
Best Value 12-Core4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 AI 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 Ryzen 9 9900X was closest. Core count is its weakest area, and the Core Ultra 7 265K covers it better at 20 cores.
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
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 7 265K (20 cores)
Well-Rounded Choice5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 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.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo 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 9900X and the Core i7-14700K, based on our last check.
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
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
Solid Alternative6 of 6
Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 Core Ultra 7 265K and the Ryzen 9 9950X, based on our last check.
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: 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
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.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
What to Look for in a CPUs for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Core Ultra 7 265K, Core i7-14700K, Ryzen 9 9950X |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
What memory should I pair with it?
AM5 and LGA1851 use DDR5; AM4 uses DDR4. For AM5, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit is a common pairing; check the board's memory support list.
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.
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.
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.