Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for League of Legends
From the Ryzen 5 9600X to the Core Ultra 7 265K: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
League of Legends runs mostly on one or two fast cores, so even entry processors handle it. Every pick has at least six cores and integrated graphics and cost $330 or less, ordered by boost clock.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing rated power is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab)
Highest Core Count
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
The highest core count here (20 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i7-12700K
8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (64MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest core count here (20 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 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
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. Its 64MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Ryzen 5 9600X comes next at 32MB. Nothing else here matches its 5.6GHz boost clock; the Core Ultra 7 265K comes closest at 5.5GHz.
On core count it ties with the Core i7-12700K at 12 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 65W. Like the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 7700X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core Ultra 7 265K uses an LGA1851 socket.
You also get the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7700X and below the Core i7-12700K at the time of writing.
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 9600X (65W)
Highest Core Count2 of 5
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
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 30MB: the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB, and the Core i7-12700K comes in at 25MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i7-12700K comes in at 5GHz.
Its 20 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 7900X comes next at 12 cores. Its 125W rated power ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X (170W). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 9600X uses an AM5 socket. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core i7-12700K and the rest.
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
Lowest Rated Power3 of 5
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
- Buyers who put rated power first.
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. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X at 5.4GHz.
Its 6 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core Ultra 7 265K leads at 20 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X (105W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 7 7700X; the Core i7-12700K goes with an LGA1700 socket.
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 undercut the Ryzen 7 7700X and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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)
Also Consider4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700X brings eight Zen 4 cores with high clocks to AM5 at a lower price than the X3D chips.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It gives esports titles plenty of headroom without the cache premium. It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on boost clock (5.4GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 8 cores: the Core Ultra 7 265K offers 20 cores, and the Ryzen 5 9600X comes in at 6 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 7900X comes in at 170W. Like the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 5 9600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core Ultra 7 265K uses an LGA1851 socket.
It also offers the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 9600X and below the Ryzen 9 7900X at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 16
- 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
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Intel Core i7-12700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Core i7-12700K brings to the table is 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores, plus integrated Intel UHD graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Skip if
- Skip it if L3 cache matters most to you; the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB.
Why we like it
It also offers a 25MB L3 cache and offers a 5GHz boost clock. Its 25MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 7900X leads at 64MB. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 7900X leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 12 cores. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Ryzen 5 9600X, which has an AM5 socket. 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. It was priced above the Ryzen 9 7900X and below the Core Ultra 7 265K at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 25MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Socket: LGA1700
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- Integrated Intel UHD graphics
Cons
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (5.6GHz)
- No published rated power
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and rated power and threads are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 9 7900X to the Core i7-12700K, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share integrated graphics.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i7-12700K gives no rated power; the Core i7-12700K gives no threads.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Core Ultra 7 265K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for League of Legends
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
The Ryzen 9 7900X tops L3 cache at 64MB and the Core i7-12700K sits lowest at 25MB. For less, the Ryzen 5 9600X is the runner-up at 32MB ($150 to $250 tier).
Boost clock
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 5GHz (the Core i7-12700K) to 5.6GHz (the Ryzen 9 7900X). If boost clock is your first filter, the Ryzen 9 7900X sets the ceiling at 5.6GHz.
How much core count you need
Across these 5 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 9600X) to 20 cores (the Core Ultra 7 265K). For less, the Ryzen 9 7900X is the runner-up at 12 cores.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 9 7900X, the Core Ultra 7 265K, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X go without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 4.
Features beyond the spec table
The Core Ultra 7 265K: a built-in NPU for AI features. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Core i7-12700K: integrated Intel UHD graphics.
How to Choose a CPUs for League of Legends
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 7900X | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
| Buyers who put core count first | Core Ultra 7 265K | The highest core count here (20 cores) |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 7 7700X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores | Core i7-12700K | 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7900X leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. "Not listed" marks rated power where the Core i7-12700K leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Core i7-12700K | 25MB | 5GHz | 12 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 9600X, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Core Ultra 7 265K at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 7700X |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900X, Core i7-12700K, Core Ultra 7 265K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 9 7900X or the Ryzen 5 9600X?
The Ryzen 9 7900X tops L3 cache at 64MB; the Ryzen 5 9600X follows at 32MB, 100% apart. The spread runs down to the Core i7-12700K at 25MB.
How does the Core Ultra 7 265K compare with the Ryzen 9 7900X on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.6GHz on the Ryzen 9 7900X against 5.5GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265K, a 2% difference. The Core i7-12700K is at the other end of this group with 5GHz.
How does the Ryzen 9 7900X compare with the Core Ultra 7 265K on core count?
Between the top two, it is 20 cores on the Core Ultra 7 265K against 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 7900X, a 67% difference. The Ryzen 5 9600X closes the ranking at 6 cores.
Is the Core Ultra 7 265K worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 9600X?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.4GHz) and core count (20 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 9600X still leads on L3 cache (32MB) and rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 9600X sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Core Ultra 7 265K in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 9 7900X the Largest Game Cache?
It carries the badge for the largest L3 cache here (64MB). The Ryzen 5 9600X is next on L3 cache at 32MB, so this pick's 64MB is 100% further out. It gives up rated power (170W against 65W) to the Ryzen 5 9600X, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Core Ultra 7 265K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 7700X use AM5; the Core Ultra 7 265K uses LGA1851; the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 7900X. Look at the Core Ultra 7 265K for the highest core count here (20 cores), the Ryzen 5 9600X for the lowest rated power here (65W) and the Ryzen 7 7700X for the Zen 4 architecture if those matter more to you.
Integrated graphics let you test the PC before a graphics card arrives.