Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Marvel Rivals
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D has the largest L3 cache, and the Ryzen 7 7700 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Marvel Rivals lists a Core i5-10400 or Ryzen 5 5600X for its recommended tier. Every pick has at least eight cores on an AM5 or LGA1851 socket and cost $520 or less, ordered by L3 cache.
Marvel Rivals' official PC requirements list Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Marvel Rivals on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 7 7700 are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 5600X.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Requirements source: Marvel Rivals on Steam
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
The largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Best for: Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
A Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
A lower price than the Ryzen 9 9900X and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. | Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Ryzen 9 9900X and the rest when we checked. | Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D adds 3D V-Cache to a twelve-core layout.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. Nothing else here matches its 128MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes closest at 96MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 7900 on core count (12 cores). 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 the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 120W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.5GHz 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 7 7700 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
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
- Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 96MB: the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB, and the Ryzen 7 7700 comes in at 32MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 5.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 cores). It also comes with 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 9 7900 and the pricier Ryzen 9 9900X3D, at the time of writing.
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 Ryzen 9 9900X (5.6GHz)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock3 of 5
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 put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900 at 64MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (5.5GHz).
It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900 on core count (12 cores). It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on rated power (120W). 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.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7700 and the pricier Ryzen 9 7900, at the time of writing. The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W.
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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Ryzen 7 7700 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X at 64MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.4GHz: the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X on core count (12 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 on rated power (65W). It also offers 12 cores at a 65W rating.
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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if L3 cache matters most to you; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. Its 32MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads at 128MB. Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9900X (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900 at 65W. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 9 9900X was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Boost clock of 5.3GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Cons
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB)
- Core count trails the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 9 9900X3D to the Ryzen 7 7700, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share AM5 socket and DDR5 memory.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 9 9900X3D for the largest L3 cache here (128MB); the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache; the Ryzen 9 9900X for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz).
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 7700 ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9900X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Marvel Rivals
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Across these 5 picks L3 cache spans 32MB (the Ryzen 7 7700) to 128MB (the Ryzen 9 9900X3D). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes second at 96MB, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D.
How much boost clock you need
The Ryzen 9 9900X tops boost clock at 5.6GHz and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D sits lowest at 5GHz. Start with the Ryzen 9 9900X if boost clock decides it.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7700 to 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, a 50% spread. The Ryzen 9 9900X comes second at 12 cores, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 9 9900X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Ryzen 9 7900: 12 cores at a 65W rating. The Ryzen 7 7700: a Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 7 7700; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D; $500 to $1000 buys the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at our last check.
How to Choose a CPUs for Marvel Rivals
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Buyers who want first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 9 9900X | The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz) |
| Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box | Ryzen 9 7900 | A Wraith Prism cooler in the box |
| Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money | Ryzen 7 7700 | A lower price than the Ryzen 9 9900X and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Marvel Rivals at recommended settings?
In Marvel Rivals' list, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 7 7700 meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Marvel Rivals also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D follows at 96MB, 33% apart. The Ryzen 7 7700 closes the ranking at 32MB.
How does the Ryzen 9 9900X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9900X on boost clock?
The Ryzen 9 9900X leads at 5.6GHz, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 5.5GHz. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is at the other end of this group with 5GHz.
What does the Ryzen 9 9900X3D add over the Ryzen 7 7700?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (128MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (12 cores against 8 cores) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 7700 still leads on rated power (65W). On our last price check the Ryzen 7 7700 was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 9 9900X our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). On boost clock it leads the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, 5.6GHz against 5.5GHz, a 2% margin. The price of that: the Ryzen 7 7700, the cheapest pick, still beats it on rated power (65W against 120W). It is aimed at anyone who puts boost clock first.
Does the Ryzen 9 7900 have cooler in box, and which others do?
The Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 7 7700 have it; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X do not.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. Look at the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache, the Ryzen 9 9900X for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz) and the Ryzen 9 7900 for a Wraith Prism cooler in the box if those matter more to you.
Match the processor to your card's price tier so neither holds the other back.