Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Path of Exile 2
From the Ryzen 7 8700G to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 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
Path of Exile 2 lists a Core i5-10500 or Ryzen 5 3700X for its recommended tier, and larger caches add headroom. Every pick is an AM5 processor with at least eight cores that cost more than $200, ordered by L3 cache.
Path of Exile 2's official PC requirements list Intel Core i5-10500 or AMD Ryzen 5 3700X and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Path of Exile 2 on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 are a newer generation than the Ryzen 5 3700X.
Our comparison rests on published figures for L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out L3 cache, we say so.
Requirements source: Path of Exile 2 on Steam
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip.
Best for: Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9700X on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $500.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
An AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Best for: Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
An AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. | Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9700X on price when we checked. | Keeping the cost under $500. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab) |
| An AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost. | Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
| An AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box. | Buyers who want AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on boost clock (5.5GHz). On core count it sits mid-pack at 12 cores: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 16 cores, and the Ryzen 7 7700 comes in at 8 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7700 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D cost more. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 8700G; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 8700G 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 8700G at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D adds a second eight-core die to the X3D formula, giving 16 cores for work while keeping 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
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 suits a single machine that must game and render. Its 5.7GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes next at 5.5GHz. Nothing else here matches its 16 cores core count; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes closest at 12 cores.
You also get 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.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D the nearest cheaper option. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 8700G; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 8700G has it.
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 7 8700G at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 8700G stands out for AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch, and it adds a Wraith Spire cooler in the box.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $500.
Skip if
- Skip it if boost clock matters most to you; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.1GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 5.1GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz. On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 at 8 cores.
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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 7 9700X the next step up. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch
- Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9700X on price when we checked
Cons
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Ryzen 7 9700X brings to the table is an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Ryzen 7 8700G cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.5GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 5.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 7700, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which offers 128MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost
- 5.5GHz boost clock
- 8 cores core count
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 8700G at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is built around an AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box, with an unlocked 8-core AM5 processor on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box.
Skip if
- The maker gives no boost clock, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers an 8 cores core count and offers a 16 threads. It matches the Ryzen 7 8700G and the Ryzen 7 9700X on core count (8 cores). 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.
Before buying, weigh one limit: no published boost clock. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which offers 128MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box
- Unlocked 8-core AM5 processor
Cons
- No published boost clock
- Core count trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 8700G at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 9 9900X3D to the Ryzen 7 7700, state core count, threads and socket and share AM5 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 7700 gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 8700G ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Path of Exile 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7700 to 16 cores on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 100% spread. For less, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the runner-up at 12 cores.
How much boost clock you need
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops boost clock at 5.7GHz and the Ryzen 7 8700G sits lowest at 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes second at 5.5GHz, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The Ryzen 7 7700 gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Rated power across these picks
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D tops rated power at 120W and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D sits lowest at 170W. If rated power is your first filter, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D sets the ceiling at 120W. The Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 give no rated power figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ryzen 7 8700G: a Wraith Spire cooler in the box. The Ryzen 7 9700X: an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost. The Ryzen 7 7700: an unlocked 8-core AM5 processor.
How much to spend
$250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700; $500 to $1000 buys the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at our last check.
How to Choose a CPUs for Path of Exile 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The highest boost clock here (5.7GHz) |
| Keeping the cost under $500 | Ryzen 7 8700G | Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9700X on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost | Ryzen 7 9700X | An AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost |
| Buyers who want AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box | Ryzen 7 7700 | An AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler in the box |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on core count at 16 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 12 cores. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 8700G | Not listed | 5.1GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | Not listed | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | Not listed | Not listed | 8 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 7 8700G, 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 7 8700G, Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Path of Exile 2 at recommended settings?
In Path of Exile 2's list, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Path of Exile 2 also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Which has the highest core count: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 9 9900X3D?
Between the top two, it is 16 cores on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D against 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, a 33% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 7 7700 at 8 cores.
How does the Ryzen 9 9900X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on boost clock?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz, with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at 5.5GHz. The Ryzen 7 8700G is at the other end of this group with 5.1GHz. No boost clock figure is published for the Ryzen 7 7700, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
How does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D on rated power?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes out best at 120W, with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 170W. No rated power figure is published for the Ryzen 7 8700G, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 7 8700G?
The spec sheets show core count (16 cores against 8 cores) and boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.1GHz) in its favour. The Ryzen 7 8700G sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if core count and boost clock decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the Highest Boost Clock?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz). The Ryzen 9 9900X3D is next on boost clock at 5.5GHz, so this pick's 5.7GHz is 4% further out. The Ryzen 7 8700G, 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 anyone who puts boost clock first.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, chosen for 3D V-Cache on a 12-core chip. Look at the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the highest boost clock here (5.7GHz), the Ryzen 7 8700G for undercutting the Ryzen 7 9700X on price when we checked and the Ryzen 7 9700X for an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost if those matter more to you.
Plan for 16GB of RAM, which the recommended tier lists.