Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 7 9850X3D has the largest L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 8700G is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 lists a Ryzen 7 5800X or Core i7-11700 with 32GB of RAM. Every pick has at least eight cores on an AM5 or LGA1851 socket and cost more than $230, ordered by boost clock.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2's official PC requirements list Intel Core i7-11700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X and 32GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Core Ultra 9 285K is a newer generation than the Core i7-11700; the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G are a newer generation than the Ryzen 7 5800X. Steam pairs the minimum tier with 1080p, low settings and 30 fps, and the recommended tier with 1440p, high settings and 60 fps.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; a missing L3 cache is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Requirements source: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on Steam
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Core Count
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The highest core count here (24 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 8700G costs less.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
The largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9850X3D 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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest core count here (24 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (opens in a new tab) |
| AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. | Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (opens in a new tab) |
| 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 8700G costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (96MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9850X3D on price when we checked. | Keeping the cost under $500. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Core Count1 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's flagship on LGA1851, with 24 cores and high single-threaded clocks.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players who also stream from the same machine. Its 36MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D leads at 96MB. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D on boost clock (5.7GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 24 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X (16 cores). On rated power it sits mid-pack at 125W: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 120W, and the Ryzen 9 9950X comes in at 170W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1851 socket; compare the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which has an AM5 socket.
It also comes with 8 performance and 16 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and below the Ryzen 9 9950X at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 36MB
- Max boost: 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 24 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 24 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 16 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (96MB)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 8700G at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
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
- Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the better buy when CPU encoding and editing matter more than the last few frames per second. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 64MB: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 96MB, and the Core Ultra 9 285K comes in at 36MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D at 5.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 7950X3D on core count (16 cores). Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D leads at 120W. 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. Its price falls between the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, based on our last check.
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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (120W)
Premium Pick3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Ryzen 9 7950X3D brings to the table is 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work, plus a liquid cooler recommended by AMD.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 8700G costs less.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.7GHz boost clock and offers a 16 cores core count. On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Ryzen 9 9950X at 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X on core count (16 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 9 9950X. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which offers 96MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 16 cores
- Threads: 32
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
Pros
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work
- Liquid cooler recommended by AMD
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
- No published rated power
Largest Game Cache4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It targets players who want the most gaming headroom AMD offers in an eight-core chip. It is AMD's second-generation X3D eight-core chip with 96MB of L3 cache. On L3 cache it leads this guide at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X (64MB).
On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.6GHz: the Core Ultra 9 285K offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 8700G comes in at 5.1GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 8700G 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.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 8700G and the pricier Core Ultra 9 285K, at the time of writing. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 8700G. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 8700G has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 96MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- 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
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 8700G at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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
- Its L3 cache is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.1GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.1GHz, while the Core Ultra 9 285K offers 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D 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. It undercut the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 96MB.
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 9850X3D on price when we checked
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Boost clock trails the Core Ultra 9 285K (5.7GHz)
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 9 285K (24 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 9 285K to the Ryzen 7 8700G, state boost clock, core count and threads and share DDR5 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 8700G ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 7950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 5.1GHz on the Ryzen 7 8700G to 5.7GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K, a 12% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 9 285K if boost clock decides it.
How much core count you need
Across these 5 picks core count spans 8 cores (the Ryzen 7 8700G) to 24 cores (the Core Ultra 9 285K). If core count is your first filter, the Core Ultra 9 285K sets the ceiling at 24 cores.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Core Ultra 9 285K sits lowest at 36MB. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D sets the ceiling at 96MB. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G give no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 9 285K, the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D go without; the Ryzen 7 8700G has it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D: a liquid cooler recommended by AMD. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D: a higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design. The Ryzen 7 8700G: a Wraith Spire cooler in the box.
How to Choose a CPUs for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put core count first | Core Ultra 9 285K | The highest core count here (24 cores) |
| Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler | Ryzen 9 9950X | AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 7 8700G costs less | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
| Keeping the cost under $500 | Ryzen 7 8700G | Undercutting the Ryzen 7 9850X3D on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 9 285K leads on boost clock at 5.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X at 5.7GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 36MB | 5.7GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 64MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Not listed | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 8700G | Not listed | 5.1GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 8700G was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 8700G, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K, Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 at recommended settings?
In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2's list, the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 also lists 32GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Which has the highest core count: the Core Ultra 9 285K or the Ryzen 9 9950X?
The Core Ultra 9 285K tops core count at 24 cores; the Ryzen 9 9950X follows at 16 cores, 50% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 7 8700G at 8 cores.
Is the Ryzen 7 9850X3D ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D leads at 96MB, with the Ryzen 9 9950X at 64MB. The Core Ultra 9 285K closes the ranking at 36MB. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G don't state a L3 cache figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
How does the Core Ultra 9 285K compare with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 120W on the Ryzen 7 9850X3D against 125W on the Core Ultra 9 285K, a 4% difference. The Ryzen 9 9950X closes the ranking at 170W. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 8700G are left out of this ranking because their rated power isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 9 7950X3D add over the Ryzen 7 8700G?
What it brings is boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.1GHz) and core count (16 cores against 8 cores). On our last price check the Ryzen 7 8700G was in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 9850X3D our Largest Game Cache pick?
The label rests on the largest L3 cache here (96MB). On L3 cache it leads the Ryzen 9 9950X, 96MB against 64MB, a 50% margin. It makes sense for games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 9 285K, chosen for the highest core count here (24 cores). Look at the Ryzen 9 9950X for AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D for 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group and the Ryzen 7 8700G for undercutting the Ryzen 7 9850X3D on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Plan for 32GB of RAM, which is the recommended tier's figure.