Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Video Production
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 9 7950X has the largest L3 cache, and the Core i5-14600K costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Video production uses many cores for exports and effects, and an integrated GPU adds a second hardware encoder in some editors. Every pick has at least 20 threads and integrated graphics, ordered by core count.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; we did not test these processors ourselves, and if a maker skips max boost, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core i9-14900KThe highest boost clock here (6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K8 performance and 16 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 16 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 7950XThe largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-14600KUndercutting the Core i5-13600K on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-13600K.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-13600K6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
Intel Core i9-14900K
The Core i9-14900K is the last LGA1700 flagship with a 6.0GHz boost clock.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Check your board has the latest BIOS for Intel's stability microcode. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K at 36MB. Nothing else here matches its 6GHz boost clock; the Core Ultra 9 285K comes closest at 5.7GHz.
It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14600K and Core i5-13600K; the Ryzen 9 7950X goes with an AM5 socket. You also get 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. 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.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-13600K and the pricier Core Ultra 9 285K, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 36MB
- Max boost
- 6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 24 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 6GHz 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
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's flagship on LGA1851, with 24 cores and high single-threaded clocks.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 16 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players who also stream from the same machine. It matches the Core i9-14900K on L3 cache (36MB). Its 5.7GHz boost clock ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (5.1GHz).
It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Core i9-14900K has an LGA1700 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Core i5-13600K, which has DDR4 or DDR5 memory. You also get 8 performance and 16 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. When we checked, only the Core i9-14900K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 7950X cost more.
Key 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
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
What the Ryzen 9 7950X brings to the table is 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache, plus a 5nm process with Radeon Graphics built in.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass if a published boost clock matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It also offers a 64MB L3 cache and offers a 16 cores core count. Nothing else here matches its 64MB L3 cache; the Core i9-14900K comes closest at 36MB. On core count it sits mid-pack at 16 cores: the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores, and the Core i5-13600K comes in at 14 cores.
No other pick in this guide offers an AM5 socket; compare the Core i5-14600K, which has an LGA1700 socket. 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. Only the Core Ultra 9 285K came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache
Cons
- No published boost clock
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core i5-14600K at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published boost clock figure, whereas the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz.
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-13600K.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Its 14 cores give good headroom for a mid-range gaming build. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. It matches the Core i5-13600K on L3 cache (24MB).
Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (5.1GHz). On core count it ties with the Core i5-13600K at 14 cores. Like the Core i9-14900K and Core i5-13600K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses an LGA1851 socket.
It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. 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. 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 Core i5-13600K was closest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache of 24MB, behind the Ryzen 9 7950X (64MB)
The catch
What it gives up: L3 cache of 24MB, behind the Ryzen 9 7950X (64MB); by contrast, the Ryzen 9 7950X offers 64MB.
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Intel Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is the previous-generation fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It fits the same boards as the 14600K. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 24MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.1GHz, while the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz.
It matches the Core i5-14600K on core count (14 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600K; the Ryzen 9 7950X goes with an AM5 socket. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier.
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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-14600K and the pricier Core i9-14900K, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7950X (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i9-14900K (6GHz)
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 9 7950X offers 64MB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while boost clock and rated power have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i9-14900K to the Core i5-13600K, state L3 cache, core count and threads and share integrated graphics.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 9 7950X gives no boost clock; the Ryzen 9 7950X gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i5-14600K ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 7950X ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Video Production
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 9 7950X tops L3 cache at 64MB and the Core i5-13600K sits lowest at 24MB. The Core i9-14900K comes second at 36MB, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Ryzen 9 7950X.
Core count
Here core count runs from 14 cores on the Core i5-13600K to 24 cores on the Core i9-14900K, a 71% spread. Start with the Core i9-14900K if core count decides it.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 5.1GHz on the Core i5-13600K to 6GHz on the Core i9-14900K, an 18% spread. If boost clock is your first filter, the Core i9-14900K sets the ceiling at 6GHz. The Ryzen 9 7950X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i9-14900K, the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 9 285K lists DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Core i9-14900K, the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K go without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 4.
How to Choose a CPUs for Video Production
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core i9-14900K | The highest boost clock here (6GHz) |
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 16 efficient cores | Core Ultra 9 285K | 8 performance and 16 efficient cores |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 7950X | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-13600K | Core i5-14600K | Undercutting the Core i5-13600K on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-13600K | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7950X leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Core i9-14900K at 36MB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Ryzen 9 7950X leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-14900K | 36MB | 6GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 36MB | 5.7GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7950X | 64MB | Not listed | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-13600K | 24MB | 5.1GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core i5-14600K was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 9 7950X the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i5-13600K, Core i9-14900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K, Ryzen 9 7950X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 9 7950X ahead of the Core i9-14900K on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 7950X leads at 64MB, with the Core i9-14900K at 36MB. The spread runs down to the Core i5-13600K at 24MB.
How does the Core Ultra 9 285K compare with the Core i9-14900K on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 6GHz on the Core i9-14900K against 5.7GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K, a 5% difference. The Core i5-13600K closes the ranking at 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 9 7950X doesn't state a boost clock figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 9 7950X add over the Core i5-14600K?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (64MB against 24MB) and core count (16 cores against 14 cores) in its favour. On our last price check the Core i5-14600K was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 7950X in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 9 7950X our Largest Game Cache pick?
The label rests on the largest L3 cache here (64MB). On L3 cache it leads the Core i9-14900K, 64MB against 36MB, a 78% margin. The Core i5-14600K, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Do the Core i9-14900K and the Core Ultra 9 285K differ on socket?
The Core i9-14900K, the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K use LGA1700; the Core Ultra 9 285K uses LGA1851; the Ryzen 9 7950X uses AM5.
What extras do the Core i9-14900K and the Core Ultra 9 285K include?
The Core i9-14900K: 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. The Core Ultra 9 285K: 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. The Ryzen 9 7950X: 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i9-14900K, chosen for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). Look at the Core Ultra 9 285K for 8 performance and 16 efficient cores, the Core i5-14600K for undercutting the Core i5-13600K on price when we checked and the Core i5-13600K for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
Check whether your editor uses Intel Quick Sync or the graphics card for H.264 and HEVC decoding before choosing a platform.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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