Buying Guide
The Best Gaming CPUs, Checked Against the Specs
Five processors that come up again and again in build-advice threads, checked against AMD and Intel specifications.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Search for a gaming CPU and Reddit build threads appear near the top. We did not count forum votes; we took chips that such threads name often and checked each one against AMD and Intel's own specifications.
The ranking reflects cache, cores and platform, not popularity. We did not benchmark these processors.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Most Recommended X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Eight cores with 96MB of L3 on AM5.
Best for: Gaming builds at a mid-high budget.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best No-Compromise Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: Builders who want the top gaming chip.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Mid-Budget AM5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
Six Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Budget AM5 builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Classic
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Six cores on AM4 with a boxed cooler.
Best for: The lowest-cost gaming builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Intel
Intel Core i5-14400F
Ten cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support.
Best for: Intel builds on a budget.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eight cores with 96MB of L3 on AM5. | Gaming builds at a mid-high budget. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3. | Builders who want the top gaming chip. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| Six Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating. | Budget AM5 builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab) |
| Six cores on AM4 with a boxed cooler. | The lowest-cost gaming builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| Ten cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support. | Intel builds on a budget. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Most Recommended X3D1 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
- Gaming builds at a mid-high budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600 comes in at 4.4GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on core count (8 cores).
It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 5 9600X; the Core i5-14400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. 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.
Its price falls between the Core i5-14400F and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, based on our last check. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Best No-Compromise Pick2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs AMD's 3D V-Cache with eight Zen 5 cores, and games that lean on cache respond to it more than to extra cores.
Best for
- Builders who want the top gaming chip.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the chip to pair with a high-end graphics card when the CPU would otherwise hold frame rates back. Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600 (4.4GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores.
Like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 5 9600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses an AM4 socket. It also offers second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores and an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the nearest cheaper option. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 96MB
- Max boost: 5.2GHz
- 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
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Best Mid-Budget AM53 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
- Budget AM5 builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 on L3 cache (32MB). Nothing else here matches its 5.4GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes closest at 5.2GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 65W. Like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 7 9800X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses an AM4 socket.
When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 5600 cost less, and the Core i5-14400F cost more. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
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 i5-14400F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Best Budget Classic4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- The lowest-cost gaming builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.4GHz, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power (65W). You get an AM4 socket here, which sets it apart from the Core i5-14400F and its an LGA1700 socket.
DDR4 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses DDR5 memory. You also get DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 9600X was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Best Budget Intel5 of 5
Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14400F is a locked ten-core LGA1700 chip with no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel builds on a budget.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads at 96MB. Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600 (4.4GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 10 cores core count; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes closest at 8 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 65W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Ryzen 5 9600X, which has an AM5 socket.
It is the only pick here with DDR4 or DDR5 memory; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has DDR5 memory instead. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 9600X and below the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 20MB
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 10 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
What to Look for in a Gaming CPU (Reddit Picks)
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
Check BIOS support before buying
Newer CPUs on older boards may need a BIOS update before the system will start. Check the board's CPU support list for the version you need and whether the board can flash without a CPU installed.
How to Choose a Gaming CPU (Reddit Picks)
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming builds at a mid-high budget | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Eight cores with 96MB of L3 on AM5 |
| Builders who want the top gaming chip | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Budget AM5 builds | Ryzen 5 9600X | Six Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating |
| The lowest-cost gaming builds | Ryzen 5 5600 | Six cores on AM4 with a boxed cooler |
| Intel builds on a budget | Core i5-14400F | Ten cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 9600X, Core i5-14400F |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
What memory should I pair with it?
AM5 and LGA1851 use DDR5; AM4 uses DDR4. For AM5, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit is a common pairing; check the board's memory support list.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D earns its reputation with 96MB of cache at a lower price than the 9800X3D, which is the top pick when budget allows. The Ryzen 5 9600X suits budget AM5, the Ryzen 5 5600 is the low-cost AM4 classic, and the Core i5-14400F is the budget Intel chip.