Buying Guide
The Best Intel CPU for Gaming
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Core i9-14900K has the highest boost clock; the Core Ultra 5 225F is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Intel's gaming CPUs span LGA1700 and LGA1851 boards. Every pick is an Intel chip, ordered by boost clock.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; if a maker skips rated power, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
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)
Premium Pick
Intel Core Ultra 9 285KThe top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-14600KF6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i7-12700K8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core Ultra 5 225FThe lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14600KF.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. | Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14600KF. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
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. Its 6GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 9 285K comes next at 5.7GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 9 285K on core count (24 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14600KF and Core i7-12700K; the Core Ultra 5 225F goes with an LGA1851 socket. It shares DDR4 or DDR5 memory with the Core i5-14600KF; the Core Ultra 9 285K goes with DDR5 memory.
It also offers 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core i7-12700K 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 Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 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
- Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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. It matches the Core i9-14900K on L3 cache (36MB). Its 5.7GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz).
Like the Core Ultra 5 225F, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Core i7-12700K uses an LGA1700 socket. No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Core i9-14900K, which has DDR4 or DDR5 memory. It also comes with 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i9-14900K the nearest cheaper option.
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 Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
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 costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. Its 24MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (36MB) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (22MB). Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 14 cores: the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores, and the Core Ultra 5 225F comes in at 10 cores. Like the Core i9-14900K and Core i7-12700K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses an LGA1851 socket. Like the Core i9-14900K, it has DDR4 or DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses DDR5 memory.
You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It was priced above the Core Ultra 5 225F and below the Core i7-12700K at the time of writing.
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
- No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
- L3 cache of 24MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on rated power, where the Core i9-14900K offers 125W.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Intel Core i7-12700K
What the Core i7-12700K brings to the table is 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores, plus integrated Intel UHD graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Skip if
- The maker gives no rated power, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also offers a 25MB L3 cache and offers a 5GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 25MB: the Core i9-14900K offers 36MB, and the Core Ultra 5 225F comes in at 22MB. Its 12 cores core count ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (24 cores) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores).
It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600KF; the Core Ultra 5 225F goes with an LGA1851 socket. 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. Its price falls between the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i9-14900K, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 25MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- Integrated Intel UHD graphics
Cons
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed rated power should compare it with the Core i9-14900K, which offers 125W.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14600KF.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Its 22MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 36MB. Its 4.9GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 10 cores, while the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores. Like the Core Ultra 9 285K, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Core i5-14600KF uses an LGA1700 socket. It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core i5-14600KF was closest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 22MB
- Max boost
- 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads
- 10 cores
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards
- The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Core i9-14900K (36MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i9-14900K (6GHz)
The catch
L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Core i9-14900K covers it better at 36MB.
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.
- What we compared
- We lined up 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 rated power and threads are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i9-14900K to the Core Ultra 5 225F, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i7-12700K and the Core Ultra 5 225F give no rated power; the Core i7-12700K and the Core Ultra 5 225F give no threads.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Core Ultra 9 285K ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an Intel CPU for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 22MB on the Core Ultra 5 225F to 36MB on the Core i9-14900K, a 64% spread. Start with the Core i9-14900K if L3 cache decides it.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.9GHz (the Core Ultra 5 225F) to 6GHz (the Core i9-14900K). If boost clock is your first filter, the Core i9-14900K sets the ceiling at 6GHz.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC How much core count you need
Across these 5 picks core count spans 10 cores (the Core Ultra 5 225F) to 24 cores (the Core i9-14900K). The Core i9-14900K is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Core i9-14900K and the Core i5-14600KF list DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 9 285K lists DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i9-14900K, the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Core i5-14600KF go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 3 picks to 3.
How to Choose an Intel CPU for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core i9-14900K | The highest boost clock here (6GHz) |
| Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core Ultra 9 285K | The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores | Core i7-12700K | 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 225F | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i9-14900K leads on L3 cache at 36MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K at 36MB. "Not listed" marks rated power where the Core i7-12700K and the Core Ultra 5 225F leave 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 |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-12700K | 25MB | 5GHz | 12 cores | Not listed |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 5 225F was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Core Ultra 9 285K the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14600KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-12700K, Core i9-14900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core i9-14900K or the Core Ultra 9 285K?
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 Ultra 5 225F closes the ranking at 4.9GHz.
What does the Core Ultra 9 285K add over the Core Ultra 5 225F?
On paper it adds L3 cache (36MB against 22MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 4.9GHz) and core count (24 cores against 10 cores). On our last price check the Core Ultra 5 225F was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Core Ultra 9 285K 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 Core i9-14900K our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It carries the badge for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). On boost clock it leads the Core Ultra 9 285K, 6GHz against 5.7GHz, a 5% margin. The Core Ultra 5 225F, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Core i9-14900K and the Core Ultra 9 285K differ on socket?
The Core i9-14900K, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i7-12700K use LGA1700; the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Core Ultra 5 225F use LGA1851.
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 Core i5-14600KF: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
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 the top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores, the Core i5-14600KF for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and the Core i7-12700K for 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores if those matter more to you.
Match the socket to your motherboard; LGA1700 and LGA1851 are not interchangeable.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget CPUs
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsWhat Is a Motherboard VRM and When Does It Matter?
- Similar guideThe Best Intel CPUs
- Topic hubAll processors guides
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
View all articles