Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Multitasking
From the Ryzen 7 5700 to the Ryzen 7 8700G: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Multitasking rewards threads more than peak clocks. Every pick has 16 or more threads and cost $300 or less.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
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 i5-14600K6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 5700The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 7 5700XThe largest L3 cache here (32MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 8700GThe top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K 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 Ryzen 7 5700X. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (32MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch. | Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 8700G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 24MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Core i5-14600K on core count (14 cores). It matches the Core i5-14600K on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14600K; the Ryzen 7 5700 goes with an AM4 socket.
It also comes with 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 third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 5700X and the pricier Core i5-14600K, 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 Ryzen 7 5700
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 5700. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 5700 has it.
Strong Alternative2 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 want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB.
On boost clock it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 5.3GHz. It matches the Core i5-14600KF on core count (14 cores). It matches the Core i5-14600KF on rated power (125W).
It shares DDR4 or DDR5 memory with the Core i5-14600KF; the Ryzen 7 8700G goes with DDR5 memory. It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the Core i5-14600KF and the Ryzen 7 8700G, based on our last check.
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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 5700 (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
The catch
If rated power is your priority, the Ryzen 7 5700 (65W) is the stronger choice.
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700
The Ryzen 7 5700 is built around a 65W TDP, with a Wraith Spire cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16MB L3 cache and offers a 4.6GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it trails the group at 16MB, while the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 32MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.6GHz, while the Core i5-14600KF offers 5.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 8700G on core count (8 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5700X; the Core i5-14600K goes with an LGA1700 socket.
It also offers a 65W TDP. 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 7 5700X was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 16MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 65W TDP
- The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB) is the stronger choice.
Largest Game Cache4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The Ryzen 7 5700X stands out for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP, and it adds DDR4-3200 dual-channel support.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It also offers a 32MB L3 cache and offers an 8 cores core count. On L3 cache it leads this guide at 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF (24MB). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 8700G at 8 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 at 65W. Like the Ryzen 7 5700, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core i5-14600KF uses an LGA1700 socket. 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. If you want a confirmed boost clock, look to the Core i5-14600KF instead: it offers 5.3GHz, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP
- DDR4-3200 dual-channel support
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (32MB)
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published boost clock
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
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
- Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its L3 cache before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.1GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 5.1GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700 (4.6GHz). It is the only pick here with an AM5 socket; the Core i5-14600KF has an LGA1700 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 7 5700, which has DDR4 memory. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i5-14600K the nearest cheaper option.
Key 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
- Boost clock of 5.1GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores)
- No published rated power
The catch
If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Ryzen 7 5700X instead: it offers 32MB, while this one gives no figure.
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared 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: 1 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i5-14600KF to the Ryzen 7 8700G, state core count, threads and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 8700G gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 5700 ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 8700G ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Multitasking
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Core count
The Core i5-14600KF tops core count at 14 cores and the Ryzen 7 8700G sits lowest at 8 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for core count.
How much L3 cache you need
Across these 4 picks L3 cache spans 16MB (the Ryzen 7 5700) to 32MB (the Ryzen 7 5700X). If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 7 5700X sets the ceiling at 32MB. The Ryzen 7 8700G gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 4.6GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700 to 5.3GHz on the Core i5-14600KF, a 15% spread. If boost clock is your first filter, the Core i5-14600KF sets the ceiling at 5.3GHz. The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 5700X list DDR4; the Ryzen 7 8700G lists DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 2 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K go without; the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 8700G have it. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2 and 2.
How to Choose a CPUs for Multitasking
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600K | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 7 5700X | Ryzen 7 5700 | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 7 5700X | The largest L3 cache here (32MB) |
| Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Ryzen 7 8700G | The top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i5-14600KF leads on core count at 14 cores, ahead of the Core i5-14600K at 14 cores. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 7 8700G leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 5700 | 16MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | Not listed | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 8700G | Not listed | 5.1GHz | 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 5700, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 8700G at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 5700, Ryzen 7 5700X, Core i5-14600KF, Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 8700G |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 5700X ahead of the Core i5-14600KF on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 7 5700X leads at 32MB, with the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB. The Ryzen 7 5700 closes the ranking at 16MB. The Ryzen 7 8700G doesn't state a L3 cache figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 7 8700G worth paying more than the Ryzen 7 5700?
What it brings is boost clock (5.1GHz against 4.6GHz). The Ryzen 7 5700 sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 8700G in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 7 5700X the Largest Game Cache?
It earns the label for the largest L3 cache here (32MB). The Core i5-14600KF is next on L3 cache at 24MB, so this pick's 32MB is 33% further out. It makes sense for players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Core i5-14600KF and the Ryzen 7 5700 differ on socket?
The Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K use LGA1700; the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 5700X use AM4; the Ryzen 7 8700G uses AM5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K apart?
The Core i5-14600KF: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. The Core i5-14600K: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. The Ryzen 7 5700: a 65W TDP.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i5-14600KF, chosen for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. Look at the Core i5-14600K for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, the Ryzen 7 5700 for the lowest price among these processors at the time of writing and the Ryzen 7 8700G for the top of this price range, adding AMD's fastest integrated graphics in a desktop chip at launch if those matter more to you.
32GB of RAM matters as much as the CPU for multitasking.
Related Guides
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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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