Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Streaming
Five processors compared, from the Ryzen 7 7700 to the Ryzen 9 9950X, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Streaming benefits from extra cores and an integrated GPU that can encode. Every pick has eight or more cores and integrated graphics.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads come from each maker's published specs; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core i9-14900K
The highest boost clock here (6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-13600K
6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K (opens in a new tab) |
| AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (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 i5-13600K (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (96MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
Check your board has the latest BIOS for Intel's stability microcode. Its 36MB L3 cache ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (24MB). On boost clock it leads this guide at 6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X (5.7GHz).
Its 24 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 9950X comes next at 16 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i5-13600K at 125W. Like the Core i5-13600K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket.
Like the Core i5-13600K, it has DDR4 or DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses DDR5 memory. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and below the Ryzen 9 9950X at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Key dimensions & 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 Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 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 for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It is the better buy when CPU encoding and editing matter more than the last few frames per second. Its 64MB L3 cache ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (24MB). Its 5.7GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 16 cores: the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 8 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 7 7700 offers 65W. Like the Ryzen 7 7700 and Ryzen 7 7800X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i9-14900K uses an LGA1700 socket.
It also comes with AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. Only the Core i9-14900K came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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 7700 (65W)
Also Consider3 of 5
Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It fits the same boards as the 14600K. Its 24MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads at 96MB. Its 5.1GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 14 cores: the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i9-14900K at 125W. Like the Core i9-14900K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket.
It also offers 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. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7700 and below the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 7 7800X3D (96MB)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Lowest Rated Power4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: l3 cache of 32MB, behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB).
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 32MB: the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 96MB, and the Core i5-13600K comes in at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on core count (8 cores). On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (120W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 7 7800X3D; the Core i5-13600K goes with 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. It undercut the Core i5-13600K and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-13600K
Cons
- L3 cache of 32MB, behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB)
Largest Game Cache5 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
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
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. Its 96MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Ryzen 9 9950X comes next at 64MB. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 at 8 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 120W: the Ryzen 7 7700 offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 9950X comes in at 170W. Like the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 7 7700, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i9-14900K uses an LGA1700 socket.
You also get 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. When we checked, only the Core i5-13600K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i9-14900K cost more.
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
- Boost clock trails the Core i9-14900K (6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i9-14900K (24 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared 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.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i9-14900K to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share integrated graphics.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i9-14900K for the highest boost clock here (6GHz); the Ryzen 9 9950X for AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler at the highest price in the group; the Core i5-13600K for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 7700 ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9950X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Here L3 cache runs from 24MB on the Core i5-13600K to 96MB on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the pick for L3 cache.
Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 5GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 6GHz on the Core i9-14900K. Start with the Core i9-14900K if boost clock decides it.
Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 24 cores on the Core i9-14900K. The Core i9-14900K is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Core i9-14900K and the Core i5-13600K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D list DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Cooler in box
The Core i9-14900K, the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Core i5-13600K and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D go without; the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
How to Choose a CPUs for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core i9-14900K | The highest boost clock here (6GHz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Ryzen 9 9950X | AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-13600K | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 7 7700 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X at 64MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-14900K | 36MB | 6GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 64MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Core i5-13600K | 24MB | 5.1GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick and the Ryzen 9 9950X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i5-13600K, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Core i9-14900K, Ryzen 9 9950X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 9 9950X compare with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads at 96MB, with the Ryzen 9 9950X at 64MB. The Core i5-13600K is at the other end of this group with 24MB.
Is the Core i9-14900K ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X on boost clock?
The Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz, with the Ryzen 9 9950X at 5.7GHz. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is at the other end of this group with 5GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Core i9-14900K or the Ryzen 9 9950X?
The Core i9-14900K leads at 24 cores, with the Ryzen 9 9950X at 16 cores. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is at the other end of this group with 8 cores.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X worth paying more than the Ryzen 7 7700?
On paper it adds L3 cache (64MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (16 cores against 8 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 7700 still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the Largest Game Cache?
It earns the label for the largest L3 cache here (96MB). It suits players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Core i9-14900K and the Ryzen 9 9950X differ on socket?
The Core i9-14900K and the Core i5-13600K use LGA1700; the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D use AM5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i9-14900K, chosen for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). Look at the Ryzen 9 9950X for AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler at the highest price in the group, the Core i5-13600K for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and the Ryzen 7 7700 for the lowest rated power here (65W) if those matter more to you.
Use the GPU encoder for streams to spare the CPU.