Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Streaming
Five processors compared, from the Ryzen 9 7900 to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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; a missing max boost is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
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
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i7-14700K8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 9 7900The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 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) |
| 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache. | Buyers who want 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 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
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
Check your board has the latest BIOS for Intel's stability microcode. Its 36MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) and ahead of the Core i7-14700K (33MB). On boost clock it leads this guide at 6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz).
Its 24 cores core count is the highest here; the Core i7-14700K comes next at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700K at 125W. Like the Core i7-14700K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D uses an AM5 socket.
It also comes with 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. It was priced above the Core i7-14700K and below the Ryzen 9 7950X 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 Ryzen 9 7900 at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900; by contrast, the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
Also Consider2 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
- Buyers who want 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache.
Skip if
- Its boost clock is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also offers a 64MB L3 cache and offers a 16 cores core count. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on core count (16 cores). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 7900; the Core i7-14700K 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core i9-14900K and the pricier Ryzen 9 9950X3D, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its boost clock; if that figure matters, the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz.
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 Ryzen 9 7900 at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D adds a second eight-core die to the X3D formula, giving 16 cores for work while keeping 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. Nothing else here matches its 128MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 7950X comes closest at 64MB. Its 5.7GHz boost clock ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900 (5.4GHz).
On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W. Like the Ryzen 9 7950X and Ryzen 9 7900, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i9-14900K uses an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with a design aimed at both games and content creation.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Only the Ryzen 9 7950X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 128MB
- 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
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-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 9 7900 (65W)
The catch
It gives ground on rated power, where the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700K
The Core i7-14700K runs on LGA1700 with high clocks and 20 cores.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a strong high-refresh option for Intel owners with a compatible board and a capable cooler. On L3 cache it trails the group at 33MB, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.6GHz: the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz, and the Ryzen 9 7900 comes in at 5.4GHz.
Its 20 cores core count ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (24 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900 (12 cores). It matches the Core i9-14900K on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i9-14900K; the Ryzen 9 7950X goes with an AM5 socket.
It shares DDR4 or DDR5 memory with the Core i9-14900K; the Ryzen 9 7900 goes with DDR5 memory. It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards. Its price falls between the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Core i9-14900K, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 33MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 28
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 9 7900 at the time of writing
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) is the stronger choice.
Lowest Rated Power5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Skip it if boost clock matters most to you; the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. It matches the Ryzen 9 7950X on L3 cache (64MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 12 cores, while the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores. Nothing else here matches its 65W rated power; the Core i9-14900K comes closest at 125W. Like the Ryzen 9 7950X and Ryzen 9 9950X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i9-14900K uses an LGA1700 socket.
You also get 12 cores at a 65W rating. 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i7-14700K the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
Cons
- Boost clock trails the Core i9-14900K (6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i9-14900K (24 cores)
The catch
It gives ground on boost clock, where the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz.
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 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 boost clock.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i9-14900K to the Ryzen 9 7900, 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 Ryzen 9 7900 ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
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
Across these 5 picks L3 cache spans 33MB (the Core i7-14700K) to 128MB (the Ryzen 9 9950X3D). For less, the Ryzen 9 7950X is the runner-up at 64MB.
Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 7900 to 24 cores on the Core i9-14900K, a 100% spread. The Core i7-14700K comes second at 20 cores, in the same price tier as the Core i9-14900K.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Boost clock across these picks
The Core i9-14900K tops boost clock at 6GHz and the Ryzen 9 7900 sits lowest at 5.4GHz. Start with the Core i9-14900K if boost clock decides it. The Ryzen 9 7950X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i9-14900K and the Core i7-14700K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900 list DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2 and 2.
Cooler in box
The Core i9-14900K, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Core i7-14700K go without; the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
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 who want 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache | Ryzen 9 7950X | 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores | Core i7-14700K | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 9 7900 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7950X at 64MB. "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 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X | 64MB | Not listed | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Core i7-14700K | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 9 7900, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900, Core i7-14700K, Core i9-14900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 7950X, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 9 7950X compare with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 128MB, with the Ryzen 9 7950X at 64MB. The spread runs down to the Core i7-14700K at 33MB.
Is the Core i9-14900K ahead of the Core i7-14700K on core count?
The Core i9-14900K tops core count at 24 cores; the Core i7-14700K follows at 20 cores, 20% apart. The Ryzen 9 7900 is at the other end of this group with 12 cores.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Core i9-14900K or the Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
Between the top two, it is 6GHz on the Core i9-14900K against 5.7GHz on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 5% difference. The Ryzen 9 7900 is at the other end of this group with 5.4GHz. No boost clock figure is published for the Ryzen 9 7950X, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 9 7900?
On paper it adds L3 cache (128MB against 64MB), core count (16 cores against 12 cores) and boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.4GHz). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 9 7900 still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 9 7900 sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 9 7900 the Lowest Rated Power?
It carries the badge for the lowest rated power here (65W). The Core i9-14900K is next on rated power at 125W, so this pick's 65W is 48% further out. It is aimed at anyone who puts rated power first.
Do the Core i9-14900K and the Ryzen 9 7950X differ on socket?
The Core i9-14900K and the Core i7-14700K use LGA1700; the Ryzen 9 7950X, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900 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 7950X for 16MB of L2 plus 64MB of L3 cache, the Core i7-14700K for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and the Ryzen 9 7900 for the lowest rated power here (65W) if those matter more to you.
Use the GPU encoder for streams to spare the CPU.
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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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