31/05/2021


It's not unusual to begin the search for a great gaming processor for a high-end gaming PC after finding the best graphics cards. It’s not totally unreasonable to prioritize the GPU, as that component ultimately determines which quality settings and resolution you’ll be able to run your games at. But, you can't throw all your time and money into choosing your GPU only to skimp on a CPU. After all, your processor is arguably as important as it dictates how well the rest of your gaming PC runs, and a CPU that's too weak can bottleneck your system, preventing your GPU from even running at its full capacity.

The processor isn’t just known as the ‘central processing unit’ for kicks, it’s in charge of how quickly your whole computer operates from the system memory to the SSDs holding your games – which is why it’s all so important to pick the best gaming CPU for your rig. Unlike graphics cards you’ll likely be swapping in every other generation, the best gaming processors can last for years, so be sure you’re making the right choice you won’t regret in the long term.

Although the market for CPUs boils down to Intel and AMD, each company has myriad offerings, and the market is always changing rapidly. The confusing model numbers don't help much either. To help you figure it all out, here's our rundown of the best CPUs for every type of PC gamer. If you're browsing in the UK, click here to find out where you can find the best CPU for gaming.

TL;DR – These are the Best CPUs for Gaming

1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Best CPU for Gaming

commerce artwork
OUR PICK
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
On Amazon
AMD's Ryzen processors have performed phenomenally from the get go, and the latest generation takes it even further. Though the Ryzen 5 5600X isn't the most premium or packing the most cores, its incredible balance of performance in gaming with a price that's not astronomical is hard to pass up.

The Ryzen 5 5600X features six cores with multi-threading support, letting it handle all sorts of workloads and gaming with aplomb. Those cores can boost up to 4.6GHz, and they all have access to a shared 32MB of L3 cache, which can help keep them zooming along without a hitch. That performance all comes in a package that only has a 65W TDP, and AMD even throws in a cooler that can keep the processor humming, making it an even better value.

2. Intel Core i5-11400

Best Budget CPU for Gaming

commerce artwork
Intel Core i5-11400
On Amazon
The CPU and GPU shortage of the past year may be making it hard to get your hands on AMD and Nvidia parts, but Intel's latest round of CPUs are not only available but actually priced right. You can get the Intel Core i5-11400 for MSRP, which makes its six cores rather attractive right now.

This CPU has enough might to handle the average gamers needs and can definitely hold up if you're in a GPU-bound scenario. Better still, if you're having trouble getting your hands on a new graphics card, this chip's onboard graphics will let you get your computer up and running even without dedicated graphics. You may even have some luck with light gaming on the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730.

3. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

Best Ultra Cheap CPU for Gaming

commerce artwork
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
On Amazon
The Ryzen 3 3200G is not only a fantastically affordable processor that costs only $99, but it also comes with incredibly powerful integrated Vega graphics that can let you get away with gaming without a discrete graphics card.

Call me crazy if you like, this processor really has no problem playing modern games at Full HD and a decent frame rate all on its own. We’ve even been able to run Overwatch at 4K resolution and ‘Epic’ quality settings with a playable 30 fps frame rate. With all that in mind, the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is the perfect processor to power your home theater PC or an extremely small PC.

4. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Best High-End CPU for Gaming

commerce artwork
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
On Amazon
It's 2020 – who still wants a high-end CPU with a paltry core count in the single digits? With the Ryzen 9 5900X, you can scoot right into the double digits with 12 cores and 24 threads. This CPU will blast through whatever work you throw at it so you can move right along to gaming. It's unlikely you'll find a game that this CPU can't handle with ease, even if you're playing at 1080p to push the processor to its limits while gaming at high frame rates.

This processor also nets you access to PCIe 4.0 speeds on X570 and B550 motherboards, so you can take advantage of the incredible speeds of PCIe 4.0 SSDs or high-bandwidth add-in cards. Despite its power, the Ryzen 9 5900X only has a 105W TDP, an impressive efficiency AMD has managed to eke out of its 7nm design.

5. Intel Core i5-11600K

Best Midrange CPU for Gaming

commerce artwork
Intel Core i5-11600K
On Amazon
If you don't want to bet the performance of your gaming rig on a budget CPU, the Intel Core i5-11600K can meet you in the middle. This CPU costs less than $300, and for now, it's actually available at MSRP. This chip also comes with integrated graphics that can help you get your next PC build set up even if you don't have the graphics card yet.

With six cores and 12 threads capable of running at up to 4.9GHz, you should be able to get plenty of performance out of this processor. And, if you're finding the CPU is holding you back, you can try to eke even more power out of it as it is an overclockable model. Just make sure you get an adequate CPU cooler if you plan to push the overclocks.

6. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Best CPU for Gaming Video Editing

commerce artwork
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
On Amazon
When AMD first introduced its Zen architecture, you would have had to turn to its massive Threadripper processors to get a 16-core/32-thread chip. Now, that's officially mainstream – or enthusiast anyway. The Ryzen 9 5950X delivers that incredible core count for well under $1,000. Plus, it keeps those cores fed with information thanks to a hefty 64MB L3 cache.

With this many cores, you'll have no problem recording and streaming your gameplay. And, when it comes to editing, the Ryzen 9 5950X won't miss a beat. Since the CPU supports PCIe 4.0, you'll also be able to take advantage of the fastest SSDs on the market to make loading projects and scrubbing through footage as quick as ever. You won't even need an exotic cooler for this chip, as it only has a 105W TDP.

7. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

Best High-End Desktop Processor for Gaming

commerce artwork
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
On Amazon
Have you ever thought that eight CPU cores or 64GB of RAM just wasn’t enough? Well, then a High-End Desktop (HEDT) processor might be just what you’re looking for. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is a prime HEDT processor that comes with triple the number of cores found on even what most would call high-end CPUs.

What’s more, it also offers quad-channel memory support for a total of eight sticks of RAM (including ECC) and access to an incredible 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes, which you can use to install multi-GPU setups and the fastest NVMe SSDs ever made. It also runs games nearly as well as a traditional, mainstream processor and it’s one of the cheaper chips in the HEDT space.

8. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Best Streaming Gaming Processor

commerce artwork
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
On Amazon
While most modern processors have between six and eight cores and call it a day, AMD threw everything at the wall to make the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X a 64-core CPU meant for consumers.

It’s incredibly high core count and astronomic 128-thread count make this processor a rendering juggernaut for video production. This CPU won’t miss a step even if you suddenly decide you want to start streaming or rendering a video in the middle of playing a game.

This  article is written and created by nItroxcell3 .Copying or misuse may lead to copyright.