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The Best CPU for Gaming

Choosing the most future-proof processor depends on whether you want the best performance right now or PCIe generation 4 compatibility. There is not much use for PCIe generation 4 right now, but it will become the most important aspect of gaming in the future. Future games will require a lot more power from this socket, and processors without it will suffer.

So far, what do you think is the best CPU for gaming? Just scroll on to this article to learn more.

Intel Core i9 10900K?

If you have an unlimited budget, the Intel Core i9 10900K is the ultimate gaming processor. A 10 core and 20 thread processor makes it future-proof. In addition, it has amazing overclocking potential, and it can reach 5.3 GHz.

IPC and core clocks are its main advantages over AMD systems. Those who don’t care about money and are willing to spend as much as they can to get the best gaming system should consider this processor. It is a no-compromise system, and when paired with a great cooler, it will perform well in any game. The downsides, however, are few.

  • The first downside is that PCIe generation 4 is not supported. Graphics cards in the future will all have to support this feature, so this is a huge problem.
  • Another downside is that it is a 14 nm product. As soon as Intel fixes its manufacturing goals, you might be stuck with something that is power-hungry and obsolete. It also requires a new motherboard and chipset, so you might need to upgrade your entire system to get it working right.

Intel® Core™ i9-10900K

  • CPU Model: Core i9
  • Number of Cores: 10 | Number of Threads: 20 Threads
  • Processor Base Frequency: 3.70 GHz up to 5.30 GHz
  • Cache: 20 MB Intel Smart Cache | TDP: 125 W
  • Processor Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • OEM Tray Version: No Retail Packaging Included

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X?

AMD’s Ryzen 9 3950X is equivalent to this system. Although this processor is only 5% faster than the 10900K, it is a powerhouse in other applications. Additionally, it will make your system feel better, and it is more future-proof. PCIe generation 4 is also supported by this processor. As a result, AMD will support it for years to come.

Using a recent AM4 board doesn’t require a new motherboard either. You can also choose the cooling solution that works for you, and you get 16 cores and 32 threads for your money. It has a base clock of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock of 4.7 GHz. The downside of this is that you won’t get the ultimate gaming performance, and you’ll need to spend more money on cooling.

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

  • CPU Model: Ryzen 9 3950X
  • Number of Cores: 16 | Number of Threads: 32
  • Processor Base Frequency: up to 4.70 GHz
  • Cache: 72 MB of game cache | TDP: 105 W

Best Balanced Gaming CPU

If you use your computer for more than just gaming, you might want something that is good at games but also excels at other tasks. AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT has 12 cores and 24 threads. In almost every application, it is a powerhouse. With a base clock of 3.8 GHz, you’ll spend a lot of time getting work done. In addition, it has its own cooler, so you won’t have to pay extra for one.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

  • CPU Model: Ryzen 9 3900X
  • Number of Cores: 12 | Number of Threads: 24
  • Processor Base Frequency: up to 4.60 GHz
  • Cache: 70 MB of game cache | TDP: 105 W
  • The world’s most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment

Best Mid-Range Gaming Processor

In terms of value, the Intel Core i5-10600K is the best processor. Within 2% of the Intel Core i9 10900K. With this processor, you never feel like you are missing out on anything compared to a processor that costs almost twice as much. With a base frequency of 4.1 GHz, it has 6 cores and 12 threads.

With the best gaming performance possible, you don’t have to break the bank. A new motherboard and cooling solution will be required to overclock it. If you’re looking for the best performance, the cooler may not be enough. Nevertheless, it won’t be enough for you to do things besides gaming.

Intel Core i5-10600K

  • CPU Model: Core i5
  • Number of Cores: 6 | Number of Threads: 12
  • Processor Base Frequency: up to 4.80 GHz
  • Cache: 12 MB Intel Smart Cache | TDP: 125 W
  • Processor Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards

Cheap CPU for Gaming

When it comes to the best budget gaming CPU, there is only one choice. AMD Ryzen 7 3300X is a powerful processor. This processor has four cores and eight threads. The app is designed for people who are just looking for a simple way to play games. There is a base clock of 3.8 GHz, and it can be boosted to over 4.0 GHz. You can build a system for this processor if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on it. It wouldn’t perform very well in other applications besides gaming, but it would be great for your kids.

AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

  • CPU Model: Ryzen 3 3200X
  • Number of Cores: 4 | Number of Threads: 8
  • Processor Base Frequency: up to 4.30 GHz
  • Cache: 18 MB of game cache | TDP: 65 W

The AMD RyzenTM 5 3600 is another alternative, which has six cores and 12 threads, and is just a few dollars more expensive than the 3300x. Although its base clock is 3.6 GHz, it is a low-power system that can be overclocked to over 4.0 GHz. It can also do other calculations outside of gaming. It is the perfect solution for a balanced system that can handle other workloads as well. With this system and all other AMD systems, you can use the same AM4 motherboard. With the latest PCIe specifications, you don’t need to upgrade your motherboard.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

  • CPU Model: Ryzen 5 3600
  • Number of Cores: 6 | Number of Threads: 12
  • Processor Base Frequency: up to 4.20 GHz
  • Cache: 35 MB of game cache | TDP: 65 W

Hello! I am Adolfo Ortiz-Flores. I have been gaming since the Nintendo 64 days and have a serious interest in helping people find great information, products and services related to games, consoles and other computer parts. I hope you can find this information very helpful!!

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