top AMD & Intel processors for your next build

What are the best gaming CPUs?

With our testing complete, we’ve narrowed the field to the CPUs that genuinely deliver for PC gamers. The picks below are arranged to cater to different needs and budgets, ranging from affordable entry points to exceptional performance for those who want no compromises. Each one has been benchmarked in real-world conditions, so you’ll see the strengths, trade-offs, and what system each chip is best suited for.

1. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

The best gaming CPU

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is AMD’s new crown jewel for gamers, combining high clock speeds, Zen 5 architecture, and an advanced cache layout to deliver unmatched in-game performance. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it isn’t designed to dominate workstation workloads, but that’s not the point. This CPU is laser-focused on gaming, and the results speak for themselves.

In real-world testing, the 9800X3D consistently outpaces its predecessor, the 7800X3D, with sizeable gains in both average and 99th percentile frame rates. Fast-paced titles like Counter-Strike 2 see astonishingly high numbers, while demanding open-world games such as Cyberpunk 2077 maintain smooth and stable performance even in chaotic scenes. That consistency makes it a dream pairing for high-refresh displays.

Efficiency also remains a strong suit. While not quite as frugal as the 7800X3D, the chip stays cool and controlled under load, with reasonable power draw for its class. AMD’s clever design changes, including refined 3D V-Cache placement, help keep thermals in check without sacrificing speed.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

The best budget CPU for gaming

The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X proves that entry-level doesn’t have to mean compromise. Built on the Zen 5 architecture, this six-core, 12-thread processor delivers excellent single-core speeds, which translates directly into smooth and responsive gaming performance. It’s positioned as the most affordable way into AMD’s AM5 platform, and in practice, it punches well above its weight.

In real-world benchmarks, the 9600X consistently delivers high frame rates across modern titles, even edging out pricier Intel alternatives like the Core Ultra 5 245K in gaming workloads. Games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Doom Eternal highlight just how far this chip can go, with performance numbers comfortably supporting high-refresh-rate monitors.

Thermals and efficiency are another highlight. At its default 65W TDP, it’s impressively frugal, but enabling the 105W performance mode unlocks extra headroom that keeps it competitive with mid-range rivals. Even then, power draw and temperatures remain reasonable, making it a great choice for compact or energy-conscious builds.

Of course, with only six cores, the 9600X isn’t built for heavy multitasking or demanding production workloads, but that’s not the target audience. For gamers looking for maximum value, the Ryzen 5 9600X is an outstanding budget-friendly pick that balances performance, efficiency, and affordability.

3. AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

Best mid-range gaming CPU

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Specifications

• Cores: 8
• Thread: 16
• Boost speed: 5.5GHz
• L1/L2/L3 Cache: 640KB/8MB/32MB
• Deafault TDP: 65W

What We Think

The Ryzen 7 9700X strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, offering 8 cores, strong gaming results, and low power draw. While it can’t rival the 9800X3D in pure gaming or Intel’s latest CPUs in multi-core workloads, it’s an affordable, well-rounded option for builders seeking value on the AM5 platform.

Reasons to Buy

• Strong gaming performance at a reasonable price
• Excellent efficiency at 65W with option to boost to 105W
• AM5 compatible, no new motherboard required
• Solid upgrade for older platforms (AM4, Intel 12th Gen or earlier)

Reasons to Avoid

• Outclassed by the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in gaming
• Multi-core productivity falls behind Intel rivals
• Modest generational gains over 7700X

The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is very much the middle child of the Ryzen 9000 lineup. With 8 cores and 16 threads on the Zen 5 architecture, it delivers impressive gaming performance while keeping efficiency front and center. Out of the box, it runs at 65W, which makes it cooler and more frugal than many competitors, but enabling the 105W performance mode unleashes extra horsepower for those who want more consistent high-end results.

In gaming, the 9700X easily clears the 300 FPS mark in titles like CS2 and Days Gone, proving its capability for high-refresh-rate monitors. It also runs surprisingly cool for an AMD chip, rarely exceeding 70°C in demanding workloads. This efficiency makes it particularly appealing for builders who prioritize quiet, compact, or power-conscious systems.

That said, the 9700X faces tough competition. For around $100 more, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D dominates it in gaming benchmarks, while Intel’s latest chips continue to outpace it in heavy multi-core productivity. Its generational gains over the 7700X are modest, making it a questionable upgrade for current AM5 users.

4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

The best AM4 CPU for gaming

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Specifications

• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
• L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
• TDP: 105W

• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Base clock speed: 3.4GHz
• Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
• Total L3 cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
• Default TDP: 105W
• TSMC: 7nm FinFET
• Socket: AM4
• Memory type: DDR4

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What We Think

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D closed out the AM4 era with a bang, introducing groundbreaking 3D V-Cache technology that propelled its gaming performance past expectations. Despite modest synthetic results and thermal challenges, it cemented itself as one of the best gaming CPUs of its generation, though limited by AM4’s dead-end platform.

Reasons to Buy

• Exceptional gaming performance, often rivaling or surpassing Intel’s i9-12900K
• First desktop CPU to feature AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology
• Compatible with existing AM4 motherboards and coolers
• Affordable compared to Intel’s flagship offerings

Reasons to Avoid

• Lower clock speeds than the 5800X
• No overclocking support
• Runs hotter than its predecessor
• AM4 platform has no future upgrade path

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D was AMD’s swan song for the AM4 platform, and it arrived with something special: 3D V-Cache. By stacking an extra 64MB of L3 cache vertically, AMD transformed what was essentially a Ryzen 7 5800X into a gaming powerhouse. While clock speeds were dialed back and overclocking disabled to manage heat, the trade-off was well worth it for gamers.

Synthetic benchmarks highlighted its weaknesses, slightly lagging behind the standard 5800X and well off Intel’s 12900K in multi-core workloads. But in real-world tests, especially gaming, the story flipped. The 5800X3D consistently outperformed both the 5800X and Intel’s flagships in titles like Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077, delivering smoother gameplay and fewer stutters even at 4K.

Hardcore Gaming Builds

Sometimes, you want to build a powerful gaming rig. You don’t care about streaming or content creation. Your bottom line is getting those high frame rates.

When it comes to a pure gaming build, speed is your friend. Unlike highly taxing programs and tasks, games aren’t as dependent on CPU cores and threads. Anything quad-core or higher is sufficient for gaming. Most games will run on a dual-core processor, but more and more games are starting to require a quad-core or higher to install and run. That being said, most modern-day CPUs come equipped with at least 4 cores.

For a hardcore gaming build, I would suggest looking for processors that have at least the following speeds: Pairing a fast processor with a good SSD, a powerful graphics card, and some quality DDR4 or DDR5 RAM will increase your FPS overall.

Casual Gaming

Maybe you don’t care about high FPS figures or saving your content for the world to see. Perhaps you’re more the casual type, the type who just likes to game now and then in your free time. AAA game titles aren’t really your thing, and you don’t require all that processing power.

If all you’re looking for is a gaming build that will run some low-intensive Steam games and esports titles, then a casual gamer setup might be more suited to your needs. Typically, a casual gaming build doesn’t need the latest hardware offerings. It’s also much more affordable than a hardcore gaming build.

When looking for a casual gaming CPU, you should look for one that is at least a quad-core if your budget allows it. It also doesn’t need to be extremely fast.

Choosing the best CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider. Here are some tips on how to pick the best CPU for you. Overall, the best CPU for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the factors listed above and do some research before purchasing to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Should you avoid Intel processors over AMD Ryzen?

Right now, AMD Ryzen is the safer and more compelling choice over Intel. For years, AMD’s Zen architecture has steadily pushed performance forward, and with the addition of 3D V-Cache, Ryzen CPUs have carved out a clear lead in gaming. This technology allows AMD chips to deliver smoother frame rates and stronger real-world performance, often rivaling or surpassing Intel’s best at the same price point.

Meanwhile, Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen “Raptor Lake” processors were plagued by instability issues caused by excessive voltages, leading in some cases to hardware failures. While BIOS updates have largely resolved the problem, the situation undermined confidence in Intel’s recent offerings, particularly at the high end. AMD, by contrast, has avoided such pitfalls and continues to deliver reliable processors across the stack.

It’s also important to note that at higher resolutions, games are mostly GPU-limited, meaning there’s little difference between top-end chips. That makes AMD’s value proposition even stronger: competitive performance, better efficiency, and fewer long-term concerns. Intel’s latest Core Ultra series appears to have addressed its stability issues, but for now, Ryzen remains the smarter buy for gamers building or upgrading.

Does your CPU actually matter for gaming?

The short answer is yes, but not as much as your GPU. In any gaming PC, the graphics card is the real star of the show, responsible for the bulk of your frame rates and visual fidelity. That’s why when you’re chasing higher resolutions or ultra settings, the GPU will almost always be the limiting factor.

That doesn’t mean the CPU is unimportant. Your processor is responsible for keeping your graphics card supplied with data, and if it can’t keep up, you’ll see stutters, dips, or bottlenecks even with a powerful GPU at your disposal. A weak or outdated CPU can drag down performance and leave you unable to fully take advantage of modern graphics cards.

The good news is that most mainstream CPUs today are more than capable of handling gaming workloads. The difference between a solid mid-range chip and the absolute top-of-the-line CPU usually amounts to just a handful of frames per second in real-world scenarios. The key is balance: pair a capable, modern CPU with the right graphics card, and you’ll have a system that delivers smooth, consistent performance without overspending where it won’t make a noticeable difference.

Final Word

When it comes to gaming, AMD’s AM5 platform has the edge. With the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leading the pack, you’re getting unrivaled gaming performance that leaves little reason to consider Intel’s current lineup. The rest of AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series fills every budget tier – from the affordable 9600X to the powerhouse 9950X3D, while the 5800X3D remains a smart upgrade for AM4 users. Still, remember that your graphics card does most of the heavy lifting in games.