The best CPUs for gaming come in all shapes and sizes.

From AMD Ryzen chips to Intel Core processors.

You’ll need to consider your other hardware too, to ensure it’s compatible.

best cpus for gaming

Here are the best CPUs for gaming available today.

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is ideal for those looking to build a next-gen gaming PC.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Are you looking for the ultimate gaming PC?

Intel Core i9-12900KS

Do you have excess money?

As with Intel’s latest CPU lineup, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X requires some beefy cooling.

Intel Core i5-11400

The Intel Core i5-11400 is one of the best budget gaming CPUs on the market.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Compared with AMD’s entry-level Ryzen 5 3600, this intel chip beats the competition.

It offers a welcomed balance of performance and value, producing high-performance single-thread work.

Included in the Intel Core i5-11400 is a bundled cooler.

Intel Core i5-11400

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is compatible with all AMD 500 series motherboards.

You’ll need to apply an update to the BIOS, but the process is relatively simple.

If your high-end gaming PC is ready for it, you could overclock the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X in original packaging

You’ll need a Z490 motherboard to support this chip and decent cooling as it’s pretty powerful.

While it isn’t a match for AMD chips, the Intel Core i9-10900K is a worthy contender.

From video editing to gaming, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is an investment that’s worthwhile.

Intel Core i9-10900K

However, it will need an incredibly good cooling system to support its powerful nature.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X seems to have found the right balance between performance and cost.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is a decent gaming CPU.

Intel Core i9-12900KS Intel CPU

It’s an affordable choice and delivers excellent gaming performance.

It also supports PCIe 4.0 motherboards, meaning it’s more future-proof than a PCIe 3.0 chipset.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X delivers high speeds for demanding applications and high-end games.

Intel Core i9-12900KS CPU

It’s configured with eight cores and 16 threads, matching the Xbox Series X and PS5’s specifications.

There’s a Wraith Stealth cooler included which is decent enough for most high-end games.

It’s possible to extend its capabilities with overclocking, but most gamers won’t require this.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X Pinless

Intel Core i5-11600K

The Intel Core i5-11600K is capable of supporting a mid-range GPU on high parameters.

It’s a competitive gaming CPU that’s available at an affordable cost.

It comes with an unlocked multiplier, meaning you might overclock it if you wish.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X chip

Compared to the 10600K, the Intel Core i5-11600K comes with a 69W increase.

While the Intel Core i5-12600K is one of the top processors for gaming it’s not without its faults.

The processor can run a little hot during heavy loads, partly owing to the 125W base power consumption.

Intel Core i5-11400 chip

AMD Ryzen 7 5700G

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G is an affordable CPU that comes with an integrated GPU.

The Vega-based GPU can deliver 1080p gaming, so most mid-performance games will perform well without any interruptions.

Despite this, the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G offers excellent thermal performance.

Intel Core i5-11400 fan

Thankfully there are some mid-range next-gen processors that make taking advantage of the latest technology a little more affordable.

It also lets you take advantage of new technology, such as DDR5.

FAQ

Q: Is A 10 Core CPU Good For Gaming?

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X boxed

Most six-core CPUs are more than suitable for gaming.

While four cores would still be sufficient, six cores will offer a future-proof solution.

Q: Is i9 Better Than i7 For Gaming?

AMD-Ryzen-9-5950X-chip-1

Intel’s i7 CPUs should be sufficient for most gaming PCs.

i7 chips tend to be more affordable and offer plenty of power for most gaming setups.

Q: Can CPU Affect FPS?

Intel Core i9-10900K chip

CPUs will impact your FPs when gaming.

However, the majority of the impact will come from your GPU.

Q: Are CPUs Repairable?

Intel Core i9-10900K boxed

CPUs are made up of tiny pins that line up with your PC’s motherboard.

If a pin gets bent, it’s possible to straighten it up with the right tools.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X chip

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X boxed

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X chip

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X boxed

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X fan

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X boxed

Intel Core i5-11600K

Intel Core i5-11600K chip

Intel Core i5-11600K with chip

Intel Core i5-12600K CPU

Intel Core i5-12600K

AMD Ryzen 7 5700G

AMD Ryzen 7 5700G chip

AMD Ryzen 7 5700G box

AMD Ryzen 7 7700X

AMD Ryzen 7 7700X Pinless

AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU