8 Best CPU For Gaming [Hands-On Tested 2023]

Processors have seen a huge growth performance over the last couple of years. With both Intel and AMD continuously competing for the top spot, an incredible amount of gaming CPUs seems to have flooded the market. The sheer volume of processors available has made searching for a new one that meets the requirements of the games you play an intricate task that requires a lot of research.

Thankfully, Tech4Gamer’s latest guide on Best CPUs For Gaming in 2023 covers exactly that, allowing anyone that is unversed with the current market situation to get the best CPU for their new PC build.

Our Best CPU Gaming Picks – compared to each other in different categories.

Last update on 2023-12-13

Comparison Table between other Gaming CPUs:

Last update on 2023-12-13

If you’re a streamer, then check out our similar guide on the best CPUs for streaming. 

Best CPUs For Gaming

Here are the Best CPUs For Gaming:

1. Intel Core i5-13600k
2. AMD Ryzen 5 7600
3. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
4. Intel Core i7-13700k
5. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
6. Intel Core i5-13400
7. Intel Core i3-12100F
8. AMD Ryzen 5 5600

Intel Core i5-13600K

Best Overall Intel CPU

Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 14 (6+8) | Threads: 20 | Base Clock: 2.6, 3.5 GHz (Efficient, Performance) | Boost Clock: 3.9, 5.1 GHz (Efficient, Performance) | L2 Cache: 20MB | TDP: 125W, 181W (Base, Maximum Turbo)

Intel’s Core i5 series of processors have always stood out for their unmatched value and excellent performance. That trend seems to have continued with the latest iteration of their Core i5 series of processors, the i5-13600K.

With an incredible core count of 14 cores and 20 threads, the Core i5-13600K ranks among one of the better models in the i5 lineup of CPUs, performing leagues ahead of the i5-13400 in most tasks. Naturally, those are not the only upgrades we have received this generation. In addition to equipping it with four more “E” cores, Intel seems to have cranked its base clock speed all the way up to 5.1 GHz, a decent increase over the 4.9 GHz frequency found on the i5-12600K.

Furthermore, the Core i5-13600K also packs a staggering L3 cache of 24 MB, followed by an equally impressive L2 cache of 20 MB. Moving on, Intel has opted to stay with the same 10nm process node, which was expected especially considering their previous track record. Similarly, the TDP has also remained the same, coming in at 125W. Where we did see a change, however, is with its Turbo Power, which now sits at a whopping 148W, which is slightly higher than the older chips.

Make sure to check out our full review on the Core i5-13600K, which covers the processor in further detail, giving you a better idea of its performance and value.

What We Liked

The Core i5-13600K is incredibly versatile in its ability to accommodate various graphics cards thanks to its balanced performance. From high-end productivity to intensive gaming sessions, the Core i5-13600K manages to deliver on every aspect.            

What We Disliked 

Given the great feature set, including the high performance you get out of the Core i5-13600K, it is really difficult to complain about anything.

Who Is It For?

The Core i5-13600K strikes the perfect balance between a high-end processor and a reasonably priced one, presenting itself as a compelling option for anyone that wants the best of both worlds from the Intel platform.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU

Its exceptional flexibility as a processor allows it to cater to multiple workloads without completely shattering the bank, making it the Best Overall Intel CPU For Gaming.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600

Best Overall AMD CPU For Gaming

Socket: AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Boost Clock: 5.1 GHz | L2 Cache: 6MB | TDP: 65W

If you’re going with the AMD platform and you plan to build a Team Red rig, then the best AMD CPU you can get for gaming is AMD Ryzen 5 7600. Consider it a slightly younger brother of the 7600X, with knocked-down clock speeds, TDP, and, most importantly, pricing. When it comes to striking the perfect balance between gaming performance, efficiency, and price, there is no AMD CPU as good as the Ryzen 5 7600.

First off, you get just as many cores and threads as the regular Ryzen 5 7600X, that is, 6 cores and 12 threads. However, the Ryzen 5 7600 comes with tuned down clock speeds, that is, 3.8 GHz and 5.1 GHz of base and boost clock speeds, respectively. Yes, the clock speeds are low, but this allowed AMD to also reduce the TDP to just a mere 65W, along with a lower price tag.

The TDP of the Ryzen 5 7600 is truly impressive, and this means you will not have to pay top-dollar for a high-end CPU cooler. In fact, unless you plan to overclock the chip to expand its limits, you should just use the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler it comes with. The bundled cooler is low-profile, so there won’t be any clearance issues, and it does the job pretty well as far as gaming is concerned. You will not only save money on an aftermarket cooler, but you will also save yourself the hassle of looking for one.

With support for up to 5200MHz of DDR5 RAM, along with the overclocking potential to go even further if you choose a solid motherboard, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is a great choice for gaming. 

What We Liked

While the Ryzen 5 7600 nails every aspect to be called the overall best gaming CPU, what we liked the most about it is its low TDP. The processor’s thermal efficiency is truly impressive.

What We Disliked 

Given the performance, features, and reliability, we didn’t find anything significantly wrong with the Ryzen 5 7600 that is worth mentioning.

Who Is It For?

If you’re looking for a solid all-in-one type of CPU on the AMD platform that does a phenomenal job at running all the latest games and does not come with an insanely high price tag, then the Ryzen 5 7600 is for you.

What Makes It The Best Overall AMD CPU?

At peak performance, the Ryzen 5 7600 will be clocking around the 5.1 GHz ballpark, which is a really good figure. Furthermore, its TDP is low enough that you can use the stock cooler it comes with. For all of these reasons and more, the Ryzen 5 7600 is the Best Overall AMD CPU you can purchase for gaming.

Intel Core i7-13700K

Best High-End Intel CPU For Gaming

Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 16 (8+8) | Threads: 24 | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz, 3.4 GHz (Efficient, Performance) | Boost Clock: 4.2 GHz, 5.3 GHz (Efficient, Performance) | L2 Cache: 24MB | TDP: 125W, 253W (Base, Maximum Turbo)

Looking for something more high-end to satisfy your gaming needs? Well, if you’re building an Intel rig, then the Core i7-13700K is the perfect CPU to satisfy your needs. We have reviewed and tested the Core i7-13700K ourselves, and the processor blew us away with its sheer performance. In fact, we loved it so much that we mostly use it in our benchmarks to test out other high-end components like CPU coolers and graphics cards.

All things considered, the Core i7-13700K packs a powerful punch in real-life testing and games. Similarly, it’s also quite impressive on paper. The processor holds 16 cores which are a combination of 8 Efficient and 8 Performance cores. The Efficient cores have a base and boost speed of 2.5 GHz and 4.2 GHz, respectively, and the Performance cores have a base and boost speed of 3.4 GHz and a whopping 5.3 GHz, respectively. The sheer number of cores, combined with exceptionally high clock speeds, make the Core i7-13700K a superb gaming CPU.

With such high performance comes high temperatures, and the i7-13700K is not known for its thermal efficiency. The processor has a base TDP of 125W which ramps up all the way to 253W. Consequently, you will have to equip it with an equally high-end CPU cooler. You can check out our guide on the best CPU coolers for Core i7-13700K to have a look over our recommendations.

Overall, when it comes to high-end gaming using an Intel chipset, the Core i7-13700K is perfect. Yes, you can go for the Core i9-13900K as well, but that’s for extreme gamers who want cutting-edge technology with no regard to budget or feasibility. 

What We Liked

The sheer gaming performance of the Core i7-13700K is what impressed us the most.

What We Disliked 

Expectedly, and yet disappointingly, the i7-13700K has a huge power draw and poor thermal efficiency. You will have to drop big bucks on a solid CPU cooler to handle this beast.

Who Is It For?

The Core i7-13700K is perfect for high-end gaming enthusiasts who prefer the best performance from their Intel PC build.

What Makes It The Best High-End Intel CPU?

Intel released many processors under its Raptor Lake lineup. However, none of them have such a good balance of exceptional performance and pricing as the Core i7-13700K. For the hardcore gamers out there, the i7-13700K is truly the sweet spot, and that’s why we have picked it as the Best High-End Intel CPU.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best High-End AMD CPU For Gaming

Socket: AM5 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: 5.0 GHz | L2 Cache: 8MB | TDP: 120W

Switching over to the AMD side of things, we have the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which serves as an entry point to AMD’s 3D V Cache lineup of processors. Despite being labeled as a “7” series processor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D packs enough raw performance to outperform even the highest-end processors available.

Its performance is further evidenced by its specifications, which include a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.0 GHz. Alongside that, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes with a total of 8 cores and 16 threads, a substantial increase over its predecessors.

As the name suggests, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D makes use of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, which essentially adds to the pre-existing L3 cache of the previous processor. This gives the processor enough of a boost to perform exponentially faster than its predecessors while also remaining energy efficient.

If the astounding L3 cache of 96 MB wasn’t already enough, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D further exceeds expectations with its energy-efficient design, which allows it to maintain its reasonable TDP of 120W.

Much like the rest of the 7000 series of processors from AMD, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D also comes with integrated RDNA 2.0 graphics. Naturally, the integrated graphics are to be treated as display adapters instead of actual graphics cards, given their mediocre specifications.

Thinking of purchasing the Ryzen 7 7800X3D? Here are the Best Motherboards and CPU Coolers you can pair with the processor.

What We Liked

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D demonstrates incredible performance in real-world tasks, especially when it comes to gaming. On top of that, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is extremely energy efficient, further adding to its already-remarkable value.

What We Disliked 

While the leaps against its previous iterations are undeniable, one thing that is worth mentioning is the lack of DDR4 memory support due to the AM5 socket.

Who Is It For?

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D benefits from high boost clock speeds, incredible core counts as well as a massive L3 Cache, making it a suitable pick for gamers that want the best possible performance.

What Makes It The Best High-End CPU

In many cases, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D blows the flagship Ryzen 9 7950X out of the water. In fact, when we tested it against Intel’s flagship, the Core i9-13900K, we found that the 7800X3D was just 7.4% behind in average FPS while staying 78% more power efficient. Because of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s insane gaming performance, we have awarded it the Best High-End AMD CPU For Gaming.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Best CPU For Gaming Content Creators

Socket: AM5 | Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Base Clock: 4.5 GHz | Boost Clock: 5.7 GHz | L2 Cache: 16MB | TDP: 170W

The Ryzen 9 7950X launched as an enthusiast-grade processor designed specifically for high-end builds. Considering its position as a flagship CPU, AMD made sure not to skimp out on its core specifications. 

Equipped with 16 cores and 24 threads, the Ryzen 9 7950X is definitely up there with some of the fastest chips in the market. Adding on to that, you get a base clock speed of 4.5 GHz along with a boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz.

Of course, the tremendous uplift in performance has ultimately resulted in a massive increase in TDP. Given its higher TDP of 170W and the lack of an included cooler, you will have to pair it with a beefy CPU cooler in order to get the most out of your processor.

Make sure to check out our complete guide on the Best CPU Cooler For a Ryzen 9 7950X.

Moving on, the processor also comes with an L3 Cache of 64MB, as well as an L2 Cache of 16 MB. As mentioned previously, the Ryzen 9 7950X is only compatible with DDR5 memory kits, which is a bit disappointing for anyone upgrading from 

What We Liked

The Ryzen 9 7950X’s high boost frequencies of 5.7 GHz combined with its core count of 16 cores allow it to take on CPU-intensive workloads effortlessly.

What We Disliked 

The Ryzen 9 7950X comes in at an extremely high price point, which is expected given that it is a flagship CPU.

Who Is It For?

Along with its high core count and exceptional gaming performance, the Ryzen 9 7950X also stands out for its productivity performance. From gaming to editing, the Ryzen 9 7950X manages to handle every task, making it a solid pick for gaming content creators.

What Makes It The Best CPU For Gaming Content Creators

Benefitting from AMD’s 3D-V Cache Technology, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is a phenomenal pick for gamers who also like to indulge in content creation. It has been crowned as the Best CPU For Gaming Content Creators for its unparalleled performance in every scenario.

Intel Core i5-13400

Best Value CPU For Gaming

Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 10 (6+4) | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 1.8 GHz, 2.5 GHz (Efficient, Performance) | Boost Clock: 3.3 GHz, 4.6 GHz (Efficient, Performance) | L2 Cache: 9.5MB | TDP: 65W, 154W (Base, Maximum Turbo)

Next up on our list of the Best CPU For Gaming is the fairly new Core i5-13400, Intel’s latest i5 processor that caters to the mid-range price segment of processors. In stark contrast to the previously mentioned i5-13600K, the i5-13400 is priced at a considerably lower price. Of course, that also comes with a few downgrades in core counts and boost clock speeds.

The lower core count is the most notable of these downgrades; however, its 10-core and 16-thread design is nothing to scoff at. Moreover, the inclusion of 4 E-cores significantly boosts its efficiency, allowing it to perform exceptionally in most workloads while also consuming less power. 

This fact is further reinforced by its lower overall TDP of 65W. It is worth mentioning that the Core i5-13400 is rated with a maximum turbo power of 154W, which is fairly high. 

Similarly, clock speeds might not be up there with some of the higher-end offerings; however, the Core i5-13400 still holds its own against most modern processors with its modest base clock speed of 4.6GHz. On the other hand, its boost clock speed comes in at 5.6 GHz, which is astounding given that it is a mid-range processor. Additionally, the Core i5-13400 also features an L2 Cache of 9.5MB.

As far as onboard graphics are concerned, the Intel Core i5-13400 is equipped with UHD 730 graphics, which show negligible improvement in performance compared to older generation variants.

What We Liked

Despite its value-oriented design, the Core i5-13400 definitely packs a punch when it comes to performance. Its 6 cores and 12 threads allow it to perform on par with higher-end processors while coming in at a lower price range.

What We Disliked

There was nothing significant to dislike about the Core i5-13400.

Who Is It For?

Users that want the best bang for their buck option are bound to be satisfied with the Core i5-13400’s performance.

What Makes It The Best Value CPU

While the Core i5-13400 might not be the cheapest processor in its lineup, it takes the crown as the Best Value CPU For Gaming thanks to its unmatched price-to-performance ratio.

Intel Core i3-12100F

Best Budget CPU For Gaming

Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 4 (4+0) | Threads: 8 | Base Clock: 3.3 GHz (Performance) | Boost Clock: 4.3 GHz (Performance) | L2 Cache: 5MB | TDP: 58W, 89W (Base, Maximum Turbo)

If all of the previously-mentioned picks exceeded your budget, then the extremely value-oriented Core i3-12100F might be exactly what you are looking for. Although the i3 series of processors are often overlooked because of their mediocre performance, Intel seems to have been making consistent strides budget-tier department, allowing cost-effective processors such as the i3-12100F to make decent picks for gaming. 

Following this trend, the Core i3-12100F essentially one-ups all of its predecessors in every conceivable manner. From clock speeds to performance, every department seems to have received a notable upgrade, making it a suitable option for handling modern games. The Core i3-12100F features a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz, which can go as high as 4.3 GHz. Other specifications include a 12MB L3 Cache, which is accompanied by its unsurprisingly low TDP of 58W.

While upgrades in every other department are noticeable, the core count for their 12th-generation i3 processors seems to have remained the same. Having said that, with its 4 cores and 8 threads, the Core i3-12100F does support hyperthreading, which has almost become a necessity for modern CPUs.

Given that this is an “F-series” variant of the processor, onboard graphics will not be present; however, you can always opt for the non-F variant for a slightly higher price if you are interested in making use of the onboard Intel UHD graphics.

What We Liked

The main selling point of the Core i3-12100F comes down to its extremely low MSRP, which allows budget users to enter PC gaming without completely breaking the bank.

What We Disliked 

Its limited performance might be a bit underwhelming for anyone looking to game at the highest-possible settings. Its value is also slightly marred by its lack of E-cores and onboard graphics.

Who Is It For?

The Core i3-12100F is designed specifically for anyone looking for the cheapest way to get into PC gaming while also expecting decent performance. 

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU

While some people be off-put by the “i3” branding, it proves to be a compelling option, especially considering its ability to perform well in modern games. The Core i3-12100F’s lower price point alone has earned it the spot as the Best Budget CPU For Gaming.

Ryzen 5 5600

Best Entry-Level CPU For Gaming

Socket: AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4 GHz | L2 Cache: 3MB | TDP: 65W

Although we have seen numerous new releases after the launch of AMD’s 5000 series of processors, the Ryzen 5 5600 continues to dominate the budget price segment of the market thanks to its remarkable performance and reasonable price.

Based on the older Zen 3 architecture, Ryzen 5 5600 arrives with 6 cores and 12 threads and a base frequency of 3.5 GHz. That, combined with its higher boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz, makes for a fantastic combination even. The Ryzen 5 5600 seems to maintain a lot of the same specifications as the slightly beefier Ryzen 5 5600X. The L3 Cache capacity of 32MB and a lower TDP of 65W have both maintained their presence with the “non-x” variant as well.

Naturally, that also means that performance has not deteriorated all that much either. Given that it is an unlocked chip, you will be able to overclock it to reach higher clock speeds as long as you reinforce it with a capable CPU cooler and motherboard combination. Just like the Ryzen 5 5600X, AMD has included a Wraith Stealth Cooler for the Ryzen 5 5600 as well, which is always nice to see in budget CPUs.

While later iterations of AMD processors moved onto the AM5 chipset, the Ryzen 5 5600 guarantees incredible compatibility with motherboards thanks to the AM4 socket, which allows you to pair it with a plethora of available motherboards. 

What We Liked

The Ryzen 5 5600’s great value, decent compatibility, and solid performance definitely serve as the processor’s highlights.

What We Disliked 

Much like the rest of the 5000 series Ryzen processors, the Ryzen 5 5600 also does not come with integrated graphics, which can be an issue for anyone that does not own a dedicated GPU.

Who Is It For?

While its performance certainly falls pale in comparison to higher-end counterparts, its fantastic price-to-performance ratio makes it a viable option for anyone looking for a value-oriented offering to get into PC gaming.

What Makes It The Entry-Level CPU

Pairing the Ryzen 5 5600 with a mid-range CPU essentially guarantees commendable gaming performance. Combine that with its incredible value proposition, and you get the Best Entry-Level CPU For Gaming.

CPU Gaming Benchmarks

To back our claims and prove that our recommended Best CPUs for Gaming are indeed the best, we tested them against each other and other CPUs in several games at 1080p and 1440p resolution. Furthermore, we also ran a bunch of productivity tests. Here are our results:

Important CPU Key Terms

If you’re often confused by the technical jargon revolving around CPUs, here are the key terms to look out for:

• Core: The individual part of a CPU that executes instructions like arithmetic and logical operations.
• Threads: Virtual processing units within a CPU core that allow for parallel processing of tasks.
• Base Clock Speed: The minimum clock speed at which a CPU operates under normal conditions.
• Boost Clock Speed: The maximum clock speed at which a CPU operates when there is a demand for more processing power.
• TDP: The measure of the amount of heat a CPU generates under normal operating conditions.
• Cache: A small amount of high-speed memory located on the CPU that stores frequently accessed data for quick access.
• Socket: The physical interface on a motherboard that a CPU fits into, allowing it to communicate with other components and peripherals. Different CPUs require different socket types, so it is important to choose a compatible CPU for a given socket.

How To Choose The Best CPU For Gaming

When it comes to choosing the best CPU for gaming, there are many factors that need to be considered. We have covered all of these factors in great detail in our How To Choose The Best CPU guide. Nevertheless, let’s go over a few of them briefly:

Budget

First of all, you need to consider how much you can spend on your CPU. After all, a CPU is one of the most important components of your gaming rig, and it is the last thing you should cheap out on. Therefore, it is necessary that you outline exactly how much you can spend on a processor and then look for the options that fall within your budget.

Similarly, when we test different CPUs, we always consider their price in accordance with their performance. Many times a CPU will offer incredible performance, but its pricing will simply not make it feasible for a gaming rig. Take the Ryzen 9 7950X, for example, it is no doubt a great gaming CPU, but for the price, it is only suitable for professional users like content creators.

Performance

Similarly, you also need to factor in the kind of performance you want from your rig. For gaming, which resolution do you plan to play on? Are you a hardcore gamer or someone who plays just for casual fun? For most people, the Core i5-13600K is the perfect choice. But if you want to go higher, then the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the way to go.

When we selected the best CPUs for gaming in 2023, we scrutinized them heavily on their performance. This includes benchmarking different processors using a plethora of testing software and game. Once we know how well any given processor performs, we consider its factors like price-to-performance ratio, availability, future support, and thermal and power efficiency to call it the best.

Thermal Efficiency and Power Consumption

Whenever you’re buying a CPU, you always need to look into its thermal and power efficiency, which includes its TDP rating. The TDP of the CPU denotes how much heat the CPU is likely to generate at peak performance. Hence it determines the type of CPU cooler you will have to equip it with to prevent it from thermal throttling.

To select the best CPUs for gaming, we tested their power consumption at both peak and idle loads. Furthermore, we also tested their thermal efficiency. This way, we disregarded any processor which was generating more heat than its competitors without producing a fruitful performance advantage. 

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