Want the best performance when gaming? Today, with the advent of technology, a perfectly functional CPU for gaming is just a click away. If you want to create an amazing rig, we are here to help you in choosing the best gaming CPU with all the pros and cons listed.
Picking the right CPU is as important as picking the right graphics card or display. Your processor or CPU serves as a brain for the gaming PC. It sends and interprets the instructions coming to & from each hardware piece in the computer system. As a PC gamer, scoring the best from the CPU market in terms of gaming can bring a noticeable difference in terms of performance.
But, how can you bring home the best CPU for gaming? As a gamer, you have a lot of technical jargon to deal with. Just like any other gadgets, the key to choosing the best CPU is to look for what you actually want and decide your budget. If you are in need of a rock-solid performance with a single core processor, the Intel Processors can be the best bet. Now, if you are looking for a high-end processor with multi-core performance, the AMD Ryzen CPU processors can actually be a perfect choice.
So, here we review for you the best CPU processors for gaming that you can buy in 2020 for an amazing experience.
Best CPU for Gaming in 2020:
|
CPU |
Socket |
Cores/Threads |
|
Intel Core i9-9900K |
LGA1151 |
8/16 |
|
Intel Core i9-7900X |
LGA2066 |
10/20 |
|
Intel Core i7-8700K |
LGA1151 |
6/12 |
|
Intel Core i7-9700K |
LGA1151 |
8/8 |
|
Intel Core i5-8400 |
LGA1151 |
6/6 |
|
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X |
AM4 |
8/16 |
|
AMD Ryzen 7 1700X |
AM4 |
8/16 |
|
AMD RYZEN 5 2600 |
AM4 |
6/12 |
|
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
AM4 |
6/12 |
|
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G |
AM4 |
4/4 |
Intel Core i9-9900K Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 8
- · Base Clock: 3.6 GHz
- · Threads: 16
- · Turbo Clock: 5.0 GHz
- · L3 Cache: 16MB
- · Overclocking: Yes, 4.9-5.0GHz typical
- · PCle 3.0 Lanes: 16
- · TDP: 95W
Technology
Adding the Intel Core i9-9900K to your system can bring in a range of versatility to the gaming experience. For pure gaming performance, Core i9-9900K can be bit overkill unless you have plans for building an extreme system with the best-in-line graphics card. For the ones who opt for something more than just gaming, the Core i9-9900K ranks as an overall performance king. It is among the fastest CPU in the market meant for the LGA1151 platform.
The Core i9-9900K lacks the number of core counts present in its competitor chips such as Threadripper 2990WX or i9-7980XE. However, it boasts of the highest number for clock speed as compared to any processor. In terms of cooling, the Intel i9-9900K can be a bit hotter given the fact that it can draw in a chunk of energy.
Advantage
- · Numerous cores for several other tasks
- · Among the fastest CPU processors for gaming
Disadvantage
- · Requires an aftermarket cooler
- · Marginal headroom for overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-9900K is a superfast processor but can be super-expensive as well. So, if money isn’t a constraint, grab this gaming chip for sure.
For more details and price, click here.
Intel Core i9-7900X Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 10
- · Base Clock: 3.3 GHz
- · Threads: 20
- · Overclocking: Yes, 4.7GHz typical
- · Turbo Clock: 4.5GHz
- · L3 Cache: 13.75MB
- · PCle 3.0 lanes: 44
- · TDP: 140W
Technology
This processor offered by Intel is perfect for any High-End Desktop. The Intel i9-7900X also offers 20 threads and 10-cores resembling the 8700K in terms of the gaming performance. When overclocked this processor can be 50% faster for the workloads limited to CPU. The bad news with the i9-7900X is the fact that the Core i9-9900K is pretty similar to this processor and costs a bit less. It is especially true when factoring in the platform costs.
This processor is highly useful when editing any video given the fact that this CPU allows faster processing as compared to the i7-8700K.
Advantage
- · Excellent performance with multiple threads
- · Almost as fast as the i7-8700K in terms of gaming
Disadvantage
- · Requires some good cooling hardware
- · Three times the 8700k in terms of pricing
Verdict
Definitely a good catch, this processor might require you some additional expenses for cooling, but the experience might be worth it.
For more details and price, click here.
Intel Core i7-8700K Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 6
- · Base Clock: 3.7GHz
- · Threads: 12
- · Turbo Clock: 4.7GHz
- · L3 Cache: 12MB
- · Overclocking: Yes, 4.9-5.0GHz typical
- · PCle 3.0 lanes: 16
- · TDP: 95W
Technology
The king of the previous year, this particular CPU still continues to hold its rank with excellent performance. It can also clock at the speed of 5GHz paired with good cooling technology. Additionally, it is way less expensive as compared to the CPUs above. It functions using the very same outlay for motherboards. Effectively, it can be dubbed as the mix of 9700K features in 8700K that eventually saves you somewhere around $50 currently.
The i7-8700K is dependent on the firmware and software mitigations meant for the side-channel attacks such as Spectre, Meltdown, or Foreshadow.
Advantage
- · Among the fastest gaming CPU
- · A good amount of cores for several other tasks
Disadvantage
- · Marginal Headroom for overclocking
- · Requires an aftermarket cooler
Verdict
The i7 8700K’s Coffee Lake CPU can be a beast in terms of performance. However, it lacks the overall thread count as compared to the top-ranking processor from the Ryzen line.
For more details and price, click here.
Intel Core i7-9700K Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 8
- · Base Clock: 3.6GHz
- · Threads: 8
- · Turbo Clock: 4.9GHz
- · L3 Cache: 12MB
- · Overclocking: Yes, 4.9-5.1GHz typical
- · PCle 3.0 lanes: 16
- · TDP: 95W
Technology
The Intel Core i7-9700K is actually a rank down from its successor i9-9900K. It houses the exact number of the CPU cores as its successor along with clock speeds that can be similar to most of the Z390 board’s based chips that come with all-core turbo speeds going as high as 4.6-4.7GHz. In terms of games, it is perfectly in sync with its more expensive version Core i9. However, it costs around $100 to $150 less than its successor. It is the very first time the company shipped its Core i7 with no presence of Hyper-Threading.
It is an act for balancing things between performance, price, and features. As compared to Intel Core i7-8700K, this processor comes with 33% higher number of cores. It automatically translates to the performance rendered by the multithread in the processor.
Advantage
- · Excellent performance when gaming
- · Eight cores for high-speed experience
Disadvantage
- · Limited overclocking
- · No presence of hyperthreading
Verdict
The i7-9700K definitely sets a benchmark for its competitors. However, at the price tag, one would seem to lurk more towards its AMD competitors that provide a close-enough performance at way lower price tag.
For more details and price, click here.
Intel Core i5-8400 Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 6
- · Threads: 6
- · Base Clock: 3.8GHz
- · Turbo Clock: 4.0GHz
- · Overclocking: No
- · L3 Cache: 9MB
- · TDP: 65W
- · PCIe 3.0 lanes: 16
Technology
With the inclusion of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake Processors by Intel, the desktop-based Core i5 has moved from a 4-core territory to the 6-core territory. That is why the Core i5-8400 serves as the best CPU processor for gaming as well as other arduous tasks. Not just that, it flaunts a higher clock speed as compared to its predecessors. It closely matches the i7-7700K in terms of performance. The i5-8400 comes with appropriate cooling hardware that is something needed by every power consuming CPU that heats up with use.
Currently, the only name in the 9th Gen Core i5 is the Intel i5-9600K that is pretty similar to that of i5-8600K. It clocks a bit higher with a multiplier that is unclocked but lacks the presence of a cooler.
Advantage
- · Perfect speed for a single GPU
- · No requirement for an aftermarket cooler
Disadvantage
- · No presence of overclocking
- · Minor Bottleneck for the RTX 2080 Ti
Verdict
The i5 8400 offers the amazing Coffee Lake CPU with 6 Intel Core that comes at a low price tag. Its top-notch features and price make it an ideal purchase for those who are looking for a high-performance CPU.
For more details and price, click here.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 8
- · Threads: 16
- · Clock speed: 3.7GHz | 4.3GHz
- · Socket: AM4
- · Turbo Clock: 4.3Ghz
- · L3 Cache: 16MB
- · PCle 3.0 Lanes: 16
- · TDP: 105W
Technology
If you are in need of features such as multi-threaded computational chops, great value, and respectable gaming performance, the 2700X is an ideal choice. Priced perfectly for the performance it renders, the Ryzen CPU ranks 2700X among its top-chips. However, this CPU for gaming is priced way less than its competitive chip 1800X. Most of all, it is way cheaper when compared to either Intel’s 8700k or the 8-core i9-9900K.
It still flaunts a gaming performance which is top-notch when compared to Intel’s top scorers regardless of a 4K gaming experience or something with 1440p gaming experience. In terms of productivity, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X ranks among the best names. The CPU gaming performance attained with the 2700X is essentially indistinguishable when compared to the Intel competitors amid any game with GPU requirement.
Advantage
- · Seriously fast multi-threaded performance
- · Comparable frame rates for gaming
- · Perfect price-for-value with 16-thread CPU
Disadvantage
- · Limited potential for overclocking
Verdict
With 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 2700K caters an amazing processing power, boosted gaming performance, as well as a stellar price tag.
For more details and price, click here.
AMD Ryzen 7 1700X Review
General Specifications
- · Cores: 8
- · Threads: 16
- · Clock speed: 3.4GHz | 3.8GHz
- · Socket: AM4
- · Turbo Clock: 3.8GHz
- · L3 Cache: 16MB
- · PCle 3.0 Lanes: 16
- · TDP: 95W
Technology
As a processor, the AMD Rygen 1700X performs at its best with the price tag as an added advantage. Now, if you weigh in the overall computational power showcased by the 1700X, it can be a bit down trotting. However, this doesn’t mean that it cannot cater to a decent and acceptable performance for gamers. When playing any games that are GPU bound, you can expect an excellent processor that serves you at its best. However, it surely falls behind its 2nd gen Ryzen competitors.
When pairing this CPU processor with the system you own, you might have to leave behind some of its potential GPU frame rates. However, given the multi-threaded performance at the price tag it comes with, you can easily use this processor on your system and expect a top-notch performance at a budget price.
Advantage
- · Amazing price for octa-core CPU processor
- · An affordably priced AM4 platform
- · High-end power for multi-threading
Disadvantage
- · Weakness for gaming in First gen Ryzen performance
Verdict
The Ryzen 7 1700X doesn’t flaunt the same gaming support as seen in the 2nd Gen chips by Ryzen. However, it comes at an amazing price tag for 16 threads.
For more details and price, click here.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Review
General Specifications:
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Clock speed: 3.4GHz | 3.9GHz
- Socket: AM4
- · Turbo Clock: 3.9GHz
- · L3 Cache: 16MB
- · PCle 3.0 Lanes: 16
- · TDP: 65W
Technology
Apart from being a great CPU for gaming with a good number of multi-threaded chops, the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is affordable as well. Originally, it was thought that the 2600X would bag the crown for being the go-to chip for gaming given its top-notch performance. However, it struggled a lot in terms of pricing because, with similar performance streak, the Core i5 8400 has been priced way less.
The Core i5 8400 CPU continues to retain its lead in terms of gaming performance. However, the Ryzen 5 2600 comes at a price tag which is way less than its rival chip by Intel. It makes the Ryzen 5 2600, the first choice by gamers who are looking for a budget gaming escape. With just a little overclocking, this processor doesn’t add any strain to your overall performance and renders a quality closely similar to that of 2600X. All these features put it at a rank close to the Core i5. However, it dispatches much more capacity for multi-threading with comparatively less cash required by the user.
Advantage
- · Amazing value for the price
- · Multi-threaded speed
- · Decent performance for Single core
Disadvantage
- · Overclock required to match the 2600X
Verdict
It is an amazing combination in terms of processing chops, gaming power, as well as value-for-money CPU for gaming. If you are looking for a budget-friendly CPU, you can choose it without having even a single thought.
For more details and price, click here.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Review
General Specifications
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Clock speeds: 3.6GHz | 4.2GHz
- Socket: AM4
- · Turbo Clock: 4.2 GHz
- · L3 Cache: 16MB
- · PCle 3.0 Lanes: 16
- · TDP: 95W
Technology
The 2600X flaunts double the amount of thread count when compared to its close rival Intel with Core i5 8400. It makes the 2600X a genuinely impressive bet when it comes to the amazing gaming experience. It ranks close to its far more expensive relative i7 8700K in terms of speed. Even though 8400 by Intel offer quicker frame rates for gaming, it is just a few frames better than the 2600X in an average scaling. And this is at the 1080p resolution. Push this resolution to the highly intensive GPU with 1440p or 4K, and the difference becomes almost zero.
However, it is the 2600 CPU by AMD which gets the crown for best gaming CPU pushing this variant in the X-series all the way to 2nd position. It is actually a cheaper version that requires a small overclocking effort in order to get a speed similar to that of 2600X. Now, if you have some extra cash to spare, you should definitely go for the Ryzen 5 2600X. However, if you are looking for a budget investment, the non-X version of 2600 is what you need.
Advantage
- · Decent prowess for the high-end gaming experience
- · Cheaper as compared to its Intel competitors
- · Amazing computational performance
Disadvantage
- · Not considerably quicker than 2600
Verdict
A bit higher than the price offered with 2600, this “X” version of chip delivers a bit higher on the Turbo clock.
For more details and price, click here.
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Review
General Specifications
- Cores: 4
- Threads: 4
- Clock speed: 3.5GHz | 3.7GHz
- Socket: AM4
- · Turbo Clock: 3.7GHz
- · L3 Cache: 4MB
- · PCle 3.0 Lanes: 8
- · TDP: 65W
Technology
The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is the perfect mix of top-notch quad-core processor performance with a hint of surprisingly useful Vega GPU Silicon construct. This processor is a clear winner whether you are adding a versatile graphics card to your shopping bag or not. Maybe it cannot cater to the highest level of gaming performance, but it surely delivers the best at its budget price.
As a well-priced gaming CPU, the 2200G can easily deliver a decent gaming performance at 720p viewing option. It is good as long as you don’t get too ambitious. Aside from its budget and performance, if you aren’t much of a 4K freak, this processor will surely curb your desires for a good gaming performance at negotiable pricing.
The 2200G loses its streak when pitched against the 1300X in terms of straight performance with CPU. It is mostly because of the half L3 cache. However, in terms of gaming, this processor doesn’t show much of a difference.
Advantage
- · An integrated form of Vega graphics
- · Good overclocking chops
- · Affordable pricing
- Disadvantage
- · Lower levels of cache as compared to straight Ryzen
Verdict
With the presence of Vega graphics, this powerful yet affordably priced processor is great if you are looking for a gaming experience that goes as high as 720p.
For more details and price, click here.
Tips for Purchasing the Best CPU for Gaming
If you would have asked your friend or any gaming enthusiast which CPU they would pick back in the days, Intel was the sure winner with no close competitor. However, things, as well as competition, have changed in the market today. AMD has upped its game and caters a performance as good as Intel at a price tag which is way less.
It can actually lead to confusion when picking the best out of the lot. So, now that you know the top names in the market, here is how you can pick an ideal choice for your gaming requirement.
Performance
When looking for performance in a CPU processor chip, you need to note that the single-core performance can be important for gamers. On the other hand, multi-core performance can be great if you are looking for general use in desktop or use of professional applications. As such, the Intel CPU processors shall cater the best gaming performance. However, the difference is marginal, given the price difference offered by Ryzen models. The Vega-integrated graphics catered by Ryzen are perfect for someone happy with a 720p gaming experience.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Ryzen AMD processors are hands down the best and most affordable options out in the market. However, it doesn’t mean that the makers cut down anything from the features available with the processor. Ryzen brings in its best possible technology to cater to the budget customers who require a quality gaming performance. Further, the AMD processors are way cool and do not heat up as much as the Intel ones. Not only do you get a cheaper option with AMD, but there is also no requirement for an aftermarket cooler.
Bottlenecking
The prime concern ailing many gamers is the fact that the CPU they have picked might not be strong enough to manage the GPU they want. It means that the CPU might not be able to keep pace with the GPU.
Essentially, it means that a chunk of the GPU goes idle, given the fact that the processor fails to render instructions as fast as the GPU can process it. Such pairing of weak CPU with top-notch GPU can be a bad move for your gaming experience. You can calculate the CPU power required to work at par with your GPU by opting for the bottleneck calculators available online.
Bottom Line
Now, whether you decide to bring home an AMD or Intel processor, the market is brimming with the best options. With competition increasing with each passing day, the differences between AMD and Intel processors have decreased substantially. All-in-all, as Intel offers some reliable offers at interesting price points, the AMD processors can be your budget investment. Regardless of which brand you pick, the differences are noticeably minute, so you are always in for an amazing gaming experience with smooth processing per frame.
With this list, we have made your shopping spree for the best CPU easier and more convenient. Remember, regardless of how amazing your graphics card is, it would be of no worth unless your CPU is powerful enough to process the data. So, remember the crucial processor terms such as clock speed, cores, threads, and so on to assess whether the processor is worth your time and investment.
Ultimately, the decision and choice are yours to make!
