What’s the best CPU for gaming? 5 Options for any budget

Ever wonder why your games stutter even with a powerful GPU? Here’s how to choose the best gaming processor without overspending.

A high-end GPU is crucial for modern games, but does that mean you can skimp on the CPU? Not really. A good processor keeps your entire system running smoothly, handling everything from physics calculations to AI, sound effects, and input processing. While the best CPU for gaming can be pricey, choosing the right one ensures your PC performs at its best without unnecessary spending.

It’s easy to think the most expensive processor is the best choice, but that’s not always true. Many games rely more on the GPU than the CPU, meaning you don’t need a top-tier chip for excellent performance. However, if you’re into competitive gaming and high frame rates matter, a strong CPU can make a difference. Some games demand more from the GPU, while others rely on the CPU.

That’s why picking the right gaming processor depends on your needs and budget. Whether you want a balance between price and power or a CPU that can keep up with demanding games, I’ve done the research to help you make the best choice.

1. Best high-end CPU for gaming: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

AMD dropped its latest flagship desktop processor, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, at CES. After seeing how well the 9800X3D handled gaming, I’ve been eager to find out what AMD’s second-gen 3D V-Cache can do with extra cores and faster boost speeds.

This powerhouse comes with either 16 or 12 cores, making it a solid choice for both creators and gamers—especially the latter. It cranks up to a 5.7GHz boost clock and packs a hefty 144MB of cache. According to AMD, that adds up to an average 8% performance boost over the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

The boldest claim? AMD says the 9950X3D outpaces Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K by 10%, making it a go-to for anyone who wants top-tier gaming and desktop performance. And in 40 games AMD tested—including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Watch Dogs: Legion—it was on average 20% faster than Intel’s chip.

Of course, raw performance isn’t everything. Heat has been a major challenge with 3D V-Cache technology. Since the memory cache packs in a dense cluster of transistors, it consumes a lot of power and generates significant heat. But AMD seems to have found a way around that.

By shifting the cache below the processor cores, AMD improved cooling for the CPU cores while reducing the cache’s sensitivity to high temperatures. This design change lets the Ryzen 9 9950X3D hit higher boost clocks and deliver better performance for both gaming and creative workloads.

With all these improvements, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D looks like a serious contender. AMD says it will launch in March, but pricing details are still under wraps.

2. Best gaming CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

If you’re into high-performance gaming or working with video editing apps like Adobe Premiere Pro, a Ryzen 7 processor is the way to go. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D isn’t just AMD’s best gaming chip. It’s the fastest one out there.

AMD’s new “Zen 5” microarchitecture has proven to be a clear step up from the last generation’s “Zen 4.” While it doesn’t bring a massive performance boost, it runs cooler and uses less power. That means you get better efficiency without worrying about excess heat slowing things down.

One of its best features is the extra 64 MB of on-die cache, pushing the total L3 cache to 96 MB. If you want top-tier frame rates at 1080p with optimized settings, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($589) delivers exactly that.

3. Best midrange gaming CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X

Not everyone can splurge on a Ryzen 9 9950X3D or Ryzen 7 9800X3D for gaming. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get serious performance on a budget. AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series has made a huge leap over its predecessor—and even put up a strong fight against Intel. While some of the more affordable chips in the lineup have been a bit underwhelming in terms of speed and heat management, the Ryzen 7 7700X stands out as one of the best gaming processors you can get.

In certain games, it goes toe-to-toe with AMD’s high-end $700 Ryzen 7000-series chip—and sometimes even outperforms it. That kind of power at a lower price point is hard to ignore when you’re shopping for a new CPU.

What’s especially impressive about the Ryzen 7 7700X is how it keeps up with chips that have the same or even higher TDP. During TechRadar’s tests, it peaked at 121.222W. Despite that, it delivered performance on par with the Ryzen 9 5950X, which needed 144.895W to hit its best numbers.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is currently going for just $275.98—a sweet 31% off the usual $399.00. At this price, it’s an absolute steal. While it’s more midrange than budget-friendly, it’s absolutely worth the extra cash if you can swing it.

4. Best budget gaming CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F

Manufacturing gaming CPUs isn’t cheap. Companies put a lot of work into research and development, and the high-tech components drive up costs. But the Intel Core i5-13400F is one of the most affordable Raptor Lake Core i5 chips.

It costs less than the standard Core i5-13400 because there’s no graphics processor. That might seem like a drawback, but most built-in GPUs don’t handle gaming well anyway. Fewer E-cores also help bring the price down. With the money you save, you could grab a better graphics card. In most cases, that upgrade would boost gaming performance more than the extra cores in the Core i5-13600K.

Intel also includes the Laminar RM1 stock cooler. It’s not the most powerful, but it might keep temps low enough to avoid buying an aftermarket cooler. That means even more savings. With a whopping 44% discount, the Core i5-13400F is now just $135.

5. Best integrated graphics CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G

The debate between integrated and dedicated graphics cards (GPUs) has been around for a while. In the past, people viewed integrated GPUs as lacking power. Thanks to advancements in technology, the gap between the two options has shrunk.

The Ryzen 7 8700G is a powerful SoC built on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture. It started in laptops but now shines in desktop PCs. Its integrated Radeon graphics handle gaming at low to medium settings and deliver smooth video and image editing.

What’s cool is how much stronger these integrated graphics are compared to the older onboard options. In a lot of cases, you can skip buying a separate graphics card altogether. Right now, you can grab the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G for just $255, down from the original price of $329.

However, if you’re planning to game at 1440p or 4K, I recommend going for a dedicated GPU. Those higher resolutions need extra graphical power.

Parting thoughts

I broke down the best CPUs for gaming, so now it’s up to you. If you’re building or upgrading your gaming rig, consider how much CPU power your favorite games actually require. A well-balanced system with the right CPU and GPU combo will give you the best experience without overspending.