Best cpu for gaming on a budget: Best Cheap CPUs of 2022, Tested and Ranked — Tom’s Hardware

31 марта, 2023

Intel Core i5 12400 review

Our Verdict

Without the unprecedented overclocking potential inside the i5 12400 I’d be heartily recommending this chip forms the basis of your next budget gaming PC build. With it, this processor stands a good chance of becoming the legendary processor of Intel’s Alder Lake generation.

For
  • Great stock performance
  • Low power
  • Stays cool
  • Holy hell, does it overclock
Against
  • BCLK OC may get patched out
  • Requires a whole new motherboard

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It would be easy to dismiss the Intel Core i5 12400 as one of the least interesting processors from the 12th Gen Alder Lake generation of CPUs, but in doing so you’d be dismissing one of the best mainstream chips ever made. Now, it is possible part of this CPU’s nerdy allure is the product of a happy accident on the part of Intel’s microcode, but that doesn’t change the fact that as well as being an excellent six-core, 12-thread gaming processor, it’s a hugely impressive overclocking chip, too.

But, if you were particularly after the special Alder Lake hybrid sauce that’s made the Core i9 12900K and Core i5 12600K such potent new processors, you’d be missing out because the lowly $200 Core i5 12400 doesn’t have any of that big.LITTLE specialness. It’s a pretty by rote six-core CPU along the same lines as we’ve seen from the last few generations of budget Intel i5.

That’s still a very positive thing, by the way. Since AMD took the lead in the hearts and minds of PC gamers with its outstanding Ryzen CPUs, Intel has refocused on the mid-range market and has been putting out the absolute best value gaming chips around. Especially since it took the decision to enable HyperThreading on its full range of processors. That gives something like the i5 12400 some serious multithreading grunt for the money.

There is still some of Alder Lake’s silicon goodness beneath that broad heatspreader, however. While this is no hybrid processor—missing the extra Efficient Cores (E-Cores) that add to the versatility of the higher-spec chips—it’s still rocking the Golden Cove architecture inside its pure Performance Cores (P-Cores). 

And that makes all the difference for us PC gamers, because it means the single core performance of the Core i5 12400 is right up there with the absolute best processors around.

And yes, I’m including AMD’s Ryzen 5000 chips here, because in the latest Cinebench tests I’m seeing this stock-clocked $220 Core i5 CPU outperform AMD’s $750 Ryzen 9 5950X in single-core testing. It must be said that’s just one benchmark, and it doesn’t always follow that the Core i5 12400 can therefore top AMD’s finest in every gaming run, but there are certainly a few where it absolutely does.

Intel Core i5 12400 specs

(Image credit: Future)

What are the Core i5 12400 specs?

The Golden Cove core design is matched with the Intel 7 process, which is effectively the same as 10nm SuperFin (though there may be an errant ‘+’ needed somewhere around here), and together are the primary reasons Alder Lake makes for such good gaming chips. It’s been designed to be wider and smarter in order to better compete with AMD’s Zen 3 cores, and features a good chunk more cache than the 11th Gen chips.

Core i5 12600K specs

Cores: 6
Threads: 12
L3 Cache (Smart Cache): 18MB
L2 Cache: 7.5MB
MaxTurbo frequency (GHz): 4.4
Base frequency (GHz): 2.5
Unlocked: No
Graphics: UHD Graphics 770
Memory support (up to): DDR5 4800MT/s, DDR4 3200MT/s
Processor Base Power (W): 65
Maximum Turbo Power (W): 117
Price: $209 | £198

It also offers a healthy instructions per clock (IPC) enhancement over the Cypress Cove bastardised backport architecture that came with Rocket Lake last year.

So yeah, the P-Cores are present and correct, but the fact it’s missing those E-Cores may actually be a bit of a boon at this end of the market, rather than a glaring omission. The Core i5 12400 isn’t really made for multithreading, so those six powerful P-Cores are more than enough for a dedicated budget gaming chip, but it also means you don’t have to reckon with Intel’s Thread Director and hope that the OS is apportioning work to the right cores every time, though Alder Lake’s compatibility issues have supposedly been ironed out now. You’re not necessarily restricted to Windows 11 to get the most out of this CPU either.

It does bear saying the Core i5 12400 does still represent a full platform upgrade for anyone picking this new processor. It requires a new chipset and socket, a really big new socket. The LGA 1700 is real chonk, but is also finally now available on motherboards outside of the hyper-expensive hyper-reality of the swathe of Z690 DDR5 boards we’ve seen since the 12th Gen launch last year.

The B660 chipset is here, and if you go for a DDR4 memory supporting version it is very affordable indeed. You also get PCIe 4.0 support from the chipset, too, for those speedy new SSDs. And I’m confident pricing of these boards will continue to drop, too. 

But DDR5, she is the shiny new thing, no? 

New? Yes. Shiny? Indubitably. A factor in gaming performance? Hell, no.

A good, low-latency DDR4 kit will still hand any current DDR5 module its ass thanks to super lax timings on even the most expensive, most speedy of kits housing the new memory technology. Games favour latency over raw memory frequency, and that has been highlighted in all our memory testing lately.

Intel Core i5 12400 performance

(Image credit: Future)

How does the Core i5 12400 perform?

While we’re talking testing, let’s talk about performance. All our game testing is done at 1080p to highlight the potential differences between processor generations, and as you can see there is a definite performance delta between the three Alder Lake CPUs we’ve benchmarked. But the differences are not great, and we’re seeing that even a mighty RTX 3080 is ably fed with enough code to chew through that the Core i5 12400 isn’t really holding it back that much.

You could point to a 20% drop in performance in Far Cry 6, but we are talking about a drop from 147fps to 118fps. That’s the biggest cut, where our other gaming tests don’t have that great a delta. And it bears saying that as you bump up the resolution, those differences get smaller as the game performance becomes more GPU bound.

PC Gamer 12th Gen test rig: Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Hero, Corsair Dominator @ 5,200MHz (effective), Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, 1TB WD Black SN850 PCIe 4.0, Asus ROG Ryujin II 360, NZXT 850W, DimasTech Mini V2, Windows 11
PC Gamer 11th Gen test rig: MSI MPG Z490 Carbon WiFi, Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB @ 3,600MHz (effective), Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, 1TB WD Black SN850 PCIe 4.0, Asus ROG Ryujin II 360, NZXT 850W, DimasTech Mini V2, Windows 11
PC Gamer AMD test rig: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master, Thermaltake DDR4 @ 3,600MHz, Zadak Spark AIO, 2TB Sabrent Rocket PCIe 4. 0, Corsair 850W, Windows 11

Gaming performance

Image 1 of 7

In straight CPU performance terms it’s mighty impressive, too, offering great single core performance and still pretty meaty multithreaded prowess despite dropping the E-Cores.

What really highlights the power of the Golden Cove microarchitecture is how the Core i5 12400 compares with the best CPU of the 11th Gen range. Almost across the board the i5 tops the i9, only in heavily multi-core focused applications do the extra two cores of Core i9 11900K come into play. Other than that I’m very much in team Alder Lake here — sorry Rocket Lake, you were only ever a stop-gap measure.

System performance

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I do also want to make note of the power draw and thermal performance of this wee chip. Alder Lake is rightly castigated as being one hot, hungry chip design, but in this mainstream form it’s impressively low maintenance. At stock speeds it only peaks at 72W, with a paltry 44°C as its maximum temperature under our AIO cooler. That is an overkill chip chiller, but is half the heat generator that the 12900K is. That also makes it less of a power draw, or hot body compared with the last-gen Core i5 11400 processor.

Power and thermals

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It’s pretty incredible to see a ~$200 processor happily running with all six cores at 5.2GHz

Pairing the Core i5 12400 with an affordable DDR4-based B660 motherboard, then is absolutely the way to go for the vast majority of PC gamers looking for a new budget platform. 

There is one caveat to that, however, one that I alluded to earlier—the Core i5 12400’s potentially accidental overclocking potential. This is no K-series chip, but thanks to what is a rumoured oversight in the CPU microcode, these processors have latent support for base clock overclocking (BCLK OC). Motherboard manufacturers are seemingly taking advantage of this and adding in non-K series specific settings to their boards with external clock generators.

That generally means the expensive options, such as the Asus ROG Maximus Z690 range of boards, but there have been reports of it working on B660 motherboards, too, and potentially even the less expensive DDR4 options, though we’ve yet to try those out ourselves.

It’s pretty incredible to see a ~$200 processor happily running with all six cores at 5.2GHz and barely breaking a sweat. Admittedly I had it running beneath a 360mm Asus AIO cooler, but the fact it maxed out at 81°C under heavy load, and was only drawing the same peak power as a Core i5 12600K running at stock speed, is seriously impressive.

Intel has made a point to say that overclocking your Core i5 12400 in this manner is not supported by the company, nor is it recommended, and it could result in damage to your silicon. But the same can be said for any form of overclocking over the years, certainly the input power needed to operate at such speeds, and the temperature the chip runs at, don’t have me that concerned for its longevity.

Overclocking performance

Image 1 of 7

There are some pretty significant frame rate improvements to be had from overclocking your chip to this extent, but it also means you may have to spend that little bit more getting a motherboard. And if it is just limited to high-end, DDR5-toting options then you’ve got to find yourself an affordable DDR5 kit… which currently does not exist.

Still, running at 5.2GHz the gaming difference between this and practically any other gaming CPU all but vanishes.

It also might get patched out of future BIOS updates through Intel microcode updates, so there’s no guarantee it’s a permanent state of affairs.

Intel Core i5 12400 analysis

(Image credit: Future)

How does the Core i5 12400 stack up?

Even without the Core i5 12400’s overclocking chops, I would be hailing this as the best budget CPU for an age. Intel has continued its aggressive push into the mainstream market, aiming to squeeze AMD out of the running even when it’s starting to claw back its lead right at the very top of the CPU stack, too.

Its gaming performance and productivity prowess make it a no-brainer for a mainstream gaming PC build, especially when you factor in the potent platform that the B660 chipset still offers. Do we need DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 in a budget rig? Not a jot.

Those released motherboard BIOS files aren’t going to go back in the box now

And then you throw in this BCLK overclocking and you’re looking at a chip suddenly reminiscent of the classic Q6600; the old school overclocking heartthrob. When you can have the Core i5 12400 running at a totally stable 5.2GHz it hoses the best of Intel’s last generation of CPUs and practically matches the best of this generation.

You can see why Intel might not want to let this feature stick around officially, but those released motherboard BIOS files aren’t going to go back in the box now. Which means, as long as you’re not super concerned about updating your motherboard ad infinitum, then you’ll have an unfeasibly fast budget CPU for the life of your rig.

Which Intel says might be compromised by the use of such an overclock, but we’ll have to see how these chips hold up under continued use. Certainly, looking at the heat they generate and the power they use at 5.2GHz, I’m not that worried at the moment. It’s also interesting that ours is not an outlier either, our Chris has got himself another Core i5 12400 on the other side of the world, and he’s had his comfortably running at 5.2GHz for a while, too.

The only sad note about this is that, without the motherboard manufacturers adding the feature themselves, we wouldn’t have any idea about the latent overclocking potential Intel had locked inside these impressive processors. And that would have been a real shame.

Though exactly how multiple mobo manufacturers had such a feature ready to roll at launch does beg the question of how they found out and got it out the door without Intel stepping in. Maybe it’s to Intel’s benefit having a little chip legend in its latest stack. .. Certainly adds a little extra warm glow to our feelings about Alder Lake.

Intel Core i5 12400 verdict

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy a Core i5 12400?

The Intel Core i5 12400 is an outstanding gaming CPU. It’s a ~$200 processor that deserves to sit at the heart of your next budget PC build. It offers performance on par with the best of the last generation, and when paired with the right motherboard can deliver unprecedented overclocking prowess. 

The budget component market is starting to look a little healthier now. The B660 and i5 12400 pairing could be a winner and, when you throw in the RX 6500 XT and upcoming RTX 3050 GPU releases, that means building a quality gaming rig no longer has to mean spending $2,000 for the privilege.

Intel Core i5-12400: Price Comparison

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Intel Core i5 12400

Without the unprecedented overclocking potential inside the i5 12400 I’d be heartily recommending this chip forms the basis of your next budget gaming PC build. With it, this processor stands a good chance of becoming the legendary processor of Intel’s Alder Lake generation.

Dave has been gaming since the days of Zaxxon and Lady Bug on the Colecovision, and code books for the Commodore Vic 20 (Death Race 2000!). He built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 16, and finally finished bug-fixing the Cyrix-based system around a year later. When he dropped it out of the window. He first started writing for Official PlayStation Magazine and Xbox World many decades ago, then moved onto PC Format full-time, then PC Gamer, TechRadar, and T3 among others. Now he’s back, writing about the nightmarish graphics card market, CPUs with more cores than sense, gaming laptops hotter than the sun, and SSDs more capacious than a Cybertruck.

10 Best CPU For Gaming 2023

Are you looking for the Best CPU for Gaming to improve the performance of your PC? Here is the ranking of Intel and AMD processors, with technical characteristics and prices, to help you choose the right processor for your needs.

The processor is the fundamental part of a computer, as it determines the performance of the PC, especially in the gaming field. Generally speaking, it can be said that a powerful and fast CPU will be able to improve the performance of your PC.

Speaking of video games, most games prefer the Best CPU for Gaming with a high clock frequency, but it is good to always check the type of game you want to dedicate to, as some games prefer CPUs made up of multiple cores.

Page Contents

  • 1 Best CPU For Gaming Our Top Picks
    • 1.1 1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X – Best CPU for Gaming
    • 1.2 2. Intel Core i9-11900K – Best Budget CPU for Gaming
    • 1.3 3. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X – Best Ultra Cheap CPU for Gaming
    • 1.4 4. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – Best High-End CPU for Gaming
    • 1.5 5. Intel Core i7 9700K – Best Midrange CPU for Gaming
    • 1.6 6. Intel Core i5-11600K – Best APU for Gaming
    • 1.7 7. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – Best CPU for Gaming Video Editing
    • 1.8 8. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – Best High-End Desktop Processor for Gaming
    • 1.9 9. Intel Core i5-9600K – Best Streaming Gaming Processor
    • 1. 10 10. Intel Core i5 8400 – Best Fastest CPU for Gaming
    • 1.11 11. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G – Best CPU for Overclocking
    • 1.12 12. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – Best CPU for Productivity
    • 1.13 13. Intel Core i5 11400 – Best Budget CPU
    • 1.14 14. Intel Core i5-9400F – Best CPU for high-end gaming
    • 1.15 15. AMD Athlon 3000G – Best Current-gen AMD Processor for Gaming
  • 2 Things to Consider
    • 2.1 1. Socket Compatibility
    • 2.2 2. Core Clock
    • 2.3 3. Threads
    • 2.4 4. Thermal Design Power
    • 2.5 5. CPU Cache
  • 3 Which CPU For Gaming To Choose
    • 3.1 Frequency
    • 3.2 Number of cores
    • 3.3 Intel or AMD
  • 4 FAQs
    • 4.1 1. Should I overclock my CPU?
    • 4.2 2. How much does CPU matter for gaming?
    • 4.3 3. What CPU do pro gamers use?
    • 4.4 4. Does a faster CPU mean more FPS?
  • 5 Conclusion

Best CPU For Gaming Our Top Picks

Here are the Best CPU for Gaming on the market today, selected on the basis of technical characteristics and budget.

1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X – Best CPU for Gaming

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is the Best CPU for Gaming of 2023 for those who want to build a high-end PC based on AMD Ryzen. It is a chip equipped with 12 cores and 28 threads, capable of dealing with 4K gaming without problems and managing the streaming of games on Twitch or Youtube.

The base clock frequency is 3.7GHz, while the boost frequency reaches 4.8GHz. The single-core performances, particularly interesting in pure gaming, are excellent and significantly higher than the previous generation, with perceptible results in most triple-A games.

Furthermore, the size and management of the cache, which now amounts to 64MB, also contribute to significantly reducing latency times in the game.

The support for PCIe 4.0 will allow, by inserting an excellent SSD in the configuration, to obtain reduced loading times, as well as greater fluidity and reactivity in general of the system.

Excellent news for those who want to upgrade from the previous generation of AMD CPUs, compatibility with the same AM4 socket. It will therefore not be necessary to replace the motherboard, but possibly only to carry out a BIOS update.

2. Intel Core i9-11900K – Best Budget CPU for Gaming

The Intel Core i9 11900K is the best Intel home Best CPU for Gaming, also suitable for professional use, and proves to be the ideal choice for those with no budget limits and who want to create a professional gaming PC or workstation.

This model is considered the top of the range of the eleventh generation Intel Rocket Lake and offers a configuration with 8 Cores and 16 Threads, which allows it to manage numerous multitasking operations. The maximum achievable frequencies are 5.3 GHz in single or dual-core (and 4.8GHz when all cores operate simultaneously) with Turbo Boost. The base frequency is 3.5GHz.

The frequencies are 3.8 GHz for the Base Clock and 4.6 GHz in Boost Clock. AMD StoreMI technology optimizes load times, boot times, file management and system responsiveness. This is possible by automatically matching the most used files to a 36 MB cache which guarantees maximum performance.

The AMD StoreMI configuration makes a copy of the files used on the SSD without affecting the original files, so you can speed up applications on Windows using a faster mirror copy.

The updated AMD StoreMI interface allows you to view all units on your system, to configure and monitor settings from the control panel.

4. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – Best High-End CPU for Gaming

The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the best gaming CPUs of 2023 in terms of performance/price for those who are choosing the components for a high-end PC to be dedicated exclusively to 1080p gaming.

In fact, if the computer will be used only (or mainly) to play, thus excluding tasks such as 3D rendering, video encoding, etc., we can safely say that the performance of this chip is comparable to that of higher-end models. With the difference that, in this case, the price only reaches 300 €.

Ryzen 5 5600X is a hex-core (12 threads) featuring a base clock frequency of 3.7GHz, with 4.6GHz in boost.

The 65W TDP is incredibly low when compared to the power that the processor is capable of unleashing. Included in the package we already find a Wraith Stealth heatsink, more than enough to cool the system.

However, those who plan to overclock this CPU (and can do it: the chip has the multiplier unlocked) will have to get a more efficient cooling system. However, as far as gaming is concerned, overclocking will not lead to significant improvements in the already excellent performance.

5. Intel Core i7 9700K – Best Midrange CPU for Gaming

The 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K gaming PC CPU is equipped with 8 Cores and 8 Threads, which allow it to satisfy even the most demanding users thanks to the clock speed in Turbo Boost at 4.9 GHz, and a base frequency of 3.6 GHz. The cache is 12MB with Intel Smart Cache architecture.

This processor allows you to manage several simultaneous gaming, recording and streaming activities, proposing itself as the ideal processor for those who want an excellent gaming experience but need to operate in multitasking, such as streamers or those who want to record gameplay to be published later.

The chipset present is the Z390 and belongs to the 300 series, while the TDP value is equal to 95W. It supports Solder Thermal Interface Material technology which optimizes heat transfer from the processor to the cooling system. L ‘ overclocking has led to a more advanced level while the temperatures are kept low even during the most intense gaming sessions.

The Intel Extreme Tuning Utility also allows you to fine-tune overclocking to further optimize processor performance.

6. Intel Core i5-11600K – Best APU for Gaming

Intel Core i5-11600K is the Best CPU for Gaming in the mid-range. It is characterized by excellent performance, which will not make those who use the PC mainly for gaming regret those of a top-of-the-range model.

For example, those who do not know if it is better to choose an i5 or an i7 for their gaming PC can easily orient themselves on this model, investing what has been saved in the graphics card. Moreover, compared to the AMD competitor of the same level, this processor offers a very attractive price.

6 cores and 12 threads, a base frequency of 3.9GHz, which rises to 4.9GHz thanks to Turbo Boost, excellent single-core performance, which is what a gamer looks most in a CPU: coupled to a good VGA, this processor is the perfect Intel base for a respectable gaming setup, to be able to fully enjoy all the latest generation titles at 1080p.

To tell the truth this i5 already includes one, the Intel UHD Graphics 750, which however will only suffice for very simple or dating games.

The CPU does not have very low consumption, but it does not tend to heat up excessively; it will be sufficient to add a good quality heatsink, not excessively expensive since the package does not include one.

7. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – Best CPU for Gaming Video Editing

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor is among the best gaming CPUs on the market, and is proposed as the AMD alternative (compared to Intel) for gamers who need to use the PC also for video editing , for example to create gameplay videos to be published online.

Equipped with 8 Cores and 16 Threads, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X belongs to the AMD Core Zen 2 architecture, characterized by high performance in both single thread and multi thread . The TDP is 65W at 4.4 GHz of boost frequency.

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X also includes a Wraith Prism heatsink which guarantees low noise even with the processor under load.

For maximum performance from your PC, you can configure all settings from the AMD StoreMI control panel, a technology that allows you to improve system responsiveness by automatically matching the most used files to an SSD cache.

AMD StoreMI technology will create a copy of your most used files while leaving the original files intact, so that if you remove or disable the SSD cache, you can still access the original data without problems. This file copy is used to speed up applications on the PC.

8. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – Best High-End Desktop Processor for Gaming

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor is characterized by 6 Cores and 12 Threads, and is proposed as the AMD CPU with the best value for money for those on a limited budget and who want to spend around 200 Euros for their processor.

The base frequency is 3.8 GHz which becomes 4.4 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. The total cache, called GameCache, is 35MB, of which 32MB of L3 and 3MB of L2. This results in excellent gaming performance even in older titles running at 1080p.

The architecture of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is the Zen 2, which guarantees an increase in performance and a higher clock speed. The TDP is 65W, much lower than the previous model, and allows you to keep temperatures low while performance will be higher thanks to the support of AMD Precision Boost 2.0 technology.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor also comes with PCIe 4.0 support which increases the bandwidth for compatible graphics cards and SSDs, improving speed by up to 51% compared to counterparts that do not support this technology.

9. Intel Core i5-9600K – Best Streaming Gaming Processor

The Intel Core i5-9600K is one of the Best CPU for Gaming for price quality, ideal for those looking for good power, without spending a lot. The Intel Core i5-9600K indeed integrates an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics card suitable to run all the latest titles without problems. The base speed of the UHD 360 is 350Mhz, which can reach up to 1200Mhz with Turbo Boost mode.

It is equipped with 6 Cores and 6 Threads, features the Intel 300 series chipset and features a 3.7 GHz base clock speed, while the frequency in Turbo Boost mode is 4. 6 GHz. The TDP value is equal to 95 W.

The Intel Core i5-9600K processor belongs to the 9th generation of Intel processors and has been designed to optimize the performance of your gaming PC through the Solder Thermal Interface Material technology that optimizes heat transfer, to take overclocking to an even more advanced level. The heat is transferred from the processor to the cooling system, and allows you to keep the temperatures lower during gaming sessions.

The Coffee Lake architecture offers 14-nanometer processor optimization and supports the LGA1151 socket and Z390 chipset.

10. Intel Core i5 8400 – Best Fastest CPU for Gaming

Among the i5 gaming CPUs, the Intel Core i5-8400 processor of Coffee Lake architecture is in the mid-range with 6 Cores and 6 Threads capable of improving the performance of 1. 6 despite the multiplier not being unlocked and overclocking. limited.

Compatible with 300 Series chipsets, including the Z370 chipset, it integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630, which allows it to support 4K up to 60Hz, and a heatsink. The TDP value is 65W.

The base frequency is 2.8 GHz but can reach up to 4 GHz in Boost Clock mode which takes advantage of the thermal advantage to make the processor even more powerful. Thanks to this speed in Boost Clock, the single thread performance is in fact improved compared to the old models. The cache is 9MB with Intel Smart Cache architecture.

The excellent value for money performance makes it ideal for those on a budget but still want a good i5 suitable for gaming for their PC. The Intel Core i5-8400 processor is in fact among the best budget 6 Core processors in the Coffee Lake range, which, when combined with a dedicated graphics card, is able to greatly improve gaming performance.

11. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G – Best CPU for Overclocking

The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G processor is part of the third generation CPUs with Zen + architecture and integrated Vega 11 GPU. It is recommended for building a gaming PC for home entertainment or a low-cost office PC.

It has 4 Cores and 8 Threads, and a total cache of 6 MB, of which 2MB of L2 Cache and 4MB of L3 Cache. It supports Socket AM4, and includes a Wraith Stealth heatsink, while the TDP is equal to 65W. The base frequency is 3.7 GHz and can go up to 4.2 GHz in Boost mode. The processor architecture is Zen +, with integrated Vega 11 GPU.

As for gaming, the processor is well suited for RTS, MOBA, MMORPG and Battle Royale games., but struggles to handle triple A games at max settings. For the latter it is necessary to play at a resolution of 720p and with the details set to a minimum. To further improve performance, it is recommended to combine a dedicated low-mid-range video card.

The value for money is still cheaper than the old models with Zen2 architecture, also thanks to the improvement in performance due to the Zen + architecture, which guarantees a 22% increase in performance.

12. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – Best CPU for Productivity

The AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor is a processor with 6 Cores and 12 Threads with AM4 socket and 16MB L3 Cache. The base frequency is 3.4 GHz which can go up to 3.9 GHz in Boost mode, and TDP equal to 65W. The chipset supplied is the AMD X470.

The AMD Ryzen 5 2600 also includes the compact version of the Wraith Stealth heatsink. If you are interested in overclocking, however, it is recommended to add an external heatsink. This CPU model has in fact the unlocked multiplier , which makes it very interesting for those looking for a processor at a good price, less than 200 Euros.

The technical characteristics and the price make it the ideal processor to create a small gaming PCand low cost. The possibility of exploiting frequencies higher than the previous version guarantees better performance visible especially in the most demanding gaming sessions.

This Zen + architecture CPU compatible with AM4 motherboards . The AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor allows for better frequency management, allowing the cores to remain at a higher frequency even when used simultaneously.

13. Intel Core i5 11400 – Best Budget CPU

The Intel Core i5-11400 processor is one of the best PC processors to fit into a balanced gaming setup. It belongs to the 11th generation Intel with Rocket Lake architecture. It is ideal for those who own a motherboard with LGA1200 socket coupled to a last generation processor and want to improve the performance of their gaming PC without spending very high figures.

It has 6 Cores and 12 Threads and has a static frequency of 2.6GHz and is equipped with Turbo Boost mode, which allows it to go up to 4.4GHz.

The base clock speed is 2.9 GHz which goes up to 4.1 GHz in Turbo Boost mode, while the LGA1151 socket is the same as the 8th generation CPUs, making it compatible with all previous generation motherboards .

The Intel Core i5-9400F includes a slim-type heatsink capable of handling the heat emitted by this CPU, whose TDP value is only 65W. The temperature that remains between 35 ° C and 40 ° C. The cache is 9MB with Intel Smart Cache architecture.

15. AMD Athlon 3000G – Best Current-gen AMD Processor for Gaming

The best budget processor is the AMD Athlon 3000G , it is based on a 12 nanometer Zen + architecture and features 2 Cores, 4 Threads and a clock speed of 3. 5 GHz. It is the first Athlon processor with an unlocked multiplier. and overclock support to further improve performance, to reach a clock frequency of up to 3.8 GHz.

It is recommended to pair it with a Mini-ITX motherboard to build a very cheap and small gaming PC.

The CPU integrates Radeon Vega 3 graphics, equipped with 3 processing units , capable of running older games without problemsat 720p resolution, but it also does well with games like Fortnite. If you want to further enhance performance, however, it is advisable to use a dedicated video card.

The maximum operating temperature is 95 ° C while the TDP value is 35W. The AMD Athlon 3000G processor integrates a heatsink capable of handling 65W thermal loads, and is therefore sufficient even when increasing the clock frequency.

The AMD Athlon 3000G processor is compatible with mid-range AMD AM4 motherboards.

Things to Consider

1. Socket Compatibility

Socket compatibility is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a CPU for gaming. A CPU with a socket that is not compatible with your motherboard may not be able to provide the performance you are looking for. Make sure to research each CPU before making a purchase so you can be sure it will work with your motherboard.

AMD processors are generally compatible with all modern motherboards, while Intel processors require specific motherboards from their respective brand. It is important to research which socket type your motherboard supports in order to avoid any problems down the road.

2. Core Clock

When buying a CPU for gaming, it is important to consider the core clock speed. A high-speed core clock will provide a smoother gaming experience, while a lower core clock will help to reduce the time it takes for your computer to respond to input. Some of the most popular CPUs for gaming have high core clock speeds, so it is important to research which one is best for your needs.

3. Threads

When it comes to choosing the right processor for gaming, it’s important to consider the thread count. A higher thread count will allow more simultaneous operations per core, meaning faster performance in multi-threaded games. However, not all processors with a high thread count are created equal.

Some processors with a high thread count have eight cores and 16 threads. These processors are great for gamers who want the best possible performance. However, they may be too powerful for some applications, such as video editing or data processing, and they may also be too expensive.

4. Thermal Design Power

If you are looking to buy a CPU for gaming, it is important to consider the thermal design power (TDP) of the chip. The TDP is the maximum heat output that the chip can produce. It is important to choose a CPU with a low TDP if you are planning on using your computer for gaming.

A low TDP means that the chip will be able to produce less heat and will run cooler. This will also mean that your computer will be more responsive when playing games because the processor won’t be struggling to cope with high levels of heat.

Some of the best CPUs for gaming include processors from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia. Make sure to research each company’s individual offerings so that you can find the right one for your needs.

5. CPU Cache

CPUs today have multiple cores and caches. Often, the more cores a CPU has, the more cache it has. Cache is important for gaming because it can speed up execution of certain tasks by reducing the amount of time needed to access data from memory. In addition, a high-speed cache often helps reduce the load on the main memory, which can improve performance in games.

When choosing a CPU for gaming, you should consider how much cache the CPU has and whether or not it is fast enough for your needs. If you are concerned about frame rates and want to maximize your gaming experience, make sure to look for a CPU with at least 4GB of cache. However, if you just need an affordable option that will work well in most games, go with an 8GB or 16GB model instead.

Which CPU For Gaming To Choose

The characteristics to consider when choosing are clock speed, or frequency, the number of cores, the amount of cache memory, the value of TDP, i.e. the amount of heat generated by the CPU, the presence of a heatsink, and the type of socket to ensure compatibility with the motherboard.

Frequency

Frequency, or clock speed, indicates the speed at which the processor operates, and is measured in GigaHertz (GHz). The higher the value, the higher the speed. This value can vary according to the temperature of the CPU itself; moreover, many best CPU for gaming are equipped with a boost mode capable of increasing the clock speed, and consequently, the productivity of the CPU.

In this case, there are two clock speed values: a base frequency, corresponding to the minimum speed, and a turbo, which is the maximum speed that that particular CPU can reach.

Number of cores

Another fundamental characteristic is the number of Cores present and the value of Threads available; modern processors can have from 4 to 12 cores, and each core can handle one or more threads, effectively doubling the performance of the CPU itself and improving multitasking.

Intel or AMD

The desktop PC processors on the market belong to one of these two manufacturers, Intel or AMD: for gaming, there is no brand that is absolutely preferred, but you must always consider the specifications of the individual models.

In fact, there are different categories of CPUs; from the most expensive and powerful, to the cheapest but less performing, we find: Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 (top of the range), Core i7 and Ryzen 7 (for high-end configurations to be used not only for gaming but also for tasks demanding as video editing and rendering), Core i5 and Ryzen 5 (mid-range, characterized by an excellent performance/price ratio) and finally Core i3, Pentium, Ryzen 3 and Athlon (which represent the economic segment).

For more information on choosing between an AMD vs Intel processor, here is the link to the dedicated guide.

FAQs

1. Should I overclock my CPU?

Overclocking will help your CPU run faster, but be aware that this can also damage your hardware. Overclocking should only be done if you are sure you know what you’re doing and understand the risks. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use reliable overclock software.

2. How much does CPU matter for gaming?

CPU is one of the most important factors for gaming. Increasing its performance will result in a better gaming experience. Additionally, choosing a better CPU can boost your computer’s overall performance.

3. What CPU do pro gamers use?

Professional gamers usually use CPUs that are specifically designed for gaming. CPUs that are popular with pro gamers include the Intel Core i7-8700K and AMD Ryzen 5 2600X.

4. Does a faster CPU mean more FPS?

CPU doesn’t directly affect FPS since FPS is the result of a number of factors working together, but a faster CPU will usually mean more smooth gameplay.

Conclusion

When it comes to gaming, you want the best possible performance possible. That means a powerful CPU. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of what to look for in a CPU, it’s time to take these important factors into account and choose the best CPU for your needs.

AMD Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700 Processor Review

Last year, AMD released the highly anticipated Zen 4 architecture in its Ryzen 7000 series processors, marking the debut of the company’s new AM5 platform. The Zen 4 architecture and AM5 platform offer several notable improvements, including support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and access to the latest and greatest controller sets.

While the architecture of Zen 4 is impressive and efficient, it can be difficult for users on a budget to find all the components needed to build an AM5 system that fits their budget constraints, especially due to the extra cost of implementing a completely new platform in addition to the first one. salvo of the Ryzen 7000 series, which was focused on the overclocking-oriented X-series models that have higher power requirements.

To address this issue, AMD has introduced three new processors that offer budget-minded users the opportunity to experience the benefits of the Zen 4 architecture without a major investment. These processors, AMD Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7700, and Ryzen 5 7600, feature a Zen 4 microarchitecture and a low TDP of just 65W, making them suitable for a wide range of users, including gamers and enthusiasts looking for an affordable entry point to the AM5 platform .

Key features

Ryzen 9 and Ryzen 7 processors will ship with a Wraith Prism cooler, while Ryzen 5 will ship with a hidden Wraith cooler. While a third-party CPU cooler is often recommended for optimal performance, AMD’s bundled coolers are a good choice for those on a budget.

The new non-X-series Ryzen 7000 processors are available in a variety of price points and configurations, and some offer improved power efficiency over previous generations of AMD processors. Unlike the top X Series SKUs that require powerful cooling solutions due to higher power consumption, the new 65W models are designed with efficiency and performance per watt in mind. This makes them more suitable for a wider range of system builders.

However, to compensate for the lower TDP compared to the X-Series SKUs, AMD has lowered the clock speeds of these new chips. While the Boost clock is still relatively high, reflecting the performance of the chips in lighter workloads, the base clock has been lowered more significantly to control power consumption in heavier multi-threaded scenarios.

In the absence of a non-X 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X processor, the most powerful 65W AMD chip is the 12-core Ryzen 97900 priced at $429. The base clock speed of the Ryzen 9 7900 is 3.7GHz, 1GHz slower than the comparable Ryzen 9 7900X, but it bumps up to 5.3GHz. Despite the difference in clock speeds, the 7900’s 65W power rating is much lower than the 7900X’s 170W, making it a more power-efficient option. AMD is positioning the Ryzen 9 7900 to compete against the non-K Intel Core i9-13900 but at a significantly lower price.

Ryzen 7 7700 is an 8-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and is priced at 329US dollars, and it sounds tempting. It’s worth noting that AMD’s suggested prices often differ from prices available in retail stores. But its MSRP makes it the most attractive Zen 4 processor in the Ryzen 7000 series in my opinion. It also comes with an RGB-lit Wraith Prism cooler and can compete with the Intel Core i7-13700.

Last but not least, the 6-core Ryzen 7 7600 is the most affordable option in the line at just $229. It also comes bundled with a Wraith Stealth cooler and, in case it’s not already obvious, is meant to compete with the Intel Core i5-13600.

In addition, all non-X models are fully unlocked for core, memory and factory overclocking. To make it easier for users to take advantage of this feature, AMD has developed its own EXPO DDR5 memory profiles for one-click overclocking, which are comparable to the Intel XMP standard.

Test Boards

In this performance review, we will focus on the AMD Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700 processors. To compare them, I use the following test system, which was also used on all of our previous Zen 4 based models such as Ryzen

Our list of games includes a mix of old and new CPU performance testing games. The focus will be on CPU performance where possible, such as in Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation and Horizon Zero Dawn. The list is by no means exhaustive, but there are enough different game engines and a variety of APIs to give us an idea of ​​broader performance trends.

  • Horizon Zero Dawn

    This is where the CPU bottleneck occurs because the processor cannot keep up with the processing speed of the graphics card. After all, the CPU is responsible for processing the game’s real-time actions, physics, user interface, audio, and other complex CPU-bound processes.

    When we tested the Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700 at 1080p, we were generally impressed. In most of the games we tested, these processors performed well, despite being capped at 65W TDP (90 watts under load), which indicates enough processing power for most of the games available. They even showed a solid average frame rate in Cyberpunk 2022, the infamous resource-hungry game.

    This time we avoided the 1440p and 4K benchmarks as both resolutions are more GPU dependent and don’t show any significant numbers, unlike 1080p. Overall, these chips performed well given their TDP limitations.

    Office, content creation and rendering

    Non-X processors are very useful for gamers. What about non-gaming work like content creation and office productivity? To evaluate the performance of the processor core, I used CineBench R23 along with synthetic and real-time benchmarks. For example, PugetBench for Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop is a great benchmark because it simulates real world workloads.

    For office productivity, any of the non-X Ryzen processors will do the job really well. Ryzen 79 processors00X and Ryzen 9 7950X are probably overkill in this case if that’s your computer’s main use. On the other hand, serious content creators and artists will be fine with the 7950X, where its superior core, cache, and unmatched power will provide the most noticeable performance boost.

    Power and Temperatures

    AMD Ryzen 7000 X-series models have been criticized for their high power limits, which caused Zen 4 processors to run hotter and consume more power than previous generation Ryzen chips. However, newer non-X models have lower power limits, making them more efficient and cooler in my tests. Although they are rated for temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius like the X-series chips, we didn’t see temperatures reach that level in all of my tests, including the PC Mark extended test.

    In particular, the 12-core Ryzen 9 7900 offers superior efficiency, nearly double that of the 7900X, thanks to lower power consumption, lower operating temperature, and very similar performance characteristics.

    Overall, what we really like about AMD’s new processors is their better power consumption, efficiency and thermal performance. So choosing a non-X Ryzen 7000 processor will result in a cooler, quieter system, allowing you to consider small form factor system options.

    Conclusion

    AMD’s new 65W processors, including the Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700, are energy-efficient options worth considering in today’s rising energy cost market. These processors offer similar performance to their X-series counterparts, but with lower power consumption.

    The Ryzen 9 7900, in particular, loses only 10% of overall performance compared to the 7900X, but is priced lower and includes a Wraith Prism cooler. While real-time pricing may not reflect full financial savings, with the total cost of Ryzen 97900 is hard to argue with. It delivers impressive performance and is versatile enough to be used in small form factor systems and overclocked in powerful PCs.

    TAGs: Samsung, Reviews, Processors, Processors AMD

    Test and Review: Core i5-13500 and Core i3-13100F — processors for the mass market or on a limited budget

    Page 1: Test and review: Core i5-13500 and Core i3-13100F — processors for the mass market or on a limited budget

    The Core i5-13400F was decent in our tests, but still not as fast as we had hoped. Especially in the mainstream segment, Intel processors are under increasing pressure from the 65-W models in the Ryzen 7000 line. But what about other Intel CPUs? Our test lab received the Core i3-13100F and Core i5-13500 processors. Let’s see how they show themselves in practice.

    If you are interested in K processors, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our Core i9 tests-13900K and Core i5-13600K, as well as Core i7-13700K, which we published a little later. In the reviews, we looked at the details of the Raptor Cove architecture and process improvements that made it possible to overclock single cores of the Core i9-13900KS processor up to 6 GHz.

    The Ryzen 7000 line is also replenished with 65W competitors. But at the time of publication, we only had Ryzen 9 7900 tests at our disposal. The rest of the CPUs have not yet reached the test lab.

    The Core i3-13100F and Core i5-13500 processors are both 13th generation Core processors, but this does not mean that they are all based on the Raptor Lake design with the Raptor Cove architecture, like the K models. Intel has not yet introduced a second desktop die, therefore uses the Raptor Lake B0 stepping for some non-K models with a maximum of eight performance and 16 efficient cores. But some CPUs are based on the Alder Lake C0 stepping — among them the Core i5-13500. The Core i3-13100F processor that arrived in our test lab is built on the Alder Lake H0 stepping.

    If a processor, like the Core i5-13400 tested earlier, can use both designs, then Raptor Lake chips are cache cut to be identical to the Alder Lake design. In addition, the clock speeds of Alder Lake are set at the same level as Raptor Lake. Therefore, there will be no difference in performance, regardless of the design used.

    The CPU-Z screenshot puts everything in its place: the Core i3-13100F processor belongs to the H0 (Alder Lake) stepping, and the Core i5-13500 processor belongs to the C0 stepping.

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    Below is the current line of 13th Gen Intel Core desktop processors (no special options).

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    900 W. WT

    900. -13100F

    WTT 900 39 WTT 900 39 WD

    Processor comparison
    Kernels Stepping L3 cache L2 cache TVB Boost 3.0 Frequency Boost Base frequency Base Power Turbo Power Price
    Core i9-13900KS 8P+16E Raptor Lake B0 36 MB 32 MB 6.0 GHz 5.7 GHz 5.4 / 4.3 GHz 3.0 / 2.2 GHz 150 W 253 W 750 euro
    Core i9-13900K 8P+16E Raptor Lake B0 36 MB 32 MB 5. 8 GHz 5.7 GHz 5.4 / 4.3 GHz 3.0 / 2.2 GHz 125 W 253 W 55.300 ₽
    Core i9-13900 8p+16e Raptor Lake B0 36 MB 32 MB — 5.6 / 4,2 GGC 900 GGZ 2,2,2,2,2,2,2,AHz W 219 W 610 Euro
    Core i7-13700K 8P+8E Raptor Lake B0 30 MB 24 MB — 5.4 GHz 5.3 / 4.2 GHz 3.4 / 2.5 GHz 125 W 253 W 36.700 ₽
    Core i7-13700 8p+8e Raptor Lake B0 30 MB 24 MB — 5,2 W 219 W 425 euro
    Core i5-13600K 6P+8E Raptor Lake B0 24 MB 20 MB — — 5.1 / 3.9 GHz 3. 5 / 2.6 GHz 125 W 181 W 25.800 ₽
    Core i5-13600 6P+8E Alder Lake C0 24MB 11.5MB — — 5.0 / 3.7 GHz 2.7 GHz 65 W 154 W —
    Core i5-13500 6p+8e Alder Lake C0 24 MB 11.5 MB — — 4.8 / 3.5 GHz 2.5 GHz 65 VT 23.000 ₽
    6P+4E Raptor Lake B0 / Alder Lake C0 20 MB 9.5 MB — — 4.6 / 3.3 GHz 2.5 GHz 65 W 19.600 ₽
    4p+0e Alder Lake H0 12 MB 5 MB — — 4.5 / 3.3 GHz —

    		59 W 89 89 WTT

    There are slight Power Limit differences between standard models and F processors without integrated graphics. All information about individual models is listed in the Intel Ark database.

    Compared to its predecessor Core i5-12500, the tested Core i5-13500 offers eight efficient cores that were previously simply absent. There was also a slight increase in clock frequencies, but in practice it is unlikely to be noticeable. There are still six productive cores here.

    The Core i3-13100 has fewer changes than its predecessor. The new model again does not have efficient cores, and the number of productive cores is limited to four. But the processor also received a slight increase in clock speeds.

    Streams 8 8 12 20 MAX Turbo 3.0 4.3 GHC 4.5 GHC 4.8 GGC

    4. GGG . P-core turbo frequency 4.3GHz 4.5GHz 4.6GHz 4.8GHz P-core base frequency 3.3GHz 9002 GHz 2.5 GHz 3.0 GHz Max. TURBO frequency for E -Jader — — — 3.5 GHz Basic frequency E -Jader — — 1.8 GGC 9001 PL 58 W 58 W 65 W 65 W PL2 89 W 117 154 VT

    2 154 VT test results, let me say a few words about the testing procedure, taking into account the Power Limit. We first tested the Core i3-13100F and Core i5-13500 with stock Power Limit levels of 58/89W for Core i3-13100F and 65/154 W for Core i5-13500. We then removed the Power Limits from both models and equipped them with fast DDR5-6400 memory. But for the Core i3-13100F, removing the limit did not help, since the processor cannot use the potential of a higher Power Limit level. In the case of the Core i5-13500, things look different. Therefore, in multi-threaded tests, we provide two results for the Core i5-13500, and for the Core i3-13100F, we indicate the second result only if faster memory helped to increase performance.