Best CPU for CPU-Intensive Games
Need to deal with a CPU-intensive game? Here are some of the best options
Updated: Jan 9, 2023 3:55 pm
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Best CPU for CPU-Intensive Games – Intel Core i5 13600K
Intel Core i5-13600K
Best Budget CPU for CPU-Intensive Games- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Final Word
CPU-intensive games can put a lot of strain on a computer’s processing power, and choosing the right CPU can make a big difference in how well the game performs. In this post, we’ll cover the best processors for running intensive games at optimal performance levels. Here are the best CPUs for CPU-intensive games.
Before we get into the specifics, we want to mention that while a Core i9 or Ryzen 9 processor might sound like the right choice for this topic, you’re actually better off sticking with a mid-range processor for better value.
With that in mind, these are the best CPUs for CPU-intensive games in 2023.
Intel Core i5-13600K
Cores
14
Threads
20
Base speed
P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
Cache
20MB
TDP
125 W / 181 W boost.
Specs:
- Speed: 5.1GHz (Boost Clock)
- Cores/Threads: 14/20
- Socket: LGA1700
- TDP: 125W
The Intel Core i5 13600K is currently one of the best-value gaming processors on the market. It offers excellent performance for its price and is a great mid-range option. It’s also better than the Ryzen 5 7600X, the direct competitor to the 13600K.
With 14 cores and a high boost clock of 5.1GHz, the 13600K delivers excellent single-threaded performance that is well-suited for CPU-intensive games. Pair it with a decent mid-range graphics card, and you can expect an excellent overall gaming experience at a high refresh rate.
This CPU is also an excellent long-term investment as it can handle the demands of other demanding games as well. If your budget allows, consider pairing it with DDR5 memory for even more performance.
Finally, it’s important to mention that this processor also scales well with higher-end graphics cards like the RTX 4080. So, GPU bottlenecking won’t be a problem.
Best Budget CPU for CPU-Intensive Games- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
Core (Threads)
6/12
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
Specs:
- Speed: 4.6GHz (Boost Clock)
- Cores/Threads: 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a great budget option for CPU-intensive games. It was the best value gaming processor at launch, and its price has only dropped since then, making it an even better value today.
This CPU supports overclocking, so it should be able to handle the demands of CPU-intensive games for the next three years at least. It also supports PCIe Gen 4 storage, so it’s still future-proofed to some extent. All-in-all, it’s a great gaming processor.
Final Word
Overall, the Intel Core i5 13600K and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X are excellent choices for running CPU-intensive games at optimal performance levels. It just comes down to your budget and how much processing power you need out of your system. You can’t go wrong either way.
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Best CPU for 1440p Gaming in 2023
Modern PC hardware has changed the way of PC gaming and now it is all about who has gotten the better hardware. AMD and Intel both have worked pretty hard to reach this point where even mainstream gaming processors have more than ten cores. In this article, we will be looking at the best CPU for 1440p gaming in 2023.
Intel released the Alder Lake processors last year, and the Raptor Lake processors are due at the end of this year. These 12th-generation processors were the first ones that came with two kinds of cores, and this decision proved to be great for Intel, as the multi-core performance of these processors is much better than its AMD counterparts.
AMD, on the other hand, released the Ryzen 5000-series processors around two years ago, and now the Ryzen 7000-series processors are to be launched in a couple of months. These processors do not come with two kinds of cores, although the core count of these processors is usually higher than the performance cores of Core i-series processors.
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For 1440P gaming, it is important to note that you require a high-end graphics card that is capable of providing fluent fps.
The need for a high-end CPU is also there, but the main focus should be on the graphics card, especially if you don’t own a high-refresh-rate monitor.
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This processor is one of the industry-leading CPUs that can deliver realistic gaming graphics and provide you with a huge in-game advantage. It comes with whopping 6 cores and16 threads which allow it to handle multitasking effectively. Plus I7 11700k has a 3.60 GHz base frequency and 5.00 GHz of maximum turbo frequency, thanks to which its overclocking abilities are unrivaled in its pricetag.
I7 11700k is also backed by 16 MB of Smart Cache. The Cache plays an important role in system processing by storing the data temporarily until it is needed so that it can be loaded quickly when required. Plus this processor comes with a 350 MHz graphics base frequency and 1.30 GHz of graphics maximum frequency. It can also work at full speed at 100°C and it has an FCLGA1200 CPU socket.
This processor supports PCIe 4.
0 and there are at least 20 PCIe express lanes. I7 11700k is also compatible with DDR4-3200 and it can handle 128 GB of memory. Plus it comes with its own thermal solution which manages the temperature of the build. Moreover, it has a TDP of 125 W. It is available online for $340-$350 which is quite budget-friendly especially if we consider all the amazing features I7 11700k has.
Ryzen 5800X is one of the best CPUs for 1440p gaming as it is equipped with amazing overclocking abilities and a decent clock boost. This processor comes with 8 cores and 16 threads that are enough to support AAA titles. Moreover, it has a base clock of 3.8 GHz that can be boosted to 4.7 GHz to overwhelm any challenge and provide consistent output.
It can also handle multiple complex tasks at the same time. Plus Ryzen 5800X has 4 MB of L2 cache and 32 MB of L3 Cache to store data efficiently for faster processing. It comes with an AM4 socket so it would require an AM4 socket motherboard. Furthermore, Ryzen 5800X supports DDR4 memory up to 32000 MHz which is more than enough for high-end gaming.
Ryzen 5800X also features advanced technologies to speed up the system processing and ensure stable results are delivered. This processor incorporates AMD StoreMI Technology, AMD Ryzen™ VR-Ready Premium, and AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility. Its default TDP is 105W and it can operate at the maximum temperature of 90°C. So you rest assured this processor can handle the heat produced during intense gaming sessions. You can buy Ryzen 5800X for $349-$355 which is quite reasonable.
I5 12600K is one of the most powerful processors that can support 4k gaming. It is a great option for multitasking as it has 10 cores and 16 threads. This processor was made to deliver unparalleled performance and provide excellent overclocking performance. Plus it supports 128 GB through 2 different memory channels. It is a great choice for gamers and overclockers alike.
This processor also has amazing graphic support which helps it in playing heavy graphics games without any lag. The 300 MHz Graphics Base Frequency and 1.
45 GHz Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency allow it to deliver high-resolution shots with consistent fps. In addition, I5 12600K comes with a 20 MB Smart Cache along with 9.5 L2 Cache which improves system efficiency. It can run at full speed even at 100°C so just make sure your build does not heat up to this point.
Plus I5 12600K has a base frequency of 3.70 GHz and a maximum Turbo Frequency of 4.90 GHz. The overclocking ability of this processor is also top-notch and it comes with PCI2 4.0 support to make the most out of your graphics cards. Moreover, this processor integrates various performance-boosting technologies i.e. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology, etc. It is available on most online platforms for $290-$300.
Ryzen 5600X is one of the best gaming processors as it comes equipped with a decent number of cores and threads along with high-quality specs. It can also handle long hours of gaming and overclocking without heating up. Plus this processor comes with a base clock speed of 3.
7 GHz that can be boosted up to 4.6 GHz to deliver uninterrupted output.
It is more than capable of handling different tasks at the same time thanks to 6 cores and 12 threads. There is also 3MB of L2 Cache and 32 MB of L3 Cache that stores data so that it is readily available for loading and there is no lagging. Furthermore, Ryzen 5600X supports DDR4 memory up to 3200 MHz. It is also PCIe 4.0 ready to deliver HD graphics and enhanced memory performance.
Ryzen 5600X is also backed by AMD StoreMi technology and AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility; which play an active role in providing boosted performance. The default TDP of this processor is 65W and it comes with an AM4 CPU socket. Additionally, it can operate at 95°C and it comes with a thermal solution to keep the temperature down. You can buy it from Amazon for just $220-$240.
I5 11600K has everything that a CPU should have to support the latest games. It is also future-proof so you won’t need to change your processor again and again.
It comes with a 3.90 GHz base frequency that can be boosted to 4.90 GHz to deliver unparalleled gaming performance. There is also 12 MB of smart cache that plays a vital role in accelerating the PC commands.
This processor has 6 cores and 12 threads that help this processor in taking care of multiple complex tasks at the same time. Plus the TDP of this processor is 25W and the bus speed is 8 GT/s. I5 11600K also supports 128 GB of DDR4-3200 memory through 2 different memory channels and 50 GB/s is its max memory bandwidth.
Moreover, I5 11600K delivers amazing graphics quality with the help of 4k support, 64 GB graphic video memory, and 1.30 GHz graphic turbo frequency. Also, it integrates tons of different advanced technologies to optimize the CPU performance and handle long hours of uninterrupted gaming. All these features make I5 11600K one of the best CPUs for 1440p gaming. Last but not least, you can buy it online for just $230-$240 which is quite reasonable.
3d Modeling Processor 2022/2023
If you’ve dealt with 3d modeling before, you should know how demanding it can be to run programs smoothly on a PC.
If you don’t have a good 3d modeling processor, you’ll have a hard time getting your software to work. Finding the right processor for this particular task can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know the specs you need.
There are several processors that are best suited for a particular 3D modeling task. You’ve come to the right place if you need help choosing which ones are best for you. We have found six of the best 3D modeling processors currently available on the market. Whatever your requirements, chances are you’ll find a solution here.
01 AMD RYZEN 7 2700X — $ 230
Budget processor for 3D modeling
Amazon
Features:
- Price $ 275.0023
- COTT products 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.3 in.
- Product weight 1.60 oz.0032
Cons:
- There are other updated versions
The AMD Ryzen family of processors is not the best in terms of processing power and performance.
Don’t get us wrong, their processors are still excellent, but what’s even better is that they’re cheaper than other top-tier processors. Although not the latest AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, it remains one of the best AMD processors. Since its release in 2019AMD’s Ryzen 7 2700X had one of the biggest update gaps of any AMD processor this year. This is definitely a worthwhile PC upgrade. If you’re interested in 3D rendering, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X will be more than enough to justify your investment.
Although the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X has the same octa-core and 16-thread design as previous AMD processors, it is much faster. It comes with a standard 3.7GHz base frequency. When overclocked, you can get speeds up to 4.3 GHz. In comparison, the Ryzen 7 1700X runs at around 3.8GHz while the Ryzen 7 1800X runs at 4GHz at best. When it comes to speed and processing power, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X is the clear winner. This is a major upgrade over its predecessors, and that alone should be enough to get you one.
02 AMD RYZEN 9 3900X — 29 900 rubles
Yandex Market
Features:
- Price $ 449.00
- Processor speed 4.6 GHC
- SOCKET AM4
- , 57 × 0, 24 inches
- Product Weight 1.6 ounces
Pros:
- Offers more nuclei
- Fast and efficient assembly
9000
Minures:- A bit overkill for most applications
If you want something a little newer from AMD and have more money to spare, then you should get the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X. This is one of the best solutions it has to offer AMD, and it’s great in its own way.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X is the first mainstream processor from AMD to use a 7nm manufacturing process. AMD has been preparing for this move for the past two years, but with AMD Ryzen 93900 X they now have what can be considered one of the best processors for gaming. If it’s good enough for gaming, then the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X is by far the best processor for rendering.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X uses a new and improved L2 tag branch predictor. It is essentially a larger micro-op cache that is twice as large as other AMD processors used. In addition, AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X also used multiplication delay to improve throughput. In terms of performance, AMD Ryzen 9The 3900 X uses every possible upgrade, which explains the price increase over previous models.
The performance of the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X has been improved by at least 10% over its predecessor. All in all, you get a very fast processor for your 3D rendering needs. When it comes to software compatibility and overall performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X is second to none and it’s without a doubt one of the best processors you can get right now. It is clear that there are other, better options, but the price of AMD Ryzen 9The 3900 X suits most people. For everyday use this might be overkill, but for professional use it’s perfect.
#3 Core i9-9900K — 44 500₽
Yandex market
03 Intel Core-i9 9900K
Best processor for rendering 2022
Pros:
- World’s fastest processor
- Excellent heat dissipation
Cons:
- More expensive than most
options
Specification
- Price $670.
00 - Processor speed 5 GHz
- Processor socket LGA 1151
- Product dimensions 2.91 x 4.41 x 4.61 inches
- Weight 0.018 oz
If you really want to improve your game when it comes to 3D rendering, then you shouldn’t limit what you spend on your CPU. We are talking about none other than Intel processors.
The
Core i9-9900K is currently the fastest mainstream desktop processor you can buy right now. Of course, you have to pay for such performance. In the case of the Core i9-9900K, its price is almost $,700 . If you have the budget for it, the Core i9-9900K is definitely one of the best processors you can get for 3D rendering.To improve the Core i9-9900K, Intel used soldering technology. This improves the efficiency of heat transfer between the heat spreader and the CPU case, so you get the most efficient heat dissipation possible with the Core i9.-9900K. This means the Core i9-9900K is more than capable of running heavy programs as well as multitasking.
These are definitely must-have features in a 3D modeling processor. The base frequency of the Core i9-9900K is 3.6 GHz, which is already a good enough start. When overlocked, the Core i9-9900K can easily reach 5GHz. With the additional Core i9-9900K cores, you get one of the fastest processors in the world. Understandably, the Core i9-9900K is a bit pricey for most people. However, instead, you should consider it as an investment in a quality product on your part. Core i9The -9900K might be expensive, but you get a highly reliable processor in return.
04 Intel Core i7-6800K — 15 500 rubles
Budget processor for rendering 2022
Yandex Market
Features:
- Processor
- 2011-3
- Product Dimensions 4.48×4.01×3, 19″
- Weight 6.4 oz
Pros:
- Great and cheap alternative from Intel
- Great performance
Cons:
- Not a big upgrade from previous models
choose a cheaper, but at the same time powerful processor from Intel.
It is none other than the Intel Core i7-6800K.
The Intel Core i7-6800K was Intel’s best-selling processor right up to the latest model. It offers the biggest generational jump of any Intel processor at the moment, making it more than a match for this list. The Core i7-6800K is the successor to the i7-5820K. Both of these processors from Intel come with six processor cores, all of which are hyper-threaded. In addition, the Core i7-6800K is equipped with 28 PCIe Gen3 lanes. These upgrades to a newer model result in high performance, which will certainly benefit those who use heavy software.
#5 AMD Ryzen 9 3950X — Rs.
The
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a 3D modeling processor in its class. It has one of the best features among AMD processors. Most importantly, however, the price of the AMD Ryzen 9 3950 X is not that high compared to its competitors and predecessors.
This processor comes with a 7nm process. This allows for various density advantages that can result in higher performance.
It has better power efficiency as well as more cores and caches that are packed into a smaller footprint. With that said, AMD Ryzen 9The 3950 X is definitely one of the highest quality processors you can find right now. Again, it’s all packed into a very affordable processor made by one of the top manufacturers in the industry.
In terms of tasks like video editing and 3D modeling, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X performs well compared to competitors like the i7-6800K. It’s slightly faster than this processor and costs significantly less. If you are looking for a processor for this particular task, then AMD Ryzen 9The 3950X will definitely be one of the best options you can find while staying within your budget.
Of course, not everything is perfect with the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X. The processor struggles a bit when it comes to heat dissipation, but other than that it’s a great processor.
Specifications:
- Price $700.00
- Processor Speed 4.
7 GHz - CPU Socket Socket AM4
- Product Dimensions 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
- Item Weight 6.1 oz
Best Intel 12 Processor — From Premium to Budget Choice
Which Intel 12th Generation Processor is Best? With the launch of the 13th generation, there will be no better time to switch to the previous generation of processors.
This is our guide to the best 12th generation Intel processors, plus a detailed look at Z690 motherboards and DDR5 RAM.
Many will ask, is it worth switching to the 13th generation ? It will certainly give a boost, but don’t discount the incredibly powerful 12th gen processor.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Alder Lake processors for each type of consumer based on all the information currently available: budget, gaming needs, and workstation performance.
Please be aware that 12th generation Intel processors were designed with Windows 11 and requires the new Windows 9 operating system to get the most out of their performance0019 .
Also be aware that if you are considering buying an overclockable 12th generation Intel processor for just this purpose, you will need to buy a Z690 motherboard to unlock this functionality.
Skip to Rankings
Intel 12th Gen Processor Specifications
While Alder Lake is known for its hybrid architecture, only about half of the chips come with a combination of high performance (P) and efficient (E) cores.
The balance of P-cores and E-cores is different for each model. Only P-cores support hyper-threading, so the i9 model comes with 16 cores and 24 threads, the i7 model comes with 12 cores and 20 threads, and so on. Non-hybrid chips come exclusively with hyper-threaded P-cores.
In terms of frequency, it’s hard to say unequivocally about Alder Lake. P-cores and E-cores operate at different frequencies, so there is no single indicator. With the updated Intel Extreme Overclocking Utility (XTU), you can configure P-cores and E-cores independently.
Alder Lake Architectural Design
Alder Lake uses a hybrid architecture that combines two types of compute cores. The first is the performance core, which mirrors what you’ll typically find in the new generation of processors, and the second is the performance core, which is used to handle background tasks and applications that require a lot of cores.
Intel is designing both cores on Intel 7, which is the new name for the Enhanced 10nm SuperFin node. The Golden Cove cores are the largest and they do most of the work you do on a computer. Gracemont cores are the smallest and are useful for running background tasks or saving battery power when a performance core is not required.
Golden Cove cores are focused on high frequency single threaded performance of . The company says that by using the new Intel Matrix engine, the cores will run at higher frequencies in all applications.
The Matrix engine is a co-processor that handles matrix multiplication, which in particular can speed up AI workloads.
Gracemont cores handle the other side of the performance spectrum. Intel says they are all geared towards multi-threaded performance: running multiple light tasks on multiple cores. Intel claims they can run about 40% more efficiently than older SkyLake cores at the same power.
Combining the two main structures is a series of high capacity interconnects. The compute fabric links the two cores together with up to 1000 Gbps of bandwidth, the I/O fabric provides up to 64 Gbps of bandwidth between inputs and the memory subsystem, and the memory fabric provides up to 204 Gbps of bandwidth between memory and the rest of the processor .
Other changes to Alder Lake include support for PCIe Gen 5 and PCIe Gen 4, as well as DDR5 and DDR4 memory. Although Alder Lake supports both generations of DDR system memory, it is up to the board manufacturer to decide which standard to support. Users cannot mix DDR4 and DDR5 modules on the same board. Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E Gig+ are also supported on Alder Lake.
Rumor has it that Intel will continue to support DDR4 memory for its 13th generation Raptor Lake processors.
DDR5 modules support XMP 3.0. This new version of XMP comes with many updates, including up to two user profiles, a total of five built-in profiles, and support for operating system customization.
Alder Lake CPU Overclocking
Alder Lake chips have a thicker IHS which should give them more overclocking potential. Intel reduced the die thickness and thermal interface material to increase the size of the IHS, adding more bulk metal to the top of the chip for more cooling potential.
Alder Lake marks the launch of the Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) 7.5, which allows you to tune the ratio and voltage settings of P-cores and E-cores. Each core can be overclocked independently. If that doesn’t bother you, you can use the Intel Speed Optimizer on the Core i9-12900K and Core i9-12900KF to add moderate one-button overclocking.
In our testing, XTU overclocked the chip to 5.0 GHz on all cores without increasing heat or power consumption. With some manual tweaking, we managed to overclock to 5.4 GHz without too much hassle, although the power consumption was 300 watts.
New LGA1700 socket and motherboards
Intel is moving to the Alder Lake Z690 platform, which features the new LGA1700 socket . Many motherboard manufacturers, including Gigabyte, MSI, Asus, Colorful and ASRock, are offering boards with the new chipset and socket. Alder Lake supports DDR4 and DDR5, but as mentioned above with you won’t be able to use both on the same motherboard.
Z690 The is Intel’s flagship chipset, but the company also has budget options like the H670, B660, and H610. These chipsets do not support CPU overclocking and have fewer PCIe lanes. However, they still support other Alder Lake features including DDR5 on the motherboard with the correct RAM slots.
DDR5 has the same number of pins as DDR4 but has a different layout. Motherboard manufacturers can choose which standard they want to support, and you can’t switch between them.
New socket means new CPU cooler layout. Many CPU cooler manufacturers, including Noctua, offer free brackets for the LGA1700 socket.
Stream Director and Windows 11
Alder Lake can use Windows 11 like never before. Thread Director is a new hardware-level feature on Alder Lake processors that helps the operating system—specifically Windows 11—understand how to assign tasks to different cores.
As already mentioned, the Alder Lake is a hybrid architecture of the that uses high performance and efficient cores. Typically, the operating system chooses which tasks to put where using a combination of calculations (such as whether a task is in the foreground or in the background) and guesses. The result is inefficient thread scheduling, which is very important for a hybrid processor.
With the Thread Director feature, Intel can offer Windows 11 complete information about what workload a task is handling. This takes the guesswork out of the equation, helping the operating system to better allocate tasks to the appropriate cores.
Thread Director allows the processor to reach peak performance states when tasks demand it, while conserving battery life when the machine is not under heavy workload.
The biggest improvements will be in Windows 11, but Intel says there will be some improvements in Windows 10 as well. In the future, Intel says it hopes to work with other partners to bring Thread Director support to other operating systems.
Top 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake Processors
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Core i9-12900K — Intel’s most powerful gaming and workstation processor
The most powerful of Intel’s new 12th Gen Alder Lake lineup and possibly the most powerful processor on the retail market regardless of brand; Intel Core i9-12900K is the best choice for those who can afford it.
What we like :
- Powerful single-core performance
- Powerful multi-core performance
- Overclockable
What disappointed us :
- Dear
The i9-12900K is Intel’s great attempt to claim the title of the best gaming processor. Intel Core i9-12900K performs almost 30% better than Ryzen 95950X in gaming but at a very reasonable suggested retail. The i9-12900KF model (no integrated graphics) is even cheaper, although we personally would have spent a little more and opted for the iGPU option solely for its use in GPU failure scenarios.
Keep in mind that these performance figures are based on the stock 5.3GHz clock speed that the Intel Core i9-12900K ships out of the box (compared to the 5950X’s 4.9GHz and 5900X’s 4.8GHz). One area in which Intel processors traditionally excel is overclocking, so that might give the i9-12900K even more advantage over the competition when paired with the Z690 motherboard.
The
Intel Core i9-12900K not only tries to compete with AMD in the realm of gaming, but also faces them in multi-core workstation tasks, traditionally an area in which AMD has dominated. The 12900K has doubled the core and thread count of the 11900K, to 16/24, meaning it matches the AMD Ryzen 5950X in terms of core count (with fewer threads due to «smaller» E-cores). Of course, these competing processors have a completely different architecture: AMD Ryzen 9comes with a smaller 7nm process compared to 10nm Alder Lake processors, so it’s impossible to know how it actually works until extensive testing is done.
Intel’s previous generation flagship had its L3 cache reduced to 16MB, but recent news indicates the 12900K will ship with a whopping 30MB L3 cache, 14MB L2 cache, and 1.4MB cache. L1 memory. How this will affect actual gaming and workstation performance remains to be seen, especially since we don’t know how the OS’s kernel scheduler will interact with large and small 12th gen processor architectures regarding cache.
However, this indicates that the CPU may be better able to handle many simultaneous multitasking workloads, which may mean smoother workstation tasks rather than just heavy processing like gaming. The
Intel Core i9-12900K promises to be the most powerful gaming processor on the market, not just the best of Intel’s 12th generation lineup.
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Core i7-12700KF is the best value for gamers
The
Core i7-12700KF may not win the award for the most powerful 12th generation Intel processor, but we would recommend it to most gamers. This version of the Intel Core i7-12700 KF offers enthusiast gamers the ability to overclock, but saves money by not having an iGPU.
What we like :
- Powerful single-core performance
- Overclockable
What disappointed us :
While the flagship Alder Lake processor may get the most press, it is the next highest processor in the rankings that will be of more interest to most pure gamers who are willing to spend more money on a more powerful graphics card.
The
Core i7-12700KF offers gaming enthusiasts the same number of performance cores as the competing AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (specifically eight cores), but with an extra four efficient cores for the same suggested retail price. The Boost 12700KF’s clock speed of 5.0 GHz is slightly higher than the 5800X’s 4.9 GHz. The overclocking potential of the Intel K-series should appeal to the most hardcore gamers, and this area is likely to allow it to further widen its lead over the Ryzen 7 5800X.
We chose the KF version of this processor primarily because it offers the best value for money for hardcore gamers who don’t use their PC for anything other than web browsing, word processing and gaming; it directly competes on price with AMD competitors. While integrated graphics have their benefits, for gamers with dedicated GPUs, it’s a luxury or a back-up feature they can do without.
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Core i7-12700K — top midrange for games and workstations
The
Core i7-12700K provides overclocking capability and comes with its own integrated GPU for a slightly higher price.
What we like :
- Powerful single-core performance
- Overclockable
What disappointed us :
While we chose the Intel Core i7-12700KF as the midrange because it offers the best value for money for gamers, for some, the Intel Core i7-12700K may be the best choice.
To recap, the Intel Core i7-12700K is functionally identical to the Intel Core i7-12700KF, except it comes with its own integrated graphics (iGPU) that can be used instead of a dedicated graphics card for a slightly higher price. The average gamer will not need to use this iGPU as they rely entirely on a separate dedicated graphics card, however it can be useful in some scenarios.
If you intend to use your computer for creative and workstation applications, be aware that some parts of Adobe software, for example, use features such as QuickSync that require an iGPU to work.
Also, if you ever run into a situation where your main GPU fails (God forbid), it’s very useful to have a backup option until a replacement arrives, especially in these days of chip shortages.
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Core i5-12600KF — mid-range gaming processor with overclocking
The
Core i5-12600KF is the option we recommend if you want the most budget-friendly Alder Lake processor right now and aren’t prepared to wait for the arrival of the Intel Core i5-12600 or the purported Intel Core i5-12400 in 2022.
What we liked :
- Good single core performance for the price
- Overclockable
What disappointed us :
The
Intel Core i5-12600KF isn’t really a budget offering as it’s a lower midrange processor capable of overclocking, but so far it’s the cheapest 12th gen Intel processor you can buy. The Intel Core i5-12600F is expected to arrive in early 2022, it will be the same base processor without an iGPU, but not overclockable and therefore cheaper.
Even later, in 2022, we expect to see the Intel Core i3-12400F take a real budget slot in the lineup.
