The Top 7 CPUs for 2024 Gaming

With so many choices available, choosing the best desktop CPU for your gaming setup might be difficult. For those wishing to construct a new PC with optimal gaming performance, this article aims to make that process a little bit easier. For high FPS in games, a strong CPU is also essential, in addition to a strong GPU. We've included desktop CPUs from AMD and Intel in this guide, all priced differently, so you may create a low-cost PC or a very high-end, fully-specced gaming PC.

The total CPU load for AAA gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions is significant enough that you should think about purchasing one of the top CPUs we've mentioned below. Make sure your GPU has enough power, however, for the games you want to play with this configuration. So let's get started!

The best high-end AMD CPU for gaming is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Manufacturing Process: 5nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 8C / 16T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 4.20GHz / 5.10GHz
TDP: 120W
Integrated GPU: Yes
CPU Socket: AM5
CPU Cooler Included: No

AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which debuted in 2023, is equipped with the company's exclusive 3D-stacking technology. Notably, the integrated 3D V-Cache makes this the greatest gaming CPU. Utilising a 5nm manufacturing technique, it can reach a maximum boost clock frequency of 5.0 GHz. With 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is compatible with motherboards that use the AM5 socket.

Although the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has integrated Radeon graphics as well, for the best gaming experience, you'll need a strong GPU. This iGPU, which has two cores and a frequency of 2200 MHz, is enough for simple tasks. This CPU has a 120W TDP rating and 96MB of L3 cache. You don't need a really powerful CPU cooler for this processor since, to be honest, it's also not that hard to cool.

2. The best high-end Intel CPU is the Intel Core i9-14900K

Manufacturing Process: 10nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 24C / 32T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 3.20GHz / 6.0 GHz
Base / Turbo TDP: 125W / 253W
Integrated GPU: Yes
CPU Socket: LGA 1700
CPU Cooler Included: No

Currently available for purchase, the fastest desktop CPU is the Intel Core i9-14900K. It proved to be quite the beast in all tasks and excels at gaming, according to my in-depth review. Even if lower-end Intel CPUs can provide FPS that is comparable, the Core i9-14900K's 6.0 GHz peak turbo clock, which is enabled via thermal velocity boost, may still have a significant impact on FPS in games.

There are 24 cores and 32 threads in this processor. With 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores, this CPU has a hybrid performance design. Because of its high power consumption, you should use it in conjunction with a sufficient cooling solution, such a 360mm AIO or a high-end air cooler that can manage loads between 250 and 300W. Furthermore, depending on your motherboard, the CPU can work with both DDR4 & DDR5 RAM.

It should be noted that the Core i7-14700K is a less expensive option that offers comparable gaming performance.

3. The best mid-range Intel CPU for gaming is the Intel Core i5-14600K.

Manufacturing Process: 10nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 14C / 20T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 3.50 GHz / 5.30 GHz
Base / Turbo TDP: 125W / 181W
Integrated GPU: Yes
CPU Socket: LGA 1700
CPU Cooler Included: No

The most recent mid-range 14th-generation CPU from Intel is the Core i5-14600K. It is the greatest option for mid-range constructions and has been less expensive since its inception. While costing almost the same, this 14th-generation i5 CPU offers somewhat faster turbo clock rates than the 13600K from the prior generation. Of fact, as the 13th Gen i5-13600K performs similarly to the i5-14600K, you may also choose that one if you find a good offer on it.

This CPU has 20 threads and 14 cores with . 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores. At 5.30 GHz, the turbo boost clock may reach up to 181W of boost power. For this specific CPU, you'll also need a fairly powerful cooler that can provide 150–200W of cooling power to keep the 14600K stable under load. Similar to the i9-14900K, this CPU supports DDR4 and DDR5 RAM depending on the motherboard you choose.

4. The best AMD AM4 mid-range CPU is the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D

Manufacturing Process: 7nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 8C / 16T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 3.0 GHz / 4.10 GHz
TDP: 105W
Integrated GPU: Yes
CPU Socket: AM4
CPU Cooler Included: No

A new gaming-focused CPU designed for AM4 platform motherboards is the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D. It has .eight cores and sixteen threads, with a maximum boost frequency of 4.10 GHz. It is built on an outdated platform, hence it can only handle DDR4 RAM. Many people still use AM4 motherboards from the B450, B550, X570, and other earlier models in 2024, and this is a great CPU for them to switch to.

Because it is equipped with 3D V-Cache, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D performs very well in games, much like the more costly Ryzen 7 7800X3D that is featured at the top. Its 96MB L3 cache is quite helpful in many of the newest games available today. Its performance in comparison to a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU may be seen here.

It should be noted that the package does not feature a stock cooling and does not have an on-board integrated GPU. Therefore, in order for the system to function, a specialised GPU must be installed.

5. Intel Core i5-12400F: The Best Intel CPU for a Low Budget

Manufacturing Process: 10nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 6C / 12T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 2.50 GHz / 4.40 GHz
Base / Turbo TDP: 65W / 117W
Integrated GPU: No
CPU Socket: LGA 1700
CPU Cooler Included: Yes

As we move closer to the affordable end of things, my first suggestion is the Intel Core i5-12400F. The manufacturing method for this Alder Lake CPU, which is the 12th generation, is not as advanced as it is for some of the most recent generations. Even so, it is more than quick for the games of today and can handle whatever you throw at it—as long as the RAM and GPU that go with it are compatible.

There are 6 cores and 12 threads in this 12th generation Core i5. Here, there are no E-cores and six P-cores. E-cores are a feature of the more recent i5 generation. The i5-12400F is still a decent CPU in 2024 in spite of this. In comparison to other of the more power-hungry choices on our list, it is rather simple to cool since the boost clock increases to 4.40 GHz and the TDP increases to 117W. It should be noted that Intel includes a respectable stock cooler in the package with the CPU.Furthermore, remember that this is an Intel CPU that is F variant, which means that integrated graphics are not supported. Although the non-F i5-12400 costs more, you may still get that CPU if integrated graphics is very important to you.

The best AMD AM5 CPU under budget for gaming is the AMD Ryzen 5 7600

Manufacturing Process: 5nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 6C / 12T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 3.80 GHz / 5.10 GHz
TDP: 65W
Integrated GPU: Yes
CPU Socket: AM5
CPU Cooler Included: Yes

.A great low-cost gaming CPU for owners of new AM5 motherboards is the AMD Ryzen 5 7600. Since AM5 motherboards do not support DDR4, you will need to utilise DDR5 RAM instead of DDR4, as opposed to Intel's LGA 1700 motherboard architecture, which supports both. Yes, you may upgrade to more recent AM5 CPUs later on since AMD has said that it would continue to support this particular socket for a very long time.The CPU can reach 5.10 GHz and has six cores and twelve threads. With a TDP of 65W, this CPU is ideal for low-cost projects since it is not a power-hungry one either.The slightly faster but more costly Ryzen 5 7600X is another option. However, because the Ryzen 5 7600 comes with a stock cooling, which will help you save some money, I still think it's a superior option for gaming PC built on a tight budget.

7. AMD Ryzen 5 5600 - The Best AMD AM4 CPU for a Low Budget

Manufacturing Process: 7nm
Core (C) / Thread (T) Count: 6C / 12T
Base / Turbo Frequency: 3.50 GHz / 4.40 GHz
TDP: 65W
Integrated GPU: No
CPU Socket: AM4
CPU Cooler Included: No

In 2024, AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a solid CPU option for users of AM4 motherboards, which are still widely used. This Ryzen GPU, which costs around $150, will provide you good gaming performance for the majority of contemporary titles. The Ryzen 5 5600 processor has six cores and twelve threads.It has a 65W TDP, which is simple to maintain cool, and a boost frequency of up to 4.40 GHz. Furthermore, the speedier Ryzen 5 5600X is also offered for a comparable price. However, unlike the 5600, the Ryzen 5 5600X does not come with a CPU cooling, which will increase your overall cost. Moreover, this CPU lacks an integrated GPU.Selecting the ideal gaming CPU for your PC setup might be challenging, but perhaps the list above will guide you in the right direction. By the way, our detailed instructions will teach you how to install a CPU.