When it comes to your PC’s capabilities for gaming, the CPU is the next important component after the GPU. In order to select the best CPU for your gaming computer you have to find the right balance between features, performance, and price.
While waiting for the 16-core AMD flagship processor Ryzen 9 3950X, there are also other interesting CPU news. Intel, the other big brand in the CPU industry, will launch its Core i9-9900KS 5 GHz in October. In the meantime, here is the list of the best CPUs for gaming PCs on the market today.
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The 9th generation Core i7-9700K from Intel is the best overall choice for gaming. The eight cores/eight threads processor works on Intel Coffee Lake architecture at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz.
Core i7-9700K’s high Turbo Boost clock rates ensure a strong performance in single-threaded processing. This Intel CPU is a better choice for gaming than the Core i9-9900KF that comes with iGPU-disabled or the expensive Core i9-9900K.
The Ryzen 7 3700X CPU from AMD provides the best overall value. The processor is made on AMD Zen 2 architecture. It works at 3.6 GHz and features eight cores and 16 threads. The Ryzen 7 3700X is also backward compatible with X470 motherboards and comes with an unlocked multiplier and bundled cooler.
This CPU from AMD is the best mid-range processor for gaming. It is built on AMD Zen 2 architecture, featuring six cores and 12 threads. The processor works at 3.8 GHz base frequency and provides a leading gaming performance. With unlocked multiplier and bundled cooler, the Ryzen 5 3600X is the best mid-range processor for gaming.
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The Ryzen 5 2400G from AMD is a good budget pick for gaming. The processor is built on AMD Zen architecture and features four cores and eight threads. It works at a 3.6 GHz base frequency. The CPU comes with unlocked multipliers. The Ryzen 5 2400G also comes with onboard AMD Vega graphics, providing the possibility for 1080p gaming in game titles with low settings and solid performance in 720p gaming.
The Ryzen 3 220G from AMD is a good entry-level pick for gaming. The CPU is built on AMD Zen architecture and features four cores and four threads. It works at a base frequency of 3.5 GHz. When you are building your gaming PC on a budget, you can save a big deal of money if you can play games without a dedicated GPU. For this reason the Ryzen 3 2200G is an appealing choice that delivers good 720p gaming performance.
