Best CPU for 4k gaming

What's the best choice CPU for 4k gaming?

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CPUs are essential for the operation of any computer system, and CPUs can also have a massive bearing on gaming performance. Especially in 4k. Even if you have a top-of-the-line GPU, your CPU choice needs to be top-notch as it supports your GPU when pushing frames. Here’s the best CPU for 4k gaming.

Your CPU needs to be able to keep up with your GPU as it’s responsible for pushing commands around your whole system, as well as processing what’s going on when gaming. To avoid a CPU bottleneck, we’ve selected a list of CPUs suitable for 4K gaming.

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Best CPU for 4K gaming

Here we will present the best overall CPU for 4K gaming.

Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best CPU for 4K gaming

Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Cores:

16

Thread:

32

Boost speed:

5.7 GHz

Cache:

144 MB

TDP:

120W

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Pros

• 3D V-cache makes for fantastic gaming performance
• Less limited thanks to dual CCD config
• Relatively efficient

Cons

• Expensive
• Locked to auto overclocking, no manual

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is specifically designed for gamers seeking to achieve high CPU performance in games, while also being able to handle demanding productivity workloads due to its 16-core processing power.

The processor boasts 16 Zen 4 cores and AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, which unlocks 128MB of L3 cache, resulting in the quickest gaming performance currently available in the market. Tests indicate that the 7950X3D outperforms Intel’s flagship, the Core i9-13900KS, by an average of 13% and up to 40% in some games that take advantage of the 3D V-cache technology.

To enable the incredible 128MB of L3 cache, the 7950X3D utilizes AMD’s advanced 3D chip-stacking technology, known as 3D V-Cache. This technology stacks a 3D SRAM chiplet on top of the processor using hybrid bonding, a technique that was also used in AMD’s first X3D chip, the Zen 3 Ryzen 7 5800X3D.

This extra cache significantly improves gaming performance in many titles. Moreover, AMD has developed a new thread-targeting method that helps to distribute the gains more evenly across a wide range of games.

However, due to the tradeoffs associated with the 3D chip-stacking technology, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D may not perform as well as its competitors in some productivity applications, and its gaming acceleration may not be uniform across all games. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the chip before making a purchasing decision. Nevertheless, one thing is certain – the 7950X3D is currently the fastest gaming chip available.

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Best Intel CPU for 4K gaming

We will now present the best Intel CPU for 4K gaming: Here it is.

Core i9-13900K

Intel Core i9-13900K

Best Intel CPU for 4K gaming

Intel Core i9-13900K

Cores

24

Threads

32

Base speed

P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz

Boost speed

P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz

Cache

36MB

TDP

125 W / 253 W boost.

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Pros

• Powerful single and multi-core performance
• High boost speeds
• improved L2 cache capacity
• 32 logical processors

Cons

• pricey
• runs VERY hot

The i9-13900K CPU is an incredibly powerful processor that can overpower its competition. With 24 cores and 32 threads, it excels in both single and multi-core workloads, which solidifies its position as the top-performing processor for multi-threaded performance for the first time in years.

The 13900K boasts a TDP of 125 W base and 253 W boost, representing a significant increase over Alder Lake’s TDP. However, the 13900K’s performance has also experienced a considerable increase. The 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs feature an improved single-core performance of up to 15% and multi-core performance of up to 41%. Large performance improvements can be seen at 4k, thanks to the ultra-fast CPU cores.

What’s more, you don’t even need to upgrade your motherboard to access all of this performance, but there are advantages to doing so.

The L2 CPU cache has doubled in size this time around, allowing the CPU to access larger, faster storage. This results in the CPU being able to continue processing instructions swiftly without developing a backlog that would otherwise slow it down.

With a maximum core speed of up to 5.8 GHz, the fastest on the market at the time of writing, the 13900K is undoubtedly lightning-fast.

However, all of this performance comes at a cost. The 13900K generates an enormous amount of heat under extreme stress. While we do not anticipate you reaching the levels of usage that we did in our stress test, we managed to get the 13900K to throttle up to 13% while using a 360mm AIO.

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Best Ryzen CPU for 4K gaming

Here we will present the best Ryzen CPU for 4K gaming, this listing will feature a non-X3D CPU as the best CPU for 4K gaming features the 7950X3D.

Ryzen 9 7900X

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

Best Ryzen CPU for 4K gaming

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

Cores

12

Threads

24

Base speed

4.7GHz

Boost speed

5.6GHz

Cache

L3 64MB

Socket

AM5

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Pros

• Incredible performance
• High performance pew Watt
• Interesting IHS
• Cooler than other 7000 series CPUs on average

Cons

• A little pricey
• Hard to keep cool

The AMD Ryzen 7900X is a part of the latest Zen 4 architecture, taking the AMD platform’s performance to the next level. The AM5 socket provides support for both DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5, bringing the 7000 series up to speed with current technology, much to the delight of AMD users worldwide.

Featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7900X delivers impressive multi-core performance, as well as impressive single-core performance, thanks to its substantial 5.6 GHz boost clock speed. AMD has made significant improvements to single-core performance this time around, making it comparable to Intel’s previous-generation Alder Lake CPUs. This makes the 7900X ideal for 4k gaming.

The Ryzen Zen 4 CPU cores’ cache has been doubled, with each core now having 1MB of cache instead of 512KB. This means that the CPU can handle more instructions, leading to faster processing speeds.

However, the TDP of the 7900X is higher than that of its predecessor, with a base core speed of 170 W and a boost speed of 230 W. As a result, the CPU runs hotter, much like the i9-13900K. Unfortunately, CPU cooler technology hasn’t kept pace with the amount of power packed into the latest CPUs.

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Best 5000 series Ryzen CPU for 4k gaming

Here we will present the best previous generation Ryzen 5000 series CPU for 4K gaming.

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Best 5000 series Ryzen CPU for 4k gaming

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Cores

8

Threads

16

Max boost speed

4.5GHz

L3 Cache

96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)

TDP

105W

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Pros

• Inexpensive
• Incredible performance
• 3D V-cache

Cons

• No cooler
• No native overclocking support

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D represents an impressive feat of engineering, taking the title of “best gaming CPU” from Intel’s Core i9 12900K. However, there are some reasons why it may not be at the top of our list today. With eight multithreaded CPU cores and a massive 96MB of AMD’s new 3D V-cache, the 5800X3D is an excellent choice for gaming, providing a significant edge in some games.

What sets this CPU apart from every other CPU on the market right now is its use of 3D V-Cache. Unlike traditional 2D cache, the 3D cache is stacked vertically using new 3D printing technology, enabling more chiplets to fit into a given area, resulting in larger cache capacities without sacrificing access speeds. Thanks to this vertical stacking, AMD is able to offer a massive 96MB L3 cache with a total access speed of 2TB/s in its 5800X3D CPUs.

The 5800X3D has lower core speeds than its siblings, with a base speed of 3.4GHz and a max speed of 4.5GHz. This is because the 3D V-cache is unstable at higher core speeds. Unfortunately, this means the 5800X3D is not well-suited to single-core workloads or workstation tasks, and it lacks overclocking support. However, for gaming, the 5800X3D is a fully-fledged CPU that excels.

While the new caching technology provides major advantages in some gaming workloads, it may not offer the same benefits in all scenarios. Additionally, the lower core speeds and lack of overclocking support mean that the 5800X3D is sometimes outperformed by cheaper CPUs that do not make use of the cache, even in gaming.

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Best Intel 12th gen CPU for 4K gaming

Here we will present the best Intel 12th gen CPU for 4K gaming. Since the best Intel CPU for 4K gaming falls to the 13900K, we have chosen the 12900K for the previous generation.

Core i9-12900K

Intel Core i9-12900K

Best Intel 12th gen CPU for 4K gaming

Intel Core i9-12900K

Boost clock speed (single core)

5.3 GHz

Total Cores / Threads

16/24

P-cores

8

E-cores

8

Socket

LGA 1700

Overclockable

Yes

sada

2 /5

asd

3 /5

21

2 /5

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Pros

• Powerful single core performance
• Powerful multi-core performance
• Overclockable

Cons

• Expensive

The latest iteration of the Intel CPU lineup is the 12900K, an upgrade to the previous 11900K, but now featuring the new Alder Lake architecture instead of Rocket Lake. Unlike the underwhelming reception of the 11900K, the 12900K has garnered much praise from reviewers, despite being more expensive than its predecessor.

Although the 12900K has a higher TDP of 125W compared to its AMD counterpart, it still delivers impressive performance. However, buyers will need to upgrade to the new FCLGA1700 socket to use this CPU. The 12900K offers 16 cores and 24 threads, making it a versatile option for both multitasking and gaming. Intel has invested in architectural improvements with the Alder Lake lineup, leading to improvements in almost every aspect of the CPU’s performance.

Intel has reclaimed the top spot in the 4k gaming department for the 12th generation with this release, but what’s even more noteworthy is the 12900K’s performance in multitasking and workstation scenarios, which is comparable to the Ryzen 5900X. Additionally, the 12900K boasts impressive overclocking capabilities and single-core performance, making it a highly desirable processor.

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Best CPU for 4K gaming: things to consider

When it comes to picking the best CPU for 4K gaming, there are several things that should be considered to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Clock speed

One of the most important factors is the clock speed of the processor, as it can greatly affect the speed at which games load and run. This is especially important for 4K gaming, where the processing power required to render high-resolution graphics can be demanding.

Cores and threads

Another important factor to consider is the number of cores and threads a CPU has. The more cores and threads a processor has, the better it is at multitasking, and the more it can handle running multiple programs and processes simultaneously without slowing down.

This can be especially important for 4K gaming, where there may be multiple programs running in the background, such as video recording software or streaming software.

Cache

Another thing to consider is the cache size of the CPU. A larger cache size means that the processor has more memory available to store frequently used data, which can lead to faster load times and improved performance overall.

Additionally, a larger cache can help reduce the amount of time it takes for a CPU to access frequently used data, which can lead to a smoother gaming experience.

CPU architecture

The type of architecture that a CPU uses is also important. For example, Intel’s current architecture is called Rapotor Lake, while AMD’s is called Zen 4. These architectures have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider which one will be best suited for your gaming needs.

Usually, the latest architecture is the best but often comes with upgrade costs like better RAM or newer CPU sockets. For example, you can’t run a Zen 4 CPU on an AM4 motherboard, it has to be an AM5 motherboard, which is much more costly compared to the AM4 motherboards.

CPU socket

The CPU socket is an important factor to consider when choosing the best CPU for 4K gaming because it determines the compatibility between the CPU and the motherboard. Different CPUs use different socket designs to connect to the motherboard, and not all motherboards are compatible with all CPUs.

Choosing a CPU that is not compatible with the motherboard can result in a system that does not function at all, or one that is unable to take advantage of the full capabilities of the CPU.

TDP

Finally, the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of a CPU should also be taken into consideration. This is the amount of power that the processor requires to run at its maximum performance level, and it can affect the temperature of the CPU.

When a CPU gets too hot, it can start to throttle, which can lead to slower performance. This is especially important for 4K gaming, where the demands on the processor are high and the CPU may need to run at maximum capacity for extended periods of time.

Best CPU for 4K gaming: wrap up

When picking the best CPU for 4K gaming, it’s important to consider factors such as clock speed, the number of cores and threads, cache size, architecture, and TDP.

By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a CPU that is capable of delivering the performance you need for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

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Best CPU for 4K gaming: is 4K gaming worth it?

Whether 4k gaming is worth it or not depends on your preferences and circumstances.

4k gaming offers a significantly higher resolution than traditional 1080p or even 1440p gaming, resulting in sharper and more detailed graphics. However, in order to fully experience the benefits of 4k gaming, a high-end gaming rig is required, which can be quite expensive.

Moreover, not all games are optimized for 4k resolution, and some may even struggle to run smoothly at 4k on even the most powerful hardware. In addition, the difference in visual quality between 4k and lower resolutions may not be significant enough to justify the extra cost.

Ultimately, the decision of whether 4k gaming is worth it or not depends on factors such as personal preferences, budget, and the specific games that one plans to play.

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Best CPU for 4k gaming: Final word

In conclusion, choosing the best CPU for 4K gaming is crucial to ensure a smooth and immersive gaming experience. It requires careful consideration of factors such as the CPU’s core count, clock speed, cache size, and compatibility with other components in your system.

It’s important to keep in mind that investing in a high-end CPU for 4K gaming will likely come at a higher cost, but the performance gains can be significant. Ultimately, finding the right CPU for your gaming needs will depend on your budget, preferences, and the games you plan to play. With the right CPU, you can unlock the full potential of 4K gaming and take your gaming experience to new heights.