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Best CPU for CS2 – Get Counter-Strike 2 ready with a new CPU

What is the best CPU for the highly anticipated CS2 update?

Updated: Nov 21, 2023 4:05 pm
Best CPU for CS2 – Get Counter-Strike 2 ready with a new CPU

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Today we’re looking at the best CPU for the highly anticipated Counter Strike 2. CS2 was announced on the 22nd of March and has since kicked up quite a storm of excitement, the previous Counter-Strike and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are incredibly easy to run on modern hardware. But can the same be said for Counter-Strike 2? You might want to grab hardware for CS2 fast, as an ominous post on the CS2 Twitter suggests it could be here soon.

We have selected the Best CPUs for CS2 here in this article, If you want to know more surrounding the release of CS2 or the features of CS2 we have plenty of articles you will enjoy. If you’re building a PC for CS2, you might want to check out our best GPU for CS2 article, and if you’re looking for peripherals, the best mouse for CS2 might tickle your fancy.

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Best CPU for Counter-Strike 2: Reviews

You don’t need a very powerful CPU to run Counter_Strike 2, but it’s always best to get one that will be at least a little future-proof. Due to the lax system CPU requirements of Counter-Strike 2, there are plenty of CPUs we can choose from. If you need to make do with what you have, you can always fine-tune the best graphics settings for CS2.

Core i9-13900K

Core i9-13900K
Best CPU for Counter-Strike 2

Intel Core i9-13900K

19 118 412 V01

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.

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 boasts exceptional power that outperforms its competition with its 24-core and 32-thread capabilities, dominating in both single and multi-core workloads. This puts the 13900K at the forefront of multi-threaded performance for the first time in years.

The 13900K’s TDP ranges from 125 W base to 253 W boost, which is a significant increase over Alder Lake. However, it also results in a significant boost in performance. The latest Raptor Lake CPUs of the 13th generation exhibit an improved single-core performance of up to 15% and multi-core performance of up to 41%. You can access all of this performance without upgrading your motherboard, but upgrading does have its advantages.

The L2 CPU cache size is now doubled, providing the CPU with quick access to larger, faster storage, enabling it to process instructions quickly without creating a backlog that could slow it down. With a boost core speed of up to an impressive 5.8 GHz, the 13900K is incredibly fast and currently boasts the market’s fastest core speed.

Nevertheless, this performance comes at a cost as the 13900K generates substantial heat under high stress. While we do not anticipate that you will ever reach the stress levels we did in our stress test, we were able to push the 13900K to throttle up to 13% using a 360mm AIO.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Bes AMD CPU for Counter-Strike 2

Ryzen 9 7950X3D

ryzen 9 7950X

Cores:

16

Thread:

32

Boost speed:

5.7 GHz

Cache:

144 MB

TDP:

120W

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

Currently, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D stands as one of the best CPUs for Counter-Strike 2. Boasting 16 cores and 32 threads, all clocked at an impressive 5.7GHz, the 7950X3D has a significant edge over other CPUs in terms of cache size.

However, it’s important to note that V-cache has limitations, particularly in terms of voltage and temperature sensitivity, which requires some parts of the CPU to be restricted for proper functioning.

The Zen 4 version of X3D CPUs, on the other hand, has 3D V-cache built only onto one of the two CCDs, allowing only half of the CPU to be subject to the 3D V-cache limitations.

In some gaming scenarios, the 7950X3D can perform up to 40% faster than other CPUs, such as the 5800X3D. While this CPU may be costly, the gaming and computing performance gains far outweigh the cost.

To sum up, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is unequivocally one of the top-performing CPUs for Counter-Strike 2.

Ryzen 9 7900X

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
best (none 3DX) Ryzen CPU for Counter-Strike 2

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

ryzen 9 7900X

Cores

12

Threads

24

Base speed

4.7GHz

Boost speed

5.6GHz

Cache

L3 64MB

Socket

AM5

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 Zen 4 architecture is responsible for boosting performance on the AMD platform to another level, and the Ryzen 9 7900X is part of this brand-new architecture. With the AM5 socket, the 7000 series is brought into the present, supporting both DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5, which is great news for AMD users worldwide.

The 8-core, 16-thread Ryzen 7900X is a powerful processor, delivering impressive multi-core and single-core performance, thanks to its impressive 5.6 GHz boost clock speed. This time around, AMD has significantly improved the single-core performance, bringing it on par with Intel’s previous-generation CPUs like Alder Lake.

Moreover, the cache has been doubled from 512KB to 1MB per core, which means that the Ryzen Zen 4 CPU cores can chew through more instructions. A fast CPU is one that is fed by a cache in a speedy manner.

However, we cannot overlook the fact that the TDP of the 7900X is a lot higher than the previous generation, standing at 170 W at the base core speed and 230 W at the boost speed. This also means that the CPU runs hotter than we’d like, similar to the 13900K. It appears that CPU cooler technology is struggling to keep up with the amount of power packed into the new generation of CPUs.

Core i9-12900K

Intel Core i9-12900K
Best overall value CPU for Counter-Strike 2

Intel Core i9-12900K

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
Pros
  • Powerful single core performance
  • Powerful multi-core performance
  • Overclockable
Cons
  • Expensive

The latest addition to the Intel CPU lineup is the 12th gen i9-12900K, succeeding the 11th gen i9-11900K. The new 12900K employs the new ‘Alder Lake’ architecture instead of the older ‘Rocket Lake’ of its predecessor. Unlike its forerunner, the 12900K has been widely embraced by reviewers, despite its more expensive price.

The 12900K boasts a 125W TDP, which is higher than its AMD counterpart, leading to some thermal concerns. Moreover, the 12900K is only compatible with the new FCLGA1700 socket, necessitating a complete upgrade if you intend to purchase this CPU. The new CPU is equipped with 16 cores and 24 threads, making it suitable for multitasking and gaming. Intel has focused on architectural improvements with the new Alder Lake lineup, resulting in improvements in nearly all areas.

These upgrades have enabled Intel to regain the top position in gaming, a significant accomplishment. Even more impressive is the fact that the Intel 12900K is almost as good as the Ryzen 5900X in workstations and multitasking scenarios. When paired with its incredible overclocking potential and excellent single-core performance, the i9-12900K is an extremely attractive processor.


What are the CPU requirements for Counter-Strike 2?

The following are the complete system requirements for Counter-Strike 2

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit.
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-6300.
  • Memory: 8GB RAM.
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850.
  • DirectX: Version 11.
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection.
  • Storage: 50GB available space.

As you can see, the recommended system requirements only call for a Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-7850, which are incredibly old processors. We doubt you’ll have much trouble finding a CPU that will run Counter-Strike 2.

Since CS2 isn’t a difficult game to run, you might be looking to play CS2 on the go, in which case, you might want the best laptop for CS2.


Final word

In conclusion, the ideal CPU for Counter-Strike 2 depends on a number of factors such as budget, personal preferences, and the specific requirements of the game.

However, after thorough research and testing, we have determined that the Intel Core i9-12900K offers the best overall value for Counter-Strike 2.

Its exceptional single-core performance, high clock speed, and multi-threading capabilities make it the ideal choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a casual gamer or a professional esports player, the i9-12900K is sure to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience that will take your Counter-Strike 2 gameplay to new heights.


Jack is a Tech and News Writer who has a vast and proficient knowledge of CPUs, Motherboards, and Computer technology.

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