Best CPUs for CPU-intensive games in 2025 – our top picks
Need to deal with a CPU-intensive game? Here are some of the best options
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CPU-intensive games can put significant strain on a computer’s processing power, and choosing the right CPU can make a big difference in how well the game performs. For that reason, it’s important to select a processor with high clock speeds, multiple cores, a large cache, and advanced cooling features to ensure a seamless and immersive gaming experience without performance issues or overheating. In recent years, Intel and AMD have gone head-to-head, offering a variety of processors designed to cater to fans of CPU-intensive games and gaming in general.
However, with a wide range of options available, finding a CPU that delivers top-notch performance while staying within budget can be challenging. To help, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best CPUs for CPU-intensive games, ranging from high-end models like the 9800X3D to more budget-friendly options such as the 13600K. Before diving into the reviews of these processors, let’s take a closer look at how we arrived at these recommendations.
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Products at a Glance
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Best AMD CPU for CPU-intensive games
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
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Best Intel CPU for CPU-intensive games
Intel Core i9-14900K
- Core configuration:: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: : 32
- P-Core Speed: : 5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: : 4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: : Yes @ 5600MHz
- TDP: 125W base 253W PL1 & PL2
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Best mid-range CPU for CPU-intensive games
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Cores:: 8
- Thread: : 16
- Boost speed: : 5.0GHz
- Cache:: 96MB
- TDP: : 120W
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Best budget CPU for CPU-intensive games
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Core configuration: 14
- Threads: 20
- Base core speed: 3.5 GHz (P-core) / 2.6 GHz (E-core)
- Boost core speed: 5.1 GHz (P-core) / 3.9 GHz (E-core)
- DDR5 support: 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 125 W / 181 W
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Best AM4 CPU for CPU-intensive games
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- TDP: 105W
How we picked
To select the best CPUs, we considered several factors to ensure our picks deliver high frame rates and smooth performance for all your CPU-intensive gaming needs. We prioritized processors with high clock speeds, a solid number of cores, and exceptional raw performance capable of handling any workload with ease. Additionally, we ensured that our list includes a wide variety of options, so regardless of your budget or requirements, you can find a CPU that fits perfectly into your build.
That said, we only recommend products that have been tested by us or reviewed by trusted and reputable third-party sources that highlight both the positives and negatives. In addition to performance testing, we thoroughly examined the specifications and technical details of these CPUs, along with user reviews, to get an honest perspective on how these processors perform in everyday use. If you’re interested in learning more about our testing process, check out our dedicated page on how we test CPUs.
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
- The best gaming processor in the market
- Very efficient
- Cost effective
- Not best for productivity workloads
- Usually out of stock
Starting off our list, we have the most anticipated gaming processor of the year, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Since its launch, this CPU has shown exceptional performance in virtually every modern AAA game. It features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a massive L3 cache enabled by AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. This powerful innovation puts it ahead of its predecessor, the 7800X3D, which was already considered one of the best gaming CPUs.
In our review, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D shattered every benchmark we tested, outclassing flagship competitors like the Core Ultra 9 285K. For gamers, we tested the 9800X3D across several demanding titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Forbidden West, and Days Gone. In all these games, the processor consistently delivered over 200 FPS on average. However, while its synthetic benchmark results weren’t as dominant compared to CPUs built for multi-threading workloads, they were still respectable. The 9800X3D achieved a multi-core score of 22,753, only slightly trailing productivity-focused options like the Core Ultra 9 285K.
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The Ryzen 9 9800X3D is a solid pick if you’re focused on high-end gaming and want the best FPS possible. Right out of the gate, it outshines the previous-gen 7800X3D in almost every game we tested.
Another standout feature of the 9800X3D is its overclocking capability, allowing users to push its performance even further in both gaming and synthetic benchmarks. While it isn’t as power-efficient as the 7800X3D, it’s clear that AMD prioritized raw gaming performance over efficiency. That said, the performance numbers speak for themselves, and it is evident why the 9800X3D is a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. However, availability is a concern. Due to its popularity, the 9800X3D often sells out quickly, which can make it challenging to find. But if you manage to get your hands on one, it will effortlessly handle even the most demanding CPU-intensive games, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience.
What users say
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been a top seller on Amazon, with over 5,000 units sold in the past month. Its popularity is a testament to how much gamers and tech enthusiasts love its exceptional performance. Surprisingly, there aren’t many reviews on the page despite its high sales, likely because people rush to buy these before they go out of stock. However, among the available reviews, 91% are 5-star ratings, with one buyer calling it “The best gaming CPU money can buy!”
- Core configuration:: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: : 32
- P-Core Speed: : 5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: : 4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: : Yes @ 5600MHz
- TDP: 125W base 253W PL1 & PL2
- Efficient performance gains over the last generation
- Decent cores for CPU-intensive games
- Great gaming performance
- Expensive
- Requires a beefy CPU cooler
If you’re looking for a powerful processor from the Blue Team, the Intel Core i9-14900K is an excellent choice. This chip stands out as one of the best for both gaming and productivity, thanks to its enhanced performance and architectural improvements. Compared to its predecessor, the 13900K, the 14900K offers a significant boost with an additional 200MHz on its P-core boost clock, achieved through an increased core multiplier. Even with this improved performance, it manages to deliver more power without exceeding the same PL2 wattage of 253W. On top of that, its P-core boost frequency now reaches an impressive 5.8GHz.
In terms of specifications, the 14900K features 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) and 32 threads, alongside strong boost frequencies. This configuration ensures it can handle even the most CPU-intensive games with ease. Its ability to maintain stability during heavy workloads further adds to its appeal. In our testing, the Core i9-14900K excelled in both synthetic and gaming benchmarks, achieving 3,110 points in single-core tests and a massive 22,816 in multi-core tests on Geekbench. In Starfield, a CPU-intensive title, the 14900K delivered an average FPS of 133 with buttery-smooth gameplay and no noticeable stuttering.
While its high price might deter some, the Core i9-14900K offers unparalleled power and efficiency for demanding tasks, making it a worthy investment for those seeking peak performance.
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Overall, the 14900K outperforms its predecessor across the board in our testing. While it does tend to run hot, pairing it with the Best CPU cooler for i9-14900K should get this issue out of the equation. Admittedly, the price tag is steep, but the crushing performance it delivers justifies the cost. If you’re after a top-tier processor capable of handling anything you throw at it, the 14900K is hard to beat.
What users say
Over on Amazon, the 14900K boasts a solid 4.3-star rating from over 1,500 reviews and has sold 3,000 units in the past month alone. Users praise its exceptional performance, noting its ability to handle CPU-intensive games with ease while maintaining temperatures in the 50s to mid-60s range, according to one reviewer.
- Cores:: 8
- Thread: : 16
- Boost speed: : 5.0GHz
- Cache:: 96MB
- TDP: : 120W
- More powerful than the 5800X3D
- Great for gaming enthusiasts
- Poor multi-core performance
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a fantastic chip that offers several improvements over the first iteration of the X3D, allowing it to power through any gaming workload you throw at it. It features 8 cores and 16 threads and comes with a doubled L2 cache, increasing from 512KB to 1MB. Additionally, this chip offers a high boost clock speed of 5GHz for an X3D chip, thanks to an extra Core Complex Die and a 15% IPC improvement over the 5800X3D.
Like its predecessor, the 7800X3D is not the best for handling productivity workloads, as these X3D chips are more focused on gaming enthusiasts. This means that whatever modern AAA title you throw at this CPU, the results will be just as impressive, with all your CPU-intensive games running smoothly, as you’d expect from such a powerful processor. And with the power of X3D, the 7800X3D punches well above its weight class in terms of gaming performance.
That said, while the 7800X3D’s improvements have notably increased performance, its multi-core performance is still not comparable to the 7950X and 7900X in the lineup. But for those who want a chip purely for gaming, this X3D powerhouse is built for that. On top of that, it’s reasonably priced and can be found for less during sales. In terms of longevity, it will be a long time before a game appears that this chip can’t handle.
What users say
The praises for the 7800X3D are not just from us—Amazon reviewers are also in love with the powerful performance of this chip. It holds a stellar 4.8-star rating, with over 4,000 reviews, 93% of which are 5-star ratings, and 7,000 units sold just in the past month. You won’t have to scroll down far to find people raving about this chip, as one of the top reviews states, “Best gaming CPU on the market.”
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- TDP: 105W
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base clock speed: 3.4GHz
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- Total L3 cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- Default TDP: 105W
- TSMC: 7nm FinFET
- Socket: AM4
- Memory type: DDR4
- Surpasses the 5700X and 12900K in gaming performance
- No motherboard upgrade required
- Leverages the power of X3D V-cache
- Lower clock speeds result in bad single-core performance
- Not great for productivity needs
For those of you who want the best gaming processor for the AM4 platform, the 5800X3D is what we recommend. Released back in 2022, it was the first AMD processor to introduce X3D V-cache technology, which, as you might guess, took the masses by storm and established itself as one of the best gaming processors of its time. Its powerful gaming and synthetic performance outperforms all other market equivalents, such as the 12900K and its predecessor, the 5800X.
In our review of the 5800X3D, we compared it head-to-head with the 5800X. Starting with specifications, the Ryzen 7 5800X runs at a 3.8GHz base clock with a 4.7GHz boost clock, while the 5800X3D operates at a lower 3.4GHz base and 4.5GHz boost clock, with reduced voltages (1.35V instead of 1.5V). Despite these differences, the 5800X3D delivers strong gaming performance, surpassing both the 5800X and 12900K in CPU-intensive games, where you definitely see the advantages of 3D V-cache kick in. For example, in Days Gone at 4K max settings, the 5800X3D averaged 99 FPS, compared to the 94 FPS and 93 FPS averages of the 5800X and 12900K, respectively. However, looking at synthetic benchmarks, it’s clear why we call this a CPU for gaming enthusiasts. Across most tests, the 5800X3D barely outperforms the 5800X, and both are significantly outclassed by the 12900K with much larger performance gaps.
The 5800X3D is an incredible CPU and despite it’s lower clock speed its managed to take the industry by storm, and cement itself as one of the fastest gaming CPUs.
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With that said, it’s evident that the lower clock speeds of the 5800X3D result in weaker single-core performance, making this chip best suited for gaming needs only. Additionally, we noticed the chip runs fairly hot, and the standard Wraith Prism AMD stock cooler is insufficient. If you plan on getting this processor, investing in a high-quality aftermarket CPU cooler is essential. Since choosing this processor means sticking with the AM4 platform, carefully consider whether that aligns with your future plans. However, if you ask us, the performance this chip offers makes staying on AM4 worthwhile—especially for those on a budget, where upgrading to AM5 might not be a priority.
What users say
The 5800X3D is a favorite among gaming enthusiasts, as reflected in its review-packed Amazon listing, where it has earned a 4.8-star rating and an impressive 91% of 5-star reviews. Those who have purchased it can’t stop talking about its speed, power, and value, calling it the “Best value CPU for gaming of its generation and well into the future.”
- 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.
- High core count for an entry level CPU
- High base and boost speeds
- Efficient and backwards compatible with 12th gen motherboards
- Offers incredible value for money
- Runs warm
The Intel Core i5-13600K is one of the best-value gaming processors on the market. It offers excellent performance for its price and is a great mid-range option. With 14 cores and a high boost clock of 5.1 GHz, the 13600K delivers excellent single-threaded performance, making it well-suited for CPU-intensive games. And despite being around for two years now, it still packs a punch and offers direct competition to AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X.
In terms of specifications, the 13600K features 14 cores divided into 6 performance cores (P-cores) capable of reaching impressive clock speeds of up to 5.1 GHz and 8 efficiency cores (E-cores). The chip is also equipped with 24MB of L3 cache, resulting in buttery-smooth gameplay with no lags or stutters, rivaling more expensive CPUs. Additionally, this CPU is an excellent long-term investment as it can handle the demands of modern, demanding games. If your budget allows, pairing it with DDR5 memory can further boost its performance.
Core i5-13600K is a phenomenal CPU, with much to say in the way of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and performance.
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We reviewed the 13600K and gave it a 5 out of 5-star rating thanks to its incredibly well-balanced performance, making it suitable for a variety of use cases. During our Cinebench R23 testing, the 13600K scored an impressive 1,992 points in the single-core benchmark and 24,024 points in the multi-core benchmark. This was especially notable when compared to the Ryzen 5 7600X’s scores of 1,954 and 15,000 points, respectively. Just as its synthetic benchmarks were impressive, its gaming performance stood out as well. The 13600K achieved an average of 179 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 162 FPS in Elden Ring.
If you ask us, the 13600K is a standout CPU from Intel, released at a time when the company had a reputation for producing over-expensive, power-hungry processors. The 13600K turned things around, earning much-deserved praise. It’s powerful, cost-effective, and compatible with 600-series motherboards, so you won’t even need to upgrade your existing motherboard. That said, its strong core count makes it a powerful choice for CPU-intensive games, and right now you can score it for just $200 with the current Christmas discount.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, the Core i5-13600K is one of the best-value CPUs for gaming. Its quality and the excellent value for performance it offers are all users can talk about. It boasts a solid 4.7-star rating, with an impressive 89% of reviews being 5 stars. One review highlights its appeal, stating, “Outstanding Performance for the Price.”
Things to consider
If you’re choosing a CPU specifically for smooth performance in CPU-intensive games, there are a few key factors you should focus on. Here’s a quick rundown to help you pick the best CPU for your needs:
1. Core Count and Clock Speed
As mentioned earlier, selecting a CPU that handles CPU-intensive games well means opting for a higher core count and clock speeds, as these factors generally provide better performance. Our list consists of CPUs that offer at least 6 cores and a clock speed of 3.0 GHz, ensuring a smoother gaming experience no matter which option you choose.
2. Cache Size
Another crucial factor to consider is the cache size of the CPU. A larger cache can significantly improve game performance by reducing the time it takes for the CPU to access critical game data. Opting for CPUs with larger cache sizes will result in better performance in CPU-intensive games.
3. Multi-Threading/Hyper-Threading
Multi-threading technology can be highly beneficial for gaming, as it allows a CPU to handle multiple threads simultaneously, leading to faster processing and improved performance in CPU-intensive games. Additionally, games optimized for multi-threading can offer a significant performance boost.
4. Compatibility and Budget
Finally, it’s essential to have a budget limit in place so that the CPU you choose stays within your price range and doesn’t require you to replace your existing hardware or spend more on newer components. Without a budget, you might end up with too many options to choose from, which could lead to confusion. A set budget will help you narrow down your choices to those that fall within your financial limits.
Final Word
And that’s a wrap! Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about some of the best CPUs for CPU-intensive games, the only thing left to do is make your final decision. To help you further, we suggest having a clear idea of your needs and requirements—whether you’re aiming for the best of the best or if a more mid-range option will work just as well for you. Since our list offers a variety of processors, you can go through each one to see which fits your budget, meets your requirements, and provides the best value for money for your system.
