Best CPU for CPU-Intensive Games
Need to deal with a CPU-intensive game? Here are some of the best options
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CPU-intensive games can put a lot of strain on a computer’s processing power, and choosing the right CPU can make a big difference in how well the game performs. In this post, we’ll cover the best processors for running intensive games at optimal performance levels. Here are the best CPUs for CPU-intensive games.
Before we get into the specifics, we want to mention that while a Core i9 or Ryzen 9 processor might sound like the right choice for this topic, you’re actually better off sticking with a mid-range processor for better value.
With that in mind, these are the best CPUs for CPU-intensive games in 2024.
Best CPU for CPU-Intensive Games – Intel Core i5 13600K
Intel Core i5-13600K
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.
Specs:
- Speed: 5.1GHz (Boost Clock)
- Cores/Threads: 14/20
- Socket: LGA1700
- TDP: 125W
The Intel Core i5 13600K is currently one of the best-value gaming processors on the market. It offers excellent performance for its price and is a great mid-range option. It’s also better than the Ryzen 5 7600X, the direct competitor to the 13600K.
With 14 cores and a high boost clock of 5.1GHz, the 13600K delivers excellent single-threaded performance that is well-suited for CPU-intensive games. Pair it with a decent mid-range graphics card, and you can expect an excellent overall gaming experience at a high refresh rate.
This CPU is also an excellent long-term investment as it can handle the demands of other demanding games as well. If your budget allows, consider pairing it with DDR5 memory for even more performance.
Finally, it’s important to mention that this processor also scales well with higher-end graphics cards like the RTX 4080. So, GPU bottlenecking won’t be a problem.
Best Budget CPU for CPU-Intensive Games- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
Core (Threads)
6/12
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
Specs:
- Speed: 4.6GHz (Boost Clock)
- Cores/Threads: 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a great budget option for CPU-intensive games. It was the best value gaming processor at launch, and its price has only dropped since then, making it an even better value today.
This CPU supports overclocking, so it should be able to handle the demands of CPU-intensive games for the next three years at least. It also supports PCIe Gen 4 storage, so it’s still future-proofed to some extent. All-in-all, it’s a great gaming processor.
Final Word
Overall, the Intel Core i5 13600K and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X are excellent choices for running CPU-intensive games at optimal performance levels. It just comes down to your budget and how much processing power you need out of your system. You can’t go wrong either way.
