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Best CPU for Cubase

Looking for the best CPU for Cubase? Look no further

Updated: Oct 18, 2023 11:49 am
Best CPU for Cubase

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Cubase is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg. Producers use it for music production and MIDI recording, arranging, and/or editing. It’s been around for a long time and is highly versatile, and even comparable to Apple’s Logic Pro. So, if you’re trying to get into this DAW, you might be looking for the best CPU for Cubase.

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Before we get into that, it is important to mention that while DAWs don’t necessarily need a lot of power, it depends on your workload. If you are going to be recording live instruments, vocals, and multiple inputs at once, you’ll need strong processing power.

With that in mind, we’re including two CPUs for this one. One is the higher-end, while the other is a budget choice. Let’s take a look at what we have.

Best CPU for Cubase – Intel Core i9 13900K

The Intel Core i9 13900K is by far the best CPU for Cubase in 2022. This is because of its impressive processing power, superb multi-core performance, and abundance of cores. The specs speak for themselves.

Intel Core i9 13900K

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.

The Intel Core i9 13900K has monstrous single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. This is all thanks to the impressive 5.8GHz boost clock. With the right configuration and cooling, you could possibly even push this to 6.0GHz.

In all honesty, this processor is quite over the top just for music production. However, if you are going to use Cubase with a lot of plugins or libraries, and need to create complex beats, then you’ll definitely notice the difference in performance.

Latency will be so low that you’ll barely even notice it. Of course, the 13900K has a TDP of 125W, but it can easily consume up to 250W of power at full load. Needless to say, you’ll need a robust power supply and an excellent cooling system to make sure that 13900K lasts long.

Speaking of which, if you do decide to splurge, we highly doubt you’ll find the need to upgrade for years to come.

Best Budget CPU for Cubase – Intel Core i5 13600K

If you don’t want to go all out with the insanely over-the-top 13900K, then going with the Core i5 13600K is a sensible choice. This is especially true if you feel like you won’t benefit from all of that raw power, which makes the 13600K the wiser choice in that case.

Intel Core i5 13600K

Outstanding

Intel Core i5-13600K

19 118 416 V01

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.

However, don’t think that the Core i5 13600K is a low-end processor. In fact, the performance you’re getting here is neck and neck with the last generation’s Core i9 12900K. That’s a mighty feat in itself, and nothing to scoff at considering the price.

You’ll also have an easier time cooling this processor. Other than that, it is quite cheaper than the 13900K, and you can find compatible motherboards for a lower price as well. If you don’t want to spend the money on the 13900K as a long-term investment, then this is a good choice.

Final Word

The reason we went with Intel processors for this one is that Ryzen tends to have some issues with Cubase. While these are few and far between, the reports online were enough reason for us to not recommend them. 

To sum it up, if you want the absolute best processor for Cubase, then get the 13900K. If you want to save a lot of money and still get decent performance, then the 13600K is a good alternative.


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

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