Best CPU for FPS Games (First Person Shooter)
You want buttery-smooth performance for FPS, so here's what to look for
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If you’re a fan of first-person shooter (FPS) games, you know that having a strong CPU is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. In this article, we’ll be discussing two of the best CPUs for FPS games. These processors can easily run most games at high settings at a high refresh rate.
Before we move on, we want to mention that you’ll also want to invest in a decent GPU that falls in line with your requirements. Games are more GPU-bound at higher resolutions, so unless you’re playing at 1080p, you’ll want to worry about the graphics card as well.
With that said, here are our picks for the best CPU for FPS games.
Best CPU for FPS Games- Intel Core i7 13700K
Intel Core i7-13700K
Cores
16
Threads
24
Base speed
P-cores 3.4 GHz / E-cores 2.5 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.4 GHz / E-cores 4.2 GHz
Cache
24MB
TDP
125 W / 253 W boost.
Specs:
- Boost Clock: 5.4GHz
- Total Cores/Threads: 16/24
- Socket: LGA1700
- TDP: 125W
When it comes to running FPS games, the Intel Core i7 13700K is a top choice. Its impressive boost clock and strong single-threaded performance ensure that games run smoothly, even on high settings. This processor is capable of handling any modern title with ease.
In addition to its gaming capabilities, the 13700K is also a great processor for productivity tasks. It’s more efficient and easier to cool than its Core i9 counterpart, the 13900K. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for both gaming and productivity.
It can handle modern titles such as Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Call of Duty Warzone 2.0, and other games with relative ease. On top of all that, it also supports overclocking, so you don’t need to worry about performance for years to come down the road.
Best Budget CPU for FPS 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
For budget and mid-range systems, the Intel Core i5 13600K is a great choice for running FPS games. Its high boost clock and excellent single-threaded performance allow it to deliver an excellent gaming experience. Additionally, it’s a beast of a processor for productivity-related tasks thanks to its 14 cores and 20 threads.
It also happens to be a much better choice than the Ryzen 5 7600X, its direct competitor. That alone makes it the value king when it comes to gaming performance for this generation of processors.
Final Word
To sum it up, the Intel Core i7 13700K is the best CPU for running FPS games. It’s also an excellent choice for productivity users. The Intel Core i5 13600K is a solid budget option that provides excellent performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.
