Best CPU for Game Development in 2024 – our top picks
Experienced or amateur game developer? Here are the best CPUs for the job
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Are you looking for the best CPU for game development in 2024? Look no further. Game development can be a highly demanding workload at times. Especially if you are creating 3D games inside Unreal Engine or even Unity. This is especially true if you are doing it solo, as you’ll find yourself multitasking a lot. Considering that, what’s the best CPU for game development right now?
We’ll help you answer that question. For this guide, we had to take into account that many people reading this are likely just starting out. We have also taken the Intel 14th Gen launch into consideration, for those wanting the state-of-the-art. The options below cater to a variety of budgets, from the top-end, to the cheaper end of the scale. Here are our top picks for the best CPU for game development.
Best CPU for Game Development
Intel Core i9-14900K
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
- Efficient performance gains over the last generation
- Higher DDR5 XMP speeds beyond 8000MT/s
- Overclocking potential is high
- Intel Application Optimization is impressive
- Expensive, of course
- Has issues with ASUS MCE tech at present
The Intel Core i9-14900K is the top-of -pile when it comes to CPU and is a must-have if money is no object. It’s one of the best CPUs on the market right now, and is perfect for both gaming, and game development. It boasts a huge overclocking potential and runs more efficiently than the outgoing 13th Gen chips. It’s also got a massive 32 Threads, making multi-tasking a breeze, and outperforms the Core i9-13900K in all scenarios, making it the new high-performer in Intel’s arsenal. The downside? It’s expensive – but then, you will have a CPU that will last you a very long time.
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.
- High core count for an entry level CPU
- High base and boost speeds
- Efficient
- backwards compatible with 12th gen motherboards
- Runs very warm
If you’re on a tighter budget then the Intel Core i5 13600K is the best value gaming processor on the market righht now. Sure, the 13700K and 13900K are better for more professional workload. However, if you’re just learning game dev at the moment, you’ll be more than satisfied with the 13600K.
In fact, you could say that even this CPU is a bit much for some people. This is especially true considering you’re getting 14 cores, 20 threads, and a fast turbo speed. On top of that, you can overclock this processor, pair it with DDR5 memory, and get superb performance out of it. Seriously, this processor punches well above its weight. You might think you need an i7 or an i9 right now, but the value of this one puts those to shame for game designers. The 13600K is a superb processor, and a no-brainer purchase for game development.
Best Budget CPU for Game Development – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
Core (Threads)
6/12
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
- Set to out-perform the 10600K
- Great value for money
- Unlocked overclocking
- Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
- Requires CPU cooler
The 13600K is impressive in terms of value, but the 5600X is even cheaper. While it won’t keep up with the newest i5 processor, it’s still a great CPU for game development. This is especially true if you pair it with a fast SSD and a good amount of fast DDR4 memory. If you are just starting out with game development, then this is the processor we recommend.
Final Word
Usually we’d recommend a Core i7, Core i9, or Ryzen 7/9 processor for game development. However, you don’t need to go that far if you are just working solo and on smaller projects. Considering that, both the Core i5 13600K and Ryzen 5 5600X are the best CPUs for game development right now if you’re on a budget. If money is no option, the Intel 14900K is one of the best CPUs around and is highly recommended.
