Best CPU for HTPC
Make the most of your home theater with the best CPUs for HTPC
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Home Theater PCs or HTPCs are popular alternatives to buying a console or smart TV box. You can get all the versatility of a Windows PC on a big screen, but at a lower price than a full-fledged gaming machine. So, we’ll be taking a look at the best CPU for HTPC builds in this guide.
You’ll want to look for something that is relatively easy to cool since you don’t want a power-hungry PC build that will skyrocket the temperature in your living. Of course, you’ll still want something that performs well. That’s what we had in mind with this guide.
Considering that, here are the best CPUs for HTPC builds.
Best CPU for HTPC – 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 the best choice right now for HTPC builds. It is much easier to cool than its Core i7 and Core i9 counterparts, but still quite performant. With 14 cores, 20 threads, and a 5.1GHz boost clock, you’ll end up with one of the fastest HTPCs out there.
Pair it with a small case, a low-profile graphics card, and a decent power supply for the best results. This CPU can handle any game that you want to throw at it and is also a great option if you want to emulate games on the big screen. It can be a bit power-hungry, but if you pair it with a decent enough cooler, you won’t have issues with thermals or noise.
In all honesty, it’s a bit overkill if you’re only going to use your HTPC for media consumption. However, if you are planning on playing games, then this is an excellent processor in that regard.
Best Budget CPU for HTPC – AMD Ryzen 5 4600G
Specs:
- Speed: 4.2GHz (Boost Clock)
- Cores/Threads: 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
If you’re looking for a cheap and power-efficient CPU that also happens to have integrated graphics then get the 4600G. This APU comes with a stock cooler out of the box, and since it features integrated graphics, you don’t need to go out and buy a separate GPU.
Of course, you may eventually want to do that if you plan on playing intensive games. However, if you’re building an HTPC just for streaming media, then this processor is more than enough on its own.
Final Word
Both of the processors we picked are excellent choices in their own right. The Intel CPU is better for gaming, but the Ryzen 5 4600G is the better choice if you only care about watching content from your couch.
