Best CPU for Multitasking in 2024 – our top picks
Always busy multitasking? Here are the best CPUs for the job
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Looking for the best CPU for multitasking? Multitasking is a buzzword that often gets thrown around with every CPU launch. However, while it is easy to think of it as just another marketing term, multitasking is something that power users take very seriously. Of course, it can take up a lot of processing power. So, what’s the best CPU for Multitasking?
Well, it turns out that Team Blue is leading the charging in that regard, judging on what’s on offer in the market from both AMD and Intel. Intel’s implementation of Performance and Efficiency cores makes the 12th and 13th gen processors an excellent choice for power users – as with the latest 14th Gen chipset now out, you could see some drastic price reductions. If you’re after the very best you can buy, we recommend the Intel 14th Gen i9-14900K. With that said, here are our picks on the best CPU for multitasking.
Best CPU for Multitasking
Intel Core i9 13900K
Intel Core i9-13900K
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.
Specs:
- Speed: 5.8GHz
- Cores/Threads: 24/32
- Socket: LGA1700
- TDP: 125W
This was an easy choice, considering the 13900K’s high core count, beastly processing power, and overclocking abilities. If you’re someone who has many programs open simultaneously and is doing CPU-intensive work at the same time, then maybe you should consider getting the 13900K.
Since it comes with 24 cores and 32 threads, you won’t be experiencing any slowdowns any time soon. That high core count also makes it great for workloads such as video editing, Blender, animation, game development, and more.
Of course, this is a power-hungry chip, so you will need to cool it properly. There’s also the fact that you’ll need to invest in a great Z790 motherboard and fast DDR5 memory. Those components don’t come cheap. However, if you can take advantage of all this power, it is worth the investment.
Best Budget CPU for Multitasking
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
If you feel a bit uncomfortable spending all that money on the i9 13900K, then consider going with the Core i5 13600K. You’re still getting 14 cores, 20 threads, excellent overclocking, and better power-efficiency. Thanks to the value proposition, this one is arguably the best processor out of the 13th gen line up.
If you can’t afford the 13900K, the Core i5 13600K is a much better alternative than anything else on the market. It even outperforms last year’s Core i9 12900K in some tests.
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
Finally, there’s the nuclear option, for when you just want to splash the cash. Tjhe 14900K is a monster of CPU and will chew through whatever you throw at it. You can read our hands-on review of the 14900K if you’re after more detail, but you’re getting a massive 32 threads and a boosted clock speed of up to 4.4GHz. It’s perfect for work and gaming, too – and so features in our best CPUs for gaming. Just be prepared to shell out the pennies, the 14900k is mighty expensive. But then, it’s absolutely top-of-the-line.
Final Word
Usually, it is AMD that leads the charge in productivity and multitasking workloads. While they have been successfully in recent years, the story is different this generation. Intel has finally managed to up its game, making the Core i5 13600K and Core i9 13900K sensible options. If cash if no object, the 14900K is the best CPU on the market thanks to its massive thread count.
