Best CPUs for Rust in 2025 – our top picks
Get the best gaming performance in Rust with these CPUs
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Rust is an action-packed multiplayer survival game developed by Facepunch Studios and released back in 2018. However, despite being years old now, the game continues to grow its fanbase, with more and more people eager to try its harsh landscapes. Part of its popularity also comes from Twitch streamers, who make the engaging survival and competitive gameplay even more fun, attracting more players to the game. A common question from newcomers starting their gaming journey is: What is the best CPU for Rust?
If you take a look at the specifications of Rust, it becomes clear that the game is fairly CPU-intensive, meaning you’ll need a powerful processor if you want to get high FPS and smooth performance. But how do you find the best one? Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered. We’ve compiled a list of the best processors for Rust, catering to a wide range of gamers—from those who want the best of the best to those looking for the best performance at a good price. So, without further ado, here’s a closer look at our top four picks.
Products at a Glance
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Best gaming CPU for Rust
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
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Best Intel CPU for Rust
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
-
Best AM4 CPU for Rust
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- TDP: 105W
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Best mid-range CPU for RustIntel 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.
How we picked
As we mentioned earlier, Rust is a CPU-intensive title, but what exactly does that mean? In simple terms, CPU-intensive games place most of the stress on your processor rather than your GPU. They utilize every bit of your processor’s power to deliver optimal performance. For that reason, we’ve selected CPUs with high clock speeds, a solid number of cores, and exceptional raw performance, all capable of handling the demanding needs of this game. However, we didn’t just include the best and most expensive options. We aimed to offer something for everyone, so no matter your budget or requirements, you can find a CPU that fits perfectly into your build.
That said, we only recommend products that have been tested by us or reviewed by trusted and reputable third-party sources that highlight both the positives and negatives. In addition to performance testing, we thoroughly examined the specifications and technical details of these CPUs, along with user reviews, to get an honest perspective on how these processors perform in everyday use. If you’re interested in learning more about our testing process, check out our dedicated page on how we test CPUs.
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
- The best gaming processor in the market
- Very efficient
- Extremely future-proof
- Not best for productivity workloads
- Usually out of stock
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has only been around for three months, but in that short time, this 8-core, 16-thread CPU has made its way into nearly every guide and article discussing the best gaming CPUs on the market. With incredible gaming performance, thanks to its high boost core speed of up to 5.2 GHz and the power of the all-new X3D technology, this chip easily powers through any CPU-intensive title and is the perfect match for Rust. What’s even more interesting is that, unlike previous X3D iterations, this is the first fully unlocked chip, offering overclockers the opportunity to boost their performance even further.
In our review of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, we put it head-to-head with its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. In nearly all of the games, the 9800X3D outperformed the 7800X3D with higher numbers. In CS2, the difference was significant, with the 9800X3D achieving over 600 FPS compared to the 7800X3D’s 300+ FPS. Another big difference was in Days Gone, where the 9800X3D outpaced its predecessor by almost a 100 FPS increase. But there’s more: we decided to test the overclocking tools to see how much of a performance gain we could get. In CS2, with Game Mode and PBO active, the average FPS climbed from 601.52 to 662.35, a solid gain of over 60 FPS.
The Ryzen 9 9800X3D is a powerhouse for gamers seeking cutting-edge performance, as it not only meets but exceeds expectations in gaming.
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Judging by these numbers, it’s safe to say that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is setting a new standard for gaming, with its revolutionary performance making it a clear winner compared to all other CPUs out there. With such incredible gaming performance, you won’t have to worry about performance issues in Rust. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the 9800X3D comes with a hefty price tag. Those not already on the AM5 platform will need to purchase a new motherboard and even DDR5 memory. But if you can afford it, this is the best gaming CPU money can buy and will keep you covered for years to come.
- 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
- Decent cores for CPU-intensive games
- Great gaming performance
- Expensive
- Requires a beefy CPU cooler
For those on the LGA 1700 socket who want top-tier performance without upgrading to a new generation or socket, the Core i9-14900K is an excellent choice. This processor delivers exceptional gaming performance and handles demanding productivity workloads effortlessly. It features 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores), 32 threads, and a notable 200 MHz boost in P-core clock speeds compared to its predecessor. Its robust specifications make it a great option not only for Rust but for any CPU-intensive game, ensuring high frame rates and a smooth gameplay experience.
While its high price might deter some, the Core i9-14900K offers unparalleled power and efficiency for demanding tasks, making it a worthy investment for those seeking peak performance.
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In our review of the 14900K, we gave it a solid 4-star rating. The chip impressed us with its strong gaming performance, effortlessly tearing through every test we threw at it. For instance, in Starfield, a notoriously CPU-intensive game, the 14900K delivered buttery smooth gameplay with an average FPS of 133, without a hint of stutter or lag. Similarly, it breezed through the demanding Cyberpunk 2077 with ease. While the 14900K is undoubtedly on the premium end of processors, its all-around performance and impressive numbers make it a worthy investment for gamers and professionals alike. Just be sure to pair it with the Best CPU cooler for i9-14900K, as it can run hot sometimes.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- TDP: 105W
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base clock speed: 3.4GHz
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- Total L3 cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- Default TDP: 105W
- TSMC: 7nm FinFET
- Socket: AM4
- Memory type: DDR4
- Surpasses the 5700X and 12900K in gaming performance
- No motherboard upgrade required
- Great for those on a tight budget
- Lower clock speeds result in bad single-core performance
- Not great for productivity needs
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly CPU that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg or requires a motherboard upgrade but still delivers incredible gaming performance, we recommend the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Yes, another X3D chip—because when it comes to purely gaming-focused CPUs, the X3D lineup is hard to beat. The 5800X3D is the successor to the 5800X, and while the latter offers higher boost clock speeds on paper, the 5800X3D shines in gaming performance, outperforming not only the 5800X but also Intel’s 12900K without breaking a sweat.
The 5800X3D performs around 5% better than the 5800X on average in our synthetic benchmarks and around 3% better than the 12900K in real-world benchmarks according to our data.
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To truly grasp how powerful this three-year-old chip is, let’s look at the benchmarking results from our review of the 5800X3D. We tested it at 1080p across different games like Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Fortnite. It achieved impressive average FPS of 150, 252, and 275, respectively, dominating the 12900K in all three. However, there are areas where its performance lags, particularly in tasks requiring higher single-core clock speeds, due to its slightly lower clock rates. But for pure gaming enthusiasts, this chip is an excellent choice, offering exceptional gaming performance regardless of the title.
- 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.
- Strong single-core and multi-core performance
- Excellent value for money
- Great for gaming and productivity tasks
- Very high power consumption compared to later models
- Lacks some of the cutting-edge features of newer chips
For those seeking a mid-range option that excels in CPU-intensive games like Rust, our pick is the Intel i7-13700K. The Raptor Lake i7 is a powerhouse, outperforming the last-gen i9-12900K in many workloads. It delivers i9-level performance at a much lower price point, redefining what to expect from an i7. In terms of specifications, the i7-13700K features 16 cores and 24 threads. It builds on the big.LITTLE architecture introduced by Intel with Alder Lake, offering 8 hyperthreaded performance cores and 8 single-threaded efficiency cores.
The performance cores can reach a max boost clock of up to 5.4GHz, which is impressive for an i7 processor. This high boost clock, combined with its substantial thread count, ensures you can enjoy high FPS gaming without bottlenecks, regardless of the graphics card you pair it with. Pair the 13700K with a 4090, and it’ll handle 1440p and 4K resolutions effortlessly. However, for Rust, a 4090 is overkill. A 4070 or something from the RTX 3000 series would be more than sufficient. AMD’s 6000 series GPUs also pair exceptionally well with the 13700K.
The Intel Core i7-13700K offers exceptional performance at an attractive price point. It delivers smooth gaming experiences, efficient multitasking, and strong overall processing power, making it a solid choice for both gamers and creators alike.
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As an unlocked “K” processor, the 13700K supports overclocking. While its 5.4GHz boost clock is already impressive, you have the flexibility to push it further if needed. One downside we noted in our review of the 13700K is that it runs hot, with a 125-watt base and a 253-watt max TDP. To prevent throttling under heavy workloads, you’ll need a powerful AIO cooler. Aside from this, the i7-13700K is an excellent choice for playing Rust and other demanding titles.
Things to consider
When choosing the best CPU for a title that demands more power from your processing unit, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, as mentioned before, opt for a CPU with a higher core count and clock speeds. These features generally deliver better performance, especially in CPU-intensive games. Our list includes CPUs with at least 6 cores and a clock speed of 3.0 GHz, ensuring a smoother gaming experience regardless of your choice.
Additionally, prioritize a large cache size, as this can significantly enhance game performance. A larger cache reduces the time the CPU takes to access critical game data, resulting in better overall gaming performance. Multi-threading technology is another critical factor for gaming. It enables a CPU to handle multiple threads simultaneously, allowing faster processing and improved performance in demanding titles. Games optimized for multi-threading can see a substantial performance boost.
Finally, it’s crucial to set a budget so the CPU you choose fits within your price range without requiring additional expenses for new hardware. Without a budget, you might face too many options, leading to confusion. A defined budget helps narrow down your choices and ensures your selection aligns with your financial limits.
Final thoughts
This concludes our list of the fastest, most powerful, and overall best-performing CPUs for Rust. We awarded the top spot to the 9800X3D for its unmatched gaming performance. However, you can also opt for options from the blue team, such as the 14900K or the 13700K, depending on your budget. For those looking for the best chip on the AM4 platform, the 5800X3D is our pick. It offers excellent value for money and will keep your system competitive for quite some time. If you’re still undecided, we suggest narrowing down your options by setting a clear budget. Instead of overwhelming yourself with endless choices, focus on CPUs that deliver great performance within your price range. Regardless of which option you choose, your Rust gaming experience is sure to be fantastic.
