Best CPU for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Best CPU for Sid Meier's Civilization VI? Let's find out

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The turn-based strategy game Civilization VI was initially released in 2016 and has since seen numerous changes, updates, and expansions. It’s one of the top strategy games these days, and it has many enjoyable experiences to offer first-time players. However, you will need a suitable CPU to experience it at its best. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best CPU for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.

Now read: Best CPU for gaming 2023

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What are the requirements for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI?

Here are the recommended specs for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI from the developers of the game themselves. 

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7×64 / Windows 8.1×64 / Windows 10×64
• Processor: Fourth Generation Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz or AMD FX8350 4.0 Ghz or greater
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 2GB & AMD 7970 or nVidia 770 or greater
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 12 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device

We see the need for a 4th gen Core i5 CPU, a very easy requirement to meet. Any Core or Ryzen CPU released recently will be stronger than a 4th gen i5, which is nearing a decade of age at this point. 

However, you may also want to add mods to the game. Adding and running mods increases a game’s computational requirements, but it’s hard to say by how much exactly. If you’re interested in a modded experience, you’ll likely need to go above the bare minimum. 

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Best CPU for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI – i5 13400F

The best CPU for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is the Intel core i5 13400F processor, the newest addition to the Core i5 lineup. The processor was released only recently, in January 2023, and quickly established itself as a top-tier budget processor. 

Intel Core i5-13400F

Brand

Intel

CPU Model

Core i5

CPU Speed

4.6 GHz

Platform

Windows

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Before we move on, I should quickly clarify here that we’ve chosen the “F” version of the 13400 processor. The F edition does not provide you with integrated graphics, meaning you’ll need to pair it up with a dedicated GPU. 

But the thing is, that’s something you would be looking to do in a gaming rig anyways, so going for an F processor allows you to save some extra cash while practically losing nothing. 

And just in case you’re wondering, an iGPU would be insufficient for Civilization VI as the game is somewhat graphically demanding.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the 13400F. The processor features 10 hybrid cores (6 hyperthreaded performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) with a max boost clock of 4.6GHz. 

16 threads is a very healthy amount for a CPU to have. It’s more than enough for gaming and will allow you some ability to multitask, stream, and carry out productivity work on the side. 

Civilization VI is a game that benefits greatly from having a higher thread count, which is why going for an 8-thread or 12-thread processor won’t give you the best results. 

The processor’s 4.6GHz boost clock is very moderate but will allow you to play Civilization VI at high framerates without a problem. As mentioned, the thread count takes preference for this particular game.