Best CPU for Helldivers 2 – our top AMD and Intel processor picks

Looking to get the best experience in Helldivers 2, we bring you the top CPU picks for it

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Looking to enjoy the sequel in all its glory, we’re here to help you pick the best CPU for Helldivers 2. With a vast range of options, the task can be rather a difficult thing, so with our extensive knowledge of processors and hardware we’ve picked out the best options for the job.

The game is the next in line in the franchise, created by Arrowhead it now is a third-person shooter published by Sony. Where you play out as the Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence you’ll be fighting for freedom across the galaxy. In that case, you want to make sure you have the best CPU for the job. That way you can have a gaming PC capable of running the game, so if you’ve been after an upgrade this could do the trick.

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Best CPU for Helldivers 2

One of the key parts of your system, be it for an upgrade or a new setup entirely, you can choose any of these options to have a strong contender for an all-around choice. Paired up with the best GPU, for the job, you can be sure to have incredible framerates and a great gaming experience with a top setup.

Best gaming CPU for Helldivers 2

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Cores:

8

Thread:

16

Boost speed:

5.0GHz

Cache:

96MB

TDP:

120W

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Pros

• 3D V-cache makes for fantastic gaming performance
• Less limited thanks to dual CCD config
• Relatively efficient

Cons

• Locked to auto overclocking, no manual
• Requires relatively expensive AM5 motherboard

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D emerges as a formidable contender for the title of the top gaming CPU on the market. While it may not boast the highest clock speeds, its innovative technology provides a substantial performance boost in games that prioritize it. This allows it to compete head-to-head with pricier processors boasting more cores and faster clock speeds. In terms of gaming performance per dollar, it stands out as one of the most compelling options available, although its efficacy in non-gaming tasks, such as productivity, may not match that of some competitors.

The key to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s potency lies in its 3D cache design, which differs from traditional 2D caches by stacking vertically rather than laterally. This architecture significantly increases the number of chipsets that can fit within a given area, resulting in larger cache capacities without sacrificing access speeds. While this design greatly benefits most games, it may not offer substantial advantages in non-gaming applications reliant on raw multi-core or single-core performance.

Regarding clock speeds, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D still boasts respectable figures, with base and boost speeds of 4.2GHz and 5.0GHz respectively. Even in games that don’t heavily leverage the enhanced L3 cache, users can expect solid performance. AMD has addressed the heat and clock speed limitations inherent in 3D cache technology (as seen in the 5800X3D) by employing a ‘dual CCD config’, with the 3D cache present on only one-half of the CPU. This allows the other half to run hotter, enabling more overclocking potential, albeit limited to auto overclocking, which may deter enthusiasts accustomed to manual tweaking. Despite this, the chip remains power-efficient, with lower thermal output compared to competing Intel models.

One notable downside of this CPU is the requirement for a pricey AM5 motherboard, which adds to the overall cost of the system.

Best Intel CPU for Helldivers 2

Intel Core i7-14700K

Cores:

20 (8+12)

Threads

28

Base Clock

3.4 GHz

Boost Clock

5.6 GHz

TDP:

125W

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Pros

• Great single-core & multi-core performance
• Good value for money

Cons

• Runs hot
• High power draw

This Intel processor boasts an impressive 20 cores and 28 threads, with a base/boost clock reaching 3.4GHz/5.6GHz, marking it as the highest among the options listed here and establishing it as a powerhouse in both single-core and especially multi-core performance. Performance can vary depending on the specific benchmark, but users can anticipate a peak improvement of up to approximately 25% compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in certain single-core and many multi-core scenarios. However, in gaming, the situation often flips, with the AMD chip occasionally holding a similar advantage. For users whose needs span both gaming and productivity, the Intel CPU would be the preferable choice.

While there isn’t a massive leap in performance compared to the 13th gen equivalent, the Intel Core i7-13700K, it’s hard to complain when the i7-14700K retails for slightly less than its predecessor—around $10 less in terms of MSRP—making it an obvious purchase.

Furthermore, the i7-14700K maintains compatibility with the same LGA 1700 socket as the previous generation, potentially saving users the expense of upgrading their motherboard. Unfortunately, it does draw a significant amount of power (approximately three times that of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) and generates considerable heat (peaking around 100℃ under stress tests and real-world scenarios), necessitating a more advanced cooling solution.

Best budget CPU for Helldivers 2

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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Pros

• 3D V-cache means great gaming performance
• Relatively inexpensive
• Doesn’t require a motherboard upgrade if yours has an AM4 socket

Cons

• No native overclocking support
• Medicore performance in games that don’t much utilise 3D cache

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D marked the introduction of ‘vertical stacking’ 3D cache technology, a feature also present in the newer 7800X3D, enabling it to punch well above its weight class. This technology results in an impressive 96MB L3 cache with a total access speed of 2TB/s, significantly boosting gaming performance. Despite its base/boost clock speeds of only 3.4GHz/4.5GHz, which are lower than even the standard Ryzen 7 5800X, the overall impact remains substantial.

The slight reduction in clock speed is attributed to the challenges encountered at higher speeds and voltages with the vertical stacking technology in this chip, particularly compared to the 7800X3D. Consequently, overclocking this processor isn’t feasible. However, for most games that heavily leverage the L3 cache, this limitation isn’t a significant concern as the performance gains are substantial. Nonetheless, for games that rely less on L3 cache, the lower raw clock speeds may lead to slightly less impressive performance, though still satisfactory overall.

For those seeking a plug-and-play gaming-focused setup, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D remains an excellent processor available at a reasonable price point. Additionally, the compatibility with existing AM4 motherboards offers a cost-saving advantage, particularly considering the expense associated with upgrading to an AM5 motherboard. For further details, you can refer to our comprehensive review of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D.

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What CPU do you need for Helldivers 2?

Looking at the Helldivers 2 system requirements, there’s nothing too demanding when it comes to the hardware you need to enjoy the game. At a minimum, Helldivers 2 requires an Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X CPU. But it does recommend going for an i7-9700K or a Ryzen 7 3700X. This means most modern processors are likely going to have no issue running the game, the graphics do take some power as well.

Do I need a new CPU for Helldivers 2?

If you’ve got a CPU that meets the requirements then there’s no need for a new upgrade. But if you are running close, then it might be the time to consider an upgrade. If you’re on AM4 with an older CPU, there are options like the 5800X3D to boost you significantly, but getting on a new platform might provide that longevity as well.

What engine is Helldivers 2 on?

Helldivers 2 uses the Autodesk Stingray engine, previously known as Bitsquid it is a now discontinued option. It is a heavily modified version to suit the needs of the game, as it was found that the Unreal engine was too restrictive for what the devs wanted from the game.

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Final word

There you have the best CPUs for Helldivers 2. With a range of options for plenty of needs, you can be sure to find a great gaming CPU out of the range of choices. We find the top option to be the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Intel Core i7-14700K, and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D. They are some of the top choices if you’re looking between the latest AMD and Intel processors, or towards the older gen where upgrades are a fruitful option.