5 Best CPUs For Gaming in 2023

Specs:

• Processor Count: 6 Cores and 12 processing threads
• Socket: AM5
• Boost Speed: 5.3 GHz
• Base Power: 105W

It’s a cut-down version of the Ryzen 7 7700X since the 7600X is meant to be a mid-range option. Still, it runs on a lower TDP compared to its competition, which is the 13600K from Intel. The core count is also lower.

However, the performance is impressive. In plenty of benchmarks, the 7600X edges out the 13600K which is worrying for Intel because the former is significantly more affordable. It’s also more energy efficient, meaning it has a tendency to run cooler.

Moreover, you can easily upgrade to a newer CPU since the Zen 4 architecture motherboards will be around for a couple more generations.

Specs:

• Processor Count: 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Boost Speed: 5.1 GHz
• Base Power: 125W

The previous 12600K was the stunner for its generation; it was able to trade blows with i7, Ryzen 7, or other higher-tiered CPUs while maintaining a semi-mid-range budget and conservative power consumption. It was then succeeded by the mighty Core i5-13600K.

When overclocked, this PC can almost match its i7 and i9 brothers in gaming. Of course, it mostly defeats everything AMD has on offer, even the Ryzen 7 models. And the best part is that you don’t even have to do much for the 13600K to reach this level of performance.

It goes to show just what Intel can do with E-cores when faced with fierce competition.

Specs:

• Processor Count: 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 24 threads
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Boost Speed: 5.4 GHz
• Base Power: 125W

For those who can splurge on higher-end PCs and want the best of the best without diminishing returns, then the Core i7-13700K is the way to go. If you don’t care much about diminishing returns in gaming, then by all means, opt for the i9-13900K, though you’ll get more out of your money with the 13700K.

It’s a better overclocker than the 13600K and has a higher default boost clock. Of course, you will need to provide it with as much cooling performance as you can afford– the cost will only compound. Still, it has many other uses apart from gaming; the 13700K is also a powerful workhorse when it comes to productivity applications.

Specs:

• Processor Count: 8 Cores and 16 processing threads
• Socket: AM5
• Boost Speed: 5.4 GHz
• Base Power: 105W

AMD does have its own answer to Intel’s high-end challengers, and that’s the Ryzen 7 7700X. The boost clock is about as high as Intel’s 13th-gen i7 but the number of cores is significantly lower though by no means does that equate to much lower performance. If anything, the gaming performance of the two is nearly identical.

So why pick the AMD option? Well, for one, it’s more affordable and it also uses considerably less energy. Some games do prefer Intel while others AMD but do note that you can’t go wrong with either CPU. If you’re more concerned with saving money while still wanting something high-end, then AMD it is.

Specs:

• Processor Count: 6 Cores and 12 processing threads
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Boost Speed: 4.4 GHz
• Base Power: 65W

Despite being a previous-gen CPU, the Core i5-12400F is still one of the most solid options to pick if you’re a bit tight on the budget and are looking for something a bit entry-level. The power consumption here is stellar and at the very least, it won’t heat up your room or increase your energy bill too much.

As for gaming performance, don’t expect it to place near the same tier as its more recent counterparts. But for the money you save, you could simply purchase a more powerful GPU instead. At the moment, this CPU is at the $160 price point and it’s dropping fast.