Best gaming CPU in 2023

Selecting the best gaming CPU in 2023 presents a challenge with so many top-performing options available. Both AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors deliver impressive performance across their respective lines, each offering unique benefits.

Having the proper processor is just as crucial as having the best graphics card in your system, as it significantly contributes to your PC’s ability to produce and sustain smooth frame rates. It also determines the type and speed of other components such as RAM and SSDs that can be used.

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To aid in determining whether an AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processor is best for you, we have compiled a list of our picks for the best gaming CPU. Keep in mind that obtaining the best gaming motherboard is also essential for the overall functionality of your new system.

Here The List Of Best gaming CPU in 2023

Best gaming CPU

The best gaming CPU is the Intel Core i5 13600K.
Expect to pay $319.99 USD / £319.99 GBP.

The Intel Core i5-13600K is a mid-range processor based on Intel’s Rocket Lake-S architecture, released in 2021. It has 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 125W and supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR4 memory, and has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750 GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.

Pros of Intel Core i5-13600K:

1. Good performance: With 4 cores and 8 threads, the i5-13600K provides decent performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
2. High clock speed: The base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and max turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz allow for fast processing and improved performance.
3. Integrated GPU: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750 GPU provides basic graphics capabilities and can handle light gaming or media playback.
4. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
5. Supports DDR4 memory: DDR4 is the latest standard of memory and offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to DDR3.

Cons of Intel Core i5-13600K:

1. Limited multi-threading capabilities: While it has Hyper-Threading technology, the i5-13600K is still limited in terms of multi-threading capabilities, making it less suitable for heavily threaded applications.
2. High TDP: With a TDP of 125W, this processor can generate a lot of heat, requiring a good cooling solution.
3. Limited overclocking headroom: While the i5-13600K is unlocked, it may not have as much overclocking headroom as some other processors, making it less suitable for extreme overclocking.
4. More expensive than some alternatives: This processor is priced higher than some alternatives, which may make it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Best cheap gaming CPU

The best cheap gaming CPU is the Intel Core i3 13100.
Expect to pay $149.99 USD / £149.99 GBP.

The Intel Core i3-13100 is a budget-oriented processor based on Intel’s Rocket Lake-S architecture, released in 2021. It has 2 cores and 4 threads with a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65W and does not support Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR4 memory, and has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750 GPU. This processor is suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, office work, and light media playback.

Pros of Intel Core i3-13100:

1. Affordable: The i3-13100 is priced lower than many other processors, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
2. Good for basic tasks: With 2 cores and a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, this processor can handle basic tasks like web browsing, office work, and light media playback with ease.
3. Low TDP: With a TDP of 65W, this processor generates relatively little heat, which can help to reduce cooling requirements and power consumption.
4. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
5. Supports DDR4 memory: DDR4 is the latest standard of memory and offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to DDR3.

Cons of Intel Core i3-13100:

1. Limited multi-threading capabilities: This processor does not support Hyper-Threading technology, which can limit its performance in heavily threaded applications.
2. Limited performance: With only 2 cores and no Hyper-Threading, this processor may struggle with more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
3. Limited overclocking headroom: The i3-13100 is not an unlocked processor, meaning that it may not have much overclocking headroom, making it less suitable for extreme overclocking.
4. Integrated GPU: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750 GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, but may not be suitable for demanding tasks like gaming.

Best value CPU

The best value CPU is the Intel Core i5 13400.
Expect to pay $239.99 USD / £239.99 GBP.

The Intel Core i5-13400 is a mid-range processor based on Intel’s Rocket Lake-S architecture, released in 2021. It has 6 cores and 12 threads with a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65W and supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR4 memory, and has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750 GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.

Pros of Intel Core i5-13400:

1. Good performance: With 6 cores and 12 threads, the i5-13400 provides decent performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
2. Supports Hyper-Threading: Hyper-Threading can improve performance in heavily threaded applications and can help to increase overall system performance.
3. Low TDP: With a TDP of 65W, this processor generates relatively little heat, which can help to reduce cooling requirements and power consumption.
4. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
5. Supports DDR4 memory: DDR4 is the latest standard of memory and offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to DDR3.

Cons of Intel Core i5-13400:

1. Limited clock speed: With a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz, this processor may not be as fast as some other mid-range processors.
2. Integrated GPU: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750 GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, but may not be suitable for demanding tasks like gaming.
3. Limited overclocking headroom: The i5-13400 is not an unlocked processor, meaning that it may not have much overclocking headroom, making it less suitable for extreme overclocking.
4. More expensive than some alternatives: This processor is priced higher than some alternatives, which may make it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Best AMD gaming CPU

The best AMD gaming CPU is the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X.
Expect to pay $299.99 USD / £299.99 GBP.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a mid-range processor based on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture, released in 2021. It has 6 cores and 12 threads with a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65W and supports AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR5/DDR4 memory, and has an integrated AMD Ryzen GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.

Pros of AMD Ryzen 5 7600X:

1. Good performance: With 6 cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 5 7600X provides decent performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
2. Supports SMT: Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) can improve performance in heavily threaded applications and can help to increase overall system performance.
3. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
4. Supports DDR5/DDR4 memory: DDR5 is the latest standard of memory and offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to DDR4, although DDR4 is also supported for compatibility.
5. Good value for money: The Ryzen 5 7600X provides good performance for its price and is generally considered a good value for money option.

Cons of AMD Ryzen 5 7600X:

1. Higher TDP than some alternatives: With a TDP of 65W, this processor generates more heat than some alternatives, which may increase cooling requirements.
2. Limited overclocking headroom: Some users have reported limited overclocking headroom on the Ryzen 5 7600X, which may be a drawback for enthusiasts looking to push their systems to the limit.
3. No integrated GPU: The Ryzen 5 7600X does not have an integrated GPU, so users will need to purchase a separate graphics card for graphics processing.
4. Requires BIOS update on some older motherboards: Some older motherboards may require a BIOS update to support the Ryzen 5 7600X, which can be a hassle for some users.

Best CPU with integrated graphic

The best CPU with integrated graphics is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G.
Expect to pay $139.99 USD / £139.99 GBP.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is a mid-range processor based on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture, released in 2021. It has 6 cores and 12 threads with a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65W and supports AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR5/DDR4 memory, and has an integrated AMD Ryzen Graphics GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.

Pros of AMD Ryzen 5 5600G:

1. Good performance: With 6 cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 5 5600G provides decent performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
2. Supports SMT: Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) can improve performance in heavily threaded applications and can help to increase overall system performance.
3. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
4. Integrated GPU: The integrated AMD Ryzen Graphics GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, which can be useful for users who don’t have a separate graphics card.
5. Good value for money: The Ryzen 5 5600G provides good performance for its price and is generally considered a good value for money option.

Cons of AMD Ryzen 5 5600G:

1. Higher TDP than some alternatives: With a TDP of 65W, this processor generates more heat than some alternatives, which may increase cooling requirements.
2. Limited overclocking headroom: Some users have reported limited overclocking headroom on the Ryzen 5 5600G, which may be a drawback for enthusiasts looking to push their systems to the limit.
3. Integrated GPU may not be suitable for demanding tasks: The integrated GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, but may not be suitable for demanding tasks like gaming.
4. Requires BIOS update on some older motherboards: Some older motherboards may require a BIOS update to support the Ryzen 5 5600G, which can be a hassle for some users.

Best CPU for streaming

The best CPU for streaming is the Intel Core i7 13700K.
Expect to pay $419.99 USD / £419.99 GBP.

The Intel Core i7-13700K is a high-end desktop processor based on Intel’s 11th Gen Core architecture, released in 2021. It has 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 125W and supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR5/DDR4 memory, and has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.

Pros:

1. High clock speed and 4 cores with 8 threads ensure fast performance for demanding tasks.
2. Intel Turbo Boost technology increases clock speed for even more performance.
3. Supports integrated graphics for basic graphics support.
4. Overclockable for even more performance gains.

Cons:

1. Higher power consumption than some of its competitors.
2. Does not have integrated graphics as good as some of its competitors.
3. Price may be higher compared to some of its alternatives.
4. No support for Hyper-Threading technology, unlike some of its higher-end counterparts.

Most powerful Intel gaming CPU

The most powerful Intel gaming CPU is the Intel Core i9 13900KS.
Expect to pay $689.99 USD / £689.99 GBP.

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a high-end desktop processor based on Intel’s 11th Gen Core architecture, released in 2021. It has 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock speed of 4.6 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 125W and supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR5/DDR4 memory, and has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking, especially for users who are looking for the highest performance possible.

Pros of Intel Core i9-13900KS:

1. High performance: With 8 cores and 16 threads, the Core i9-13900KS provides high performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
2. Fast clock speeds: With a base clock speed of 4.6 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz, this processor provides fast clock speeds for improved performance.
3. Supports Hyper-Threading: Hyper-Threading technology can improve performance in heavily threaded applications and can help to increase overall system performance.
4. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
5. Integrated GPU: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, which can be useful for users who don’t have a separate graphics card.

Cons of Intel Core i9-13900KS:

1. High TDP: With a TDP of 125W, this processor generates a lot of heat, which may increase cooling requirements.
2. High cost: The Core i9-13900KS is one of the most expensive desktop processors available, which may be a drawback for some users.
3. Requires a high-end cooling solution: Due to its high TDP, this processor requires a high-end cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling and maintain performance.
4. Integrated GPU may not be suitable for demanding tasks: The integrated GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, but may not be suitable for demanding tasks like gaming.
5. Limited overclocking headroom: Some users have reported limited overclocking headroom on the Core i9-13900KS, which may be a drawback for enthusiasts looking to push their systems to the limit.

Most powerful AMD gaming CPU

The most powerful AMD gaming CPU is the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X.
Expect to pay $699.99 USD / £739.99 GBP.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is a high-end desktop processor based on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture, released in 2020. It has 16 cores and 32 threads with a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 280W and supports AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) technology. It’s aimed for desktops and supports PCIe 4.0, DDR5/DDR4 memory, and has no integrated GPU. This processor is suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking, especially for users who require the highest levels of performance possible.

Pros of AMD Ryzen 9 7950X:

1. High core count: With 16 cores and 32 threads, the Ryzen 9 7950X provides high performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
2. Supports Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT): SMT technology can improve performance in heavily threaded applications and can help to increase overall system performance.
3. Supports PCIe 4.0: This processor supports the latest generation of PCIe, which can provide faster data transfer and improved overall system performance.
4. Good value for money: Compared to other high-end desktop processors, the Ryzen 9 7950X offers good value for money and provides high performance at a lower cost.
5. Good overclocking potential: The Ryzen 9 7950X has good overclocking potential, which can help users to achieve higher performance levels.

Cons of AMD Ryzen 9 7950X:

1. High TDP: With a TDP of 280W, this processor generates a lot of heat, which may increase cooling requirements.
2. No integrated GPU: The Ryzen 9 7950X has no integrated GPU, which may be a drawback for users who don’t have a separate graphics card.
3. Requires a high-end cooling solution: Due to its high TDP, this processor requires a high-end cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling and maintain performance.
4. Limited stock availability: The Ryzen 9 7950X is a high-end processor, and demand for it can sometimes exceed supply, leading to limited stock availability.
5. Power consumption: This processor consumes a lot of power, which may increase energy costs and reduce overall system efficiency.

Conclusion

It’s difficult to determine the “best” gaming CPU for 2023 as it largely depends on personal preferences, budget, and other factors such as the build and requirements of the gaming setup. However, some of the top contenders in the high-end segment include the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and the Intel Core i9-13900KS. Both offer high core count, fast clock speeds, and support for the latest technologies, making them suitable for demanding gaming tasks. Mid-range options include the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and the Intel Core i5-13600K, which provide good performance and value for money. Ultimately, the best gaming CPU for 2023 will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.