While your PC’s graphics card does many of the heavy lifting relating to taking part in games, having considered one of in the present day’s greatest gaming CPUs inside your system may also make a noticeable enchancment to your PC’s efficiency – notably for those who like taking part in games at 1920×1080. Having a great CPU can also be vital for those who’re a budding streamer, too, as working and streaming a game concurrently can usually be very CPU intensive. The drawback, in fact, is deciding which sort of CPU is best for you. After all, it’s not as simple as merely plugging in a brand new graphics card or SSD, as what kind of CPU you should purchase is solely depending on what kind of motherboard you’ve got.
To make it easier to in your quest to seek out the very best gaming CPU, I’ve put collectively this record of all the very best processors I’ve examined right here at RPS, together with all the newest Intel Coffee Lake and AMD Ryzen processors. I’ve examined every thing from entry-level Core i3 and Ryzen 5 CPUs all the best way as much as the highest brass Core i9s and Ryzen 9s, selecting the very best CPUs for gaming in every value class. Whatever your finances, there’s a greatest gaming CPU for you.
Best gaming CPU 2020
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – the very best finances AMD gaming CPU
- Intel Core i3-8100 – the very best finances Intel gaming CPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – the very best mid-range AMD gaming CPU
- Intel Core i5-9600K – the very best mid-range Intel gaming CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – the very best AMD gaming CPU
- Intel Core i7-9700K – the very best Intel gaming CPU
These are my greatest gaming CPU picks at a look. To assist make issues simpler, you’ll be able to both click on the related hyperlinks above to go straight to the CPU in query, or you’ll be able to keep it up scrolling to learn the entire thing. Before we get to our greatest gaming CPU picks, although, right here’s what you’ll want to find out about shopping for a brand new processor in 2020.
How to decide on the very best gaming CPU: Buying a brand new gaming CPU is usually one of many largest and most time-consuming upgrades you are able to do in your PC, as you’ll most likely must re-build your whole PC from scratch if it’s greater than a few years previous. You’ll discover every thing you’ll want to find out about how to build a PC in our devoted information, and I’ve additionally put collectively a listing of every thing you’ll want to find out about upgrading your PC in 2020 for those who want a little bit of a refresher. And whilst you’re right here, chances are you’ll as properly take a look at our best graphics card, best gaming monitor and best gaming SSD lists as properly that will help you decide extra of in the present day’s greatest parts to go inside your new system.
A variety of it comes all the way down to what kind of motherboard you’ve got. It’s simpler for those who’re ranging from scratch, as you’ll be able to merely decide which of our greatest gaming CPU suggestions you just like the sound of and purchase the suitable motherboard to match. It’s tougher for those who’re seeking to maintain your motherboard and easily swap out your present CPU. If you’ve received on previous Intel CPU, chances are high you’ll have to purchase a brand new motherboard anyway, as present Intel CPUs aren’t suitable with older boards. AMD is a bit simpler, as even in the present day’s newest Ryzen 3000 CPUs will work with older AM4 motherboards, but it surely’s at all times higher to examine what you’ve received first with a view to ensure that every thing’s going work or not. For extra info, take a look at our What motherboard do I need for my Intel or AMD CPU? article.
Generally talking, although, selecting the very best gaming CPU boils all the way down to this: Intel CPUs are usually higher for general gaming efficiency, however AMD CPUs are cheaper and include their very own (and customarily higher) coolers, making them higher picks for these of you who’re extra finances aware. To assist make issues simpler, I’ve listed my high picks for every kind of processor, telling you what the very best Intel CPUs are for gaming, in addition to what the very best AMD gaming CPU is in the identical value class. With all that in thoughts, listed below are my greatest gaming CPU suggestions for 2020:
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – the very best finances AMD gaming CPU
AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600 could also be a bit lengthy within the tooth now, what with it being considered one of their 2nd Gen Ryzen chips fairly than considered one of their new third Gen Ryzen 3000 collection, however at this value, it actually doesn’t get any higher than this.
Not solely is it a lot sooner than the similarly-priced Intel Core i3-8100 and Core i3-9100, however its gaming efficiency can also be just about on par with the extra upmarket Intel Core i3-8350K, the latter of which is each costlier than the Ryzen 5 2600 and doesn’t include a cooler within the field. The Core i3-8350Okay nonetheless has the sting in some games, reality be advised, however once you think about its further price and the extra expense of a cooler, it merely isn’t pretty much as good worth for cash as its Ryzen rival.
In my eyes, the Ryzen 5 2600 can also be a a lot better purchase than its Ryzen 5 2600X sibling, too. The 2600X might need higher multicore efficiency for inventive purposes and the like, however its gaming prowess is surprisingly much like the common 2600, so that you’re probably not going to really feel the good thing about its X-rated sibling except you’re additionally going to be utilizing your PC for many picture and video enhancing. As a end result, for those who’re in search of the very best gaming CPU for below £150 / $150, the Ryzen 5 2600 ought to positively be on the high of your record.
Intel Core i3-8100 – the very best finances Intel gaming CPU
There’s not an enormous quantity of alternative relating to good, low-cost Intel CPUs, however for those who’re actually on a strict finances then the very best one to go for is the Intel Core i3-8100 (or, certainly, its barely newer, however costlier sibling, the Core i3-9100).
I’d be hesitant to essentially advocate both CPU on this explicit class, although, as they’re not solely significantly slower than their respective AMD competitors – even the Ryzen 5 2600 runs rings round this explicit chip – however additionally they don’t permit for any sort of overclocking. That might not be a selected drawback for those who’re solely constructing a really fundamental gaming PC, in fact, but it surely does imply you received’t be capable of get any extra out of it additional down the road for those who determine you need to try to squeeze a bit extra efficiency from it.
It’s an honest basis for a 1080p gaming PC, however you’ll get much more in your cash by switching to AMD and spending only a teensy bit extra on one thing just like the Ryzen 5 2600, or certainly choosing my AMD mid-range decide beneath.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – the very best mid-range AMD gaming CPU
If you’re after the very best worth gaming CPU accessible in the present day, then the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is fingers down the CPU for you. Available for simply £160 / $175 at time of writing, it’s considerably cheaper than all of its Intel rivals, together with the Intel Core i5-9600Okay beneath.
Admittedly, the Ryzen 5 3600 can’t fairly match the Core i5-9600Okay when it comes to general gaming pace, however its vastly superior normal desktop efficiency (and, in fact, its cheaper value) makes this a a lot better purchase than any of Intel’s different Core i5 CPUs proper now, each eighth Gen and ninth Gen alike. Plus, it comes unlocked for overclocking and its personal, superb cooler within the field, making it a lot better worth for cash general. You’ll get a bit extra desktop efficiency from its costlier sibling, the Ryzen 5 3600X sibling, however when it comes to gaming efficiency they’re each just about neck and neck. Plus, the Ryzen 5 3600’s decrease TDP of 65W means it’s additionally extra power environment friendly as properly.
It’s incredible all-rounder for mid-range PC builds, which is why it’s my present CPU of alternative for our RPS Rig construct, which covers every thing you’ll want to construct a gaming PC for lower than £1000. If you’re constructing a brand new PC from scratch, that is the CPU to purchase.
Intel Core i5-9600Okay – the very best mid-range Intel gaming CPU
With costs for Intel’s Core i5-8600K now having gone via the roof, it’s Intel’s Core i5-9600K that takes its place as our new go-to greatest gaming CPU for mid-range gaming PCs. Sure, you’ll want to purchase your personal cooler to go together with it, however the Core i5-9600Okay comfortably sees off competitors from each of AMD’s Ryzen 5 3600 / 3600X CPUs, in addition to their older Ryzen 7 2700 / 2700X chips, which have now fallen in value.
There’s nonetheless an argument for going with the cheaper (and barely older) Intel Core i5-8400, thoughts, as its gaming efficiency isn’t one million miles behind the Core i5-9600Okay, however personally, I feel it’s value stretching to the i5-9600Okay in case your finances permits for it. Not solely is it sooner and higher for normal desktop duties, however the i5-9600Okay is unlocked for overclocking, too – and you will get fairly nice speeds from it with simply an ordinary tower cooler, too. For instance, my BeQuiet BK009 Pure Rock cooler managed to push all of it the best way up to an enormous 4.9GHz earlier than my PC conked out, which is fairly darn useful. Admittedly, overclocking your CPU received’t make a large distinction to your general gaming efficiency – my outcomes solely confirmed a median enchancment of 1 or two frames generally – however it’s going to give it a pleasant enhance in your on a regular basis desktop purposes.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – the very best AMD gaming CPU
If you’re in search of the very best AMD gaming CPU cash can purchase, then look no additional than the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Technically, there are higher Ryzen CPUs accessible, such because the Ryzen 7 3800X and the Ryzen 9 3900X, however they’re additionally insanely costly and vastly overpowered in your common gaming PC. Instead, I feel the Ryzen 7 3700X provides the very best stability between high notch gaming efficiency and general worth for cash, which is why it’s my high AMD decide proper now.
While not fairly as quick because the Core i7-9700Okay, the Ryzen 7 3700X nonetheless provides exceptionally good gaming speeds and completely stonking desktop efficiency, too – all for a significantly smaller sum of £259 / $300 at time of writing as well. Plus, you don’t have to fret about discovering an applicable cooler for it, because the Wraith Prism cooler that comes within the field is greater than as much as the duty of preserving this chip good and chilly. You could need to go for one thing extra substantial for those who’re going to be overclocking it, however for the overwhelming majority of individuals, that is the only and best high-end CPU to make use of straight out of the field.
Intel Core i7-9700Okay – the very best Intel gaming CPU
For the very best gaming CPU cash can purchase, the Intel Core i7-9700K is the best way to go. Again, Intel’s Core i9-9900K may technically be the quickest and bestest greatest gaming CPU you’ll be able to throw a bucket of money at, however once you have a look at the figures, I’m simply undecided it’s value spending one other hundred-odd quid on it in contrast with the wonderful Core i7-9700Okay.
At least not once you’ve solely received an ordinary tower cooler at your disposal, as a result of man alive do these CPUs get scorching. As such, I’d actually advocate getting a liquid cooler for this explicit chip, particularly for those who’re hoping to overclock it. I used to be solely capable of get so far as 4.7GHz earlier than I began to see indicators of thermal throttling with my BeQuiet BK009 Pure Rock tower cooler, so a liquid cooler is an absolute should for overclockers right here.
That’s to not say the Core i7-9700Okay isn’t value shopping for for those who don’t have a liquid cooler, although. This continues to be one very nippy CPU certainly, providing substantial good points throughout the board over its Core i7-8700 and Core i7-8700K predecessors in addition to its Ryzen 7 competitors. Its single core and multicore efficiency are additionally distinctive (even when all of AMD’s Ryzen 7 CPUs nonetheless have the sting on multicore), and it provides a tangible step up from Intel’s Core i5-9600Okay.
