Most gaming enthusiasts know how important it is to have a powerful central processing unit (CPU) in their PC. The CPU is the brain of the computer and responsible for executing the games software instructions.
No matter what your game choice, be it the all-action Call of Duty or the excitement and tension of Texas holdem, the better the CPU, the better your gaming experience will be. But with so many products to choose from on the market, how do you choose the best CPU for your gaming needs?
There are many factors to consider, such as the number of cores, the clock speed, the cache size, the compatibility with your motherboard, and the price. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best CPU chips out there that offer the best gaming performance in 2023.
Intel Core i5-13400F
Overall Best CPU for Gaming
Pros
- Strong gaming performance
- Price
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
- Supports memory overclocking
Cons
- Requires LGA1700 motherboard
- Not overclockable
This chip builds on the gaming performance of the previous-gen 12400 model and now comes with the addition of four e-cores to improve performance. Support for DDR4 memory makes it impossible to ignore at this price range and makes it the best choice for mid-range gaming PCs.
This 13th-Gen Raptor Lake chip delivers even more gaming performance than its predecessor, and the addition of e-cores to Intel’s 65W Core i5 processors brings a welcome boost to the threaded horsepower for productivity and game streaming.
Like AMD, Intel has added a bundled cooler with its lower-end 65W chips which is adequate for most users, although serious gamers may want to look at adding their own cooler. Overall, the i5-13400F is a compelling choice for gamers on a budget.
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
Best for all-round AMD performance
PROS
- Affordable
- Decent gaming performance
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 is one of the most well-balanced AM5 CPUs on the market. It comes with eight cores and sixteen threads. Unlike its Intel counterparts, it can be fully overclocked at lower TDPs. It is an excellent choice for mini-ITX gaming builds.
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 is compatible with the AM5 socket and the B650/X670 chipset motherboards. It also supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, the next generation bus and memory standards.
Overall, this chip is the perfect pick for AMD-loyal fans who want a reasonably priced CPU to play the latest AAA titles at ultra settings at high refresh rates.
Intel Core i9 13900K
Best High-Performance CPU for Gaming
PROS
- Super speedy gaming
- Quick and responsive
- DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
CONS
- Possible overkill?
- Power hungry
- Needs powerful cooler
Intel’s Core i9 13900K is capable of pretty much everything you could ask of it. High-octane gaming and serious multitasking are easily swatted aside by its 24 cores. No matter what task you throw at it, chances are the Intel Core i9 13900K will solve it in record time.
PC builders will understandably want to buy the fastest chip around which this chip a no-brainer, but gamers on a modest budget might want to check out the Intel Core i5 13600K which is far more wallet-friendly.
The Core i9-13900K is Intel’s fastest gaming processor and has a more balanced performance profile than other chips in the Ryzen 7000 family. For high-end gaming, it offers excellent value and is well worth the money if you can afford it.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best Value High Performance CPU for Gaming
PROS
- Competitive price
- Low power use
- Compatible with AM4 motherboards
CONS
- No overclocking support
- No bundled cooler
In its day, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D was the fastest gaming processor AMD had ever made. While it’s since been surpassed in that category, recent price drops mean it’s now a firm contender for the best-value high-performance gaming chip, especially if you find yourself stuck with an AM4 motherboard.
This chip offers most AMD fans an easy upgrade path to better gaming performance, all at a lower price too. The 3D V-Cache tech brings an impressive 96MB of L3 cache, resulting in a chip that uses less power but still delivers excellent gaming performance.
That means the 5800X3D delivers everything you could ask for, combined with a cooler, quieter and more efficient performance. So, if you’re looking for a good value chip with high-end gaming performance, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D has to be on your list. Alternatively, check out the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Verdict
Choosing the best CPU for your gaming depends on your preferences, budget, and platform. If you want to play the most demanding games at ultra settings and high resolutions then you’ll need deep pockets. But no matter what your gaming needs are, make sure you do your research and shop around to bag the best chip for you.
