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CPUs

The fastest gaming CPUs for your system!

The CPU ("central processing unit") is the core element of every computer. It is the decisive factor in the overall speed of your PC and controls all basic computational tasks, such as supplying the graphics card with data. Processors in the consumer segment are usually based on the x86 microprocessor architecture and the associated x86 instruction set structure ("ISA": "Instruction Set Architecture"). AMD and Intel are the two main manufacturers of this processor type.

The question "Which is the best Gaming CPU?" frequently leads to heated debates amongst the respective AMD and Intel fan bases. Strictly speaking, Intel's CPUs are the fastest for Gaming. But AMD's CPUs appear very solid when budget considerations are important. In particular, AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper line-up is a great value choice for Content Creators.

To find the best CPU for your Gaming System, you should consider which games you will be playing on it. Certain games require CPUs with high clock speeds on just one or two cores. Other games benefit from multiple cores. So in order to find the best CPU for your Gaming PC you should consider gaming benchmarks and your budget.

Which CPUs for gaming systems are available?

PC Hardware typically updates on an annual basis, with double digit improvement between CPU Generations not being unusual. Dual Core PC CPUs basically have become obsolete over time. CPUs like the Ryzen 7 3700X feature 8 cores and 16 threads. Something that for a long time was the main selling point for an Intel Core i7 now has become the standard.

Therefore, in order to keep up, you will have to do your research on CPUs each time you buy a new Gaming System. To help you in selecting the best CPU for your Gaming System, we will give you a short overview of the current trends in the consumer CPU market.

AMD currently offers good gaming CPUs that are also good for video editing. Also, AMD is currently the only CPU option for having PCIe 4.0 in your desktop computer:
  • Ryzen Threadripper: With up to 64 cores, including multi-threading, these CPUs are AMD's flagship for private customers. With 64 PCIe lanes in 4.0 standard, these CPUs support up to three fully connected graphics cards and three NVMe SSDs in a RAID array.
  • Ryzen 9: The Ryzen 9 series CPUs have up to 16 cores, can offer top performance in any Gaming PC or smaller workstations and have an excellent price-performance ratio.
  • Ryzen 7: The eight-core CPUs of the Ryzen 7 series offer great performance for Gaming PCs and Streaming Systems.
  • Ryzen 5: With six cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 5 Processors are notably versatile. These processors are a good choice for Mid-Range Gaming Systems or Home Office PCs with a discrete GPU.
  • Ryzen 3: These quad-core CPUs form a good basis for budget-oriented PCs. Ryzen 3 CPUs are well suited for Gaming, Home Office and Multimedia applications.
  • Ryzen APUs: APUs (Accelerated Processing Unit) are processors with a particularly powerful graphics unit, but with fewer cores or without multi-threading. APUs are ideal for low-budget gaming systems and compact multimedia PCs.
The most common Intel CPUs in the consumer segment are the Intel Core series. These CPUs are often used by Gamers, but are also suited for Home Office PCs and Workstations. Intel processors in general have a high base clock and high boost clocks:
  • Core i9: Up to 16 processor cores with multi-threading for Workstations also suitable for Enthusiast Gaming PCs with multiple graphics cards. The Core i9 processors are the flagship of Intel's CPUs and are intended for the Mainstream Socket or an HEDT platform for Content Creators
  • Core i7: This series is best for Gamers. They are commonly used in both Gaming PCs and small Workstations.
  • Core i5: The mid-range option, Core i5 CPUs have 4 or 6 cores and are extremely versatile, performing effectively in gaming PCs and large office PCs. These processors are always a good choice.
  • Core i3: Dual and quad core processors for the Home Office, Multimedia PCs or Entry-Level Gaming PCs.