Best CPUs for Gaming: Value and Performance

Best CPUs for Gaming: Value and Performance

This comprehensive review benchmarks 28 CPUs across 14 games to determine the best CPUs for gaming, considering both value and performance. The testing used a GeForce RTX 4090 at 1080p to ensure CPU-limited results, showcasing how CPUs perform relative to each other in modern gaming.

Key Findings

AMD’s 3D V-Cache CPUs consistently deliver top performance, particularly in titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs show promise, especially after a recent Cyberpunk 2077 update, but still lag behind AMD’s high-end offerings. Most mid-range CPUs offer similar performance, with only a small performance gap between top-tier and budget options in many games.

Top CPU Recommendations

For budget builds, the Ryzen 5 7600 stands out as a great value option. For upgraders on a tight budget, the Core i5-12400F paired with DDR4 is a solid choice. However, for new builds, the Ryzen 5 7600 offers better long-term value. For high-end performance, the Ryzen 9 9800X3D is a top contender.

Test System Specifications

The testing utilized various motherboards and memory configurations depending on CPU socket type (AM4, AM5, LGA1700) all using 32GB of RAM. A consistent Asus ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC Edition graphics card ensured fair comparisons.

Conclusion

This review provides a detailed look at CPU performance in various games. The best choice depends on your budget and whether you’re upgrading or building a new system. AMD CPUs generally offer superior value and performance, with the Ryzen 5 7600 and Ryzen 9 9800X3D standing out as top picks in their respective price ranges.