When searching for a CPU for gaming, the primary specifications you need to pay attention to are cores, threads, and clock speed. Which among the three you should prioritize will depend on your use case. Most games can run well using only a single thread and four cores, but some of the most recent releases have been pushing the requirements higher. If you intend to stream and edit videos, getting a CPU with more threads is advisable. Higher clock speed doesn’t necessarily mean better performance, but it always helps. Check out our top picks.

Lag and stutters will be a thing of the past with Intel’s Core i9-10900K. This 10th generation chip boasts 10 cores, 20 threads, and a 3.7-GHz base processor frequency. These specs allow smooth performance while working on multiple displays. This overclockable chip has a 5.3-GHz maximum turbo frequency, perfect for gamers who want to squeeze more performance out of their games. The high thread count allows this CPU to perform well for streaming, video editing, and other content creation tasks.

Other features that make this processor a cut above the rest are its 20MB cache and performance maximizer that can contribute to optimal gaming sessions. With all the CPU’s heavy-duty specs, seasoned gamers and even creators will enjoy what they do as they’re spared the annoying delays and slow responses.

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Something to consider: This CPU’s 10 cores is overkill for most games. While the core count means being future-proof for the coming years, you’re only going to make the most out of it if you’re also a content creator.

Being the first 7nm Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) from AMD, the Ryzen 7 5700G can be a significant desktop upgrade, all while allowing you to save a few dollars. This eight-core and 16-thread chip delivers a 3.8-GHz clock base speed with a 4.6-GHz boost clock and access to 16MB L3 cache, ensuring smooth computer operation. As an APU, it can provide you with a smooth gaming experience in a good number of titles even without a dedicated GPU, thanks to its eight RX Vega cores that run at 2.0GHz.

Moreover, this unit is built around the ‘Cezanne’ Zen 3 architecture and comes with a capable Wraith Stealth cooler, helping optimize the power-sharing between the CPU and GPU and deliver high-end gaming performance. AMD is also taking overclocking within your arms reach with Precision Boost 2 and Precision Boost Overdrive. These proprietary innovations provide a better competitive edge in single and multi-thread performance.

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Something to consider: This APU is designed for a limited selection of titles and only caters to 1080p games. You’ll be needing a more powerful processor if you want to take your gameplay a notch higher.

With 16 cores and 32 threads, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is a content creation workhorse, which also means it can easily handle the latest AAA games. It may not boast the fastest clock speed at a boost of 4.9GHz, but it’s a more versatile chip overall. It’s well-equipped to process a wide variety of heavy-duty tasks such as AAA gaming, live streaming, 3D rendering, and video editing.

It features PCIe 4.0 connectivity to provide quicker load times in select games and contribute to a snappier operating system. Its support for DDR4 allows for expanded functionality, so you can use high-end memory kits to match. 

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Something to consider: At 16 cores and 32 threads, this CPU is designed for content creators. While any gamer will enjoy almost any game using this chip, it’s not the one to acquire if you want the absolute fastest performance for gaming. 

If you care little about the latest AAA game releases, you probably aren’t too specific about frame rates or clock speed. Still, your money is better spent in a processor with decent specs that can smoothly handle popular tiles. The Intel Core i7-10700K has eight cores, 16 threads, and a 3.8-GHz base clock speed to ensure powerful single-threaded performance. And through a 5.1-GHz Turbo Boost Max speed, you can still enjoy a decent gaming experience with AAA titles.

To allow for a lower cooling requirement, you can also configure this processor’s 125W TDP down to 95W. It’s a giant leap for a 14-nm Intel chip, which generally requires a cooling system that draws more power. This feature is specifically valuable to gain lower power consumption, and consequently, lower electricity bills.

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Something to consider: It doesn’t come bundled with a cooler, so you need to purchase an aftermarket cooler along with it.

In choosing a gaming processor, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Six-core CPUs are ideal for modern games, but you still can get a decent gaming experience even with just four cores. However, core count alone can’t guarantee the best performance. Clock speed or frequency also plays an important role. Most gaming processors available in the market today are already pre-built for overclocking. This means that these processors can automatically go beyond their base speed if they run demanding games.

Value for money is also a significant consideration in choosing your gaming processor. Since gaming generally needs intensive graphics usage, lower generations are off the tiers. If you factor in your budget consideration, you need to look for the CPU value or the price to performance ratio. After you determine the CPU mark by using available benchmark tests, divide the CPU mark by the CPU price (or price points) to measure CPU value.

Robbie Jones has been a gamer for over 10 years. What started out as a way to pass some time with his friends turned into a full-blown hobby and obsession, and he’s figured out plenty of ways to use the knowledge for good. Whether it’s reviewing the latest game or accessory or checking out the best chairs and desks, he spends his time consumed by gaming industry news and now he’s here to distill it down and make it easy for everyone (including you) to understand.

The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.