Over the previous year and especially the last few months, we have collected a considerable quantity of new CPU information, a lot of which we have continued to upgrade with enhanced BIOS revisions and game updates. With plenty of hours committed to creating as much gaming standard data as feasible, we decided to share all of it in a single testimonial in advance of our Best CPUs feature. This will certainly likewise work as an excellent guide for anyone wanting to update or construct a brand-new video gaming PC.
Prior to diving right into the information, right here are a few quick notes concerning the screening and examination systems. In total amount, we benchmarked 28 CPUs across 14 video games, covering essentially all the relevant models. That said, there are still some CPUs missing, primarily since including them would be a waste of time and graph real estate.
Instance in point, we have actually consisted of no 13 th-gen Intel CPUs considering that they were refreshed as 14 th-gen designs. The 13900 K and 14900 K are essentially the very same, and the very same chooses the 13600 K and 14600 K and other comparable models, in spite of the 14 th-gen refresh obtaining an added collection of E-cores, as this adds little to no gaming performance improvement.
We have included the Core i 3 – 12100 however left out the 13100 and 14100 versions since they are practically identical, with the only difference being that you pay even more for the very same performance. For Ryzen CPUs, we consisted of the Ryzen 5 7600 however omitted the 7500 F, as it’s essentially the same CPU without an iGPU. Additionally, the 7500 F is inaccessible in most areas. If you are interested in picking up an economical 7500 F from AliExpress, you can merely refer to the 7600 information, as the performance equals.
Customarily, all CPU gaming standards were conducted at 1080 p using the GeForce RTX 4090 If you want to discover why this is the best method to assess CPU efficiency for games today and in the future, we have an explainer or two on the matter. Yet simply to quickly resolve this common inquiry, let’s promptly discuss why this screening technique is made use of.
Recognizing just how one CPU executes relative to one more in games is vital for making an informed acquisition choice. For instance, if we return to 2022 and examine the 5800 X 3 D, 5800 X, and 3950 X across a range of games utilizing the fastest offered GPU at the time– the RTX 3090 Ti– we see that at a low resolution like 1080 p, where results are CPU-limited, the 5800 X 3 D is 33 % faster than the 3950 X. This is regardless of the 3950 X having two times as many cores. Nevertheless, if we benchmark at 4 K making use of well balanced upscaling, there would certainly be no performance difference between these cpus, implying we would certainly discover nothing.
Rapid onward two years, and video games are now much more demanding. Consequently, the 5800 X 3 D is currently 49 % faster than the 3950 X at 1080 p and, more notably, 44 % faster at 4 K with upscaling. If someone had actually paid extra for the 3950 X anticipating it to age better than the 5800 X 3 D for video gaming, they would have made an expensive error. With any luck, this quick example makes clear points (if not, opt for the full explainer below).
Test Specifications
| CPU | Motherboard | Memory |
|
AMD Ryzen 9000 Collection |
Gigabyte X 670 E Aorus Master [BIOS F33d] | G.Skill Trident Z 5 RGB 32 GB DDR 5 – 6000 CL 30 – 38 – 38 – 96 Windows 11 24 H 2 |
| AMD Ryzen 5000 Series | MSI MPG X 570 S Carbon MAX WiFi [BIOS 7D52v1B1] | G.Skill Ripjaws V Collection 32 GB DDR 4 – 3600 CL 14 – 15 – 15 – 35 Windows 11 24 H 2 |
| Intel Core Ultra 200 S | Asus ROG Maximus Z 890 Hero [BIOS 1101] | G.Skill Spear Z 5 CK 32 GB DDR 5 – 8200 CL 40 – 52 – 52 – 131 Windows 11 23 H 2 [24H2 = Slower] |
| Intel 12 th, 13 th & & 14 th | MSI MPG Z 790 Carbon Wi-fi [BIOS 7D89v1E] | G.Skill Spear Z 5 RGB 32 GB DDR 5 – 7200 CL 34 – 45 – 45 – 115 Windows 11 24 H 2 |
| Graphics Card | Power Supply | Storage space |
| Asus ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC Edition | Kolink Regulator Gold ATX 3.0 1200 W | TeamGroup T-Force Cardea A 440 M. 2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD 4 TB |
| GeForce Game Ready Motorist 566 36 WHQL | ||
All CPUs were evaluated in their stock arrangements with optimal memory arrangements using XMP and exposition. Please note that Intel Arrow Lake CPUs were evaluated using DDR 5 – 8200 CUDIMM memory.
While this memory is no faster than DDR 5 – 7200 UDIMM memory and costs substantially much more, we included it to prevent any debates, as some individuals are persuaded it uses better efficiency. Let’s get involved in the data.
Criteria
Celebrity Wars Jedi: Survivor
To begin with, we have Celebrity Wars Jedi: Survivor, and here AMD’s 3 D V-Cache CPUs control, with the Zen 4 and Zen 5 models crushing all various other parts. Amongst the a lot more entry-level and mid-range CPUs, right up to the Core i 9 – 14900 K, performance is fairly similar.
For instance, from the Ryzen 5 7600 X up to the 14900 K, we’re considering simply a 10 % efficiency distinction, and we have actually evaluated over a dozen CPUs within that array. The only obvious performance drop-offs are with the 12400 F (though it still performs effectively), the Ryzen 7 5700 X, and the Core i 3 – 12100 F. Nevertheless, all CPUs deliver strong efficiency in this title.
The Last people Part 1
AMD’s 3 D V-Cache modern technology isn’t as impactful in The Last of Us Component 1, but those CPUs still carry out well, together with the new Arrowhead Lake CPUs. This is an additional example where most CPUs provide very comparable efficiency. From the Ryzen 5 7600 as much as the Core Ultra 5 245 K, we’re just seeing a 10 % efficiency boost, and after that nearly 20 % as much as the 7800 X 3 D.
The only CPUs that might battle to provide a high-refresh-rate experience here are the 12400 F and 5700 X, while the Core i 3 – 12100 F suffers from visible efficiency dips. The Core i 3 also takes an eternity to put together the pre-shaders in this title.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Freedom
Successive is Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and you may have seen Intel’s new Arrow Lake CPUs doing far better right here. Recently, the Cyberpunk 2 2 update presented, improving Arrowhead Lake efficiency by a minimum of 30 %. We’re absolutely seeing that now. The 285 K is not only faster than the 14900 K however likewise the 7700 X, primarily matching the efficiency of the 7900 X 3 D. That stated, it’s still 20 % slower than the 9800 X 3 D. Even so, this is a considerable renovation over earlier results.
A lot of the CPUs evaluated carried out effectively in Cyberpunk, and also the Core i 3 – 12100 F kept frame prices above 60 fps in our test, although it delayed much behind also the 5700 X.
Hogwarts Legacy
Evaluating Hogwarts Heritage reveals most CPUs providing in between 110 and 125 fps, with just around a 14 % performance variant in between the 5800 X 3 D, 9700 X, and 7950 X. Once again, AMD’s AM 5 -based 3 D V-Cache CPUs supply the very best efficiency, with obvious gains over contending parts. On the other end, the 5700 X and 12100 F see a clear drop-off, with the Core i 3 particularly battling, revealing 1 % lows well listed below 60 fps.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Assetto Corsa Competizione isn’t particularly demanding, and core count does not play a substantial function below. Even so, the 12100 F does fall back. This title also doesn’t perform also on Intel’s brand-new Arrowhead Lake CPUs compared to completing Ryzen processors. Still, any type of modern entry-level to mid-range CPU will certainly manage it fine.
Remnant II
Remnant II can benefit from a higher-end CPU, but it’s not a need, as most processors accomplish over 110 fps. Just a little option dropped listed below that mark, with just 3 dropping under 100 fps: the 12400 F, 5700 X, and 12100 F. As we’ve seen lot of times currently, AMD’s AM 5 -based 3 D V-Cache parts regularly supply the very best outcomes, opening the next rate of performance.
Homeworld 3
Homeworld 3 is a lot more about the 1 % lows, and somehow, Intel CPUs really struggle below. Older AMD CPUs do not fare far better. The Ryzen 7 5700 X is about as affordable as you ‘d want to go for this title, together with the Ryzen 5 7600
A Plague Story: Requiem
A Plague Story: Requiem runs poorly on Arrow Lake CPUs in their present state, with the 285 K balancing simply 123 fps, making it slower than also the 12600 K. At the same time, the 245 K can just match the 12400 F and 5700 X. The 12100 F is serviceable here, doing rather well for a sub-$ 100 CPU.
Of course, the 7800 X 3 D and 9800 X 3 D deliver extraordinary efficiency, though you don’t actually require over 170 fps in this title. For sensible purposes, something like the Ryzen 5 7600 works flawlessly well.
Counter-Strike 2
It’s rather simple to play Counter-Strike 2 at numerous frames per secondly. We know the even more major CS 2 players go for around 300 fps, which is additionally very easy to achieve with modern hardware. You ‘d possibly intend to prevent the 12100 F, but anything beyond that functions fine.
Starfield
Starfield is an extremely CPU-demanding video game, and achieving high refresh price efficiency isn’t easy. It takes the 9800 X 3 D to ordinary 140 fps in our examination. At the same time, components like the 12600 K and 7600 fall just short of 100 fps, which still offers a fantastic experience in this game however might be much less than perfect for those using 144 Hz or faster screens. The Ryzen 7 5700 X carries out fairly well below with 81 fps, yet the 12100 F really struggles, averaging simply 61 fps with 1 % lows of 50 fps.
Warhammer 40, 000: Space Marine 2
Now for Space Marine 2, an additional incredibly CPU-limited and CPU-demanding game. Performance right here is usually bottlenecked by the CPU, not because of inadequate utilization like in a game such as Starcraft II, however rather due to the fact that the game is inherently extremely demanding. Many CPUs evaluated supply between 100 and 112 fps, with just the 7800 X 3 D and 9800 X 3 D dramatically going beyond that variety.
At the other end of the range, the Core i 3 – 12100 F battles, with 1 % lows falling well except 60 fps. The Ryzen 7 5700 X and the 12400 F handle to stand up reasonably well, supplying appropriate efficiency for this title.
Celebrity Wars Outlaws
Yet one more CPU-demanding video game is Star Wars Outlaws, though our certain test scene has a 142 fps cap. We’re not specifically sure why this cap exists, as other sections of the game reach much greater framework rates. Regardless, 142 fps is plenty, and many premium CPUs carry out extremely well right here.
Unfortunately, the aging and economical Core i 3 is beginning to reveal its restrictions, providing just 56 fps typically with 1 % lows of 38 fps. Also the 5700 X has a hard time in this title, so preferably, you’ll desire at the very least the Core i 5 – 12400 F for a smooth experience.
Hit man 3
Hit man 3 is an older game, so it runs simply great on older or lower-end CPUs like the Core i 3 – 12100 F and Ryzen 7 5700 X. Actually, in addition to those two CPUs, all others evaluated deliver over 200 fps. We likewise see a 42 % performance improvement when moving from the 5700 X 3 D to the 9800 X 3 D.
Watch Pets: Myriad
One more older title in our examination collection is Watch Canines: Legion. The only CPU that really struggles below is the Core i 3 – 12100 F, though with 93 fps usually and 1 % lows of 67 fps, efficiency continues to be flawlessly acceptable, especially for such an ultra-affordable, entry-level CPU. From the 5700 X forward, performance is smooth cruising, with any type of additional gains being even more of a luxury than a need.
14 Game Average
Right here’s the complete break down of data from the 14 video games tested, calculated using the geometric mean. With the recent enhancements made in Cyberpunk, the 285 K is now simply 4 % slower than the 14900 K. While that’s still not fantastic, it shows progression is being made.
It’s not likely Intel will have the ability to test AMD in the high-end section for a minimum of the next couple of years, yet in the center of the pack, there’s capacity for good worth options. Today, Intel’s finest job is occurring at the entry level with aging, marked down parts like the Core i 5 – 12400 F, which is probably the most prominent Intel CPU launched in the last 5 years.
Nevertheless, the Core i 3 – 12100 F is starting to show its age and may no more be worth the financial investment. Investing a bit a lot more on a Ryzen 7 5700 X or Core i 5 – 12400 F would be a better move. With that said claimed, allow’s have a look at the cost-per-frame information.
Expense per Structure
As we noted earlier, we weren’t able to test every CPU setup presently offered, because honestly, that’s nearly impossible. Nonetheless, we do have the huge bulk of appropriate data. The Ryzen 5 5600 would have been a nice addition, but at $ 110, it costs the same as the 12400 F and is a little bit slower, given that the 5700 X is 3 % slower.
For those developing a new PC, neither the LGA 1700 nor AM 4 systems make much feeling unless you’re aiming to spend just possible. Even then, a solid argument can be made for tipping up to a contemporary platform like AM 5, as it offers better value, specifically over time.
That stated, if tipping up isn’t an option, developing a 12400 F system is still a suitable selection and among the most inexpensive configurations available. The 5700 X 3 D, for instance, is just 15 % faster generally, but at practically two times the price, it’s difficult to justify the extra investment. At that point, you may also purchase a Ryzen 5 7600, which is likewise $ 200 and slightly better in regards to price per framework.
It’s not likely anybody would certainly get into AM 4 currently with a $ 110 Ryzen 5 5600 and after that later upgrade to an X 3 D chip– that would be an inadequate technique in late 2024 – early 2025 Also for the 12400 F, it makes even more sense for those on a budget plan performing a system upgrade, however, for new system home builders, stepping up to the Ryzen 5 7600 is a better financial investment considering that the total price won’t be much higher.
Formerly, we advised the 12100 F for entry-level gaming, yet we are now updating that choice to the 12400 F. You could go AM 4, yet you ‘d require to stick to the slower 5600 to make it worthwhile. If you go with a much more costly, higher-end AM 4 component, you could also jump to AM 5 with the 7600
Mentioning which, the Ryzen 5 7600 is presently the spending plan king. For those updating, as soon as you factor in the remainder of the system cost– such as the motherboard and memory– it’s not that a lot more than the 12400 F. For brand-new system home builders, the 12400 F does not make much feeling when contrasted to the 7600
Sadly for gamers, Intel’s new Core Ultra collection supplies inadequate worth. The least expensive choice, the 245 K, is even worse value than the 9700 X, which is itself much even worse value than the 7700 X and 7700 For mid-range performance, the Ryzen 7 cpus make even more feeling, and at the high-end, it’s hard to look past the 9800 X 3 D, which is likely why it’s still hard to locate in supply.
Finish up: Upgrade Options
That’s our failure of what each CPU offers in regards to value and gaming efficiency. Naturally, our analysis concentrates solely on CPU prices, as motherboard and memory prices can differ depending upon your choices and requirements.
The Ryzen 5 7600 vs. Core i 5 – 12400 F is an intriguing toss-up for budget purchasers. No, we have not forgotten the 7500 F, but it appears AMD has– since it’s actually just offered on AliExpress. That claimed, if you’re willing to purchase from there, we advise it, as you can grab the 7500 F for as low as $ 128 with cost-free shipping, which is a ridiculous bargain. So, our referral is to get the 7500 F from China, as it’s dirt cheap and easily the best worth alternative now. If that’s not an option for you, the choice boils down to the $ 110 12400 F or the $ 200 7600
For those carrying out a system upgrade, the Core i 5 – 12400 F will certainly cost $ 110 for the CPU, concerning $ 90 for a suitable DDR 4 motherboard, or $ 120 for a DDR 5 design, which will permit the efficiency received this video.
Include $ 50 for a DDR 4 – 3600 32 GB kit or $ 90 for a DDR 5 – 6400 32 GB set, and the overall pertains to around $ 250 for the DDR 4 variation or $ 320 for the DDR 5 version. That’s nearly a 30 % costs for just regarding 10 % far better efficiency usually, making DDR 4 the far better worth selection.
On the various other hand, the Ryzen 5 7600 costs $ 200, with a decent AM 5 motherboard at around $ 110 and $ 100 for a high-grade low-latency DDR 5 – 6000 CL 30 32 GB kit. Altogether, that amounts to $ 410 Compared to the DDR 4 12400 F build, that’s a little over a 60 % costs wherefore equates to nearly 30 % much better efficiency, making the DDR 4 12400 F setup the a lot more cost-effective upgrade.
Nonetheless, you’re obtaining a lot slower memory with DDR 4, which is progressively becoming a restricting factor in newer games. There’s also basically no upgrade course, as LGA 1700 cpus stay quite expensive– especially the Core i 7 and Core i 9 designs that deserve updating to. Still, if your objective is to update while investing as low as possible, the 12400 F is difficult to beat– unless you want to AliExpress, where you can in some cases find the 12400 F for just $ 80
But suppose you’re building an entirely brand-new PC? Including a graphics card– allow’s claim you can obtain the Arc B 580 for $ 250– a 2 TB SSD for $ 90, a great situation for $ 80, a power supply for $ 60, and using the stock cooler, you’re looking at an extra $ 480 for your build.
That puts the overall cost of the DDR 4 12400 F construct at $ 730, while the 7600 construct pertains to $ 890, so concerning a 20 % costs for a system that’s at the very least 20 % faster. When pairing the 12400 F with DDR 5 memory, the 7600 system would certainly be even much faster.
So for those upgrading on a tight budget while still getting a capable system, the Core i 5 – 12400 F is hard to beat. Yet if you’re starting from scratch, as in developing an entirely brand-new system, while continuing to be budget mindful, the Ryzen 5 7600 is mosting likely to be the wiser investment.
Past those parts, the Ryzen 7 7700 deals fantastic worth, though it’s just a small efficiency bump over the 7600 The new 9700 X is capable but still also pricey. For high-end performance, the following quit would certainly be the Ryzen 7 7800 X 3 D or 9800 X 3 D.
Considering that the 7800 X 3 D is hard to locate, the 9800 X 3 D is your best bet. For the majority of individuals, the 7600 and 7700 will certainly be sufficient, but for those wanting the outright ideal efficiency– especially competitive gamers– the 9800 X 3 D will boost your experience to the next degree.
Various other CPUs we haven’t gone over include the least expensive AM 5 cpu, the 8500 G, yet at $ 150, it does not make good sense. This design is slower than the 12400 F, so it’s unworthy thinking about, and the very same puts on the majority of AMD APUs when paired with a distinct GPU.
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