The best budget gaming processors are listed below.
When looking for the best CPU for gaming, you’ll want to strike a balance between performance and features while keeping your PC budget in mind.
Our recommendations below will help you choose the best CPU for gaming.
AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the fastest gaming CPU on the market and joins our list of the best gaming CPUs.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the fastest gaming chip, proving AMD’s claim that 3D V-Cache delivers a performance boost in games compared to what we’d expect from the new microarchitecture.
Outside of gaming, the 58000X3D isn’t as fast as comparable CPUs in other single- and multi-threaded tasks.
Since other models have a higher number of cores and frequencies, this is the case.
On the other hand, the six-core, 12-thread Alder Lake Core i5-12400, worth around 390.00 KM, is the best mid-range CPU for gaming.
It is even faster in gaming than the previous generation Core i9-11900K flagship of 1100.00 KM by the correct configuration, so it is faster in itself than the Ryzen 5 5600X of 600.00 KM.
It also offers a compelling mix of single- and multi-threaded performance, making it our top pick for budget gaming processors.
If you’re looking for the best gaming performance on the market, there’s the Core i9-12900K and Core i5-12600K.
The Intel Core i9-12900K from 1180.00 KM gives outstanding performance, usually matching or surpassing the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X from 1600.00 KM, but at a much cheaper price.
The Core i7-12700K, on the other hand, provides almost identical gaming performance to the flagship Core i9-12900K at 1180.00KM for about 360.00KM less.
For those looking for the most productive performance, the 12900K offers more cores and a speed boost, but the Core i7-12700K is just as good a CPU that offers an excellent balance of price and performance in games and applications.
The Intel Core i5-12600K from 580.00 KM is without a doubt the best gaming CPU in its price range.
The 12600K outperforms the Ryzen 5 5600X by up to 38 percent, and the Ryzen 7 5800X by up to 7 percent.
Meanwhile, the Core i3-12100 is the largest CPU available that offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
The fastest integrated GPUs on the market are AMD’s Ryzen 7 5700G and Ryzen 5 5600G APUs, which deliver roughly twice the performance of Intel’s GPUs.
Ryzen 5 5600G from 520.00KM is the best bargain, with performance that is within a 4% difference compared to Ryzen 7 5700G from 720.00KM, while it costs 30% less.
AMD also plans to ship its new Ryzen 7 5800X3D processors with 3D V-Cache this spring. Due to the almost unimaginable 96 MB of L3 cache attached to the boosted Zen 3 CPU, these chips will provide up to 15% higher performance in games.
This chip, along with several non-X versions, will allow AMD to beat Intel’s Alder Lake to market.
Intel’s Core i9-12900KS is also on the verge of release, as many shops have already advertised the chip for sale.
This processor is Intel’s latest bid to save its gaming crown.
As you can imagine, we won’t have to wait long to learn everything there is to know about performance.
CPU Buying Tips
Consider the following factors when choosing the best gaming processor in 2022.
- With AMD or Intel, you can’t go wrong.
Intel has made the best CPUs for mainstream computers.
However, when it comes to gaming, the performance debate is essentially clean as long as current-generation parts are used. - Clock speed is more important than the number of cores in games.
More cores help you complete long-running tasks faster, while higher processor clock speeds lead to a faster performance in simple, popular applications like gaming. - Manage the budget for the entire system.
Don’t combine a powerful CPU with a lack of storage, RAM, or graphics. - Overclocking is not for everyone.
If you just want to play games, it might be better to spend 50.00KM to 150.00KM extra on a higher-end processor instead of a higher-end cooling.
The best gaming processors of 2022
1. Intel Core i5-12600K
Overall, the best CPU for gaming.
- Architecture: Alder Lake.
- Socket: LGA 1700.
- Cores/Threads: 10 (6P + 4E) / 16.
- Basic frequency: 3.7.
- The highest frequency of amplification: is 4.9.
- TDP: 125W.
Advantages
- Great for gaming.
- Affordable price.
- DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0.
- Can be overclocked.
- Beats the competition in Ryzen.
Disadvantages
- The package does not include a refrigerator.
- Requires a motherboard with an LGA1700 socket.
- The price is unstable.
Core i5-12600K from 580.00KM surpasses Ryzen 5 5600X from 600.00KM in terms of gaming performance while costing slightly less.
12600K also brings up to 38% higher performance than Ryzen 5 5600X, and even 7% more than Ryzen 7 5800X of 900.00KM.
This is the gaming processor to beat, thanks to its fast single-threaded performance.
The 12600K has a total of 16 threads, with six virtual P-cores running at 3.7/4.9GHz and four E-cores at 2.8/3.6GHz.
This is combined with 20MB of L3 cache and 9.5MB of L2 cache.
The chip includes 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes as well as four PCIe 4.0 lanes for a fast M.2 SSD connection.
The Core i5-12600’s high-end K connection doesn’t end there, it also supports DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
Most gamers will prefer DDR4 due to its lower cost and equivalent performance, but if you need more memory bandwidth, you can upgrade to DDR5.
12600K has a maximum power of 150W, but consumes significantly less energy than its predecessor, and provides significantly better performance in games.
The chip’s reduced power consumption allows it to work with a wide range of common air and water coolers, but you’ll need to double-check that they’re compatible.
In addition to the processor, you’ll need a new 600-series motherboard, and the Z690 versions are currently the only ones available.
Many high-end models support DDR5 memory, so even if DDR4 motherboards are only available in low-end and mid-range models, there’s still plenty of choices.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
A choice for the best gaming CPU.
- Architecture: Zen 3.
- Socket: AM4.
- Core/Threads: 6 / 12.
- Basic frequency: 4.1 GHz.
- Highest amplification frequency: 4.8 GHz.
- TDP: 65W.
Advantages
- Excellent playing skills.
- Excellent in single and multi-threaded workloads.
- It is quite easy to cool.
- PCIe 4.0 is the latest version of the PCI Express bus.
- Refrigerator in the package.
- Efficient use of energy.
- Compatible with current 500 series motherboards.
Disadvantages
- Increasing price from generation to generation.
With an excellent balance of performance that outperforms Intel in games and application workloads, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X ranks second in the gaming PC market.
The six-core, 12-thread CPU costs 600.00KM, which is 100.00KM more than its predecessor, but provides more than enough performance in games and applications to warrant the price difference.
In gaming, the Ryzen 5 5600X even outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900K, which is a remarkable achievement considering its price.
It’s also the most power-efficient desktop chip we’ve ever seen.
In terms of gaming, single-threaded and multi-threaded performance, AMD’s Zen 3 microarchitecture results in an astounding 19% increase in IPC.
The gaming performance of the chip is comparable to the performance of its more expensive sister, Ryzen 7 5800X of 900.00 KM.
As a result, the 5600X is a well-rounded processor that can handle any type of gaming, from competitive-class performance with high screen refresh rates to streaming, while still providing enough performance for everyday application workloads.
The Ryzen 5 5600X has a base frequency of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz, although you can expect higher short-term increases with the right cooling and motherboard.
The chip also has a TDP of 65W, which means it runs extremely cool and quiet for its capabilities.
Existing AMD 500 series motherboard users can breathe a sigh of relief, as the 5600X is compatible with existing 500 series motherboards.
The chips are also compatible with 400 series motherboards.
If you need a new motherboard that supports the chip, the 400 and 500 series motherboards are readily available and reasonably priced, and the B550 family provides the best overall value for this class of chip.
3. Intel Core i9-12900K
The best gaming CPU with high-performance value.
- Architecture: Alder Lake.
- Socket: LGA 1700.
- Cores/threads: 16 (8P+8E) / 24.
- Basic frequency: 3.2.
- The highest amplification frequency: 5.2.
- TDP: 125W.
Advantages
- The fastest gaming CPU available.
- Affordable price.
- PCIe 5.0 I DDR5.
- A single-thread performance that is unparalleled.
- Multi-threaded performance.
- Can be overclocked.
Disadvantages
- The package does not include a refrigerator.
- Requires a motherboard with an LGA1700 socket.
- Prices variable.
The Intel Core i9-12900K is the world’s fastest gaming CPU.
It even outperforms AMD’s 1600.00KM Ryzen 9 5950X in gaming and multi-threaded content creation workloads, making it great for high-end game streaming.
It is also the undisputed king of x86 single-threaded performance.
The 12900K also offers superior connectivity with DDR4-3200 or up to DDR5-4800 memory compatibility, as well as 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes and four PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU for M.2 SSDs.
For a total of 24 threads, the chip has eight P-cores that enable hyper-threading and eight single-threaded E-cores.
P-cores have a base frequency of 3.2 GHz, and with Turbo Boost Max 3.0, peak speeds reach 5.2 GHz, and this feature is only active on P-cores.
Meanwhile, the E-cores have a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and can be increased to 3.9 GHz using conventional Turbo Boost 2.0 algorithms.
The chip also has 30MB of L3 cache and 14MB of L2 cache.
Although this 12900K has a power rating of 125W PBP (base) and 241W MTP (peak), we found that it consumes far less power than its predecessor, and in return, you get industry-leading performance.
You will also need a new 600 series motherboard as well as proper cooling for the processor.
There are several high-end motherboards that support DDR5 memory, and while DDR4 motherboards are only available in the low-end and mid-range, there is still plenty of choices.
Most gamers will prefer DDR4 due to its lower cost and equivalent performance, but if you need more memory bandwidth, you can upgrade to DDR5.
4. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
A high-value alternative CPU for gaming.
- Architecture: Zen 3.
- Socket: AM4.
- Core/threads: 16/32.
- Basic frequency: 3.4 GHz.
- Highest amplification frequency: 4.9 GHz.
- TDP: 105W.
Advantages
- 16 cores and 32 threads, which is the leading number in the class.
- Can be overclocked.
- Stronger amplified frequencies.
- Affordable price per core.
- Efficient use of energy.
- PCIe generation 4.0.
Disadvantages
- It requires a lot of cooling.
- The package does not include a refrigerator.
- Increasing price from generation to generation.
- No built-in graphics.
High-end desktop processors have historically provided the best performance for those willing to pay a premium.
In addition to high MSRPs, processors also require high-cost components, such as more expensive motherboards and the added expense of fully populating quad-channel memory controllers.
With 16 cores and 32 threads, AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X builds on its predecessors’ goal of delivering HEDT-class performance to motherboards while lowering the entry barrier.
The 5950X costs 1600.00 KM, which is cheap compared to comparable HEDT processors that do not provide the same level of performance.
We do not recommend HEDT CPUs for gamers who just want to play games.
Mainstream processors with fewer cores and higher speeds are best for gamers, AMD’s lower 5000 series machines are a better deal for gamers.
The Ryzen 9 5950X, on the other hand, fits the bill like no other CPU before it if you’re looking for a chip and platform that can handle serious work seriously quickly while still being nimble enough to deliver high-refresh gaming.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Overall, the best most affordable gaming CPU.
- Architecture: Zen 3.
- Socket: AM4.
- Core/threads: 8/16.
- Basic frequency: 3.4 GHz.
- The highest amplification frequency: is 4.5 GHz.
- TDP: 105W.
Advantages
- The most powerful gaming processor money can buy.
- Affordable prices.
- PCIe 4.0 is supported.
- AM4 motherboards are supported.
- Good single and multi-threaded performance.
- Efficient energy consumption.
Disadvantages
- No overclocking support.
- The package does not include a refrigerator.
- No built-in graphics.
- In desktop applications, it is not as powerful as competing processors.
The 3D V-Cache technology in the 900.00KM Ryzen 7 5800X3D symbolizes the creative engineering effort that overcame the technological hurdles of bringing the first desktop chip with 3D stacked SRAM to market, resulting in a chip with an incredible 96MB of L3 cache, and great effect.
The result is a low-power CPU with incredible gaming performance, knocking Intel’s Alder Lake Core i9-12900K and Core i9-12900KS off the top.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is 9% faster at 1080p than the Core i9-12900K, which costs 30% more, and 7% faster than the Core i9-12900KS, which costs 64% more.
As a result, the Ryzen 7 58000X3D is both the fastest gaming CPU and the most powerful overall.
However, you must be aware of the sacrifices that come with this highly specialized chip, 3D V-Cache does not improve speed in all games.
Furthermore, while the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is aimed at gaming, it can’t keep up with similarly priced processors in office applications.
The Core i9-12900K is 29% faster in single-threaded applications and 62% faster in multi-threaded workloads, while the 12900KS is significantly faster.
The listed Core i7-12700K is a good alternative if you want a more balanced CPU that performs well in both games and applications.
The Core i7-12700K is 28.8% faster in single-threading and 40% faster in multi-threading than the 5800X3D, showing its superior performance.
See more on the blog.