That said, for The First Descendant, the recommended processors are the Intel i7-7700K and AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, released in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Technology has come a long way since then, and this title runs on Unreal Engine 5, which means it has high graphical fidelity.

So, to adequately run it, you’ll need a powerful processor, but we understand that the number of options available can be very confusing. To that end, we took the liberty of doing the research for you and put together this in-depth guide that lists different CPU options, their review, details, and pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

How we picked

There are various aspects you need to consider while pairing any CPU with a GPU. To find the best CPU to run The First Descendant, we looked at various factors like the brand, architecture, cores, threads, base and boost frequencies, and other important factors into account. This helps us filter our options and also gives us an idea of which CPU and GPU pairing would be the closest to ideal.

However, other than specifications that anyone can read, we take a more hands-on approach by thoroughly testing the CPUs for synthetic and real-world performance. If you’re interested in learning more about that, we recommend you head to our PC Guide Testing Lab, which will show the process in detail.

Our top picks

For the best performance, we recommend opting for the Intel Core i7-13700K, as the “700K” processors have a long-standing history of being excellent gaming chips. That said, during our Intel Core i7-13700K review, we were pleased to see this CPU delivering excellent gaming and productive performance. 

To begin with, this processor packs impressive hardware under the hood. It features 16 cores, split between eight performance and efficient cores, 24 threads, a base clock of 2.5 GHz, and a boost clock of 5.4 GHz. What these specifications mean is that its processing prowess should be more than enough to handle the requirements of The First Descendant or any other games or productive tasks. 

Intel uses the big.LITTLE design, which tackles varying workloads with different cores. The efficient cores (E-cores) handle minor tasks and don’t consume much energy, whereas the performance cores (P-cores) are larger and are called in when resource-intensive tasks need to be handled. Once taken care of, the E-cores take the reigns back while the P-cores fall in the background. 

What does this mean in terms of gaming? Since games don’t utilize a lot of cores and threads, which is why we look at single-core performance to gauge a chip’s gaming prowess, this dynamic should ensure that you’re getting every bit of juice to power your in-game adventure without running into bottleneck issues. 

The Core i7-13700K is certainly a strong and capable CPU if you have gaming in mind, but where it truly excels is multi-core workloads.

It also has 30 MB of Intel Smart Cache. How this works is that all the cores are able to access the data present on the last level. This also includes the game elements, so the cores don’t have to utilize resources to fetch specific data as it is already present. This reduces access times, which leads to faster and more efficient processing. 

During our testing, we checked for its synthetic and gaming performance. In CPU-Z single- and multi-core tests, it managed 869 and 12,498 points, respectively. On the other hand, its gaming performance was also impressive, as it delivered 292 and 325 FPS in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low resolution paired with an RTX 4070 Ti Super.  

So, there is no doubt about the i7-13700K’s performance across the board, and this is one of the best CPUs you can get for The First Descendant. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this CPU is a “gaming beast with brawn and bandwidth.” It has excellent performance, the hybrid architecture delivers just the right amount of power, and can handle gaming across all resolutions. One reviewer said: “The Intel Core i7-13700K is a top-tier processor for serious gamers, demanding content creators, and overclocking enthusiasts.” 

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is one of the best gaming processors out there, and it is capable of handling anything you throw at it. We can attest to that as we thoroughly tested it for our 7800X3D review, and the results were incredible. 

This gaming behemoth features eight cores, 16 threads, a base clock of 4.2 GHz, a boost clock of 5 GHz, and a whopping 96 MB of L3 cache. What this translates to is that regardless of the type of game, new or old release, this CPU has everything it needs in its arsenal to make quick work of it, and The First Descendant shouldn’t be an exception. 

This processor is massively more powerful than the recommended 7700K and 2600X. On top of that, the 3D V-cache technology stacks more cache on top of the L3 cache, meaning you can store more in-game or other frequently accessed data, leading to efficient processing and better in-game results. 

That said, despite the hardware it packs, it has a TDP of 120W, which is very manageable compared to Team Blue. However, for optimal performance, we recommend keeping it running cool by using the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D. If you want the best performance possible, pair it with the best GPU for Ryzen 7 7800X3D. 

his CPU will smash through any gaming workload you throw at it, and be able to handle productivity tasks much better then before

There is what some might call a downside to opting for this CPU. This runs on the AM5 platform, and since that is new, making the shift from LGA1700 or AM4 is going to be expensive as you’ll need an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM to go with it. 

However, if you have the budget, then you’ll be set for a couple of years, as the AM5 platform has support till 2027, which should give you plenty of room for upgrades. If you’re interested in exploring some options, we recommend you check out our best AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM guides for the best picks. 

Overall, this 7800X3D is a solid option for all types of games, whether looter shooters like The First Descendant or story-based games like RDR2. However, moving to the new platform can be expensive but a worthwhile investment. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this is a gaming powerhouse and has excellent value. One reviewer said: “Decided to move from an i5-13600K over to a 7800X3D since I mostly use my PC for gaming and not productivity work. This CPU is a beast for performance and runs rather cool for what you get out of it, and it's power efficient as well!”

For the best mid-range CPU, we recommend the Intel Core i5-12600K. While it might be two generations old now, it still packs a powerful punch, as we witnessed during the testing for the 12600K review.

For starters, this processor has ten cores divided between 6 performance and five efficient cores, 16 threads, a base frequency of 2.8 GHz, and a boost frequency of 4.9 GHz. On top of that, it has a 20 MB L3 Intel Smart Cache which should only boost its overall productive and gaming performance. 

That said, this CPU is bestowed with the “K” moniker, meaning it comes unlocked by the manufacturer for overclocking. What this means is that you can increase its base and boost frequencies for faster processing but at the cost of high power draw and thermal output. 

According to Intel, it has a maximum TDP of 150W, but it can be more than that if it is overclocked. In that care, we recommend using the best AIO water cooler to keep its temperature under control and performance optimal.  

During our testing, we checked for its synthetic performance, which shows how it deals with productive workloads and its gaming performance. For the synthetic testing, we used CPU-Z, and in its single- and multi-core tests, it scored 764 and 7,120 points, respectively. 

The single-core score is impressive; to put things into perspective, the 7800X3D scored 643 points, and this is what those two extra cores get you. 

It effortlessly combines power efficiency with single-core performance to make for one fierce competitor in the budget CPU space.

As for its gaming performance, we tested it in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low resolution so that it is pulling most of the weight, and it didn’t disappoint. It delivered 222 and 301 FPS, respectively. 

Shooter games are generally less demanding than story-based games, but The First Descendant is built on UE5, meaning its graphical fidelity is high. As the trend with the latest releases goes, we wouldn’t be surprised if it is not adequately optimized right now. 

However, the developers should streamline it with future patches, making running on budget and mid-tier builds easier. 

This CPU's neat feature is that it is compatible with DDR4 and DDR5 memories, which can be stacked up to 128 GB. So, if you feel like your rig’s performance is lacking, you can always swap out the old RAM for new ones or install more if your motherboard allows for it. If you’re interested in exploring some options, check out our guide for the best DDR4 RAM.  

Overall, this is an excellent CPU that is still a very viable option in 2024 to run various applications and play games like The First Descendant and more. However, the downside is that it uses the LGA1700 socket, meaning your upgrade path will likely end with Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this CPU performs well, runs fast, and can handle heavy workloads. One reviewer said: “The CPU comfortably reaches 5.1 GHz without any stability issues, and it seems there's still plenty of room for further overclocking if needed. If you're looking for a CPU that offers solid performance, low heat, and great value, the 12600K is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended for both gaming and general productivity!”

Not everyone has hundreds of dollars to spend on a processor, and for those operating on a budget, we recommend giving the Ryzen 5 7600X a shot. Not only is it light on the pocket, but during our 7600X review, it performed stellarly for an entry-level processor.  

To begin with, this processor has six cores, 12 threads, a base clock of 4.7 GHz, a boost clock of 5.3 GHz, and a 32 MB L3 cache. What this means is that it has more than decent hardware backing its real-world and productive performance. You should be able to run The First Descendant at various graphical settings without worrying about whether this CPU will be able to keep up or not. 

This processor is three generations newer than the recommended 2600X, so it isn’t surprising that it has next-gen-level performance, especially since it runs on the Zen 4 architecture and requires the AM5 socket. However, as we mentioned before, the move to the AM5 platform is expensive but worth it in the long run, as AMD plans on supporting it till 2027. 

The 7600X also had excellent synthetic performance. We used Geekbench, among many others, and it scored 2,955 and 13,236 points in single- and multi-core, respectively. So, we can see that it can handle gaming and multi-threaded workloads, and its performance is comparable to the 13600K. However, it runs on the latest platform and should have better longevity than the 13600K. 

The Ryzen 5 7600X brings big value for a small price – it performs well in gaming workloads and can hold it’s own in more productive tasks, it seems 6 cores go a long way these days.

As for its in-game performance, as always, we turned the gaming resolution to low and at 1080p resolution. This processor managed 236 and 295 FPS in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077, respectively, which were notoriously difficult to run when they came out. 

Overall, this Ryzen 5 7600X is a solid CPU for gaming and productivity tasks. With this processor powering your system, you should be able to enjoy The First Descendant with maxed-out graphics. However, its low core count will make itself known if workstation-level tasks are thrown its way, as it could have better performance if it had a few more cores. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this processor is a “gaming powerhouse” with exceptional performance. One reviewer stated: “The AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600X stands out as an excellent choice for gamers seeking a powerful and cost-effective desktop processor.” 

How to select the best CPU for The First Descendant 

There are a handful of factors that you need to consider before choosing a CPU. We’ve listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision on your next CPU, regardless of application.

Budget

The budget is the most important factor to consider. This will help you avoid overspending on a CPU you might not completely use and also reduce the number of options available, making it easier to choose.

For example, if you get your hands on an i9-13900K but don’t have any plans of overclocking it, which is where it truly shines as an enthusiast chip, then a mid-range or even budget CPU, like the 5800X3D or 5600X, both of which we’ve reviewed, would be better suited for you.

Performance

The list of processors will increase or decrease depending on your rig and the type of workloads you work with. For example, if you’ve got a gaming rig and have no professional tasks, then a processor like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D would work best, as it is one of the best gaming processors currently available. 

However, if you also have workloads like 3D modeling, video editing, or rendering, then a processor with better synthetic benchmarks would be better, like the “X” CPUs from AMD or “K” CPUs from Intel. 

System requirements 

It's always recommended to check the system requirements, as they give you a baseline to work with. The minimum and recommended CPUs to run this title are the Intel i5-3570/AMD FX-8350 and Intel i7-7700K/AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, respectively. 

These processors are years old, and technology has made massive leaps forward, meaning that the processors available today will blow these options out of the water. So, you should have plenty of options to choose from; it’ll all boil down to the level of performance you’re expecting from your rig and your budget. 

This could be more of the case if you’re playing at lower resolutions, as the CPU has to churn out instructions more quickly. No one wants to experience lag or stuttering while exploring the land or fighting a boss, and if you’re of the same opinion, it’s understandable. 

However, the recommended CPU options for this game are the i7-8700K or the Ryzen 5 3600X, which are old processors and may not be the best choice for pairing with modern GPUs. We also understand that selecting a single processor is challenging as there are numerous options from Intel and AMD available.  

So, to help you kick off your buying journey in the best possible manner, we’ve put together this in-depth guide that lists multiple CPU options ranging from the best to budget options, along with their details, reviews, and pros and cons.

How we picked

There are various aspects you need to consider while pairing any CPU with a GPU. For a game like Elden Ring, which has almost iconic in-game graphics and tons of elements to process, we need to look at various factors like the brand, architecture, cores, threads, base and boost frequencies, motherboard compatibility, and other important factors into account. This helps us filter our options and also gives us an idea of which CPU and GPU pairing would be the closest to ideal.

However, other than specifications that anyone can read, we take a more hands-on approach by thoroughly testing the CPUs for synthetic and real-world performance. If you’re interested in learning more about that, we recommend you head to our PC Guide Testing Lab, which will show the process in detail.

The first processor on our list for Elden Ring is the Intel Core i5-13600K. We went for this pick due to the amazing performance it showcased in our i5-13600K review. 

Games don’t use a lot of cores and threads for their processing, which is why a CPU’s single-core performance is looked at to gauge how it’ll perform in gaming. That said, Elden Ring isn’t any different, although it does require a fast processor with good single-core and thread utilization. 

During our testing, the 13600K managed to score 830 and 1,992 in CPU-Z and Cinebench single-core tests, respectively. For reference, these scores are solid, and this CPU’s overall performance is just as good as the 14600K, which says something. 

In addition to that, it has a 24MB Intel Smart Cache, which allows all the cores to access the last cache level. What this does is allow for more efficient and faster processing, as the cores don’t have to call and wait for the data to be fetched. 

The LGA 1700 and DDR4 + DDR5 compatibility makes it a fantastic choice no matter what rig you have.

In terms of gaming, it means that game elements can be worked on faster, as whichever core is being used can access the data whenever it wants. This should result in a streamlined gaming experience without running into stuttering issues in populated areas where the CPU and GPU have to process the terrain texture, 3D models, and other aspects. 

This processor also makes use of Intel’s big.LITTLE core architecture, which divides the cores into performance and efficient cores for maximum performance and power efficiency. So, this CPU has 14 cores divided between 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores. 

The E-cores are responsible for handling minor tasks and don’t consume a lot of power. On the other hand, P-cores kick in when heavy processing is required as they have Hyper-Threading and are physically larger. When the task is dealt with, the E-cores take over. This dynamic ensures stable performance while prioritizing power efficiency.

So, no matter how much processing power Elden Ring requires, this processor has enough hardware under the hood to handle it across all resolutions, delivering a seamless gaming experience. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this processor is a “true powerhouse.” One reviewer stated: “his processor has far exceeded my expectations, providing seamless multitasking and blazing-fast performance for all my computing needs,” which perfectly sums up this CPU.

If you want to experience everything Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, has to offer in pristine quality without any issues, we recommend giving one of the best gaming processors, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, a shot. 

AMD’s “X3D” chips are known for having excellent gaming performance, but our Ryzen 7 7800X3D review showcased that performance in our suite of synthetic benchmarks. In CPU-Z and Geekbench single-core tests, it scored 634 and 2,624 points, respectively.

For reference, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D scored 461 and 1,655 points in the same tests. So, the difference in performance is clearly visible, but what's surprising is that the 5800X3D is still being used to run modern games without facing any difficulty. 

So, the 7800X3D’s performance should be more than enough to handle any amount of complexities Elden Ring can throw its way. On top of that, the 8700K and 3600X can’t even hold a candle to its prowess, so gaming in various resolutions without stuttering shouldn’t be an issue. 

he 7800X3D is a fantastic chip and much improved over the previous generation. This CPU will smash through any gaming workload you throw at it.

The secret behind this processor's amazing in-game performance is the 3D V-cache technology. What this does is stack additional cache on top of the L3 cache, increasing its capacity. So, this CPU has 96MB of L3 cache, meaning more game data and elements can be stored on board for faster and more efficient processing. 

However, the drawback is that its productive performance takes a hit. This is visible when we compare the multi-core results on the 7900X and this CPU. The 7900X wipes the floor with it, and if productivity is important to you, we recommend opting for the Ryzen 9 7900X as it has better results overall. 

That said, this CPU from Team Red isn’t a bad option, and you won’t be disappointed with its in-game performance whether you’re running Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077. The AM5 platform should also future-proof your setup, as it is supported till 2027.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this CPU is being praised for its gaming performance, efficiency, and stability. One user stated: “Decided to move from an i5-13600K over to a 7800X3D since I mostly use my PC for gaming and not productivity work. This CPU is a beast for performance and runs rather cool for what you get out of it, and it's power efficient as well!” Another reviewer said: “One of the best cpu if not the best for gaming.”

If you’re looking for the best CPU for Elden Ring that strikes a good balance between performance and value, the Intel Core i5-12600K might be right up your alley. In our Intel Core i5-12600K review it showed great in-game and synthetic performance.

As we’ve discussed before, we look at the processor’s single-core results to determine how it’ll perform in gaming. That said, in CPU-Z single-core, it scored 764 points, 130 points more than the 7800X3D. However, it does have two more cores than the latter, so it makes sense that it scored more. 

Either way, this processor shouldn’t have any difficulty running Elden Ring. We also tested it in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080 low resolution to really grind its gear, but it fought back and churned out 222 and 301 FPS, respectively. This should tell you everything you need to know about this CPU, and despite its “mid-range” title, it is capable of punching way above its weight class. 

It effortlessly combines power efficiency with single-core performance to make for one fierce competitor in the budget CPU space.

It has ten cores, 16 threads, a 2.8 GHz base clock, and a 4.9 GHz boost clock. These impressive specifications are what helped this CPU score such high numbers. However, this level of performance also comes with a high TDP, as according to Intel, it has a maximum turbo power of 150W. 

On top of that, the “K” moniker means that it is unlocked by the manufacturer for overclocking. This means that you can increase its base and boost clock for faster processing, but that will also increase its TDP and thermal output. In that case, we recommend using the best thermal paste in combination with the best CPU cooler to keep it running optimally. 

Looking at the system requirements of Elden Ring, you can rest easy knowing this CPU won’t land you in hot water as it is woefully superior to the recommended 8700K and 3600X. It is also reasonably priced, which is another win for this processor. 

What users say

The Amazon reviews of this CPU are praising it for its headroom for overclocking, cool operation, and amazing performance. One reviewer said: “If you're looking for a CPU that offers solid performance, low heat, and great value, the 12600K is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended for both gaming and general productivity!”

Everyone deserves to enjoy the latest releases regardless of their budget. So, if you’re operating on limited funds, we recommend opting for the Ryzen 5 5600X as it is a pocket-friendly option but can also power your rig to play Elden Ring and other titles. 

In our Ryzen 5 5600X review, it didn’t disappoint despite its “budget” title, as we witnessed it churning out 641 points in the CPU-Z single-core benchmark and delivered 177 and 282 FPS in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077, respectively. 

These games, at one point, were notoriously difficult to run, and the 5600X managed impressive FPS at 1080p with low resolution paired with an RTX 4070 Ti Super. So, this should give you an idea about how powerful this CPU is; it is much better than the 3600X and should be able to run Shadow of the Erdtree without any issues across any resolution you want. 

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a fantastic budget CPU that can bring you a lot of power if you don’t need the cutting edge in your system.

Generally, nowadays, people use 1440p as their default resolution but if you’re someone with a 1080p monitor, this processor shouldn’t be the limiting factor stopping you from thoroughly enjoying the world of Elden Ring. 

That said, despite its performance, it has humble specifications with six cores, 12 threads, a 3.7 GHz base clock, a 4.6 GHz boost clock, and a 32 MB L3 cache. On top of that, it has a low TDP of 65W and comes bundled with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which should be enough to keep its temperature under control. 

However, if you’re living in a hot region, the ambient temperature can increase the base temperature of your components. In that case, we recommend using the best AIO cooler to keep it from thermal throttling, especially when you’re so invested while playing Shadow of the Erdtree that hours have gone by and you haven’t noticed it. 

Overall, this is a solid CPU for productivity and gaming. While it might not be at the level of CPUs like the 13900K, we need to keep in mind its price point. At the time of writing, it will set you back $137.85. It should be able to run this title without any issues as it runs on the Zen 3 architecture compared to 3600X’s Zen 2 architecture. 

What users say

At the time of writing, this processor has a 4.8 out of 5.0 rating and 90% 5-star reviews. People are praising it for its performance, value, efficiency, and thermal design. One reviewer said: “Whether I'm gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive software, the processor handles it all with ease.”

How we picked the best CPU for Elden Ring

There are a handful of factors that you need to consider before choosing a CPU. We’ve listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision on your next CPU, regardless of application.

System requirements 

It's always recommended to look at the game's system requirements. In the case of Elden Ring, the recommended CPUs are the Intel Core i7-8700K and the Ryzen 5 3600X. In comparison to the GPU recommendations, the CPU recommendations are more recent, as they were released in 2017 and 2019, respectively. So, what we can take away from that is Elden Ring is more CPU-dependent and would require a fast CPU to run it. 

That said, you won’t be getting your hands on a new 8700K and 3600X, and the latest processors from Intel and AMD are massively more powerful than them. So, you should be able to run Elden Ring at lower resolutions without facing stuttering issues if you pair your GPU with a processor like the 13600K or the 5900X from AMD. 

In addition, they should also be able to handle UHD resolutions, but the GPU primarily handles that, so you don’t need to worry about it. 

Budget 

Your budget is the most important factor to consider while choosing a CPU. While the appeal of overkill CPUs like the 14900K is understandable, as you won’t have to worry about whether it’ll be enough for a game or not but that performance comes at a premium. 

If you have enough funds for that, you should opt for such powerful processors, as they’ll last you a while and should handle professional workloads as well. However, if there are some budget restraints, it's best to filter the options presented, look at their performance by checking our Reddit threads and reviews, and go for the CPU that offers a good balance between performance and value. 

Performance 

Your CPU options could open up or become limited depending on the level of performance you want out of your system. For example, if you want a system for just gaming, you can get an X3D chip from AMD and call it a day. 

However, their professional performance isn’t as great as that of AMD’s “X” and Intel processors. So, if you also have creative workloads to handle, it would be better to opt for an Intel “K” or AMD “X” processor as they balance productive and gaming performance well. 

While we're still waiting for an official release date from the brand, new leaks have surfaced highlighting a potential release date for the new 9000-series CPUs. Early benchmarks of the flagship chip are also incredibly promising for team Red.

With that in mind, let's dive into more of what we know so far about the highly-anticipated Ryzen 7 9700X.

Ryzen 7 9700X release date leaked

The Ryzen 7 9700X is confirmed to launch in July 2024 alongside other Ryzen 9000 CPUs. While there is no official release date from the brand, we have seen a number of leaks from retailers that clearly state July 31st, 2024, as the date of launch. B&H PhotoVideo (pictured below) still list the product as launching on 31st of July.

Like all leaks, we'll take this with a pinch of salt for now, however, it seems crafty of AMD to state a firm July release date and then have the pre-orders start on the last day of the month.

This strategic play is sure to keep fans guessing and may lead to more fan frenzy given the ambiguous release schedule so far. However, with July approaching, fans should expect an announcement very soon.

Ryzen 7 9700X specs announced

The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is an 8-core, 16-thread processor built on the 4nm Zen 5 or "Granite Ridge" architecture. It utilizes the new AM5 socket and boasts 32MB of L3 cache. With a base clock of 3.8GHz and a max boost of 5.5GHz, it also supports overclocking through an unlocked multiplier. As previously stated, these specs put the Ryzen 7 9700X in a good position over its competitors, like Intel's 14900K. The gap between the two ranges from 4% to 23% in gaming and 7% to 56% in productivity tasks. Below is a full specification list for the new Ryzen 7 9700X.

“We are so excited to introduce the Ryzen 9000 series, the world’s most powerful desktop processors for gamers and creators, and the 3rd generation AMD Ryzen AI processors, which provide leadership AI and compute performance for ultrathin and premium Copilot+ PCs,”

Will you be able to pre order the Ryzen 7 9700X?

According to B&H PhotoVideo's product listing, you'll be able to pre order the flagship CPU from July 31st, 2024. Whether this will be the case for the lesser-powerful Ryzen 7 9700X is unclear right now.

Historically, users have been able to buy the CPUs on launch day, with delivery almost instantly. However, it wouldn't be the first time we've seen pre orders happen.

Ryzen 7 9700X expected retailers & potential pricing

The Ryzen 7 9700X arrives in July 2024, promising performance gains over Intel's offerings. Pre-order information is scarce, but retailers like B&H and Central Computers often offer pre-orders. You can also find details at Best Buy, Newegg, or Amazon. With a wider launch planned, securing a processor at launch shouldn't be a major hurdle. Official pricing for the product is also yet to be revealed. The last generation Ryzen 7 7700X debuted with a price of $399 before being quickly discounted to $300 following fan backlash. A price within this range will be expected upon launch, but until we get official confirmation this remains pure speculation.

Will the Ryzen 7 9700X utilize my current motherboard?

The Ryzen 7 9700X utilizes the new AM5 socket, incompatible with previous-generation AM4 motherboards. Upgrading your motherboard might be necessary, although existing AM5 motherboard owners might only need a BIOS update for compatibility. AMD might also release new high-end AM5 motherboards alongside the processors, but this remains unconfirmed.

Naturally, there's a lot of anticipation surrounding the most affordable model in AMD's newly unveiled Ryzen 9000 series. While details regarding the flagship SKU were revealed at Computex 2024, information on the other processors remains under wraps.

Here, we'll bring you all the latest information on expected release dates, specs, pricing, and more.

Ryzen 5 9600X release date window

In good news for users, the wait won't be too long. The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is slated for launch in July 2024, alongside the rest of the Ryzen 9000 lineup. Rumors of a Q3 release were swirling, and have now been officially confirmed. While the exact date in July remains unknown, gamers can expect this powerful CPU to hit store shelves this summer.

In more good news for potential buyers, it is likely that pre-ordering won't be necessary. Unlike some highly sought-after launches, the Ryzen 5 9600X is expected to be readily available at major retailers upon release. This means you shouldn't have to worry about securing a unit through a stressful pre-order process.

Ryzen 5 9600X specs announced

The Ryzen 5 9600X packs a punch with 6 cores and 12 threads, capable of boosting up to an impressive 5.4 GHz. This translates to smooth performance for a variety of tasks, from gaming to productivity applications. While specific benchmarks for the Ryzen 5 9600X haven't been revealed yet, AMD showcased some exciting performance improvements for its flagship processor against Intel's 14900K. The results highlighted gains ranging from 4% to 23% in gaming performance, and even more impressive increases of 7% to 56% in productivity and content creation tasks.

Ryzen 5 9600X price estimate

While no price is confirmed yet by AMD, the arrival of the Ryzen 5 9600X in July is exciting news for budget-minded gamers and PC builders. With its impressive specs, promising performance gains, and expected availability, this processor has the potential to be a game-changer. Stay tuned for further updates and benchmarks as we approach the launch date.

Will the Ryzen 5 9600X work with my motherboard?

Now, the question on many existing AMD users' minds will be: does the Ryzen 5 9600X work with your current motherboard?Here's where things get a little more complex. AMD is sticking with the AM5 socket for the Zen 5 architecture. This means those using a Ryzen 7000 series motherboard might not need an upgrade. A simple BIOS update could be all that's required. However, there are also rumors of new flagship AM5 motherboards launching alongside the Ryzen 9000 series, though this remains unconfirmed.

If you're looking to get this desktop processor as soon as possible, you may want to check out our dedicated where-to-buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPUs guide. In the meantime, we can explain everything we know so far about this powerful chip.

Ryzen 9 9900X release date window confirmed

Just like the rest of the series, the 9900X was announced by AMD at Computex. They kicked off proceedings with the opening keynote on June 3rd. Even though an exact date wasn't revealed, we now know that the Ryzen 9 9900X will be available sometime in July 2024. We don't expect any deviation from that plan, so they should be available to buy before the end of the month.

Alongside the launch window, AMD also revealed a number of key specs related to this enthusiast CPU which we'll get into just below.

Ryzen 9 9900X specs

During Computex, AMD provided a rundown on some of the key specs. You'll notice that it features the same cores and threads as the previous-gen 7900X, that we've reviewed, and the same boost clock speed. However, the chip has been optimized to work more efficiently on a lower 120W TDP, down from 170W (which the 9950X will still hold). Before we can get the 9900X in our testing lab for a review of performance, we can source some further information from the AMD website.

Ryzen 9 9900X price estimate

For now, we'll have to estimate the price of the 9900X since this is one detail AMD left out from their presentation. Luckily, we can look back at previous generations to make an educated estimation.

Back in the 7000 series, the 7900X launched at $549, providing decent value compared to the highly-priced flagship. In the 5000 series, the 5900X also cost $549. With this is mind, we don't expect AMD to shake up the pricing too much, so we can estimate the 9990X will also cost $549.

Do I need to upgrade my motherboard for Ryzen 9 9900X?

If you're already using an AM5 motherboard, then no, you won't need to upgrade. A BIOS update will suffice once the time comes to upgrade your CPU. If you're instead using AM4, you'll need to switch out your board for a newer model that supports the AM5 socket.

Just like they did with AM4, AMD plans on committing to socket longevity with the latest platform, so upgrading to the 9000 series is a good future-proof move. The 800 series should be available shortly after the 9900X is available, with X870 & X870E motherboards on the horizon.

Should I get the 9900X or wait for 9000X3D?

Sitting just below the 9950X, the Ryzen 9 9900X is still a fantastic choice of CPU for multitasking. With 12 cores and 24 threads, it is a strong choice for productivity and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you already have an X3D model for gaming as a priority, you're perhaps best off waiting for 9000X3D to arrive - the release date for this remains unknown for the time being.

Even AMD recently said that 7000X3D remains 'king of the hill' for gaming right now, but the 9900X will be the better choice for productivity workloads thanks to the higher number of cores compared to something like the popular 7800X3D.

Following the series' announcement at Computex, we're sure that many people will be looking forward to what Zen 5 brings to the table - and you can't get better than the 9950X right now. In fact, early benchmarks suggest that the flagship offering could showcase a 45% performance boost over its predecessor.

Even though the 9950X will be launching in around a month's time, we don't yet have an exact date or time of release. However, leaks found on major retailer, B&H PhotoVideo, could be the first signs of an official release date.

That said, you'll soon be able to find out where to buy a 9000 series CPU and it's now just a matter of waiting. It is on AMD's latest AM5 socket, which they have big plans for regarding socket longevity, making the 9000 series a good upgrade for future-proofing your rig.

Ryzen 9 9950X release date window

As per AMD's opening keynote at Computex - which took place on June 3rd - we can see that the Ryzen 9 9950X will be available in July 2024, alongside the rest of the series line-up. As for an exact date, this is still unknown, but we shouldn't be seeing it any later than the 31st of the month. So, there isn't long to go until AMD's new flagship is here. They've already done some comparisons versus the i9-14900K to prove just why it can be one of the next best CPUs for gaming.

Ryzen 9 9950X specs announced

At the same time as announcing the release date, AMD gave us a closer look at some of the key specifications. We've reviewed plenty of Ryzen CPUs, such as the current flagship Ryzen 9 7950X3D, so we're excited to soon get our hands on the 9000 series to put through our testing lab and performance test. For now though, here's what we know about the specs.

Ryzen 9 9950X price estimate

One thing we're yet to learn about the 9950X officially is the price. We'll be able to confirm the actual pricing once availability or pre-orders go live during July. For the time being, we can estimate how much this CPU will cost in a few ways. First of all, looking back to the past two enthusiast desktop generations, we can see that the 7950X and 5950X would set you back $699 and $799 respectively.

Based on those costs, we may see the 9950X priced around the $700 mark, just like last gen. Considering the 7950X has seen steep price drops since release, below $500 these days, it isn't out of the question for the 9950X to be a little more generously-priced at launch. We doubt this will be the case though, at least not by much.

Ryzen 9 9950X expected retailers

With any major hardware launch, questions are asked as to what retailers will stock the products. Where can I buy the new CPU on launch day? Where will it be cheapest? and what time will it launch, are all questions we receive on big launch days.

Fortuantely, we've covered enough of these events to be able to predict where you'll be able to purchase the Ryzen 9 9950X on launch.

The most obvious place is Amazon - one of the biggest online hardware retailers in the world. It always has the newest hardware on launch and always offers competitive delivery turnaround. B&H PhotoVideo will also have the chip (if the leak is to be believed) on July 31st, 2024.

Other retailers such as Best Buy, Newegg, and Ebuyer will also likely stock the chip on launch in the US. UK retailers will likely be Amazon UK, Scan, and Overclockers.

Will the 9950X work with my motherboard?

As we can see from the specs, the Ryzen 9 9950X will be using the AM5 socket. This means if you're already on an AM5 motherboard, then the 9000 series will be compatible - these boards are also compatible with 7000 and 8000 series CPUs. A simple BIOS update will likely be required. On the flip side, you may wish to opt for one of the newer 800 series motherboards such as the upcoming X870 & X870E range.

Should I upgrade to 9950X or wait?

If you want the best of the best from AMD, then the 9950X will provide just that. With a massive 16 cores and 32 threads, it is a productivity powerhouse and, as per AMD's testing, will outperform Intel i9-14900K in both productivity and gaming workloads. However, if you're just focused on gaming, you're probably better off going for a current X3D model such as the 7800X3D.

To that end, we’ve put together this guide that lists different CPU options for you to choose from, along with their details, reviews, and pros and cons so you can make an informed decision and invest your money wisely.

How we picked

There are various aspects you need to consider while pairing any CPU with a GPU for F1 24. For a game like this, which would have the latest graphics and tons of in-game elements to process, we need to look at various factors like the brand, architecture, cores, threads, base and boost frequencies, motherboard compatibility, and other important factors into account. This helps us filter our options and also gives us an idea of which CPU and GPU pairing would be the closest to ideal.

However, other than specifications that anyone can read, we take a more hands-on approach by thoroughly testing the CPUs for synthetic and real-world performance. If you’re interested in learning more about that, we recommend you head to our PC Guide Testing Lab, which will show the process in detail.

Our top picks

For our top option, we went with the Intel Core i5-13600K, a solid processor for gaming and productivity tasks. In our i5-13600K review, it performed excellently in our gaming and synthetic benchmarks, earning it the top spot. 

This CPU managed 179 and 162 FPS, respectively, in Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, paired with an RTX 3080. This means that it is more than capable of handling demanding titles with ease, and our gaming tests are done natively,  making it even more impressive. 

As for its synthetic results, it managed 830 and 9,846 points in CPU Z single- and multi-core tests, respectively. These impressive numbers further showcase its ability to handle gaming workloads and multitasking capabilities, meaning it should also be able to run resource-intensive applications in parallel without compromising performance. 

An excellent CPU through and through with fierce single and multi-core performance for the money.

Regarding its specifications, it has six performance (P-cores), eight efficient cores (E-cores), 20 threads, a base clock of 2.6 GHz, a boost clock of 5.1 GHz, and a 24 MB Intel Smart Cache. The P-cores are responsible for handling the tasks that require heavy lifting, while the E-cores handle minor and background tasks. This dynamic ensures efficient resource and power utilization.

In addition, the 24 MB L3 cache is accessible to all cores, which should reduce access times and enhance the CPU's processing speed and efficiency. It also features a 20 MB L2 cache, which is closer to the CPU but still has an impressive capacity. 

A neat aspect of this CPU is that it is compatible with PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, meaning you can use it with a new build or slap it on your previous-generation motherboard, and it’ll work fine without any compatibility or stability issues. So, pair it with the best DDR4 or DDR5 RAM and take the overall performance of your build to the next level. 

One thing to note is that while it delivered impressive results it has a maximum TDP of 181W. So, if the workload is high or if you’ve overclocked it, it’ll generate a good amount of heat. So, we recommend using the best CPU cooler to keep it running at an ideal temperature. 

Overall, the Intel Core i5-13600K is an excellent option with impressive results that make it a worthwhile investment. You should be able to run F1 24, and other games, and work on professional tasks without a hitch with this CPU powering your rig. On top of that, if you want to experience everything F1 24 has to offer, we recommend giving the best racing seat a shot, which should further add to the immersiveness. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this CPU is a “powerhouse” capable of handling demanding gaming titles and professional workloads. One reviewer stated: “beast for gaming you'll never feel any bottlenecks with 99.9 % of any titles,” followed by, “beast for gaming you'll never feel any bottlenecks with 99.9 % of any titles.”

Now we’ll switch over to Team Red, and we went with one of these best gaming CPUs, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. This processor is better than the 7900X3D and even the 7950X3D in most scenarios, and in our 7800X3D review, it had almost double the performance of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. 

We see a clear difference when we compare its synthetic performance to that of its predecessors in tests like CPU Z. In single-core, the 7800X3D managed 643 points, whereas the 5800X3D managed 461. In multi-core, the results were 7,085 and 4,889 points, respectively. So, the AM5 CPU blows the previous generation out of the water, but compared to the 7900X, its productivity is lacking. 

However, due to the 3D V-cache technology, which stacks an additional L3 cache on top of the CPU, its gaming performance is like nothing else. It features 96MB of L3 cache, meaning more game elements can be directly stored and accessed by the cores. This eliminates the need for the CPU to make calls to fetch data as it is already there and increases efficiency and output. 

The 7800X3D is a fantastic chip and much improved over the previous generation. This CPU will smash through any gaming workload you throw at it. 

On top of that, it has eight cores, 16 threads, a base clock of 4.2 GHz, and a boost clock of 5 GHz. That said, what gives it a boost in gaming is the design that enables all cores to access the cache, whereas, in the 7900X3D, only six cores can access it at a time due to the 6+6 configuration. So, the 7800X3D outperforms the 7900X3D because of this. 

Despite its next-level gaming output, it has a TDP of 120W, making it a powerful yet efficient processor. That said, it only runs on the AM5 socket and requires compatible DDR5 memory. 

So, you’ll have to purchase an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 memory to run this CPU; the shift to the new platform can be expensive but worth it, as it’ll last you a good while and give you plenty of options to upgrade. If you’re interested in exploring some options, check out our best AM5 motherboard and gaming RAM guides, which have the top picks available. 

All in all, this is one of the best CPUs to get your hands on if you’re primarily gaming, and it should be able to run F1 24 with a smile on its face. However, to thoroughly enjoy every second of F1 24, we recommend trying out the best PC racing wheel so you can feel every sharp turn and bump on the road with real-time feedback. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, it has excellent quality, efficiency, value, stability, and thermal output. One user said: “Nothing much to say that hasn't been said before but this chip is easy to cool, easy to run, and performs better than basically everything on the market.” This basically summarizes everything there is to know about this CPU and how the general populace feels about it.

For our best mid-range pick, we’re shifting back to Team Blue with their Intel Core i5-12600K as the main attraction. In our i5-12600K review, it performed stellarly in gaming and synthetic benchmarks.

In our CPU Z single- and multi-core tests, it managed 764 and 7,120 points, respectively. For comparison, it had 121 and 35 more points than the 7800X3D, which should give you an idea about its gaming and multitasking prowess. 

The 12600K is no slouch in gaming, as it delivered 222 and 301 FPS in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077, respectively. These tests were conducted at 1080p low settings to challenge the CPU and take the load away from the RTX 4070 Ti Super GPU. These results are more than impressive, and it should be able to run F1 24 in various resolutions with ease paired with a GPU that complements its performance. 

This CPU has six performance cores, four efficient cores, and a 20 MB L3 cache. It also has an E-core base clock of 2.8 GHz and a P-core base clock of 3.7 GHz. The E—and P-core boost clocks are 3.6 and 4.9 GHz, respectively. Thus, depending on the task in the queue, you should get the right amount of processing power. 

For example, if it's casual tasks like working on a Word document or browsing, the E-core could handle that, which would keep the power draw and thermal out low, resulting in efficient working. However, if you’re running resource-heavy applications like Adobe Premier, the P-core would take over and handle that with their faster frequencies and larger physical size. 

It effortlessly combines power efficiency with single-core performance to make for one fierce competitor in the budget CPU space. 

Despite being an older CPU, it has a maximum TDP of 150W and a base TDP of 125W. However, since it comes unlocked for overclocking from the manufacturer, doing so might increase the TDP and result in a greater heat output as well. So, if you plan on doing that, we recommend using the best thermal paste combined with the best AIO cooler to keep it running optimally and at comfortable temperatures. If you’re interested in learning how to remove and apply thermal paste properly, we’ve also got you covered there. 

This processor also comes with Intel UHD Graphics 770, which isn’t enough to run games, but having integrated graphics has other uses. For example, suppose your GPU stops working, or you’re waiting for a replacement. In that case, the integrated graphics enable your PC to boot and handle basic tasks like displaying the desktop, working on documents, etc. 

Overall, the Intel Core i5-12600K is a solid CPU for gaming and professional work that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. While it might be two generations old now, its performance speaks for itself, and that is nothing short of impressive.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, it has stable performance, good thermal design, and provides excellent value for the price point. One reviewer stated: “The 12600K CPU has been an outstanding upgrade from my previous setup, delivering a remarkable boost in performance. I've been particularly impressed by its cool operation, maintaining a stable 64 degrees even during rigorous stress tests and extended gaming sessions.”

For our last pick, we stuck with AMD and decided to go with the Ryzen 5 5600X for the pocket-friendly picks. In our Ryzen 5 5600X review, it had pretty good results in our gaming and synthetic benchmarks. 

In Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077, it managed 177 and 282 FPS at 1080p low settings, respectively. While the Days Gone result looks comparatively less, we need to factor in that this is a budget CPU, and 177 framerates are more than playable. 

As for its synthetic performance, it scores 2,138 and 8,456 FPS in Geekbench single- and multi-core, respectively. This is a decent score and showcases this CPU’s ability to handle gaming and productive tasks alike, but it isn’t the best option for really heavy applications like running a server. 

This CPU has six cores, 12 threads, a base clock of 3.7 GHz, a boost clock of 4.6 GHz, and a 32 MB L3 cache. While its specifications are humble compared to other options on this list, it still delivers excellent results. It also has a low TDP of 65W, which not only makes it pocket-friendly but also an efficient processor option.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a fantastic budget CPU that can bring you a lot of power if you don’t need the cutting edge in your system. 

A great aspect of this CPU is that it runs on the AM4 socket, which means you won’t have to make the shift to the AM5 platform, and that will also save you cost. So, you can direct those funds toward the best gaming RAM and have a pleasant experience racing against others or the clock in F1 24.  

Overall, the 5600X provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio, and while you might not be able to move to AM5, there are plenty of AM4 CPUs you could upgrade to, like the 5950X or the 5800X3D, which are still viable options in 2024. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, its performance is “nothing short of impressive,” and it has excellent power efficiency. One reviewer said: “The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor has revolutionized my PC gaming experience, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This little gem packs a powerful punch, significantly boosting my computer's performance.”

How to pick the best CPU for F1 24

There are a handful of factors that you need to consider before choosing a CPU. We’ve listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision on your next CPU, regardless of application.

Budget

Your budget is the first thing you need to consider, as it’ll help you filter the options available and give you a list of CPUs that offer the best balance between performance and value. This is important as it’ll also help you avoid overspending on a CPU that you won’t be able to utilize fully. For example, if you want a CPU solely for gaming and don’t have any professional tasks that require a high-end CPU, then a chip like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D would be better suited for you as compared to the Intel Core i9-13900K, both of which we’ve reviewed in-depth. 

However, if you plan on gaming and working on the same rig, AMD’s “X” CPUs, like the Ryzen 9 5900X, would be better suited for you. 

Performance 

The second thing you need to look at is the level of performance you want out of your system. A powerful and fast processor is important if you’re gaming at lower resolutions because the CPU must churn out more instructions per cycle. So, if you have a 1080p gaming monitor, that means you’ll be playing F1 24 in 1080p, and for that, your GPU won’t be under as much load as your CPU because 1080p is easy for the GPU to process.

On the other hand, as you increase the resolution, the GPU starts to take over more, taking the load away from the CPU. So, consider the resolution you want to play in and any tasks other than gaming, and then opt for a CPU that covers these bases. Perhaps our best graphics settings for F1 24 guide can do some further explaining.

Temperature

Modern CPUs are very powerful and efficient, but that performance comes at a cost: a high power draw and thermal output. So, if you’re opting for a chipset with a high TDP, and we recommend you check these specifications from the manufacturer's website, you’ll need to invest in robust cooling solutions as well. 

This is particularly true if you’re located in a hot region because the ambient temperature will increase the base temperature of all your components. So, keep this in mind, as you’ll have to budget accordingly to purchase better case fans or a CPU cooler or risk the processor overheating.

This 8 Core 16 thread Ryzen differs from all the other AMD CPUs (or did at the time) because it held a pretty dangerous weapon against its competitors. You see, the standard 5800X3D couldn't really compete with the likes of the 12900K and KS from Intel, but if you add a little X3D into the mix, you'd be surprised at what AMD could achieve. Personally, I love the 5800X3D, but does it hold up well today as a viable option? Is it one of the best CPUs on the AM4 platform?

To cut a long review short, we love the X3D despite its limitations, the performance in games you get from the new cache comes at the cost of power outside of gaming, an issue that AMD has made progress on within the later generations. If you want a pure gaming CPU, with the savings that sticking with AM4 brings, then this Ryzen CPU might be the one for you.

CPU specifications

Before we can go on with the show and reveal how well this AM4 beast did in our benchmarks, we must outline the specifications it holds, to gain a clearer understanding of why it performs as it does. Here are the specifications of our Ryzen 7 X3D CPU:

As you can see, the CPU is very similar to the 5700X, it's just a little slower on the core boost speed. The real focal point is the cache, 96MB of L3 cache, this is divided into 32MB of standard cache and 64MB of all new 3D V-cache. Allowing this CPU to compete with CPUs far beyond its own generation.

The only thing that lets this CPU down, is that the 3D V-cache limits the performance of the CPU outside of gaming workloads. The X3D does not perform as well as the standard 5800X in non-gaming workloads. Not only that but the X3D is practically locked to overclocking, bar a small factor set allowance. This is all because the new cache is very sensitive to high speeds and temperatures, and the CPU had to be dialed down a little to accommodate that.

However, the performance increase in games more than makes up for the CPU shortcomings outside of them. This CPU was AMD's first foray into 3D cache, which was very successful if you ask us.

Despite this, the Ryzen 7 is a gaming CPU through and through and only should be considered if you're seriously into gaming, and don't plan to do much else with it. If you have other uses for it in mind, then there may be CPUs better suited to your workloads.

CPU performance

We tested the Ryzen CPU on a standard test bench, we like to keep the components of this system as consistent as possible, even across generations, to ensure results are accurate. But, as with any benchmark, the performance is dependent on the equipment, so here are the components for our AM4 test bench:

We spare no expense when it comes to CPU testing, we equip our benches with the latest hardware to ensure all the CPUs that we test have more than enough headroom to spread their wings. With that said, let's get on with it.

Synthetic performance

We tested the Ryzen X3D CPU in everything from Photoshop (Puget) to 7-zip, this is to get an idea of how the CPU does in a variety of different workloads. As we have mentioned, the 3D V-cache in this system limits its potential. here are the results of the synthetic benchmarking.

As you can see, we have quite a set of benchmarks available to us. The CPU does well to keep up despite its limitations, but it does fall short of even the 5600X in some scenarios.

As you can see, this CPU is severely limited, so much so that it cannot even rival the 5600X in some of the synthetic workloads, this CPU scored 10,204 points in Cinebench for example, whereas the 5600X scored 11,151, which doesn't seem correct. How does a CPU with 2 fewer cores and 4 fewer threads do better in a multi-core workload? especially when it belongs to the same CPU generation? That is just an example of the harshness of the limitations placed on early X3D chips by the new cache.

Similarly, compression and encoding are affected, because those workloads do not utilize this CPU's cache. Because of this, we see much higher than expected decompression and encoding times. It's not ideal if you're someone who does a lot of video editing or data management.

Going through the synthetic benchmarks play-by-blay makes this CPU seem like it's not worth having, so we're not going to do that. The 5800X3D is my favorite CPU and it's easy to cast it aside just looking at benchmarks alone. This CPU represents the start of something great, something that will likely propel AMD to the top of gaming performance, and that is the 3D V-cache technology.

If you want to see how this CPU stacks up against the one that you have, you can check out the Cinebench and Geekbench databases. This should help you visualize the performance change you may see when upgrading to this CPU. Bear in mind any hardware changes you might have to make, such as a new Power supply, or motherboard.

Where the X3D CPU does shine, however, is gaming performance. This CPU, thanks to its new cache, rivals CPUs in later generations with its gaming prowess.

Real-world performance

We test all of our games in 1080p and in low settings, this is to reduce the chance of us ever being GPU-bound and gives the CPU a chance to stretch its cores. With that being said, here's how the AMD CPU did:

The CPU we have today excelled, and performed as well as CPU generations above it. When it was first released, the 5800X3D managed to beat the 12900KS in some gaming workloads, which is nothing short of fantastic. Not to mention that the 12900KS at the time was technically a generation above the little X3D that could. And it's a similar story here.

Both of the games that we tested are hard to run, or once were, but now, thanks to subsequent updates and advancements in hardware, aren't so bad anymore. Regardless, the games ran buttery smooth with hardly a single stutter between them. Now seems like an important time to remember that gaming performance is directly dependent on hardware (mostly GPU) so if you don't get our results, don't panic.

Both Cyberpunk and Days Gone ran at pretty much 280 FPS, the same or similar to the 7000 series CPUs we have tested. This CPU was almost able to beat the 7900X in Cyberpunk and wiped the floor with it in Days Gone. (279 vs 299 and 283 vs 276 respectively).

What do these benchmarks mean?

We use a collection of synthetic benchmarks to cast a wide net in terms of relevance for our audience, we test things like Puget (a Photoshop benchmark) and Handbrake (a video encoding benchmark) this helps us keep our results relevant to as many people as possible. These workloads suggest a more professional working environment, we specifically designed this suite to be productive, it's where the real-world benchmarks come in that we get to gaming.

Gaming is a real-world benchmark, it tests the CPUs ability to adapt to situations on the fly and in an unscripted environment. As good and valuable as synthetic benchmarks are, they're essentially on rails and don't represent how a CPU will react with real on-the-fly workloads, such as gaming.

If the CPU does well in our synthetic suite, then it would make a fantastic workstation CPU, if the CPU does well in our real-world benchmarks, then it would be great at, well, gaming. Proficiency in both is a bonus.

Price

When the 5800X3D was released back in 2022, it retailed for $449, a hefty sum when you consider it's the first of its kind, thankfully, because of its age, we can save a few bucks. CamelCamelCamel, an Amazon price tracker, states that the best price for the X3D was $269.99. It is currently on sale for $295. These were the best prices as of the time of writing.

Alternatives to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D

If you want a CPU proficient in gaming workloads from Team Red, but want something a bit more up-to-date, then you can opt for the 7800X3D, it's the 5800X3D but with all the bells and whistles that AM5 brings. On the other end of the scale, the 5600X provides a good budget alternative if you don't need all of that gaming power, and can do with a couple fewer cores. If you want the best of both worlds and don't mind shelling out for an LGA 1700 motherboard, then the 13600K might be more to your liking. It combines the single-core prowess of Intel's cores with the efficiency that the big.LITTLE core technology brings.

Is X3D good on the 5000 series?

An interesting question that this CPU poses is whether or not the X3D CPU is good for this generation if it is so limited. Well, every technology has to start somewhere, it's not like Intels big.LITTLE core technology launched as advanced as it is today, everything is launched and then subsequently improved upon. This technology is a force to be reckoned with for sure, and improvements have already been made to try and quash the limitations as much as possible in the CPU generations following. but that still leaves the question, is X3D good in the 5000 series?

If you want a very affordable gaming CPU capable of rivaling those generations ahead of it, then this CPU is well worth the investment. Sure AM4 also has its limitations, but it's perfect if you're constrained to a tighter budget. Also worth noting that AM4 remains in support and will do so for at least the next year or so. However. If you want a CPU to do a mix of work and play, then X3D on AM4 might not be the best choice, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits if you want it to do anything other than game. When you're beaten by the most budget CPU in the lineup, it's time to refocus.

Conclusion

This CPU set out to dominate the gaming landscape on AM4, and it did. Famously, this CPU managed to beat the performance of the 12900KS in some gaming workloads. It came nowhere near touching the KS in other workloads, but damn it, it tried. This CPU was purpose-built for one thing, gaming.

The 5800X3D defined AMD's gaming range of CPUs, bringing the first of its kind to don the 3D cache, paving the way for those after it. Subsequent CPUs already have vastly reduced drawbacks and enhanced benefits and it's all thanks to the first of the bunch. This CPU is more than just an afterthought and a freakshow experiment made by AMD, it might just be the future of CPUs as we know it. Terrible at everything else though.

This Zen 5 8-core 16-thread monster is still armed with the 3D V-Cache of the 5800X3D that came before it, but this time things are different, improvements have been made, and limitations quashed - almost. The cache inside this chip remains very dangerous for AMD's competitors, with each advancement bringing AMD closer to dominating the gaming performance space.

To cut a long review short, the 7000 series CPU has improved much over the first iteration of X3D, which is exactly what we wanted. The CPU is still limited in some capacity, but much less than the last generation. We're not quite there yet, but it's a big step in the right direction. The AM5 X3D chip does gaming even better than ever before but still suffers outside of those workloads. If you have your heart set on AMD, and have the money to spare, this CPU would make a fantastic feature in your gaming rig, As it is one of the best CPUs available on Team Red.

Specifications

Before we get into the performance of the CPU, it's important to understand the stats that the chip brings to the table, and this would be a great time to point out those improvements that we keep mentioning.

The specifications for the AMD CPU are as follows:

As you can see, there are the standard generational improvements you'd come to expect from a 7000 series CPU, such as the doubled L2 cache from 512Kb to 1MB. But for an X3D CPU, it has a pretty high boost speed of 5GHz. That is because the Zen 5 CPUs have a secret, and that is an extra Core Complex Die (CCD).

The 5000 series version of this CPU only had 1 CCD, meaning the X3D cache installed limited the whole CPU, diminishing its performance outside of gaming. The 7000 series has 2, with the cache only installed on one. This has a couple of advantages, firstly, it only limits essentially half of the CPU, allowing the other half to operate at most standard speeds. Another advantage is the overclockability of the chip is less limited.

You also have to consider the IPC improvement of around 15% coming from moving to the smaller 5nm manufacturing process. Cache restrictions limit Athough, some of this. If you want to feel the full force of the more numerous transistors, you'll have to grab a non-X3D CPU.

Performance

Before we jump into the numbers that this AMD CPU managed to pull, we must outline the equipment used on our test bench. As performance is directly tied to hardware. You can't just throw this CPU in any system and have it achieve the numbers that we did. Unfortunatley.

This is what the CPU test bench consisted of:

As you can see, we spared no expense when selecting the components for our test bench. We try to keep the component selection as similar as possible, even across manufacturers and generations. This helps us to keep an even playing field for each CPU we test.

Synthetic testing

We benchmark all of our CPUs in our comprehensive testing suite that tests anything from file compression to rendering, to photo editing. This helps us cast a wide net with CPU usage and testing. Here's how the Ryzen 7 did:

Since we have a direct comparison with the 5800X3D available, and we've referred to it much in this review, we shall showcase the results side by side so we can truly understand the performance gains here.

As you can see, there is a huge difference between the two CPUs. The 7000 series is almost unrecognizable on paper and you wouldn't think it contained a limiting cache at all. Thanks to advancements in the manufacturing process and CCD increases, the 7000 series can achieve just under double the score of the 5000 in most multi-core scenarios. Despite having the same number of cores and threads available. It is also true that the 7800X3D has a slight advantage in core speed, which contributes to greater performance.

The performance of this CPU is phenomenal compared to the last generation. But does that mean you should be picking this chip up for multi-core workloads? Maybe not. If we look at the single-core performance of this processor compared to the 7900X, which supposedly has the same CPU cores, just a slight increase in core speed, we can see that the 7900X wipes the floor with this chip. In Cinebench, CPU Z, and Geekbench, we observed the 7900X score higher. Sometimes by a very high margin. The point of the X3D CPU, like the 5800X3D that came before it, is to be a gaming CPU.

AMD has made efforts to reduce the performance impact that the 3D V-cache had on the chip, but it's not quite there yet in terms of minimal impact. If you don't plan on doing much in the way of productivity and workstation tasks, this processor could still be a good choice. If you want to compare this CPU against yours, you can probably find it listed in the Cinebench and Geekbench databases.

If you want to know more about our testing process, you can visit our PCGuide labs page, which will tell you everything you need to know about how we test our CPUs.

What do these benchmarks mean?

These benchmarks are divided into synthetic and real-world tests. The synthetic tests are a wide array of benchmarks that test the CPUs ability to complete workstation tasks, these are anything from photo editing to video encoding. It's important we cast a wide net as people use their hardware in different ways. Although this is primarily a gaming CPU, it's important to see how well it does in non-gaming workloads.

Real-world benchmarks test the CPUs ability to process on the fly, the tests are not scripted like synthetic benchmarks, and therefore harder to control. They are still important tests to run as they represent a wider workload than synthetic tests can alone. Pooling this data gives an example of how the processor performs overall.

In short, if the chip excels in synthetic loads, then it is a great workhorse for productivity tasks. If it does well in gaming, then it'd be great for, well, gaming.

Price

The CPU was released in 2023 and back then it retailed for $449, a pretty penny. Since then, Camelcamelcamel, an Amazon price tracker, has reported an all-time low price of $320, which isn't a bad saving. Normally, you can pick up this Chip outside of the sale season for around $350 - which is a damn site better than $449. Note that all prices were accurate at the time of writing, but are subject to change.

Alternatives to the 7800X3D

If you're looking for something with a little more power for workstation applications, you might be better off with the 7900X or even the standard 7800X. But of course, what these CPUs make up for in multi-core performance, it loses in gaming performance. If you're looking for something on Team Blue's side of the market, then you could opt for the 13700k if you want to save a little money. or the 14900K if you have some to spare.

Is X3D good on the 7000 series?

Yes, to put the answer bluntly. Although the X3D technology was by no means a gimmick on the 5000 series, the performance it brings on the 7000 series makes it seem like it. The extra CCD popped out to save the day on the 7000 series chip because there probably wasn't a place in the market for a limited 7000 series CPU, what with Intel being as competitive as it is.

With the power of the 3D V-cache, this Ryzen 7 can punch way above its weight class in terms of gaming performance, and in the end, that's what X3D was designed to do. Let the 7950Xs and the 7900s in the lineup handle the multi-core workloads, the X3D is here to have some good old single-core fun.

Conclusion

The 7800X3D is a fantastic CPU in terms of gaming performance, but it's still not quite there in terms of multi-core performance. The improvements gained thanks to the extra CCD are enough to make the CPU somewhat more valuable as a do-it-all chip, but we'd recommend you stay away if you plan on doing much more than gaming.

On the contrary, if you want a processor that is capable of smashing through any game you throw at it, this is the CPU for you. It's reasonably priced and can be found for less on a sale, and in terms of longevity, it will be a long time before a game appears that this chip can't handle.

Luckily, we have a guide to the best CPUs for XDefiant right here. We'll also break down how we selected each pick, provide in-depth and hands-on knowledge of each CPU, as well as some additional considerations for playing XDefiant. With the right CPU and GPU combo, the best graphics settings become accessible. Let's jump in.

How we selected the best CPU for XDefiant

In order to select the best CPU for XDefiant, we considered various factors. Firstly, we picked CPUs that had a range of prices and markers, such as entry-level options, as well as premium picks. We also considered CPUs from both the Intel Core and AMD Ryzen ranges as we know how loyal some fans can be. Equally, both CPU ranges have various strengths and weaknesses which make them both appropriate for some users and not appropriate for others.

We also hand-picked CPUs which we have done extensive reviews of in the past. This was done to provide additional insight into each product and for us to let you know how we got on playing similar games with that CPU. Head over to our test lab to find out more about how we test and review each product.

Lastly, each product had to at least meet the official minimum and recommended system requirements provided by the game manufacturer. These are detailed in our Xdefiant minimum and recommended system requirements article.

Gamers looking for a CPU that won't bottleneck their performance should look no further than the Intel Core i5-13600K. This processor packs a serious punch with impressive clock speeds that can hit 5.1 GHz thanks to Intel's Turbo Boost technology. This translates to smooth, stutter-free gameplay on games like XDefiant. Furthermore, the i5-13600K boasts 14 cores, providing a great balance between powerful performance cores and efficient cores that handle background tasks. With 20 threads in total, you can stream, chat, and record your gameplay without sacrificing in-game frame rates. Crucial for those who want it all.

An excellent CPU through and through with fierce single and multi-core performance for the money.

The i5-13600K strikes a compelling balance between power and value While other high-end CPUs might offer slightly more muscle, the i5-13600K delivers exceptional gaming performance at a competitive price point, meaning you can also spend a little more on additional components. Important for those who want the best overall system. This makes it a fantastic choice for gamers who want a CPU that won't break the bank but can still handle the latest games with ease.

What users say

Users on Amazon praise the Intel Core i5-13600K for its impressive value and gaming performance across the board. It boasts a 5-star rating from 86% of users who purchased it. One user even put it quite simply "I've been using this CPU for a couple months now and haven't had any issues. Been able to run games and any application that I use". What more could you want?

Once again, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a compelling option for gamers seeking a balance of power and value in their system. This 6-core, 12-thread CPU boasts impressive single-core performance, making it ideal for games that rely heavily on CPU strength. This translates to smooth gameplay on games such as XDefiant and fast response times in even the most fast-paced titles. Additionally, the 7600X supports the latest PCIe 5.0 standard, allowing you to take advantage of next-generation storage drives for blazing-fast load times.

The Ryzen 5 7600X brings big value for a small price – it performs well in gaming workloads.

While some higher-core-count CPUs might offer more upgradability, the 7600X excels at delivering excellent gaming performance at a mid-range price point. Paired with a powerful GPU, this CPU can handle even the most demanding games at high resolutions and FPS. This makes it a great choice for gamers who want a CPU that won't bottleneck their system.

What users say

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X has an excellent online reputation. User reviews on Amazon have the product performing well in gaming scenarios as well as being a breeze to install and set up. The product has a 5-star rating with 87% of users, which is pretty phenomenal. One user even stated, "Love this processor! It's fast for gaming and smooth daily usage. Easy to install and great value for the money. Definitely recommend for anyone building a PC".

For our choice of the best premium Intel CPU for XDefiant, we’ve chosen the Intel Core i5-12600K. This impressive CPU offers a great performance for gaming. Its 10 cores and 16 threads make it the perfect CPU for multitasking during heavy loads or intense gaming periods. If you’re hoping to play XDefiant on ultra-high settings, or even 4K, then this CPU has got you covered. 

 It (Intel Core i5-12600K) effortlessly combines power efficiency with single-core performance to make for one fierce competitor in the budget CPU space.

The Intel Core i5-12600K offers a high boost speed of 4.9 GHz making it perfectly capable of handling XDefiant at a fast pace. It features 20 MB of L3 cache, so if you’re looking for the absolute fastest response times then opting for something with a higher cache size may be a better option. Unfortunately, the CPU does come with a higher price than the options above. However, when compared to other high-end CPUs on the market it lands on the more affordable side of premium community. Make sure to check out our review for further analysis.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the Intel Core i5-12600K offers great performance for gamers and satisfies the majority of those who purchased it. Furthermore, reviews mentioned its power efficiency, performance, shape, and value in a positive light. The products boast a 5-star rating from 91% of buyers, which is outstanding. One user noted it as a "Very good processor and probably best for the price to performance ratio". So, while not always being seen as a value pick, users are able to get their money's worth with this one.

Considerations for the best CPU for XDefiant

Below are some of the major considerations we would have in mind when purchasing a CPU for XDefiant, as well as some extra thoughts you should be having as this new release hits the market.

Game requirements

Research the recommended and minimum system requirements for the games you wish to play. This will give you a baseline for the processing power needed for smooth gameplay. We have a whole article dedicated to the XDefiant minimum and recommended system requirements which can be found here.

Resolution and FPS

Do you prioritize high resolutions like 4K or super smooth frame rates for competitive gaming? High-resolution gaming puts more stress on the GPU, while high frame rates rely more on CPU horsepower. If you want to pick the best GPU for XDefiant we also have that guide available too.

Multitasking needs

Will you be streaming, using voice chat, or running other applications alongside your games? If so, a higher core count CPU will help maintain performance while juggling multiple tasks.

Budget

CPUs range in price significantly. Determine how much you're willing to spend on the CPU, keeping in mind other components like the GPUs, motherboards, and coolers will also impact gaming performance and require a separate fee. To find the best time to purchase your CPU, head over to the price tracking application Camelcamelcamel which will show you a graph of the price history. You can then predict the best time to purchase.

Upgradability

Consider how long you plan to use this PC. Newer CPU generations tend to offer better performance, so if you want your system to last for several years, a CPU with some room to breathe above your current needs might be wise.

Motherboard compatibility

Ensure the CPU you choose is compatible with the motherboard socket type you plan to use. This will limit your options but ensure the two components work together seamlessly.

Power consumption, TDP, and cooling

High-performance CPUs can generate a lot of heat. Factor in the TDP of the CPU and choose a cooler that can adequately dissipate the heat to avoid overheating and performance throttling.

Knowing whether your system will be able to run Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut or not is the first step in getting your hands on the exciting features of this story-based game. This is why we've already laid out the minimum and recommended system requirements in our Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut PC guide. However, if you're looking to get the absolute most out of this game then finding the perfect CPU to play it on is paramount.

This guide will walk you through the various CPU options that will allow you to play Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PC to the best of your ability. We'll be looking at the best overall, Intel, and high-end to provide you with multiple choices when deciding whether to upgrade your hardware or not.

Products at a glance

How we picked the best CPU for the Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PC

When considering what CPUs would work best for running the Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PC, we look to useful internet guides, public benchmarks, customer reviews, and our own topic knowledge to come up with a comprehensive list suitable for a range of gamers. In addition to this, the CPUs selected for this guide have all been tested and reviewed making our knowledge of their capabilities even more thorough.

The Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is an expansion of the original game and features additional storylines and characters, and although this isn't the most demanding game, we think using an up-to-date powerful CPU can only benefit the performance of this game on your PC. When upgrading your components it's always important to consider how this hardware will serve the rest of your system, which is why we've chosen a CPU that will not only be able to handle the Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut but also a range of other demanding titles and workloads.

Our top picks

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a great CPU that is certainly capable of handling the features of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut. This AM4 CPU offers a great value overall option for those intending to upgrade their CPU to play this game. Its 6 core and 12 threads make it perfectly able to handle the game even on ultra-high settings. This CPU takes the top spot on this list due to its price-to-performance ratio. It comes in at an attractive price of $134 on Amazon, although this number may vary from store to store.

The high core and thread count of this CPU makes it extremely capable of multitasking, which is perfect for running a game like Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut. On top of this, the 5 5600X has a base speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost speed of 4.6 GHz, making it able to handle Ghost of Tsushima at a fast pace and power. Its 32MB L3 cache ensures quick response times and low latency meaning you'll be able to have a seamless experience when playing.

If you fear playing Ghost of Tsushima among other demanding games will have an impact on the temperature of your components, well you're in luck because the 5 5600X comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler.

To cut this long review short, if you’re looking for an incredible, affordable CPU that can handle most gaming workloads, then the 5600X might just be for you.

What users say

When considering if a CPU upgrade is for you then looking at customer reviews on Amazon is a useful way to tell if you feel this processor could work in your system. The Ryzen 5 5600X has a large number of positive reviews on Amazon making it a reliable product.

The majority of the reviews mention the ease of installation, value, and performance, with one customer expressing their satisfaction, stating "paired with some 3600mhz ram you got yourself a real nice gaming PC. very fast and smooth experience.Best CPU for around £140". Another user mentions the cooling system of the product "She has had no issues at all and coupled with a more efficient cooler it really runs cold."

For our choice of the best Intel CPU for the Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, we've chosen the Intel Core i5-12600K. This impressive CPU offers an overall great performance, perfect for playing demanding games. Its 10 cores and 16 threads make it the perfect CPU for multitasking during heavy loads or intense gaming sessions. If you're hoping to play Ghost of Tsushima on ultra-high settings then this CPU has got you covered.

The intel Core i5-12600K offers a high boost speed of 4.9 GHz making it perfectly capable of handling Ghost of Tsushima at a fast pace. It features 20 MB of L3 cache, which is a little less than the Ryzen option featured above, therefore if you're looking for the absolute fastest response times then opting for something with a higher cache size may be a better option.

Unfortunately, the CPU does come with a higher price than the last option, being sold on Amazon for $217.54. However, when compared to other high-end CPUs on the market it lands on the more affordable side of the spectrum, and when the included cooler is considered it can be deemed quite the affordable purchase.

If you need a relatively cheap CPU that will work across multiple chipsets with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, then this CPU might be for you.

What users say

The Intel Core i5-12600K has garnered a number of reviews on Amazon, where customers mainly express their satisfaction with the efficiency, value, and overall power of the product.

One customer describes how the CPU handles games that are on a similar power level to Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, stating "She mostly plays fortnight, Minecraft, Hogwarts legacy, etc and she plays on high settings while screen sharing in discord for the fam, and using OBS to record her gameplay no problem." Another customer offers so great advice concerning the CPUs lack of warranty, "If I remember correctly, the CPU does not come with a warranty, which is probably fine as CPUs are known to be very durable. So make sure you test it when you receive it so you know if it's faulty."

If you're looking for a high-end CPU that will not only be able to handle the ultra-settings of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, but a range of other demanding games, then the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X may just be the option for you. This AM4 CPU offers the best processing capabilities, however, it comes with a premium price. Upon release, the 9 5900X was priced at a whopping $549, however, it is frequently discounted and at the moment it is being sold for $253, making it a much more affordable option.

The 9 5900X offers a huge 12 cores and 24 threads, much larger amounts than any of the other options featured on this list. This means it has great multitasking capabilities making it perfect for playing Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut for long hours on end during demanding gaming stints. In addition to this, the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 63MB of L3 cache, which is the largest of all three CPU options on this list. This means that the response times during while playing Ghost of Tsushima will be super quick and the latency will be low.

Armed with some impressive specs, a competitive price tag, and good overclocking potential, those looking for an AM4 upgrade, or to leap to the red corner over from Intel, could be satisfied with what this hardware can do.

What users say

The impressive Ryzen 5 5900X has received a lot of positive feedback on Amazon reviews, where users mainly mention their satisfaction with the ease of installation, value, and overall performance of the product. One user comments "The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Processor is an absolute game-changer for enthusiasts and power users. This CPU is a beast, offering incredible processing power and efficiency that will make any PC build shine." Another states "Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or running resource-intensive applications, the Ryzen 9 5900X handles it all with ease", demonstrating the range of ways you can apply this CPU.

Features and considerations

If you're upgrading your CPU to run Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, then there are a few things to consider first. Firstly, it's important to look at price. In the options outlined in this guide, we've provided 3 varying options with 3 different price points. To play Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on Steam on your PC then you'll have to pay $59.99. Depending on your budget, this could be viewed as quite an expensive addition to your gaming collection. This is why it's important to consider the price of upgrading your CPU in addition to paying for the game itself.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of cores and threads found in your CPU. To run Ghost of Tsusima's Director's Cut you won't need a CPU with many cores, in fact, you can run the game on a minimum of 2 total cores. However, if you're hoping to play the game in high-ultra settings then you'll want something with a bit more powerful. This is why we've opted for the options outlined above.

Do I need to upgrade my CPU for Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut?

If you're hoping to play Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on your PC then you may be wondering if it's worth upgrading your CPU. The minimum system requirements to run this game demonstrate that you don't need a very powerful processor. However, if you're looking to play the game on high settings then opting for a CPU, much like one of the ones listed above, is a good option.

We'd had the pleasure of testing some of the best CPUs for gaming to make sure we're well equipped to hand out a list of suggestions. The game isn't exactly the most intensive, but a strong CPU is definitely recommended to ensure smooth and stable performance. We look at some recent options on the most popular platforms today.

What CPU do you need for V Rising?

The easiest way of understanding this is by checking out the V Rising system requirements. Interestingly, they are listed as subject to change, but we think the current CPU recommendations will remain viable for a while. Looking at the recommend specs, you'll find the Intel Core i5-11600K and Ryzen 5 5600X, which does suggest that the game is more CPU-intensive compared to GPU - you can see our best GPU for V Rising guide if you need as well.

So, if you want to have a suitable processor which is up to the task, we'd suggest sticking to recent generations of hardware. These are much easier to find and of course be more relevant for longer. Below, we go through our selection in greater detail and discuss reviews. For reference, the minimum requirements list an i5-6600 or Ryzen 5 1550X, which we wouldn't consider these days.

For gaming, the 7800X3D is a pretty straight-forward recommendation. If you want a strong CPU that will last you for years to come, whether you're playing V Rising or anything else, this is a top pick. As part of the Ryzen 7000 series, it is the first generation to use the AM5 socket, which will remain relevant for a long time, though there is a cost as you'll need a compatible AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM. One reason why this is so good for gaming is the 96MB of L3 cache - thanks to the stacked 3D v-cache design of AMD's X3D models. This can help boost fps and maintain stable performance in CPU-intensive games.

For V Rising alone, this CPU is more than what's necessary but it represents one of the best options for gaming in general. One drawback to some users is the lower number of cores compared to something such as Ryzen 9 models, which are preferred for workstations. However, the 8 core / 16 threads design is easily capable for multitasking and tasks such as editing or streaming. Do keep in note that the 120W TDP does mean you'll want a suitable cooling solution compared to some of the more budget options on this list.

What users say

This CPU holds a high 4.8/5 rating at the time of writing, against well over 2,000 ratings. Reading through the Amazon reviews will tell you that the performance is top-notch and the vast majority of users are happy with their purchase. Unsurprisingly, lots of mention of its gaming prowess as well.

The Intel Core i5-13600K is a fantastic choice of CPU if you want to stick to Team Blue. Intel has pushed their big.LITTLE technology a lot in recent generations to allow for a large amount of cores and threads, split into performance and efficiency cores. This makes for better multi-core scores than AMD Ryzen counterparts (the 7600X in this case), which is ideal for productivity workflows outside of gaming itself such as editing or streaming. We put its performance to the test in our Intel Core i5-13600K review.

"We consider the 13th gen to be the best value right now, as the 14th gen was just a refresh of the existing Raptor Lake architecture and offers a minimal performance increase"

This processor fits the LGA 1700 socket, so you'll have to make sure you have a compatible motherboard in order to upgrade. Now that the 14th gen is out, you can actually score a great deal on the 13600K, making it a great value pick and a real winner given its strong performance. If you want a little extra multitasking power for your workstation without being overkill for gaming, then this Intel chip is a fine choice.

What users say

Again we take to the Amazon reviews of this CPU and find that it scores a high rating. Many users call it great value for money and the large number of cores is a real selling point. If you're long overdue an upgrade for your Intel-based system, this could the one for you - and it supports both DDR4 or DDR5 RAM.

Moving over to another Ryzen processor using the AM5 socket, we have the 7600X. This is one of the cheapest models from the 7000 series and a excellent upgrade if you want a future-proof system for the foreseeable future. It retains the usual Ryzen 5 design we're used to with 6 cores and 12 threads, which is suitable for gaming - while boasting a fan 5.3GHz boost clock speed. As a mid-range option, it has a 105W TDP which isn't too hard to keep cool, despite the impressive power it delivers.

"The Ryzen 5 7600X is a powerful CPU and offers a fantastic price-to-performance ratio. The CPU is more than capable of gaming at the high end, with enough oomph to keep up with the latest GPUs"

Our AMD Ryzen 5 7600 X review has all the finer details if you're interested in this CPU. We'd say this is the equivalent to Intel's 13600K, though it does lose out slightly on multi-core performance due to the lower number of cores. Even still, the friendly TDP and even friendlier price tag makes this an easy choice for anyone that wants to upgrade to the AMD's latest platform/socket. Again, there will be a premium to pay due to the other AM5-compatible hardware required to support it.

What users say

The 7600X is a popular CPU for good reason, and users reviews are a good indicator of this. Unexpectedly, the price to performance is a big topic of discussion, while many users are very happen with the uplift in performance from their previous processor in both productivity and gaming workflows.

Last, but to least, is the 5600X, celebrated as one of the most popular CPUs at the minute. Given the long-lasting support for AM4 (even with a few new releases in 2024), the 5600X still holds up as a strong option to this day - especially if you want to save some cash. If you're putting together a new budget build or want to upgrade from your 1st or 2nd gen Ryzen, the 5000 series is a fine option. In our AMD Ryzen 5 5600X review we note that this CPU is still viable with impressive benchmark scores.

"The Ryzen 5 5600X is a fantastic budget CPU that can bring you a lot of power if you don’t need the cutting edge in your system. The 6 cores and 12 threads make this a good CPU for light productivity work and a bit of gaming, and all for around $140 is a steal"

The price point is the big selling point here, especially if you already have an AM4 board to simply slot it into without added expense, though a BIOS update may be in order. With its six cores and twelve threads, the 5600X is a solid performer for gaming and more lightweight workstation use, even though the clock speed doesn't quite break the 5GHz barrier like the newer 7600X. Since this belongs the last generation that uses the AM4 socket, it doesn't offer too many routes for future upgrades, though we'd consider the 5800X3D if you want to maximize gaming potential on the platform.

What users say

Given its age now - and just the popularity of it - the 5600X boasts over 25,000 user reviews on Amazon, giving you plenty of further reading. We can see that it represents a fan-favorite for budget builders to this day and a solid upgrade from users on older AM4 hardware such as the 1600X.

Things to consider before you buy a CPU for V Rising

There are always certain things you'll want to think about before you buy. We can highlight some of the key factors to research before making a purchase just below.

Clock speed and TDP

To put it simply, the clock speed of a CPU measures the number of cycles executed each second, so obviously the higher the better. Interestingly enough, AMD's Ryzen X3D range usually feature slightly lower speeds to facilitate the unique stacked v-cache design, but this is a worthwhile trade and anything pushing the 5GHz range is more than enough.

Overclocking is another thing to consider if you want to push this, though you'll need to be aware of the TDP and whether you can keep the chip sufficiently cooled. Newer models are pushing 120W and above (170W for the flagship Ryzen 9 7950X), so they can run hot even without the introduction of overclocking.

Price

Pricing is relevant with anything. Luckily, modern processors do an excellent job of handling gaming workloads and V Rising shouldn't struggle with performance if you only have the funds for one of our more budget-friendly picks. Set yourself a budget and make sure you also consider all options in that range. Plus, you can use tools such as Camelcamelcamel to view product price history and strike at the right time.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility with your CPU, we're generally talking about the motherboard and supported socket. For example, in this guide we discuss processors which fit AMD's AM4 and AM5 sockets, as well as Intel's LGA 1700. Before you buy, you need to make sure whether your motherboard supports the new CPU, as motherboards will only support a specific socket.

Furthermore, you may want to take the issue of CPU and GPU bottlenecking into account if you have a particularly powerful or extremely outdated graphics card. Picking a CPU which pairs well with your GPU makes for a more valanced system for optimal performance.

Final word

With V Rising demanding a least a solid CPU for gaming, it makes sense that you may need to upgrade your outdated gaming PC. All of the CPUs we've done a hands-on review on have been benchmarked in our testing lab, which helps us pick out the good from the bad. Luckily, both AMD and Intel offer a strong line-up with their most recent generations to suit all kinds of budgets, or particular allegiances.

This new iteration of the game has made the jump to Unreal Engine 5, lifting up the requirements. That being said, the game will still be optimized as a competitive title, so you shouldn't need the very best out there for smooth performance. If you're in need of a CPU upgrade, we recommend hand-picked selection from AMD and Intel within the past couple of generations.

What CPU do you need for Smite 2?

Right now, the system requirements on the Steam page only list the minimum requirements, mentioning the Intel Core i5-9400F and AMD Ryzen 7 3750H, which are pretty outdated and limited compared to today's options. If you're buying a new CPU, you'll want to stick to something from the current or last generation for best value - unless you opt for the used market.

Our suggestions below allow you to future-proof your system as Smite 2 should only get more optimized as the game matures, especially as a MOBA title directed at a more competitive audience. Likewise, our best GPU for Smite 2 page will give you something that will last for years to come while working great for other games you wish to play.

If you're after one of the best CPUs for gaming on the market, you generally don't have to look any further than the 7800X3D. It belongs to AMD's Ryzen 7000 series, the generation that first to made the jump to the AM5 platform. Thanks to that, you benefit from the peace of mind that you won't need to upgrade your motherboard and RAM for a long time. However, the cost of upgrading will be higher, assuming you aren't already on an AM5 motherboard.

The main selling point of the 7800X3D for gamers is the 3D-stacked V-Cache, which allows it to pack in a massive amount (96MB) of L3 Cache. This has been seen to help boost FPS, particularly in CPU-bound games - which the original Smite is. We expect Smite 2 to be a a little more balanced as far as CPU/GPU usage goes, but the faster access to memory is going to be beneficial either way. One thing this processor lacks is the same amount of cores and threads found in the flagship Ryzen 9 models, which does slightly limit its power for high-end workstation use.

What users say

There's no doubt that the 7800X3D is a popular choice for gamers looking to maximize performance, as the Amazon user reviews reveal. Against more than 2,200 ratings, it holds a prestigious 4.8-star rating with most people praising its performance and stability. Some users also saw a large uptick in average FPS for CPU-intensive games.

The Intel Core i5-13600K is comparable to AMD's Ryzen 7600X, while offering a large amount of cores and threads which boosts its proficiency in productivity workflows. This would be our go-to Intel pick for Smite 2, and as you'll see in our i5-13600K review, it offers a suitable amount of power to support some of the best GPUs on the market. So, you aren't going to run into any substantial bottlenecks with this great-value pick from Intel.

"The Intel Core i5-13600K was released back in 2022 and still very much holds up today. This is the little 14-core, 20-thread CPU that could, and has widely become one of the more popular CPUs on the market for those looking to get a great CPU on a reasonable budget"

This CPU fits the LGA 1700 socket, which is well-supported - supporting the 12th gen through 14th gen Intel processors. As such, you can score a great deal on compatible hardware which makes the 13600K a solid choice on a more modest budget, especially since it is no longer the latest-gen option. One downside is that it does run pretty hot, from a base 125W TDP up to 181W based on our internal testing. However, fit in a suitable cooling solution and you can reap the benefits of this speedy Intel CPU.

What users say

Intel fans have voiced their opinion of this chip on the Amazon user reviews, where it holds a generous score. The high amount of cores is of course mentioned, with many calling it excellent value for money and a "sweet spot" for gaming. All in all, a positive response for Intel's 13th gen mid-range pick.

As you'll find in our AMD Ryzen 5 5600X review, this is still a relevant option to this day, despite being based on AMD's older AM4 socket. It is certainly one of our favorite budget CPUs and it will offer more than enough power to play Smite 2 while supporting a wide range of powerful GPUs despite its mid-range tier. It boasts a fast 4.6GHz boost clock speed and 6 cores with 12 threads, which is suitable enough for gaming scenarios. This does mean it does lack a little as far as productivity goes - for example if you're a video editor or professional streamer.

"The 5600X is a strong and very affordable budget CPU despite being released in 2020. It belongs to one of the best platforms ever made that remains in support today despite the release and success of AM5"

Despite some shortcomings, the 5600X won't disappoint if you need a solid CPU upgrade in order to play any modern games. Pair it up with a suitable graphics card, and you're well on your way for smooth performance in Smite 2. One big benefit it has over the newer equivalents is its impressively-efficient power usage. The TDP is just 65W, meaning you can easily keep it cool with a budget air cooler - not that you'll have to, as it comes with AMD's stock Wraith Stealth cooler.

What users say

Needless to say, the 5600X is very popular and the large amount of ratings (over 25,000) on Amazon showcases that. Many people comment on the performance to price ratio, noting that it was a solid upgrade over their older-gen Ryzen hardware. One thing to note is that the Wraith Stealth Cooler is sufficient, users recommend an aftermarket CPU cooler if you wish to overclock.

Like our top pick, the 7800X3D, it's last-gen counterpart also uses the stacked V-Cache design to give it 96MB of L3 Cache. Again, this allows for performance boosts in many games to keep a steady framerate and even help combat stutters or frame drops. It boasts 8 cores and 16 threads which is sufficient for gaming and productivity, though the 4.5GHz boost clock speed is relatively modest given this X3D model can not be overclocked natively.

If you already have an AM4 motherboard, then the 5800X3D is the best option available to you without having to make a complete mobo upgrade. Thanks to its success, AMD has added that Ryzen X3D technology to a number of AM4 models recently, including the 5600X3D and 5700X3D, breathing more life into the platform.

What users say

This is another AM4 CPU which is a highly popular choice if you aren't yet ready to make the leap to AM5. Looking at user reviews for the 5800X3D reveals that many people simply call it the best of AM4, or even the "last AM4 CPU you will ever need". This makes a lot of sense to us and demonstrates what kind of power the previous generation still offers.

Things to consider for the best CPU for Smite 2

Any time you upgrade your CPU, there are a few things you'll want to think about. We've highlighted some of the most important for gaming below, particularly for Smite 2.

Price

Smite 2 is much less demanding than many other modern games, and that reflects its more competitive nature. Generally speaking, games designed with the esports crowd in mind (such as MOBAs) are designed to work well on a much wider range of hardware, as high FPS is important. So, you can easily drop your budget and go for a cheaper option, particularly CPUs of an older (yet still relevant) generation. We use AMD's AM4 platform as a shining example of this.

Cache

The best piece of CPU technology we've witnessed for gamers in recent years is the stacked V-Cache of the Ryzen X3D line-up, which allows for faster access to memory and generally more stable gaming performance, as well as higher FPS, in many titles. While not essential, thinking about the level of L3 Cache is nice if you want to maximize your performance in Smite 2.

Platform / socket

CPU and motherboard compatibility is something you always need to think about before you buy a new processor. For example, in this guide we've featured Intel's LGA 1700 socket, and AMD's AM5 and AM4 sockets. You'll need to make sure that your motherboard (or the one you plan to buy) uses the same socket as your new CPU. If you're upgrading from much older hardware, the chances are you'll need to change your motherboard too.

Final word

Now that we've come to the end the guide, hopefully you can walk away with the best CPU for the job. Whether you have a laser focus on Smite 2, or want to unlock a new library of modern games to play, the whole selection above is up for the task. Furthermore, we try to test as many products as we can to conduct our CPU reviews, all of which takes place in our very own testing lab.

We've already covered the best GPU for Hades 2, and you can find an equally budget-friendly selection from our CPU suggestions, as the game will hardly be taxing on your system. With this in mind, we'd even venture out into the world of APUs if you want to save big while building a gaming PC on a very limited budget, or perhaps a small form factor build.

What CPU do you need for Hades 2?

Looking at the Hades 2 system requirements tells us that you don't really need a powerful CPU to run the game. The minimum and recommended specs simply suggest either a Dual Core or Quad Core 2.4Ghz processor respectively, without any specific mention of particular models. Pretty much any relatively modern CPU will be able to achieve this milestone, so being able to run the game isn't much of a problem.

So if you don't need the best CPU for gaming on the market, what is a good option? Well, our selection below all meet those requirements while being modern solutions which will remain relevant for time to come, especially if you want to play more demanding games alongside Hades II. Furthermore, we'd even suggest an AMD Ryzen APU with sufficient integrated graphics if you want to skip buying a discrete graphics card altogether.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a great value option from the Ryzen 7000 series, AMD's Zen 4 line-up and the first to fit the AM5 socket. If you're putting together a new PC or want to do a substantial upgrade without going all-out, then this is a excellent choice that will remain relevant for a long time. Given the lax requirements of Hades II, this is more than enough to play, but is what we'd recommend as a future-proof upgrade right now.

"Thanks to the AM5 platform, we have an increased PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth to work with as the main source of future-proofing, and increased storage speed thanks to Gen 5 storage compatibility. You can speed up your system in more than one way with the Ryzen 5 7600X"

Looking at our Ryzen 5 7600X review, we can see that this processor provided support for even powerful graphics cards, such as the 4070 Ti Super in our test rig at the time. This would be overkill for Hades II, but it proves that this CPU offers plenty of headroom if you plan on upgrading your system in the future. Do keep in mind that AM5 hardware will be required if you wish to use the 7600X, such as a compatible AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM, which is more expensive than last-gen counterparts.

What users say

The 7600X is one of the most popular CPUs on the market right now, boasting an impressive 4.7 stars against over 1,500 ratings on Amazon. Users praise the stunning performance to price ratio, noticing a sizeable uplift compared to older Ryzen hardware. The 105W TDP also makes it fairly easy to cool, though this is more power draw than the 5600X we feature down below.

The Intel Core i5-13600K would be our go-to processor at the moment if you prefer going with Intel over AMD right now. It is comparable to the 7600X, while offering more potent multi-core performance thanks to the big.LITTLE technology which allows for a higher number of cores and threads overall. Even with the introduction of the 14th gen, it provides very little performance boost while being more expensive due to 13th gen price drops. Our efforts with benchmarking this CPU can be found in our Intel Core i5-13600K review.

"The very real performance means it excels in both gaming and workstation tasks such as editing and rendering. We saw this when we explained the high Multi-core scores. The fact that you can pick up this CPU for as little as $275, or less if you’re lucky, makes this CPU an absolute score"

Based on the LGA 1700 socket, it offers compatibility with both DDR5 and DDR5 RAM, which will be a money saver if you don't mind working with slower memory speeds to help save cash. Like the 7600X, the 13600K offers high performance to help support a higher-end GPU, not that you need it for Hades II. Be wary that this Intel CPU will run pretty hot though, as we measured a 181W power draw that will require a suitable cooling solution.

What users say

Taking to the Amazon reviews of the i5-13600K, we can see that it offers a high 4.8 rating with nearly 1,000 reviews (at the time of writing) under its belt. Generally speaking, many users look to benefit from the additional cores in this CPU compared to its Ryzen equivalent, so this is something that is a big selling point. Many reviewers also comment on the great value.

Even though AMD has since moved on to the AM5 platform, AM4 is still widely used as a budget-friendly option these days. Plus, it has even seem support in 2024 thanks to the introduction of some new CPUs. Regardless, we're going to stick with the tried and test Ryzen 5 5600X, easily the most popular processor for gaming in recent years. Despite it's age, it still holds up to this day and is plenty powerful enough for the likes of Hades 2. It is a versatile option for those on a limited budget that can drive a high level of performance, and efficiently so with a modest 65W TDP that makes it easy to keep cool.

We think it's the ideal budget CPU for gaming, especially since compatible AM4 hardware is much cheaper these days compared to their newer AM5 counterparts. Plus, those of you wishing to upgrade from something like a 1st gen Ryzen CPU will benefit from impressive performance boosts without having to swap out your motherboard (a BIOS update should do the trick).

What users say

Like we said, this CPU is massively popular - with over 25,000 ratings on Amazon to its name. It claims a very impressive 4.8 star rating as we write this and many reviewers agree that it still represents the best choice for a budget gamer. Additionally, one user reports it to be a fantastic upgrade to their 1600X with a sharp performance uplift.

The Ryzen 7 8700G is an outsider in this list, but it's something we had to include. Since Hades II is not an intensive game at all, you can easily run it on a CPU with capable integrated graphics and the best ones for this are part of AMD's Ryzen APU line-up. The latest on offer is the 8000 series, a sizeable upgrade that makes use of AMD's latest AM5 socket. The 8700G uses the Radeon 780M iGPU (integrated GPU) which boasts great 1080p performance, even on much more demanding titles than Hades.

APUs are great if you only plan on playing lightweight or competitive games which are well optimized. It's cost effective too since you won't have to buy a dedicated graphics card separately either. Additionally, if you're putting together a small form factor build, it's a great space saver as a discrete graphics card is the largest component in most builds. The 8700G also boasts a low 65W TDP, so its easy to keep cool, plus the lack of a beefy GPU will allow your system to run cooler overall.

What users say

It's newer to the market and more niche, so there's not as many user reviews as our other choices here, but well worth reading through nonetheless. One buyer calls it a 'gaming computer in one CPU' which achieves solid 1080p performance for most games. You'll also find some useful benchmarks for popular games to help gauge framerates.

Things to consider before you buy a CPU for Hades 2

Upgrading your CPU for Hades 2 comes with a few things to consider, which we've put together just below.

Price

Like we've mentioned plenty of times by now, Hades 2 is far from a demanding game that doesn't require a top-notch CPU to run smoothly. As such, you can afford to shop around for a more entry-level CPU. That being said, we'd still recommend going for a processor within the last couple of generations if you're buying new, as older models will be harder to source at a great price unless you look into the used market.

Additionally, the fact you can run Hades 2 nicely on a Ryzen APU means you may want to consider this is a budget option if you don't fancy buying a GPU as well.

Cores & Threads

Core and thread count is an integral part to any processor. More cores generally allows for better multi-core performance, ideal for multitasking or taking on heavy productivity workloads such as rendering, video editing, and graphic design. The latest Intel CPUs are best for this due to the Performance and Efficiency core split. However, for gaming, we'd consider 6 cores plenty enough, especially since Hades II only recommends at least four (Quad-Core).

Integrated graphics

As mentioned above, a strong CPU with good integrated graphics can also be suitable for Hades 2, especially if you don't want to spend a ton of cash on a graphics card as well. Many CPUs come with integrated graphics, but not all are built for gaming, which is why we'd recommend one of AMD's Ryzen APUs for solid gaming performance.

Final word

There's a lot of excitement around the sequel to Hades, which proved to be a hit when it launched a few years ago, also into early access. Now that the sequel is here, we're sure than many of you have been wondering whether it's going to be tougher to run. Luckily, it works just as well on low-end hardware as we found out in our best settings for Hades 2 guide (using a Ryzen APU without need for a dedicated GPU), but if you are due an upgrade, then our picks above will put you on the right track.

As always, we do a ton of CPU benchmarking in our testing lab to help put together our CPU reviews, giving us the knowledge and experience required to hand-pick a strong selection.

While the process of removing a CPU and upgrading it to a new one isn’t difficult, it does have some prerequisites and requires some tools to get the job done. However, if you’re doing it for the first time, it might be daunting, and it's understandable as you’re dealing with delicate technology, as a single bent CPU pin could spell disaster. 

That said, to ensure that the process goes smoothly, we’ve put together this guide that will take you step by step so you can easily and efficiently replace your CPU. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it. 

What you’ll need

Before starting, you need a few things to get the job done effectively. We’ve listed some of them below so you can check them out.

How to change a CPU 

Changing a CPU is an easy process, but if you’re doing it for the first time, you might be wondering about the tools required and the steps you need to take. That said, follow the steps below to ensure the CPU replacement process goes smoothly. 

Can you change the CPU without removing the motherboard?

You can undoubtedly change the CPU without removing the motherboard as long as the new CPU is compatible with it. For example, swapping out a Ryzen 5 5600X for a Ryzen 7 5800 should work fine because both processors use the AM4 socket. However, if you want to install a Ryzen 7 7800X, you’ll need a new motherboard because that processor is made for the new AM5 socket. That said, if you find yourself in the latter scenario, don’t worry; we’ve got your back with our best AM5 motherboard guide that has the top picks available on the market. 

Conclusion

This marks the end of our journey. Hopefully, now that you know how to replace a CPU, you can start some action-packed gaming, or you can have a focused work session. You just need a couple of tools that you can find in your house, like a screwdriver, or easily order them through Amazon, such as thermal paste and alcohol swabs. Just be sure to take your time, and don’t worry about the motherboard bending or the CPU cooler making some noise; that’s all normal. 

A CPU fan working too fast could result in extra noise, and if it's slow, the CPU could suffer from high temperature, which could mean slower processing and experiencing lag even in basic tasks. Unfortunately, controlling the CPU fan speed isn’t something that is directly built into Windows, but there are ways you can increase or decrease the fan's RPM. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through three different methods for adjusting the CPU fan speed so you can achieve the desired temperature for your PC. So, let’s get right into it.  

What you need to know

Before we move on to the main section, you need to fulfill some prerequisites. This is important because there are three types of fans; only two can be adjusted via software. 

How to control your CPU fan speed in Windows

Adjusting the fan curve of your CPU can be beneficial in controlling its temperature, especially if you’ve overclocked the processors or live in a region with high ambient temperature. Here are some methods to control the CPU fan speed.

Wrapping up

This was everything you needed to know about how to change CPU fan speed, and now, hopefully, you can adjust the settings to keep your CPU at a comfortable temperature. As we saw, changing the processor fan speed largely depends upon the type of fan installed. If it takes power directly from the PSU, then its RPM can’t be adjusted, and you’ll have to increase the overall airflow to keep your components and the CPU cool. However, PWM and DC fans can be controlled automatically and manually via their software or third-party programs.

That said, if you want to keep the temperature under control, we recommend checking out our best airflow PC case and CPU cooler guides for the best picks. Besides that, we’ve also covered solutions on how to stop your CPU from overheating, so give that a shot as well. 

Before you get to figuring out the best settings for Gray Zone Warfare, finding the right hardware for the job comes first. Today, we've picked out a selection of CPUs for GZW that are up for the task - from both AMD and Intel. Let's jump straight into our selection just below.

What CPU do you need for Gray Zone Warfare?

The Gray Zone Warfare system requirements are now available for all to see. Technically, the minimum requirements go as far back as the Intel Core i5-8600 and AMD Ryzen 5 2600, but we'd rather focus on the recommend specs instead if you want to run the game much more smoothly. For that, we're looking at the i7-9700K or Ryzen 5 3600. These two also don't belong to the most recent generations of hardware, but our recommendations are newer, easier to find, and sufficiently future-proof.

With ongoing performance issues something to worry about in this early access title, having a powerful CPU is definitely recommended, as is a competent GPU (see our best GPU for Gray Zone Warfare for this). We've noticed users complaining that GZW is quite CPU-intensive, so we've made sure to cater to that in our suggestions.

First up in our list of processors for Gray Zone Warfare has to be the popular 7800X3D. Thanks to its 3D V-Cache design, it's perfect for CPU intensive games with a large amount of Level 3 Cache (96MB). Although we're yet to get some hands-on testing with it, it is definitely good for gaming and up there alongside the best CPUs for gaming. If you're focused on gaming, there isn't much better on the market than this, and the Ryzen 7 CPU is also decent value for money despite being on AMD's latest AM5 platform.

If you do want an extra boost in productivity scenarios such as editing, rendering, or streaming, then maybe a Ryzen 9 option would be better for you. One good example of this would be either the 7900X3D or 7950X3D. Regardless, the 8 cores and 16 threads on the 7800X3D is more than enough for most users and you won't be slowed down by this CPU in GZW.

What users say

We can see from the Amazon user reviews that this CPU is highly regarded. At the time of writing, it holds an impressive 4.8 star (out of 5) rating against over 2,100 ratings. Happy customers comment on the impressive performance for gaming, excellent power efficiency (for such a beast) and stability.

Since the devs recommend a rather outdated i7-9700K for this game, we thought it only makes sense to bring that up to modern standards with the i7-14900K, part of Intel's 14th generation line-up. In our Intel Core i7-14900K review, we had plenty of great things to say about this processor and it is a true powerhouse for both gaming and productivity workflows. If you plan on creating content and/or streaming Gray Zone Warfare, this could be for you thanks to the massive amount of cores (20) and threads (28) to allow for powerful multi-core results.

"If you’re looking for a competitively priced and powerful mid-range CPU for gaming and productivity then the Intel Core i7-14700K impresses across the board"

If you are mostly focused on the gaming aspect, then maybe something cheaper like the i5-13600K we reviewed is a better match; a CPU which is also based on the LGA 1700 socket. As the best Intel choice in this guide, do consider that you'll need a compatible motherboard if you're upgrading from an older generation or indeed an AMD CPU. Our best motherboard for Intel 14th gen guide can help you out.

What users say

User reviews are a great way of gathering customers' opinion on a piece of tech. The Amazon reviews for the i7-14700K note that it is an extremely fast CPU that performs like a beast. However, there are some warnings of it running hot, so make sure you have a sufficient CPU cooler in order to keep it stable.

Dropping down to a more affordable option now, the 7600X, which is AMD's current budget option from the 7000 series. Despite AM4 still getting some support, it is increasingly becoming a good time to upgrade to AM5, especially if you're building a new PC altogether. This processor provides a great entry point to Zen 4 architecture and means you shouldn't have to upgrade your motherboard or memory for some time after. The 7600X offers 6 cores and 12 threads which is suitable for gaming, but it does fall a bit behind for productivity such as heavy rendering or editing compared to some other options here. More detail is to be found in our AMD Ryzen 5 7600X review.

"The Ryzen 5 7600X brings big value for a small price - it performs well in gaming workloads and can hold its own in more productive tasks, it seems 6 cores go a long way these days"

As well as being a great budget pick, usually hanging around the $200 mark these days, the 7600X is a little easier to keep cool compared to the Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 SKUs above it. As such, you can get away with using a more budget-friendly cooling solution if you're working with a limited amount of cash, not to say you should skimp on it entirely. Furthermore, the 7600X boasts clock speeds up to 5.3GHz, an impressive uplift from the previous generation.

If you do instead want to stick to AM4, the equivalent 5600X remains a solid choice to this day and is certainly one of the best budget picks available to you at the moment, running at a cool 65W TDP.

What users say

The 7600X is well regarded, as we can see from its Amazon user reviews - it holds an impress 4.7 star rating with close to 1,500 ratings at the time of writing. Reviews call it one of the best in the mid-range, and a great CPU for the price. The price will only drop further once the next generation launches.

If you're not quite ready to upgrade to AM5, then the best AM4 choice has to go to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, once the fastest gaming processor on the planet. Our friends over at WePC reviewed the 5800X3D, giving it top marks - and for good reason. The introduction of the 3D V-Cache tech (which gives it its name) was new to Ryzen when it came out, offering performance boosts in CPU-intensive games, which Gray Zone Warfare certainly is thanks to its large open world and generally demanding requirements as an early access title. The 5800X3D offers 96MB, the same as the newer 7800X3D.

So, if you're already using a AM4 motherboard and want to make the best upgrade possible without having to switch out both your mobo and memory, then this your best choice for gaming. Alongside the large amount of cache, you also get 8 cores and 16 threads, which is enough for most users that want to do some intensive tasks such as rendering, editing, or streaming.

What users say

It comes as no surprise to see the 5800X3D still getting applauded by customers on Amazon. One person calls it the best value CPU for gaming (of its generation), which we fully agree with. You'll also find a few benchmarks to demonstrate performance boosts in games to help you understand the kind of difference it could make.

Things to consider for the best CPU for Gray Zone Warfare

Below we lay out some important things you'll need to think about before you buy a new CPU for GZW.

Key specs

When looking at a CPU, we would highlight the key specs to be the clock speeds, amount of cores/threads, amount of cache, and TDP. Any modern CPU these days will offer fast clock speeds, of course the higher the better for single-core performance. More cores and threads allow for greater multitasking and multi-core performance which is necessary for heavy workloads.

More cache means quicker access to memory, which definitely helps a lot for certain games. This is why we recommend AMD's Ryzen X3D models due to the 3D-stacked V-Cache design that packs in as much as possible. As for TDP, this is the Thermal Design Power - in other words, how much power is drawn. The lower it is, the easier it is to keep cool and remain stable.

Price

Price is a determining factor for just about anything, and there's a lot to think about here. Going with an older generation (not too old) CPU will certainly save you cash, and is often the best option for budget builders. Likewise, you may need to upgrade other hardware such as your motherboard and memory with a latest-gen CPU, so this cost also has to be taken into account.

Platform / socket

CPU generations and compatibility changes, with one fairly recent example being AMD's move from AM4 to AM5. For example, the 7800X3D only fits the AM5 socket, whereas the 5800X3D only fits the AM4 socket. This compatibility depends on your motherboard. On the Intel side of things, the LGA 1700 socket is the most recent as of the 14th gen, but it's also compatible with the 12th and 13th - so we'd recommend going with any of these at the moment.

Final word

That wraps up our guide for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU to enjoy Gray Zone Warfare a little more smoothly. Like we've said, the early access nature of the game should only bring further optimizations as time goes by, allowing budget picks to thrive even more. We do a ton of testing here at PCGuide to make sure only the best CPUs are recommended.

There are some great processors on the market from both Intel and AMD these days, so any of our selection will set you well on your way to enjoy GZW. Just be sure to understand the compatibility and have a budget in mind for you build.

The CPU acts as the brain of your computer, and just like any other component, it has a lifespan. However, compared to other components, a CPU lasts longer if it is used with care and there aren't any manufacturing defects or faults in it. But how long will it stay with you? A few years? Or more than a decade?

In this guide, we'll go over the average lifespan of a CPU and explain various factors that affect it. So, without any further ado, let's dive in!

The average lifespan of a CPU

A CPU is typically designed to last for several years under normal usage conditions. While manufacturers provide a warranty of three to five years with their processors, they can last more than that. However, it's essential to note that the actual lifespan of a CPU can vary depending on usage patterns. For instance, if there's a good cooling system installed in your PC and you're not overclocking your CPU or putting it under stress frequently, then the processor will last for decades. However, overclocking the CPU or putting it under constant heavy load will shorten its lifespan. And if there's something wrong with your processor, it will start showing signs of failing or dying.

Factors that affect the lifespan of a CPU

Here are some factors that affect the lifespan of a CPU.

Usage patterns

The way you use your computer plays a significant role in determining how long your CPU will last. If you primarily use your computer for basic tasks like web browsing and creating documents, your CPU will likely have a longer lifespan compared to heavy usage scenarios such as gaming, video editing, or other resource-hungry tasks. This is because such tasks generate more heat and put an additional burden on the processor, which reduces its lifespan. However, there can also be times when certain applications that are not resource-hungry start taking a toll on the processor. So, it is important to regularly check your CPU usage and get rid of applications that may be burdening it.

Your usage pattern can be divided into three categories:

Cooling and cleaning

Cooling is yet another factor that significantly affects a processor's lifespan. Monitoring your CPU's temperature is important, as constant high temperatures can negatively affect its performance and shorten its lifespan. If you have a proper cooling system installed in your PC, one that helps dissipate heat and keeps the temperatures low, then you can expect your processor to last longer. But if the temperatures are always high, you'll need to learn how to stop it from overheating.

On the other hand, cleaning your PC regularly can have a positive impact on the lifespan of the processor. Over time, dust and debris can pile up on the CPU heatsink, fan blades, and other components, resulting in poor airflow. This can cause the CPU to operate at higher temperatures, which leads to thermal stress. This is why regular cleaning helps remove the dust and debris that may be getting in the way of proper airflow.

Overclocking

In simple words, overclocking is the process of boosting the processor's performance by making it run faster. While this allows you to get more out of your CPU, it has its downsides. Along with performance, overclocking also increases power consumption and heat output, which can shorten the processor's lifespan. Overclocking is also a common cause of CPU overheating, which can permanently damage your CPU and even other components in the long run.

It is also important to note that most CPU manufacturers void the warranty if the CPU is overclocked beyond its specified limits. This means that any damage or failures resulting from overclocking are not covered under warranty, leaving you responsible for any repairs or replacements. So, you need to stop overclocking your CPU if you recently decided to give it a performance boost.

Voltage and power supply

Fluctuations in voltage or inadequate power supply can damage the CPU and other components of your computer. Using a high-quality power supply unit (PSU) with stable voltage output and sufficient wattage capacity is essential for protecting your CPU from power-related issues. Installing a cheap PSU in your system may save you some money in the short run, but you'll eventually suffer the consequences when it damages your CPU and potentially other components. You should choose one of the best power supplies to stay on the safe side.

How often should you replace the CPU?

You should replace your CPU only when it's required. And by this, we mean when you either need more power or your CPU is showing signs of dying or failing. Other than that, if you use your PC for only the basic stuff and your years old CPU is working fine, there's no need for you to get a new one.

But if you have an old CPU in your system and you want something for resource-hungry tasks, then we recommend choosing one from the options below.

Conclusion

Typically, CPUs can last for decades if used with care. This involves proper cooling, good airflow, and regular cleaning of the system. However, their lifespan can be shortened if they are put under constant stress and load. So, take good care of your processor by following the things discussed in this guide.

CPU fan error can occur for many reasons, such as overheating, dust buildup, damaged fan, or incorrect fan settings. It can also appear if the system is unable to detect a fan. In any case, the error can be really frustrating, as you can not use your PC without resolving it.

This is where we come in. We'll walk you through several methods to resolve the CPU fan error so you can quickly get back to using your PC as before.

How you can fix the CPU fan error

If you're constantly getting the CPU fan error, you can try following these methods to get rid of it.

What to do if your CPU fan is damaged?

In case the problem is with your CPU fan, you may need to get it repaired. But if it's beyond repair, you'll need to get a new cooler. To help you out, we'll recommend some options that we think are great for keeping the temperature low. Also, you may be interested in checking out the best PC case fans for your rig.

Conclusion

The CPU fan error can be really annoying, as you can not use your PC as long as it's there. Hopefully, you'll be able to get rid of it in no time by following the methods mentioned in our guide. And if the error isn't going away, you may need to replace the fan or get a new CPU cooler.

Making sure your CPU stays cool is essential for keeping your computer running smoothly. When your CPU gets too hot, it can slow down your system and even cause long-term damage. But what should you do if the temperatures are always too high? Should you get a new CPU? Or are there ways to bring the temperature down?

In this guide, we'll explore different methods for keeping the CPU cool so it can continue operating smoothly.

How to reduce CPU temperature

If your CPU temps are higher than normal, you can use these methods to bring them down.

Is your CPU cooler working properly?

If you're seeing sudden spikes in the CPU temperature, it may be because your CPU cooler is either old or damaged. Either way, you need to invest in a new one immediately. If you're unable to find the right one, here are some options that we think would be a solid choice. We also recommend checking out some of the best airflow PC cases and the best PC case fans, as these can also help keep the overall system cool.

Conclusion

High temperatures can negatively impact the overall performance and lifespan of your processor. However, with the help of our guide, you will hopefully be able to reduce the temperature effectively. If none of the solutions work, there might be an underlying issue with your processor. In such a case, it's best to take it to a repair shop where experts can check it out for you.