Fire up your rig with the best CPU for gaming. More cores, more clocks, more of everything that matters.
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AMD's most affordable, and available, Zen 3 CPU today. This processor delivers superb gaming performance, decent overclocking potential, and is strong value for money.
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.5GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | Overclocking: Yes | L3 Cache: 32MB | TDP: 65W
The fastest gaming CPU AMD has ever built, this Ryzen 7 offers almost Alder Lake levels of gaming. This efficient processor also boasts excellent 3D V-Cache integration.
Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.4GHz | Boost Clock: 4.5GHz | Overclocking: No | L3 Cache: 96MB (32MB + 64MB V-Cache) | TDP: 105W
The best enthusiast CPU for those that need serious power. The i9 12900K has incredible single-threaded performance and much improved multi-threaded ability.
Cores: 8+8 | Threads: 24 | Base Clock: 3.2 GHz P-core, 2.4 GHz E-core | Boost Clock: 5.2 GHz P-core, 3.9 GHz E-core | Overclocking: Yes | TDP: 125 W
The i5 12400 is currently the best CPU you can buy if you're building a rig on a strict budget. It provides great stock performance without needing a beefy cooler.
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4 GHz | Overclocking: Kinda | L3 Cache: 18 MB | TDP: 65 W
The best CPU for gaming right now. This efficient Alder Lake chip is faster than the Core i9 11900K, delivering stellar gaming performance at a price that won't make you weep.
Cores: 6+4 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz P-core, 2.8 GHz E-core | Boost Clock: 4.9 GHz P-core, 3.6 GHz E-core | Overclocking: Yes | TDP: 125 W