We rated, reviewed, & compared 10 of the best CPUs for gaming across various budgets. These top processors are perfect for gamers or anyone else looking for a solid desktop CPU.
The processor is at the center of everything on your computer. It is the “brains” of the operation. And, in order to build a solid gaming computer in 2021 and beyond, you’re going to need a quality CPU. While some games (like first-person shooters) are heavily dependent on your graphics card, other games (like RTS’ and MMORPGs) have many more calculations that need to be carried out and therefore utilize your processor more. This should factor into your decision when looking for the best gaming CPU for your build.
Another thing you’ll need to take into account is the total budget you’ve set for your build. You obviously don’t want to spend $300 on a processor if you’re building a $500 gaming PC because you wouldn’t have very much money left over for other parts. And, likewise, putting a $100 processor in a high-end $1,000 gaming PC probably isn’t a good use of your budget as well.
In this post, we will take a look at the best processors for gaming in 2021.
Table of Contents
1. Our Picks for the Best Processors
2. Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
3. For Gaming: Intel Core i7-10700K
Our Top Picks for the Best Gaming Processors
For a quick look at our top choices for the best processor at a variety of different budgets, we’ve provided the table below. The table shows our top pick overall, our favorite option for gaming-only performance, our choice for a value-packed overclockable CPU, the best budget processor, and the best ultra-cheap entry-level CPU.
|
|
NAME | SPECS | RATING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOP PICK
|
 |
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X |
|
/10 | |
|
GAMING
|
 |
Intel Core i7-10700K |
|
/10 | |
|
VALUE
|
 |
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
|
/10 | |
|
BUDGET
|
 |
Intel Core i3-10100 |
|
/10 | |
|
APU
|
 |
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G |
|
/10 |
*To read our full overviews on our top CPU choices, just click the “Read Review »” button. You can also keep scrolling down to find more options based on your specific budget.
1. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
The best processor overall
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a nice option for gamers who have a huge budget and have the need for a processor that can handle multi-threaded applications as well.
The 3900X comes with a whopping 12-cores and 24-threads, a 3.8GHz base clock, and a 4.6GHz boost clock.
Of course, the i7-10700K is no slouch in multi-threaded applications as well. And, really, both of these processors will serve well for gaming and CPU-heavy tasks.
So, really, while there are small performance differences between these two options in gaming , if you have the budget, you can’t go wrong with either option.
However, if you’re looking for something that will deliver extra performance in multi-threaded applications, the Ryzen 3900X is the superior option.
2. Intel Core i7-10700K
The best CPU for gamers
While AMD’s Ryzen 9 3900X has really moved the bar in terms of what a high-end consumer-level processor can bring to the table, the truth is that, for purely gaming purposes, the much cheaper Intel Core i7-10700K is probably the better option.
Since the i7-10700K offers better single core performance, it actually benchmarks better in most games than the beefier Ryzen 9 3900X. Of course, the 3900X offers superior multi-threaded performance and so if you’re someone who will be doing more than just gaming, there is a case to be made to go with and AMD CPU instead.
But, if you’re looking for a powerful processor that will offer incredible in-game performance (assuming you pair it with a high-end graphics card) and will also serve pretty well in multi-threaded applications, then the i7-10700K might be what you’re looking for.
Just make sure, though, that if you are planning on getting the i7-10700K and you want to keep it cool that you pair it with a high-end air cooler or AIO cooler.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
The best value CPU for gamers
As of right now, there are a handful of great gaming processor options in the sub-$200 price range. In my opinion, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and Intel Core i5-10400 (listed below) are the best value options for gamers currently on the market.
We’ve given the edge to the Ryzen 5 3600, though, as it comes unlocked (which means it can be overclocked) and it comes with a better stock cooler
The i5-10400 is worth considering, though, if you want to save a few bucks and you aren’t planning on overclocking.
Overall, though, the Ryzen 5 3600 will offer excellent in-game performance and multi-threaded performance and you can grab it for just under $200.
4. Intel Core i3-10100
The best budget CPU for gaming
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming processor that will allow you to build a 1080P gaming PC, the Intel Core i3-10100 is an option worth considering. With four cores and eight threads, the i3-10100 will have no problems running any game you throw at it.
And, with a pricetag of just under $120, it will allow gamers with extreme budgets to fit in a decent graphics card into their build.
For instance, in our $500 gaming PC build, we were able to fit both an Intel Core i3-10100 and a GTX 1650 GPU into the part list. That combination will be more than powerful enough to run most games on a 1080P monitor on at least medium settings.
If you’d prefer an AMD alternative, you could opt for the Ryzen 3 3100. However, the 3100 has been tough to find since its release. So, for now, we’ve chosen the i3-10100 as our top budget gaming processor.
5. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
The best entry-level gaming CPU
If you’re working with an extremely tight budget and you don’t have enough to fit a decent processor and graphics card combination into your build, you could always opt for AMD’s Ryzen 3 3200G APU.
The 3200G combines both a solid CPU and GPU onto one chip, allowing you to forego the cost of a dedicated graphics card. And, while the performance of the 3200G won’t match any of the options listed above in terms of CPU power, it will at least be able to hold you over until you have the money to upgrade.
The 3200G is strong enough to run most of today’s top games on at least lower settings. In fact, with a budget of just $300, you can build an entry-level gaming PC with a Ryzen 3 3200G that will allow you to run games like Rocket League and League of Legends with no problems.
So, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, the 3200G gives you the option to build an entry-level gaming system now.
6. Intel Core i9-10900K
The best extreme Intel CPU
If you have a large budget and you want a more extreme processor option, you have a few choices. AMD has a number of Ryzen Threadripper CPUs that offer a ton of cores and threads and will give you insane multi-threaded performance.
However, they all cost well over $1,000. The Ryzen 9 3990X costs over $3,500. The 3970X costs just under $2,000. And, the 3960X costs a little over $1,300.
On the other hand, Intel’s Core i9-10900K costs under $800. It doesn’t have as many cores or threads as the options above and it won’t perform nearly as well in multi-threaded applications as AMD’s monster Threadripper CPUs. However, with 10-cores and 20-threads, it is no slouch in those types of applications. And, with excellent single-core performance, the i9-10900K will actually perform just as well as the Threadripper’s in purely gaming performance.
The counter-argument to that, though, is the for nearly half the price, you could get similar gaming performance, and better multi-threaded performance with the Ryzen 9 3900X. So, while the i9-10900K is a powerful processor, you would probably be better off by choosing the Ryzen 9 3900X over it.
7. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
Extreme multi-threaded performance
If you do have an enormous budget and you want serious multi-threaded performance, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper lineup is worth checking out. Of the newest Threadripper options, we like the 3960X simply because it comes in at the lowest pricetag.
The $3,600 pricetag on the 3990X is far too high for 99.9% of the population and the $2,000 pricetag on the 3970X isn’t much better. And, while the 3960X still comes in at ~$1,300, it is at least manageable to fit into a $3,000-$4,000 PC budget.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to build a PC for mostly gaming, you could opt for a much less expensive option and still get incredible performance (both in-game and in CPU-heavy tasks).
8. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Another powerful AMD gaming CPU
For those that are looking for a slightly less expensive option than the Intel Core i7-10700K, or if you’re looking for better multi-threaded performance, the Ryzen 7 3700X is a great option.
At just under $300 it is quite a bit less expensive than the Intel Core i7-10700K. And, while the 10700K will provide a bit more in-game performane, the 3700X is strong enough to handle any in-game scenario.
So, if you don’t need to squeek out every bit of gaming performance, you can opt for the cheaper 3700K instead.
9. Intel Core i5-10400
An Intel-based value gaming CPU
Another solid CPU option if you’re looking in the ~$150 to $200 price range is the Intel Core i5-10400. The Intel Core i5-10400’s direct AMD competitor is the Ryzen 5 3600.
Both processors will work well for gaming and in multi-threaded applications. However, we like the Ryzen 5 3600 a bit more because of its ability to be overclocked (the 10400 is locked and, thus, cannot be overclocked), and the better CPU cooler it comes with.
The i5-10400 is a bit cheaper, though, and if you don’t plan on overclocking and you don’t mind using the ugly Intel stock cooler for the time being, it’s a decent option. Ultimately, both processors will perform similarly in terms of in-game performance.
10. AMD Ryzen 3 3100
An AMD-based budget gaming CPU
Another budget-oriented CPU option for gamers is AMD’s Ryzen 3 3100. Like the Intel Core i3-10100, the Ryzen 3 3100 is perfect for gamers who are working with a tight budget
When combined with a budget graphics card, the Ryzen 3 3100 is capable of delivering excellent performance on a 1080P monitor
And, unlike the Intel Core i3-10100, the Ryzen 3 3100 can be overclocked.
The one downfall of the Ryzen 3 3100, though, is that it has been tough to find in stock online since its release. If you can find it in stock, it is perhaps a better option than the i3-10100. Either option are great for their price range, though.
Which CPU is Right for You?
While this list covers my opinions on what the best CPUs for gaming are, it’s inevitable that others will disagree with me. And, that’s fine!
I based this list off of what I believed were the best options in terms of overall performance and value. And, because I mainly looked at price-to-performance, I left some CPUs completely off of the list.
Ultimately, though, if you’re in the market for a new gaming computer and you are planning on buying a new system, or if you are just looking for an upgrade for your current system, and if you have questions about choosing a processor, please post them below.
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Slyh says
I want to install a Red Devil 5700 XT Graphics card but I am only running 4 cores . For a 8 Core processor Its going to cost 450CND plus tax. . On a 3K build you would expect at least 8 cores . The person who built my PC said 4 Cores is all I needed , the gamer boards say 8 core is the min . I kind of feel Like I got ripped off by the tech, if said all I need was 4 cores ( he knew he was building for intense streaming and gamming I am told a 3k build should of got me 8 cores . The MB is a 2019 Gigabyte gamming board very pleased with it in a Dukase deepcool with a liquid cooling pump ) . I Don’t want to spend another 1200CND . A cheaper Graphics card is unacceptable and the one I have is a few years old and is maxing out do I need a 8 core like the boards say and if so can I get a 8 core for 200CND or less ( my GPU is a i3 4 core) ? .. PS sorry for the double post and bad grammar I fast type and hit post button before editing .
Slyh says
Why do cores need to be so expensive , If All I want is to replace a 4 core with a 8 , anything over $100 for a core is price gouging . The only gamming component worth the money is a graphics card . I want to install a Red Devil 5700 XT Graphics card but I am only running 4 cores . For the Red Devil its going to cost 600CND plus tax . For a 8 Core processor Its going to cost 450CND plus tax. . On a 3K build you would expect at least 8 cores . The person who built my PC said 4 Cores is all I needed , the gamer boards say 8 core is the min and to think if my tech put in a 8 core instead of a 4 I would of only cost 200CND more , I kind of feel Like I got ripped off by the tech had of of said I need the 8 cores ( he knew I wanted a build for intense streaming and gamming a 3k build should of got me 8 cores , this dose not include what I spending on the Graphics card ) . What would you suggest , all I need to do is switch out 4 for a 8 is their a cheap alterative ?
dillon says
hey im looking to upgrade my cpu and graphics card ive got the msi amd radeon r9 390 but wanting to get the nvidia gtx 1070, should i upgrade ? ive seen reports that my current graphics card is bad.and for the cpu. i have the i5 6600k at the momment with a GA-Z170MX-gaming 5 motherboard. it was my first gaming pc and i built it a few years ago and then just stopped playing and let it set but now im getting back into it. All i do is play games on my pc and i want a better experience then what im having at the moment
Pavel Hauser says
Hello,
I am want advice – looking for CPU, i dont want to pay more then 225 USD. I just want best outcome possible for games (one screen 60hz). I am thinking a lot about 8400 and mb ASUS H310M-K. I am not going to OC it and i will stay with it for next 5 years +-. My GPU is now 660 GTX 2GB, i would like to upgrade it soon as well- probably 2060 but not sure if its worth it so i am waiting.
Brent Hale says
This list needs to be updated to include a couple of newer processors, but instead of the i5-8400, you could go with the i5-9400f:
https://amzn.to/2UPXsG8
It’s newer and ~$30 less. It doesn’t have integrated graphics, but since you have a dedicated GPU, that shouldn’t matter. It can pair with an H310 motherboard as well.
Hope this helps!
All the Best,
Brent
Garreth J Heidt says
Hi. My son is looking to build a gaming computer. He’s purchased an MSI GeForce GTX1060 and we’re trying to decide on the CPU. He’s looking at the Intel Core i5-9600K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.6 GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W but I was wondering if the Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.0 GHz LGA 1151 300 Series 65W would work just as well. WE’re trying to get it under $900 for the rest of the parts (he already has a case and the GTX card.
Brent Hale says
Hey Garreth thanks for reading and commenting.
I think if your remaning budget is $900 (after GPU and case), the 9600K should fit in just fine. Although, for gaming, the performance difference between the 9600K and 8400 won’t be too significant in the grand scheme of things (maybe ~5 or so FPS difference, if that?) So, if you’d rather save the ~$60 difference between the two processors and put that towards more memory, a bigger SSD, or a better power supply, that wouldn’t be a bad option as well.
And, in that regards, you could also consider AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600, too, as it is cheaper than the 8400 and will perform similarly in games, as well as offer more cores and allow for overclocking.
Ultimately, the 9600K, 8400, and Ryzen 5 2600 are all viable options. It will just come down to how you want to approach the other components in your system.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
All the Best,
Brent
Eric Dubois says
Hi im looking to upgrade from an old fx-8350 and i recently got a zotac gtx 1070. Knowing this i know i have to change my ram my cpu and my motherboard. So i got my eyes on either the amd ryzen 5 2600x, ryzen 7 2700 or the intel i5 9600k. I mainly game on my pc and don’t multi task a lot. I would like to know what you think i should get between these 3. And i also tend to go for the long run with my cpu like 3-5 years without change.
Thanks.
Brent Hale says
I’d go the Ryzen 7 2700 or 9600K. The 9600K is going to cost more with motherboard and cooler, but it will perform a bit better in games. The 2700 platform will be cheaper, though, and still give ideal performance in games. There’s really not a wrong choice between those two.
Leesa says
Thanks for the research, I am looking to get an all in one even though everyone has suggested that I don’t I still want one, I’m interested in the fastest as far as my work goes it almost all the programs that I work on are web-based, I work typically with 2 or 3 screens up and running with different programs at one time. I only have 2 programs I believe that have to be stored on my computer. Would you say the 27″ Envy would be the best choice for me?