Guide

Gaming CPU guide, April 2024

7.4.2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Want to build a new PC, but not sure which CPU to use? You’ve come to the right place. Whether budget, mid-range or high-end, you’ll find the right computing unit for you here.

The consensus best gaming CPU changes as often as some people’s underpants. Unlike knickers, however, you don’t have to replace them every year. If you’re still looking for a new computing unit, I’ll tell you which are the current top models.

Ryzen 7 7800X3D: best CPU if you’re purely gaming

If you’re only interested in games and want to achieve the highest possible frame rate, you can’t avoid the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at the moment. Not only does it achieve better results in gaming than the competition from Intel’s i9-14900K, it’s also significantly cheaper and less power-hungry.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (AM5, 4.20 GHz, 8 -Core)

Processors

CHF310.–

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

AM5, 4.20 GHz, 8 -Core

Intel Core i5-14600K: best gaming CPU if you need performance for office work too

If you don’t just game, but edit videos or work in graphics programs as well, the Intel Core i5-14600K is worth considering. This CPU delivers around 10 per cent fewer frames than the AMD, but is only barely behind its bigger sister i9-14900K in terms of performance. When doing office work, however, you’re better served thanks to more threads compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Another plus point – out of all three CPUs, this one’s the cheapest, so you’ve got a bigger graphics card budget.

I haven’t tested the 14600K myself. However, other tests (such as here) show that it delivers the same results as its predecessor 13600K, which our colleague Samuel tested. If you can find that one in stock, it’s also a good option because it’s even cheaper.

Intel Core i5-14600K (LGA 1700, 3.50 GHz, 14 -Core)

Processors

CHF185.–

Intel Core i5-14600K

LGA 1700, 3.50 GHz, 14 -Core

Intel Core i9-14900K or Ryzen 9 7950X3D: best high-end gaming CPU

If you need maximum performance in games and other applications, I’d advise using the flagship models from Intel or AMD. The Intel Core i9-14900K delivers better results in most applications than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. When it comes to gaming, the latter has the edge and is similar to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Intel Core i9-14900K (LGA 1700, 3.20 GHz, 24 -Core)

Processors

CHF411.–

Intel Core i9-14900K

LGA 1700, 3.20 GHz, 24 -Core

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (AM5, 4.20 GHz, 16 -Core)

Processors

CHF1464.–

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D

AM5, 4.20 GHz, 16 -Core

Intel Core i5-14400F: best budget gaming CPU

If you’re short on cash but still want to get the most out of your rig for gaming, you can’t go wrong with the i5-14400F. Compared to the 14600K, you lose about 30 per cent fps at 1080p resolution. As with the 14600K, I haven’t tested this CPU myself, but it’s cut a decent figure with other reviewers. The predecessor i5-13400Fis a good budget choice too, given it’s performed well in tests and is even cheaper.

Intel Core I5-14400F (LGA 1700, 2.50 GHz, 10 -Core)

Processors

CHF159.80

Intel Core I5-14400F

LGA 1700, 2.50 GHz, 10 -Core

Ryzen 7 8700G: best gaming CPU with integrated graphics

It’s amazing what integrated graphical units are capable of these days. The Radeon 780M installed in the 8700G even achieves 60 frames per second in 1080p with low detail settings and activated upscaling technologies in the performance-hungry Cyberpunk 2077. Unimaginable a few years ago. If you can’t or don’t want to install a dedicated GPU in your PC due to limited space, but still want to play games, this is your best option.