Guide

Gaming CPU guide December 2024

17.12.2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Want to build a new gaming PC, but don’t know which CPU to install yet? You’re in the right place. Whether budget, mid-range or high-end, you’ll find the right computing unit for you here.

The title of best gaming CPU changes as often as some people change their underpants. Unlike knickers, however, you don’t have to replace them every day. If you’re still looking for a new computing unit, I’ll tell you which models are currently the best.

Ryzen 7 9800X3D: best gaming CPU, period

If you’re only interested in gaming and want to achieve the highest possible frame rate, you can’t avoid the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Compared to its predecessor, it also impresses in other applications in addition to games. The problem: as of December 2024, it’s in short supply and waiting times for the CPU are long. The predecessor 7800X3D is still a good option since it delivers the second-best gaming results and isn’t as power-hungry. On the other hand, you’ll have to compromise on performance in applications and the price is only slightly lower.

Intel simply doesn’t currently offer a product that comes close to these top performers. After initial weaknesses, the Core Ultra 285K has caught up slightly thanks to a new BIOS update, but still can’t compete with the AMD chips. Intel is also lagging behind the previous generation. If it absolutely has to be Intel, an i9-14900K from the previous generation is the better choice – but only with restrictions. CPUs from this generation are known for their high failure rate. An update from Intel is said to have fixed the problem by now, but as changes will only emerge over time, we don’t really know if this is true yet.

Despite the top performance of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in gaming, you should bear in mind that differences between processors are small and become even smaller at higher resolutions. Going with a CPU from the current generation and the Ryzen 9, 7 and 5 or Core Ultra 9, 7 and 5 models as well as the older 14th Core i generation is never a bad choice.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (AM5, 4.70 GHz, 8 -Core)

Processors

CHF409.–

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

AM5, 4.70 GHz, 8 -Core

Processors

CHF409.–

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

AM5, 4.70 GHz, 8 -Core

Ryzen 9 9950X or Core 9 285K: best high-end gaming CPU

If you need maximum performance in games as well as other applications, I recommend the flagship models from AMD and Intel. The Intel Core 9 285K delivers better results in most applications than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. But when it comes to gaming, the latter has the edge. I can’t recommend the predecessor model i9-14900K for the applications mentioned above, although it’s better for gaming than the 285K.

The X3D version of the Ryzen 9 9950X will probably be released early next year. It’ll make even more gains in gaming and will probably perform similarly to the non-X3D version in applications. It should take first place in my recommendations at that time. So if you can be patient, I’d wait a little longer before buying.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (AM5, 4.30 GHz, 16 -Core)

Processors

CHF479.–

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X

AM5, 4.30 GHz, 16 -Core

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (LGA 1851, 3.70 GHz, 24 -Core)

Processors

CHF491.–

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

LGA 1851, 3.70 GHz, 24 -Core

Ryzen 5 9600X: best mid-range gaming CPU

The Ryzen 5 9600X didn’t get off to a good start in August 2024. While this CPU already delivers proven good gaming performance, the CPU wasn’t convincing in other applications. Following firmware and operating system updates, however, performance has also improved in this area. In gaming, the CPU is only just behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, but is significantly cheaper. With a TDP of 65 watts, which can be increased to 105 watts in the BIOS for more power, the CPU is easy to cool and extremely efficient.

However, it could also be worth waiting to make a purchase. According to rumours, AMD is also planning an X3D version of the 9600X. This could be presented at the CES in January 2025.

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (AM5, 3.90 GHz, 6 -Core)

Processors

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AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

AM5, 3.90 GHz, 6 -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 gaming box, you can’t go wrong with the i5-14400F. Compared to the 14600K, you lose around 30 per cent of the frame rate at 1080p resolution. Like the 14600K, I haven’t personally tested this CPU, but it’s performed well elsewhere. Another good budget choice is the predecessor i5-13400F, which has also performed well in tests and is even slightly 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 graphics units can do these days. The Radeon 780M installed in the 8700G achieves 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution with low details and activated upscaling technologies, even in the performance-hungry Cyberpunk 2077. This used to be 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 the CPU for you.

Processors

AMD Ryzen 7 8700G

AM5, 4.20 GHz, 8 -Core

Note: this article has already been published several times. It’ll be revised and republished in the event of changes to the list.

Header image: Kevin Hofer

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Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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