Which CPU is the best for gamers? The processor is the heart of the PC. Our purchase advice reveals which CPUs from AMD and Intel are the best in different price ranges, including a benchmark comparison. A game CPU should have at least four cores. We also limit ourselves to the current mainstream sockets from AMD (AM4) and Intel (1151 v2) as well as the current Intel socket 1200.

The high-end platforms like Socket TR4 or Socket 2066 offer the highest core numbers and quad-channel instead of dual-channel memory. The corresponding processors and mainboards are comparatively expensive and from our point of view are not worthwhile for a game PC.

Intel Comet Lake has arrived : The new Intel processors with 10,000 numbering require a new socket (1200) and are therefore not suitable for upgraders. Intel continues to manufacture in 14nm, but the new generation offers you more cores throughout – up to 10 in the top models. The virtual core doubling Hyperthreading can now be mastered by all Core i CPUs, including the inexpensive i3 entry-level models, which now offer 4/8 cores / threads but will only come onto the market a little later and are not yet included here. In the middle class, there are six cores with 12 threads, just like AMD’s Ryzen. And the pricing is also based on the competition.

AMD Zen3 is also there – a little bit: AMD has actually succeeded in leaving Intel with Zen3 in the highly competitive field of IPC. Ryzen 5000 offers just as much and sometimes more performance than similarly expensive Intel processors and not only in applications but also in games. So everything speaks for AMD – if it weren’t for the problem with the currently (November 25, 2020) hardly any availability. Sometimes there are bundles with Ryzen 5000 and mainboards, solo CPUs, however, are often only offered at moon prices.

Table of Contents

On page 1, we present the tips from the purchasing advice editorial team in various areas of application and price. We have the best processors for every requirement and every budget.