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What’s the best CPU for gaming?

When it comes to your gaming setup, choosing the right processor can be a game-changer — literally. Whether you’re all about fast-paced FPS battles, sprawling open-world RPGs, or competitive esports, the CPU (central processing unit) of your machine plays a key role in keeping everything running as smoothly as possible.


With so many options out there — Intel, AMD, budget, high-end — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry. We’re here to cut through the jargon and help you find the best processor for gaming, whether you’re building your own system, upgrading an old one, or grabbing a pre-built or custom gaming PC from our shop. We’ll cover:

What does a CPU actually do?

Your gaming processor or CPU doesn’t handle the graphics (that’s your GPU’s job), but it takes care of everything else — AI, physics, logic, world rendering, and multitasking (like streaming or running Discord alongside your game). If your CPU’s too slow, your graphics card can’t perform at its best, meaning frame drops, lag, and other quality issues.


So, if you’re serious about gaming, you’ll want a good CPU — something that keeps up with the demands of modern titles and won’t bottleneck your GPU. You can find out more about the relationship between your CPU and your GPU here.

What to look for in a gaming CPU

Is there one gaming CPU out there that’s best? No, but not all gaming processors are created equal. Here’s what to watch out for.

Core count and threads

The more cores and threads a processor has, the better it is for multitasking. For modern gaming:

  • 6 cores / 12 threads is the minimum for decent gaming.
  • 8 cores / 16 threads is the sweet spot for most gamers.
  • 10+ cores is ideal if you’re streaming, editing, or creating content on the side.

Clock speeds

Higher GHz means faster single-core performance, which matters in games that rely heavily on one or two threads. Boost clocks give you an idea of how fast the CPU can go under load.

Compatibility

Simply buying the best processor you can won’t always work. Make sure your CPU matches your motherboard socket (e.g., AM4, AM5, LGA1700) and chipset. And don’t forget about your cooler — some CPUs don’t come with one.

Intel vs. AMD: Who makes the best gaming CPUs?

It’s the age-old question: are AMD or Intel processors better for gaming?

  • Intel CPUs are often better for raw clock speeds and high refresh rate gaming. They also have strong integrated graphics, handy if you’re waiting to upgrade your GPU.
  • AMD CPUs, especially the X3D series, dominate in specific gaming scenarios thanks to their massive cache. They’re often more power-efficient too.

When it comes to the best CPU for gaming in 2025, both brands are killing it but for slightly different reasons. AMD tends to offer better value for money in the mid-range, while Intel is top-tier for multitasking and all-round performance.

The best CPU for gaming: top picks right now

Without further ado, here are the best CPUs for gaming in 2025, including top-tier and budget-friendly options.

Best overall gaming CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

  • Core / Threads: 8/16
  • Base Clock: 4.7GHz
  • Boost Clock: Up to 5.2GHz
  • Socket: AM5

AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D is currently the best CPU in terms of balance. With its innovative 3D V-Cache technology, it offers exceptional frame rates in CPU-bound games and maintains excellent power efficiency. It’s the go-to choice for gamers seeking top-tier performance and affordability in 2025. You can read our write-up on the Ryzen 9800X3D here.

Most powerful gaming CPU 2025: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

  • Core / Threads: 16/32
  • Base Clock: 4.3GHz
  • Boost Clock: Up to 5.7GHz
  • Socket: AM5

If you’re after the absolute pinnacle of gaming performance, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is your go-to. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it not only excels in gaming but also handles content creation and multitasking with ease. Its second-generation 3D V-Cache technology provides a significant boost in gaming scenarios and productivity tasks, so it’s a pricey yet worthwhile investment for enthusiasts seeking the best.

Best budget gaming CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F

  • Core / Threads: 10 (6P+4E) / 16 threads
  • Base Clock: 2.5GHz
  • Boost Clock: Up to 4.6GHz
  • Socket: LGA1700

Looking for the best budget CPU for gaming that doesn’t skimp on performance? The i5-13400F could be your MVP. For under £200, it delivers solid 1080p gaming, multitasks like a champ, and pairs well with mid-range GPUs like the RTX 4060 or RX 7000.

Honourable mentions

  • Best AM4 CPU for Gaming: Ryzen 7 5700X3D – A great upgrade for existing AM4 systems, offering excellent performance at a reasonable price.
  • Best AM5 CPU for Gaming: Ryzen 7 7700X – Fantastic for next-gen builds with AM5 motherboards.
  • Best Intel Processor for Gaming (High-End): Core i9-14900K – If you want peak performance (and don’t mind the price tag).

The best CPUs for different types of gaming

Different games rely on your CPU in different ways, so here’s what we recommend depending on your playstyle.

  • Competitive esports (CS2, Valorant, Fortnite): Prioritise high clock speeds and lower latency. Our top picks for esports include Intel i5-13600KF and Ryzen 5 7600X.
  • Open-world and simulation games (Cyberpunk, Cities: Skylines 2, Starfield): More cores and threads will help with complex environments. Look for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D or Intel i7-14700K.
  • Streaming While Gaming: If you’re a streamer or want to get started in content creation, you’ll need strong multi-core performance. Try the Intel i9-14900K or the Ryzen 9 7900X.

How to customise your CPU for gaming

Got a dream setup in mind? There’s no need to settle for pre-configured PCs that might not have the processing power you’re looking for. A custom PC lets you pick exactly what you want — from the best CPU for gaming, to other specs like GPU and RAM. Whether you’re team AMD or Intel, prefer AM4 or AM5, or need something budget-friendly, at CyberpowerPC UK we’ve got options to suit every style and price point. Plus, our experts can help you make the right choice if you’re not sure what works — simply get in touch and we’ll talk you through your options.

Finding the best CPU for gaming means balancing performance, price, and what kind of games you play. Whatever your priorities, there’s a gaming processor for you in one of our gaming PCs. And if you want total control? Our custom PC builder makes it easy to kit out a rig with the perfect CPU, tailored to your playstyle. Shop online now!