The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best CPU for Gaming and Streaming in 2023

When it comes to gaming and streaming, the choice of CPU can make all the difference. If you’re in search of the best CPU for gaming and streaming, you’ve come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide is your roadmap to the perfect processor, whether you’re budget-conscious or ready to invest in peak performance. We’ve scrutinized and evaluated each CPU recommendation listed here, ensuring that we only suggest products that have undergone rigorous testing.

The Crucial Role of a Gaming CPU

While a top-notch graphics card might seem like the obvious star of the show when it comes to gaming, don’t underestimate the importance of the right CPU. The processor is a critical component in achieving the highest frame rates and unlocking your system’s performance potential. Even if you don’t require the might of a 16 or 24-core CPU for gaming, they shine in multitasking and demanding workloads. So, keep them in mind, if your budget allows.

What’s the Best CPU for Gaming in 2023?

1. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D – The Champion of Gaming
   • Pros:
     • Outstanding gaming performance.
     • Exceptionally low power consumption.
     • Modest cooling requirements.
   • Cons:
     • Pricey.
     • Underperforms in non-gaming tasks.
     • Socket AM5 platform and DDR5 memory entail extra costs.
   The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D stands as the indisputable gaming champion. Despite its eight cores and a modest 5GHz peak clock speed, the additional 64MB of 3D V-Cache catapults its gaming performance to new heights. It consistently elevates frame rates across all tested games. While not the best for tasks beyond gaming, it still offers ample power for most users. With a TDP of just 120W, this processor is a valuable investment for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize performance.
2. Intel Core i5-13600K – Intel’s Gaming Powerhouse
   • Pros:
     • Remarkable overclocking capabilities.
     • Stellar all-round performance for the price.
     • Maintains reasonable temperatures.
   • Cons:
     • New AMD chips outpace it in some lightly-threaded loads.
     • Ryzen 7 5800X3D outperforms it in select games.
   The Core i5-13600K proves itself as one of the fastest processors across numerous tasks, all while maintaining a reasonable price tag. It provides strong performance out of the box, rivaling or surpassing AMD’s Ryzen 7-series CPUs. When overclocked, it transforms into a performance powerhouse. Versatility is its strongest suit, excelling in every task and keeping pace with more expensive options. If you seek an affordable gaming CPU with multitasking capabilities, this processor is the optimal choice.
3. Intel Core i5-13400F – Budget-Friendly Gaming Power
   • Pros:
     • Impressive performance for its price.
     • Power-efficient.
     • Requires modest cooling.
   • Cons:
     • Lower clock frequencies.
     • No L2 cache upgrade.
     • Only four E-Cores.
   The Core i5-13400F offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price point. It rivals the Core i5-12600K, outperforming the more affordable Ryzen 5 5600X and even surpassing the Ryzen 5 7600X in select tests. While not the absolute fastest, it caters to most gaming needs. Paired with an Intel B660 motherboard, it becomes an affordable foundation for a gaming system, freeing up more funds for an enhanced graphics card.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D – The AM4 Gaming Marvel
   • Pros:
     • Impressive gaming performance in numerous titles.
     • Compatible with Socket AM4 motherboards.
     • Lower system cost compared to Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
   • Cons:
     • Lagging in content creation performance.
     • Higher operating temperatures.
     • Limited upgrade options.
   For those with existing AMD AM4 motherboards, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D serves as the ultimate gaming CPU upgrade. While newer Ryzen 7000 and Intel 13th gen chips are faster, the 5800X3D’s extra 3D V-Cache provides a significant gaming boost over other Ryzen 5000 processors. For new builds, consider contemporary options with DDR5 memory support, but as a drop-in upgrade for older systems, the 5800X3D is the ideal choice.
5. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – Budget-Friendly AM4 Gaming Marvel
   • Pros:
     • Budget-friendly pricing.
     • Low power consumption.
     • Compatible with older AM4 motherboards.
   • Cons:
     • Ryzen 7 5800X3D excels in gaming performance.
     • Intel’s Core i5-13400F generally outperforms it.
     • Limited benefits from overclocking.
   If the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D stretches your budget, the 5600X presents an excellent alternative for those using older AMD AM4 motherboards. It offers well-rounded performance, a significant improvement over older Ryzen 3000 and previous-generation chips. Although its peak clock speed and instruction-per-clock aren’t groundbreaking, its six cores, capable of processing 12 threads, deliver sufficient power for a budget-friendly price.
6. Intel Core i9-13900K – The Multitasking Marvel
   • Pros:
     • Exceptionally fast in multi-threaded workloads.
     • Impressive lightly-threaded performance.
     • Stellar gaming performance.
   • Cons:
     • Cheaper CPUs match its gaming performance.
     • High default power consumption.
     • Limited overclocking headroom.
   Intel’s 13th-gen Core flagship CPU excels in gaming, falling just short of the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. However, its massive 24 cores and blazing clock speed make it a juggernaut for multi-threaded tasks and other non-gaming workloads. If you seek an all-round processor for a variety of tasks, this CPU is your top choice. Keep in mind that it requires a high-end power supply and potent CPU cooler due to its substantial power consumption.
7. AMD Ryzen 7 7700 – The Power-Efficient Performer
   • Pros:
     • Solid multi-threaded performance.
     • Low operating temperatures.
     • Remarkable power efficiency.
   • Cons:
     • Core i5-13600K is faster and potentially more cost-effective.
     • Socket AM5 entails additional costs.
     • Limited advantages of manual overclocking.
   The Ryzen 7 7700 may not reign supreme in gaming or tasks that require raw clock speed, where the Intel Core i5-13600K shines. However, it offers strong multi-core performance with its eight cores and 16 threads, delivering respectable gaming performance. What sets it apart is its remarkable power efficiency, using significantly less power than its competitors. Furthermore, it overclocks well, offering the choice of power-saving or additional performance, all at an affordable price point and with an included CPU cooler.

In your quest for the best CPU for gaming and streaming in 2023, keep these exceptional options in mind. The right CPU can elevate your gaming and streaming experience to new heights. Whether you prioritize gaming performance, multitasking capabilities, or cost-efficiency, there’s a CPU on this list that suits your needs. Make an informed choice and unlock the full potential of your gaming and streaming setup.