The best CPU for gaming depends on the games you play, the resolution you use and the graphics card the processor sits beside. A fast chip paired with a weak GPU wastes money, and the reverse is true as well. Here are the processors in our gaming PCs and who each one suits.
What Makes The Best CPU For Gaming?
A central processing unit runs game logic, physics, AI and the instructions that tell the graphics card what to draw. Smooth frame pacing in busy online matches and simulation games leans heavily on the CPU.
- Core count: six cores is a sensible minimum for current games, while eight leave more room for streaming and background apps.
- Cache: a larger cache helps many games because the data the CPU needs is kept closer to the cores.
- Platform: AMD AM5 supports DDR5 and gives a clearer upgrade path.
Our 5 Picks For The Best CPU For Gaming
1. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This eight-core chip uses AMD 3D V-Cache, which stacks extra cache on the processor. That design suits games that are sensitive to memory latency, so many players see it as the best CPU for gaming at high refresh rates. It powers the Hyperion Gaming PC alongside an RTX 5080 16GB.
2. AMD Ryzen 7. Several of our high-end systems use a Ryzen 7 processor, including the Prism Gaming PC with an RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB and DDR5 memory. Eight cores leave headroom for 4K gaming and streaming, so it is the best CPU for gaming in our range for many all-rounders.
3. Intel Core i7-12700KF. A 12th generation hybrid chip that mixes performance and efficient cores, with 20 threads and an unlocked multiplier. The F means no integrated graphics, so it always needs a dedicated card. It sits in the Redline Gaming PC with an RTX 3090 24GB.
4. AMD Ryzen 5 7500. A six-core AM5 processor that brings DDR5 and a modern platform to more affordable builds. It is the best CPU for gaming on a tighter budget, leaving more money for the graphics card. You will find it in the Orion Gaming PC with an RX 9060 XT 16GB.
5. Six-core Ryzen for 1080p. Entry and mid-range systems such as the Bedrock Zircon pair a six-core Ryzen with 16GB DDR4 and an M.2 SSD. See more in our gaming PCs under £1000.
Matching Your Processor To Your Graphics Card
The best CPU for gaming only shines if the rest of the system keeps up. At 4K the graphics card does most of the work. At 1080p with a high refresh monitor, the CPU matters more because it must prepare far more frames each second.
- 1080p high refresh: prioritise a strong CPU with plenty of cache.
- 4K: put more of the budget into the graphics card, as in our 4K gaming PCs.
Best CPU For Gaming FAQs
Is AMD or Intel better for gaming?
Both make excellent gaming processors. The specific model and price matter more than the brand.
How many cores do I need for gaming?
Six cores handle most current games. Eight add headroom for streaming, as in our streaming PCs.
Does the CPU affect frame rate?
Yes. The CPU prepares each frame and the GPU renders it, so a slow processor can hold back a fast graphics card, particularly at 1080p.
Still weighing up the best CPU for gaming for your setup? Contact our team and we will help you pick the right gaming PC.