Gaming CPUs
Some links are Amazon affiliate links: we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you, and it never changes what we recommend. How we make money
Desktop CPUs for gaming builds: AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors.
What to look at before you buy
Choose the platform first, because the socket decides what you can upgrade later. AM5 lets you move to a faster Ryzen without changing the motherboard, AM4 is the low-cost route for an older build, and LGA1700 covers 12th to 14th generation Intel Core. The processor and the board have to match, and so does the memory: AM5 takes DDR5 only.
For gaming, cache and clock speed say more than the core count. Six to eight cores cover current games, and AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked cache, 104 MB in total on the models we list, which helps in games where the processor sets the frame rate. Check the TDP as well, 65 W or 120 W here, because it decides which cooler you need.
Last, read what is in the box and what is not. Some processors include a cooler and others need one bought separately, an Intel F model has no integrated graphics, and an unlocked multiplier only matters if you plan to overclock.
Tools that help you choose
Guides for this category
- 2026 Guide: Build the Best Value Gaming PC, Part by Part
- Modern Warfare 4 PC Requirements and TPM 2.0 Check
- Best CPU for Gaming in 2026: 5 Picks by Socket
- CPU Bottleneck: The 2-Minute Test to Know for Sure (2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is AMD or Intel better for gaming in 2026?
It depends on the platform and your budget more than on the brand. AMD's X3D chips are built for gaming around a large cache, and the AM5 socket leaves an upgrade path; Intel's LGA1700 is a lower-cost route, with some models shipping a cooler in the box. Compare the full cost of processor, motherboard and memory, not the chip alone.
How many CPU cores do I need for gaming?
Six cores and twelve threads cover most current games, and eight cores give more headroom if you stream or run heavy apps in the background at the same time. Beyond that, extra cores help more in rendering and video work than in games, where cache and clock speed weigh more.
Do I need to buy a CPU cooler separately?
It depends on the model. Every desktop processor needs a cooler; some lower-cost chips include a basic one in the box, while many unlocked models do not. Check the box contents on the maker's page, and for a 120 W chip plan on a capable tower or liquid cooler.