The best processors for gaming are all, although depending on what we need, we will be interested in one thing more than another. The frequencies or the number of cores make the difference, in terms of overall performance. Its purpose is to offer an agile system that allows us fluid gaming and the best performance in intensive tasks such as video editing or transcoding.
Currently the only two manufacturers of desktop processors are Intel and AMD. Depending on whether we choose a processor from one manufacturer or another, we must choose a suitable motherboard. And it is that AMD processors only work with its socket and its chipset, just like Intel processors only work with its socket and its chipset.
Table of Contents
Quick Tips
- You can't lose with AMD or Intel: Any of the current solutions from either manufacturer are excellent. Intel is a bit better for gaming, especially if you want to play in 4K with a high refresh rate. AMD processors, thanks to the large number of cores, are better for video editing and multitasking.
- Frequency more important than the number of cores: The high frequency is best for simple tasks like gaming. For multitasking or processor-dependent tools, they require more cores than frequency.
- 'Obsolete' processors: We can save money if we buy processors from one generation to the most recently released. The price of previous generations is lowered to make room for the new generations and to clear the stock. Thus we will have the possibility of having a processor that is up to what is required today without breaking our wallet.
- Budget balance: It makes no sense to put a processor that takes 50% of the budget and install a simple graphics card and a motherboard that gives us only the minimum. We must look for the best relationship of the components.
- 1% overclocking: Very few are the users who take advantage of the feature of improving the frequency of the processor. If we are not going to take advantage of the function of raising the frequency of the processor, it is better to avoid it and thus save some money.
What does each element of a processor name mean?
Intel
- Brand: Nomenclature that Intel uses to name its commercial processors. In addition to the Core processors for the mid, high and premium range, we can also find the Pentium and Celeron for the lower and cheaper range.
- Spectrum: This name would indicate the performance that it can offer us. The higher the number that accompanies the letter 'i', normally, the more nuclei. Pentium and Celeron processors do not have this marker.
- Generation Identification: It tells us the generation of Intel Core processors it belongs to. The number 10 identifies the 10th Generation, the number 9 the 9th Generation, and so on.
- SKU: It would come to identify the processor within the range. It may be that within a range there are several SKUs.
- Product Suffix: Identification of certain characteristics or market to which it is intended.
Suffixes currently used by Intel
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| G1-G7 | Graphics power built into the processor. Found in very determined processors |
| F | No integrated graphics |
| H | High-performance laptop solution |
| G | Includes discrete integrated graphics |
| HK | High-performance solution for overclockable laptops |
| HQ | High-performance solution for 4-core notebooks |
| K | Overclocking Capability |
| KF | Overclocking capability without integrated graphics |
| KS | Overclockable Special Edition |
| T | Optimized for low energy consumption |
| U | Low Power Laptop Solution |
| Y | For low-power, high-efficiency portable equipment |
| No identification intended for desktop processors with lower frequencies and, therefore, lower consumption, temperature and power |
AMD
- Brand: Nomenclature used by AMD to name its commercial processors. In addition to Ryzen processors for mid-range and high-end CPUs, or Threadripper processors for the most premium ones, we can also find Athlon processors for the lower and cheaper range.
- Spectrum: This name would indicate the performance that it can offer us. The higher the number, normally, the more nuclei. Athlon processors use a different marking system
- Generation Identification: It tells us to the generation of AMD Ryzen processors it belongs. The number 3 refers to the 3rd Generation of processors based on the Zen2 architecture. Those who use the number 2 refer to the 2nd Generation based on the Zen + architecture.
- SKU: It would come to identify the processor within the range. It may be that within a range there are several SKUs.
- Product Suffix: Identification of certain characteristics or market to which it is intended.
Suffixes currently used by AMD
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| X | Processor with auto overclocking capability (also called XFR). They don't have integrated graphics |
| G | Identify APUs, desktop processor with integrated graphics |
| GE | Very low-power desktop processors |
| H | Intended for laptops with variable TDP |
| HS | Solution for laptops with fixed TDP and frequencies lower than the 'H' |
| U | Intended for notebook computers with low base frequencies and very low TDP |
| XT | Processors with base frequency and Boost slightly higher than the 'X' models. They are considered a rehash of these |
| AF | Intended for processors of an 'old' range with a more modern lithography |
| No identification intended for processors without auto overclocking capability but that do have overclocking capability |
Note: Some Ryzen processors between the indicator 'Spectrum' and the indicator 'Generation Identification' show the indicator PRO. What this indicator tells us is that they are designed for business environments with additional security capabilities, such as encryption of information between the processor and RAM, for example.
[irp]Processor overclocking
The overclocking technique consists of increasing the working frequency of the processor or other components by removing limiters through the BIOS or by using more powerful cooling. What this gives us is an extra performance, a small improvement in performance, allowing us to extend the life of our system.
We are talking about a very common practice in the world of computing and that it even has people who are dedicated to it professionally. Currently raising the frequency to the processor is simple, since there are tools that allow it to be done easily, although different points must be taken into account.
Cooling for overclocking
- The heatsink we choose will be a limiting factor in terms of overclocking capacity
- The heatsinks support a certain thermal TDP, if it is exceeded, the heatsink will not be able to cool the processor. In case you are afraid that it will overheat, the CPUs have protection measures and before reaching a critical temperature it will turn off.
- The chassis or box is an important factor, since the more air flow it allows, the lower the temperature of our hardware.
- A good solution may be liquid cooling, although it has its drawbacks, such as micro-evaporation and its installation. We leave you a video of how to correctly install liquid cooling.
- Note that overclocking shortens processor life, because it suffers greater wear when forced beyond the use for which it has been designed.
What is the best processor for overclocking?
Intel processors
- They have good overclocking ability.
- It's easy to overclock them.
- With a good air cooler we can improve its frequency Boost 200-300Hz.
- The 10th Gen has temperature issues on the Core i9s due to the 14nm lithography. They can be tricky to overclock and require liquid cooling.
- Only 'K' processors (explained above) support overclocking.
- Intel may not cover your warranty if something happens, it's not common, but it can happen.
AMD processors
- They have a relatively low TDP.
- All processors support overclocking natively.
- The ones with the 'X' have automatic overclocking, we don't have to do anything.
- The Ryzen 3000 are based on 7nm, so their consumption and temperature are good.
- They are very tight in frequency, so scratching a little more frequently is quite difficult.
- Its Chiplet structure is not friendly to overclocking.
- In extreme overclocking (liquid nitrogen) it is difficult to increase its frequency and it is usually lower than that supported by Intel processors.
- Normally you also have to adjust the processor voltages a lot, making it difficult to work.
- Air coolers are not enough, you need liquid cooling.
Better office and multimedia processors (less than 100 euros)
AMD Athlon 3000GE
It is possibly one of the simplest and cheapest processors that we can find on the market. The Athlon 3000GE features 2 cores and 4 threads running at a fixed frequency of 3.5GHz, along with 4MB of cache. In addition, this processor integrates RX Vega 3 @ 1000MHz discrete graphics with a TDP of 35W. This processor is based on the Zen @ 14nm architecture.
[amazon box=»B0815JGFQ8″ title=»AMD Athlon 3000G» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Athlon 220G
As a slightly better solution we have the Athlon 220G, a processor based on a more modern lithography. It also has 2 cores and 4 threads, in this case working at a 3.4GHz frequency and is complemented by 16MB of cache. It has a RX Vega 3 @ 1000MHz. This processor has a 65W TDP and is based on the Zen2 @ 12nm architecture
[amazon box=»B07L9Q7DLQ» title=»AMD Athlon 220GE» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Pentium Gold G6400
This processor is possibly the best of the three for office automation due to the frequency of work. It has the Pentium Gold G6400 with 2 cores and 4 threads working at a frequency of 4.0GHz and a 4MB cache. By having more frequency than AMD processors, it becomes a more optimal solution. This processor has an integrated Intel UHD 610 @ 1.05GHz graphics and a 58W TDP. The downside is that it is significantly more expensive than AMD models
[amazon box=»B086MHSH2Z» title=»Intel Pentium Gold G6400″ star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Best APUs for casual and office gaming
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
If we want a multipurpose solution for office automation and gaming, we can opt for the Ryzen 3 3200G. This processor has 4 cores and 4 threads working at a base frequency of 3.6GHz and that reaches 4.0GHz in Boost mode. It also has 4MB of cache and an RX Vega 8 @ 1250MHz graphic. It is based on the Zen + @ 12nm architecture and has a 65W TDP. With this processor we can play practically everything, although with very tight resolution and graphic quality.
[amazon box=»B07STGHZK8″ title=»AMD Ryzen 3 3200G» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
For those looking for a bit more gaming power, there's this Ryzen 5 3400G. This processor offers us 4 cores and 8 threads, so we already have more raw power. This has a base frequency of 3.7GHz and arrives in Boost mode at 4.2GHz with a 4MB cache. The integrated graphics is greatly improved, having a RX Vega 11 @ 1400MHz. It is without a doubt a very good solution for 1080p gaming, although in some games we will have to adjust the graphic quality quite a bit.
[amazon box=»B07SXNDKNM» title=»AMD Ryzen 5 3400G» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Best gaming processors (100 and 250 euros)
AMD Ryzen 3 3100
Perhaps it is one of the options that we would least recommend, due to its strange internal structure. This processor has 4 cores and 8 threads in a two DIE (silicon) structure, causing its performance to be a bit low. It has a base frequency of 3.6GHz and reaches 3.9GHz in Boost mode with 16MB of cache and is based on the Zen2 @ 7nm architecture. The truth is that its older brother, the Ryzen 3 3300X, is much more recommended.
[amazon box=»B0876Y2TMZ» title=»AMD Ryzen 3 3100″ star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Core i3-10100
If you are thinking of mounting a gaming computer to play 1080p, this processor is the best you can find on the market at an unbeatable price. It has 4 cores and 8 threads with a 6MB cache. Its strong point is the frequencies, working at 3.6GHz and being able to reach 4.3GHz. You should bear in mind that approximately 60% of the games use a core and the higher the working frequency, the better.
[amazon box=»B0883MTJSR» title=»Intel Core i3-10100″ star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
This AMD processor is very similar to the Intel processor mentioned before, but with some interesting aspects. It offers us 4 cores and 8 threads with a 16MB cache, much more than that offered by Intel. It works at a base frequency of 3.8GHz and can reach 4.3GHz in Boost mode. It is a better option than the Ryzen 3 3100, although it is more expensive, not only because of the frequencies, but also because it is based on a single DIE (silicon), something that reduces latencies and allows better performance.
[amazon box=»» title=»AMD Ryzen 3 3300X» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Core i3-10300
We could say that it is the Core i3-10100 with a bit of overclocking. This processor has 4 cores and 8 threads along with 8MB of cache. It works at a base frequency of 3.7GHz and reaches 4.4GHz in Boost mode. It has a little more cache and 100MHz more frequency at each level, but it is quite a bit more expensive than its little brother, so it is not at all interesting.
[amazon box=»B0883MTJSR» title=»Intel Core i3-10300″ star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Do you want to build a computer for gaming? Don't waste your time and buy yourself this processor. The Ryzen 5 3600 with its 6 cores and 12 threads is the best solution in terms of quality / price on the market today for gaming and whatever you want. It works at a frequency of 3.6GHz and reaches 4.2GHz in Boost mode with a 32MB cache, all this with a moderate 65W TDP.
[amazon box=»B07STGGQ18″ title=»AMD Ryzen 5 3600″ star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
If you want something a little better, for just 20 euros more you have a processor that has automatic overclocking. The Ryzen 5 3600X has 6 cores and 12 threads working at a base frequency of 3.8GHz and arrives in Boost mode at 4.4GHz. It is accompanied by 32MB and has a 95W cache, something more than the previous model
[amazon box=»B07SQBFN2D» title=»AMD Ryzen 5 3600X» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Core i5-10400
The truth is that this Core i5-10400 processor, due to its frequencies, is not recommended. This 6-core, 12-thread processor comes with 12MB of cache. This processor works at a base frequency of 2.9GHz and a Boost frequency of 4.3GHz for a TDP of 65W. The truth is that for frequencies and cache, the two previous AMD Ryzen 5 are much better.
[amazon box=»B0883NPQST» title=»Intel Core i5-10400″ star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Best 1440p and 4K gaming processors (between 250 and 450 euros)
AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT
The Ryzen XT models are a rehash released by AMD in the summer of 2020. The truth is that this processor by specifications and price is not at all attractive. This processor has 6 cores and 12 threads with 32MB of cache. It has a base frequency of 3.8GHz and comes in Boost mode at 4.5GHz with a TDP of 95W. Barely in Boost mode it offers 100MHz more than the Ryzen 5 3600X and it costs € 70, come on, which is not interesting at all.
[amazon box=»B089WC4VWF» title=»AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Are you considering streaming while you play or do you want to record your games, edit them and upload them to YouTube? Well the Ryzen 7 3700X with its 8 cores and 16 threads, along with 32MB of cache is the best quality / price option. This processor works at a base frequency of 3.6GHz and reaches 4.4GHz in Boost mode for a TDP of 65W. It seems to us a solution with characteristics and a really sweet price.
[amazon box=»B07SXMZLPK» title=»AMD Ryzen 7 3700X» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Core i5-10600K
A processor that has interesting features but a price that makes it uninteresting. The Core i5-10600K has 6 cores and 12 threads along with 16MB of cache. This processor works at a base frequency of 4.1GHz and reaches 4.8GHZ in Boost mode with a TDP of 95W. By frequencies it is very good for gaming, but the truth is that for a little less we have the Ryzen 7 3700X with more cores
[amazon box=»B0883NTLXM» title=»Intel Core i5-10600K» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
Could the expensive version of the Ryzen 7 3700X be a good definition? The truth is that a little yes, why deceive us. It also offers 8 cores and 16 threads with a 32MB cache. This processor arrives with a base frequency of 3.9GHz and arrives in Boost mode at 4.5GHz with a TDP of 105W. It is simply a processor that supports a little more frequency, increasing consumption and much the price.
[amazon box=»B07SXMZLPJ» title=»AMD Ryzen 7 3800X» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Core i7-10700K
Speaking of expensive processors we have the 7-core, 10700-thread Core i8-16K with 16MB of cache. This processor has in its favor the base frequency of 3.8GHz and the Boost frequency of 5.1GHz. Note that this Boost frequency is a single core and under very specific conditions, which are not clear because Intel has not detailed them. We return to the same ones, is it worth paying much more for a handful of FPS?
[amazon box=»B086ML4XSB» title=»Intel Core i7-10700K» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
This processor launched in the summer of 2020, the truth is that it does not seem recommended, indeed, it makes the Core i7-10700K interesting. It has 8 cores and 16 threads with 32MB of cache. It has a base frequency of 3.9GHz and reaches 4.7GHz in Boost mode with a TDP of 105W. We could define it as the overclocked version of the overclocked version. Ultimately it is the Ryzen 7 3700X with more overclocking than the Ryzen 7 3800X has. Come on, the good one is the Ryzen 7 3700X.
[amazon box=»B089WCXZJC» title=»AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Best 4K gaming and streaming processors (more than 450 euros)
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
If you are thinking of assembling a computer for gaming and streaming and that will last you years, you will not find a better processor. The Ryzen 9 3900X features 12 cores and 24 threads with a total of 64MB of cache. This processor works at 3.8GHz and reaches 4.6GHz in Boost mode with a TDP of 105W. You will hardly find a processor with better specifications and a better price for gaming and streaming simultaneously.
[amazon box=»B07SXMZLP9″ title=»AMD Ryzen 9 3900X» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT
Like the other processors released in summer 2020, it is a rehash of the other models. This processor also has 12 cores and 24 threads, along with 64MB of cache. It has a base frequency of 3.8GHz and a Boost frequency of 4.7GHz, which are 100MHz more than the Ryzen 9 3900X. It also has a TPDP of 105W. It only changes the Boost frequency and it involves an extra cost of € 70, so it is not worth it at all.
[amazon box=»B089WD454D» title=»AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]Intel Core i9-10900K
This processor could be defined as a desperate attempt to compete with the Ryzen 9. It has the Core i9-10900K with a total of 10 cores and 20 threads with a 20MB cache. This processor works at 3.7GHz and in Boost mode at best at 5.3GHz, although with all cores it reaches 4.8GHz with a TDP of 125W. Cooling this processor is very complicated, due to the frequencies and number of cores. Only for gaming it is a beast, but if we also want to stream, the frequencies will drop a lot and for that better a Ryzen 9.
[amazon box=»B0883NZC43″ title=»Intel Core i9-10900K» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
Gaming, streaming and even a server for Minecraft you could ride with this boring processor. This Ryzen 9 3950X has 16 cores and 32 threads with 64MB of cache. This processor works at a frequency of 3.5GHz and reaches 4.7GHz in Boost mode with a TDP of 105W. If you buy this processor, you have a processor for at least the next decade, plenty.
[amazon box=»B07ZTYKLZW» title=»AMD Ryzen 9 3950X» star_rating=»none» template=»table»]