The best CPU for PC gaming

When it comes to gaming rigs, CPUs can often be overlooked. Getting the best CPU for PC gaming is vital, even if you're more likely to spend more money on a graphics card. While the GPUs on a graphics card take care of rendering, your CPU handles things like enemy AI in a shooter, and is even more evident in 4X and strategy games in which enemy AI utilise a whole host of systems to make tactical decisions to take you out. Your CPU really is the heart of your build too, making everything run much faster and smoother, so picking up a decent core is absolutely essential.

Your CPU acts as the bridge between all of the other kit stuffed into your gaming case (along with your RAM), so it has quite the heavy load to be carrying. With that in mind we’ve selected a handful of the best CPUs you can get right now at competitive prices to meet all of your needs. If you're building your own rig you already know what the best CPU for PC gaming is... but we check the price of all major online retailers to ensure you're getting the parts cheaper, at any given time. On top of that, we recommend higher and lower spec CPUs, to help you manage the budget for your build. With our help you'll have a machine capable of running the best PC games in no time.

Intel Fastest Processor for Games & Streaming

Intel Core i7-8700K

The fastest processor for your system for games & streaming

The Core i7-8700K has the highest stock clockspeeds Intel has ever offered, with the only potential upgrade right now being the higher clocked and limited supply Core i7-8086K. Either way, you get six cores and a huge boost to overall processing power, making this the fastest mainstream Intel processor. Most games don't currently use more than four cores, but that's starting to change, and the additional computational power can be very useful for streaming and other background tasks.

The i7-8700K is basically a response to AMD becoming competitive in the CPU scene again, with Ryzen offering 8-core/16-thread CPUs for under $300. If you're not totally focused on games, AMD's Ryzen 7 parts are a compelling alternative that can often beat the 8700K, but for games and multi-GPU, Intel still reigns supreme.

There are two main complaints against the i7-8700K. First, you'll need to buy your own cooler. Enthusiasts might do that regardless, but I'd love the option to get an appropriate cooler with a boxed CPU. The other complaint is that Intel's TIM (Thermal Interface Material) can limit overclocking potential. I consider delidding and using liquid metal a great investment for long-term overclocking, as it provides a potential 15-20C drop in thermals.

Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 3.2 Ghz

Get advanced performance for high-end gaming and the most demanding power applications. The Intel Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology Extreme Edition is designed specifically for those who know their technology and crave high performance.
Features
Hyper-Threading Technology Streaming SIMD extensions 3 Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology Execute Disable Bit capability 1MB L2 Advanced Transfer Cache for each core Specifications General Product Type Processor Expansion / Connectivity Compatible Slots 1 x processor - LGA775 Socket Miscellaneous Package Type Intel Boxed Processor Type / Form Factor Intel Pentium Extreme Edition Dual-Core 840 Processor Qty 1 Clock Speed 3.2 GHz Bus Speed 800 MHz Processor Socket LGA775 Socket Cache Memory Type Advanced Transfer Cache Installed Size L2 cache - 2 MB What is a PowerLeap adapter? This device from PowerLeap allows socket 7 and socket 5 motherboards to have clock multiplier speeds up to 6.0x, even if you original motherboard has a maximum multiplier that is lower. Additionally, this adapter will also provide you with the proper split voltages for all AMD, CYRIX and Intel MMX processor to work on your system. Once the Powerleap adapter is installed you are only limited by your BIOS.
Because my original motherboard does not support AMD Processors or 6.0x clock multipliers I needed to use the PowerLeap adapter in my tests. But as you can see below this combination has given me a dramatic increase in speed over my original Pentium 133 that came with my system.

Intel Pentium 4 540 3.2GHz

Attract new business and transition existing customers with the latest generation of the Intel Pentium 4 processor.
Desktop platforms based on the Intel Pentium 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology and the Intel 925X/915 Express chipsets, create a multi-media environment where digital content is shared between devices in both the home and office.
In addition, the Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology gives your customers the power to do more without slowing down.
In fact, HT Technology can provide software performance benefits of up to 25 percent in multitasking situations, delivering advanced performance for both home and business PC users.
Whatever the need, the Intel Pentium 4 processor has the capability to meet your customers computing demands.
Product Type
Processor
Manufacturer
Intel

AMD K6-2 vs. AMD K6-III

Now that the AMD K6-III and AMD K6-2 are both available in 400 MHz from PowerLeap. I was wondering which PowerLeap adapter upgrade performs better. This page contains the results of my testing of both processors on my Packard Bell PB 640 motherboard with a Mr. BIOS upgrade, 64 MB of RAM, Windows 95 and a Stealth II S220 video card. So what is the AMD-K6-III processor with 3DNow! technology? Well, AMD describes it as "the ultimate sixth generation processor for home PC enthusiasts and business power users. The AMD-K6-III processor combines 3DNow! technology with AMD's new TriLevel Cache design to deliver exceptional performance on leading business and consumer software applications. The key to this enhanced performance is our innovative TriLevel Cache design, which provides the largest total system cache for desktop PCs-more than four times the size of other competing system designs." Basically this means that the AMD-K6-III is an AMD K6-2 that has 256 L2 cache on the CPU

Intel Dual-core Xeon Processor 5030 2.67

The Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5000 series is a simple purchase decision for a business to make: Dual core performance at single core price. Starting today all dual processor servers should be multi-core, from high-performance to value. Adding to exciting new levels of processor performance come processor features: Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel Hyperthreading Technology, Intel Enhanced Speedstep Technology and Execute Disable Bit.The Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5000 series is compatible with Intel 5000P, 5000V and 5000X series of chipsets. Server boards based on these chipsets are optimized for dual core with advanced platform features of Dual Independent Bus and Fully Buffered DIMM memory technology offering up to 4X and 3X available bandwidth of current generation platforms. Improved I/O performance is possible with PCI Express and the option of Intel I/O Acceleration Technology


Specifically designed for and validated with server boards based on the Intel 5000P, 5000V and 5000X chipsets Available in two thermal solution options

AMD (K62433100SK7), 433 MHz

The Mobile AMD-K6-2-P processor is based on an advanced, sixth-generation architecture and offers excellent performance for value priced notebook PCs. Whether you are running standard business applications or graphics-intensive software, the Mobile AMD-K6-2-P processor allows you to get the job done quickly and efficiently.