The best gaming processors of 2023
Table of Contents
If you are a gamer passionate about high-performance games, you know that one of the most important components of your computer is the processor (CPU). However, how to choose the best one for your machine, with so many options available on the market and generations that are updated year by year? We explain in this guide:
AMD or Intel?
One of the main questions when entering the computer processor segment (not just gaming PCs) is knowing which manufacturer is the best on the market. The main ones are Intel and AMD, if you consider PCs with a system Windows ou Linus, or her own Apple On Macbooks, Macs and iMacs.
These three companies are the main competitors in the CPU segment and are fighting real battles in search of offering the best product on the market. However, each has its specific advantages over competitors. And it is worth remembering that Apple, which previously ignored the gamer sector, is now starting to bet on it with processor lines M2 Max/M2 Ultra and platform for porting games from Windows to Mac.
A Intel is the world leader in processor sales and has a long history of innovation and quality. The company is known for its high-performance, low-power chips that are ideal for laptops and portable computers. In addition, the manufacturer also has a line of processors for conventional computers, which is divided into three categories: i3, i5 and i7. Each of them has different levels of power, speed and price.
Already AMD is Intel's main rival and has gained more and more space in the processor market. The company stands out for its low-cost, high-performance chips, which are great for anyone looking for good value for money. A AMD also has a line of desktop processors called Ryze, which is divided into four categories: 3, 5, 7 and 9. Intel, each of them has different levels of power, speed and price.
There is no clear recommendation on which one you should go for, as both companies have great processor options available on the market. The choice between one and the other will depend, above all, on your budget and also personal preferences, in addition, it is also important to buy your options to get the best experience.
The importance of the complete kit
Unfortunately, the processor alone is not the only factor that determines what a computer's overall performance will be. It's just one of the parts that make up the whole system, so before purchasing that component, it's important to take the time to see if the other parts are also suitable or compatible with the product you're about to buy.
Therefore, the performance of a computer depends on several factors, such as RAM memory, hard disk, video card, motherboard, power supply and operating system. All these elements need to work in harmony for the computer to function well and take advantage of the processor's full potential.
For example, if you have a latest generation processor, but insufficient RAM memory or a slow hard disk, it is possible to notice that the computer will take a long time to open programs, crash or even slow down in simple tasks. That's because the RAM memory is responsible for storing the temporary data of the running programs, and the hard disk is where the files are written and read. If these components aren't fast enough, they will limit the processor's speed.
Likewise, if you have a powerful processor but a weak graphics card or an old motherboard, you will have problems running games or graphics applications. That's because the video card is responsible for processing the images and visual effects, and the motherboard is the one that connects all the components of the computer. If these components are not compatible or updated, they will prevent the processor from showing its full performance.
Therefore, to have a computer with good performance, it is necessary to study the product as a “whole”, seeing if the processor works well with the other components of the machine, so that everything delivers the best possible result. It is not enough just to look at the processor, but also at the set of parts that make up the computer. So also consider this before buying such a new piece.
CPU nomenclatures
One of the biggest difficulties encountered by users when trying to buy a new processor is understand what each letter in the name represents, as a small change between them can indicate big changes in performance and purpose.
So, we will also try to simplify this information and explain the meaning of each one in the simplest possible way.
How to read the name of an Intel processor?
The nomenclature of a processor Intel It is made up of four main parts: the make, the make modifier, the model number, and the suffix. We will look at each of them in more detail.
The brand is the general product line for which the processor was created. The most common brands are Intel® Core ™, for high-performance computers, and Intel® Processor, for budget computers. This name will even replace the processors Intel® Pentium® e Intel® Celeron®, names that the company used for several decades and will now be retired.
Next, we have the brand modifier is a letter that indicates the processor's performance level and additional features within its lineup. The most common brand modifiers are i3, i5, i7 and i9, for the processors Intel® Core ™. The higher the modifier number, the higher the processor performance and resources.
The model number is a four-digit sequence that identifies the processor within its family and generation. The first digit indicates the generation of the processor, that is, its architecture and technology. For example, a processor numbered 5200 belongs to Intel's fifth generation, while a processor numbered 10200 belongs to the tenth generation. The other digits indicate the relative performance of the processor in relation to others of the same line and generation. Again, in this matter, the higher the number, the better your performance.
Finally, we have a more complicated part, since the suffix is composed of one or two letters that appear at the end of the model number and indicate specific characteristics of the processor, such as energy consumption, number of cores, overclocking capacity , among others. The most common suffixes are:
- U: Ultra Low Power. Indicates that the processor consumes less power than the others and provides longer battery life. It is exclusive to notebooks.
- Y: Low Power. Indicates that the processor also consumes less power, but is used in older computers and mobile devices.
- T: Power Optimized Lifestyle. Indicates that the processor has an intermediate power consumption between the U and Y models, but also offers a higher performance.
- Q: Quad Core. Indicates that the processor has four processing cores, that is, it can execute four tasks simultaneously.
- H: High Performance Graphics. Indicates that the processor has a more powerful integrated graphics card than other models.
- K: Unlocked. Indicates that the processor allows overclocking, that is, increasing its clock speed beyond the default.
With this information, you can read the nomenclatures of an Intel processor and know what they represent. For example, a processor Intel® Core ™ i7-10700K is a tenth generation processor, with high performance and additional features, in addition to allowing the user to also produce a overclocking.
Intel will make small changes to its processors
From its next generation of processors, the 14th, which should be officially presented around the second half of 2023, the line's processors Intel CoreAlso known as meteor lake, will no longer have the famous "I" in their names. Therefore, they will be known only as Intel Core 3, 5, 6 e 9.
In addition, the company will also launch a new line of processors, focused on performance for consumers who need high performance to multitask. This novelty will be known as Intel Core Ultra.
How to read the name of an AMD processor?
The processors in the AMD are known for their high performance and energy efficiency. But how do you know which model is best for your needs? A way to understand the characteristics of the processors of the AMD is to read the nomenclatures they use. In it, we have the following formula: family, generation, model and other processor specifications. See how to interpret these codes below.
AMD processor naming follows the following pattern: [Brand] [Family] [Generation] [Performance] [Model]-[Suffix]. For example, the processor Ryzen 7 5800X has the following information attached to its name:
First of all, is the brand. Just like Intel that has different lines like Core or Pentiums, Intel AMD also works with different products in the processor segment. So we have models like Athlon or the most popular and found on the market, the line Ryze, focused on domestic and corporate use!
Then we have your family. Again, it works very similarly to Intel's Standard, but today, AMD separates your family into five different and main segments: Ryze 3, 5, 7, 9 and the Threadripper. Each with unique characteristics.
- Starting with the Ryzen 3, we have a more basic piece, aimed at students or other casual consumers, even companies that are not focused on high performance, but just for basic day-to-day tasks. then the Ryzen 5 they work as good intermediaries and are sought after by the gamer public, mainly due to their great cost and benefit offered.
- Aligned Ryzen 7, in turn, is ideal for almost all scenarios, where you are looking for one of the best possible performances, such as last generation games or also editing images. Finally, the Ryzen 9 are considered AMD's most powerful for the mainstream user, but they are mostly used by enthusiasts.
- we still have the Threadripper that despite being part of the family Ryze, they are not aimed at the common users or companies, but rather it is a super processor, ideal for various extreme projects that need special performance machine. So, we will hardly see this being suggested for any situation.
After the family, we also have another extremely important term for the good performance of a processor from AMD: your generation. Currently, the company is on the 7000 series. So, the higher the number represented here, the better the performance gained, as there are several changes in architecture and technological advances.
The generation of a processor has other characteristics within it, the first of which is called Performance, which determines how strong that component of the processor is. AMD compared to others. So, that being the case, one Ryzen 5 5500 is slightly less than one Ryzen 5 5600, occasionally there is not much difference in performance, but it is a distinction between them within the same family.
Before we get to the suffixes, we have the final two digits of the number, which indicate some very important variations within the same model. A great example of this can be seen in the Ryzen 9 5900X, which is equipped with 12 cores/24 threads) and the Ryzen 5950X, this one comes with 16 cores/32 threads. Usually these numbers stay at 00, 50 or 80 in some situations and, as you can see, these changes generate some differences.
Finally, we finally come to the suffixes, which indicate some extra functions of the processor, such as greater performance or even the presence of an integrated video card, something that is not so common in parts of the AMD. Therefore, we have the following letters:
- X: Processors with this number have a higher performance than conventional ones;
- XT: It is able to achieve even better results than the “X” version;
- G: indicates desktop processors that have integrated video cards, that is, it is not necessary to have this separate part for the computer to work;
- H: Aimed at notebooks, indicates high performance of the processors in this device;
- HX: In notebooks, it indicates that these processors have an even higher performance;
- U: Is a suffix found to show that the CPU runs at low voltage;
- S: Processors with a low power consumption, but which also have integrated graphics;
- 3D: One of the suffixes that indicate one of the highest processor powers, as it uses vertical stacking to offer greater performance while gaming.
Now, with this information, it's easier to know what this huge soup of letters and numbers indicate both in Intel and AMD processors, isn't it? So let's get to know the best models available on the market!
The best entry-level gaming processors
Intel Core 3-12100F (12th Gen)
Generation: Intel Core/12th Gen | Ano: 2022 | Cores/Threads: 4 / 8 | Base frequency: 3.3 GHz | Price: R$699,90
O 3-12100F is a 12th generation entry processor from Intel, aimed at the gaming segment. It has four cores and eight threads, with a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz. It also has 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache and supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, as well as PCI Express 5.0 and 4.0.
This processor is capable of running several current games with good performance, as long as it is accompanied by a dedicated video card, as it does not have integrated graphics. The component, like other Intel products, also benefits from the technology Intel Deep Learning Boost, which accelerates the processing of artificial intelligence in some games and applications.
However, the 3-12100F it also has some problems that should be taken into account before purchasing it. One is its limited compatibility with Intel's 500 series motherboards, which require a BIOS update to work with this part. Another problem is its high energy consumption, which can reach 89 W in turbo mode, requiring a good cooling system and a quality source.
Furthermore, the 3-12100F faces strong competition from processors Ryze da AMD, which offer more cores, more threads, and more cache for a similar price point. So, depending on your situation, it might be a good idea to save a little more to buy a more powerful piece!
Therefore, the 3-12100F It is an interesting processor for those looking for good performance in games without spending a lot, but it also requires some care when assembling the PC and choosing the components. It might be a good option for anyone who already owns an Intel 500 series motherboard and wants to upgrade without changing the whole set, but it might not be the best choice for anyone building a PC from scratch or looking for more features. and versatility.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (5000 series)
Generation: Ryzen/5th Gen | Ano: 2020 | Cores/Threads: 6 / 12 | Base frequency: 3.7 GHz | Price: R$938,28
The processor AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, released in November 2020 is a good choice for those who want good computer performance and invest a lot. It is part of the 5000 series, which uses the 3nm Zen 7 architecture, which promises a 19% increase in performance per clock cycle (IPC) over the previous generation.
O Ryzen 5 5600X It has 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base frequency of 3.7 GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.6 GHz in turbo mode. It has a total cache of 35 MB, 3 MB of L2 cache and 32 MB of L3 cache. It also supports DDR4 memory up to 3200 MHz with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 W, in addition, it is compatible with socket AM4 and PCIe 4.0 technology, which offers higher bandwidth for graphics cards and SSDs.
O Ryzen 5 5600X is a processor aimed at those looking for high performance in games and creative applications, such as video editing, rendering and 3D modeling. It manages to overcome its direct competitor from Intel, the Core i5-10600K, in various benchmarks and practical tests. In addition, it is more affordable than the superior models of the 5000 series, such as the Ryzen 7 5800X, Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 9 5950X.
Therefore, it positions itself as a good intermediate option in the market for gamer processors, as it offers excellent value for money for those who want to play with the best graphics and frame rates, without giving up satisfactory performance in other tasks.
Intel Core 5-12400F (12th Gen)
Generation: Intel Core/12th Gen | Ano: 2022 | Cores/Threads: 6 / 12 | Base frequency: 2.5 GHz | Price: R$1.116,84
The Intel Core 5-12400F is an entry-level processor for the gaming segment that offers great performance at an affordable price. It is part of the 12th generation of processors from Intel, called Alder Lake, which uses a hybrid architecture, where high-performance cores (P-core) are combined with high-efficiency cores (E-core).
So, to offer a better balance between performance and energy savings, this processor has 6 P-core cores and 6 E-core cores, totaling 12 threads. The base frequency is 2,5 GHz and the maximum frequency is 4,4 GHz. The L3 cache is 18 MB and the TDP is 65 W. This processor, like several others on the list, does not have integrated graphics, so it is necessary to use a dedicated video card.
O Intel Core 5-12400F stands out for its gaming performance, surpassing even some more expensive models from the previous generation, such as the Core i7-10700K. In some tests performed on the internet, it was able to reach 144 FPS in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 6 e Red Dead Redemption 2, in Full HD resolution and high settings.
In addition to gaming performance, the Intel Core 5-12400F it also performs well in other tasks like video editing, 3D rendering and multitasking. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want to use their computer for purposes other than just playing games.
Finally, before this model, it is necessary to check its compatibility with motherboards available on the market, since for it to work, it must have the LGA1700. In addition, the processor can also support DDR4 or DDR5 memories.
So if you want a powerful processor to upgrade or build a gaming computer, but also don't want to spend too much, consider the Intel Core 5-12400F!
The best mid-range gaming processors
Intel Core 5-13600K (13th Gen)
Generation: Intel Core/13th Gen | Ano: 2022 | Cores/Threads: 14 / 20 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Price: R$2.160,30
If you are looking for an intermediate processor for the gaming segment, the Intel Core 5-13600K can be a great option. This processor is part of the 13th generation of Intel CPUs and, like the past, it maintains the idea of combining high-performance cores with high-energy efficiency ones. This means that it can provide users with an excellent balance on their energy bill without spoiling their performance!
O Intel Core 5-13600K it has six high-performance cores (P-Core) and eight high-efficiency cores (E-Core), totaling fourteen cores and 20 threads. It has a base frequency of 2,5 GHz and can reach up to 5,1 GHz in turbo mode. In addition, it has 20 MB of L2 cache and supports DDR4 and DDR5 memories, as well as PCIe 5.0.
In terms of performance, the Intel Core 5-13600K stands out mainly in games, where compared to its direct competitors, it achieved an average of 10% more FPS in several popular games on the market and that demand a lot from the machine. games like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla e Red Dead Redemption 2 were used as a comparison and, in addition, it also performed well in applications that require more cores, such as video rendering or image editing.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (7000 series)
Generation: Ryzen/7th Gen | Ano: 2022 | Cores/Threads: 6 / 12 | Base frequency: 4.7 GHz | Price: R$1.603,23
If you're looking for a processor that offers good gaming performance without compromising your budget, the Ryzen 5 7600X can be a great option. It's a smart choice if your focus is on increased performance for gaming or other similar tasks.
O Ryzen 5 7600X is part of the Zen4 family of processors, released in 2022 by AMD. This architecture brought several improvements over the previous generation, such as greater energy efficiency, higher IPC (instructions per cycle) and higher operating frequency. In addition, the new components have an innovative design called CCD (chiplet die), which allows grouping multiple cores on a single chip, reducing latency and increasing performance.
O Ryzen 5 7600X it has six cores and twelve threads, with a base frequency of 3.8 GHz and a boost of up to 4.6 GHz. It also has 32 MB of L3 cache and supports DDR5 memory up to 3200 MHz. These specifications ensure that the processor runs the most demanding games on the market with fluidity and graphic quality. In addition, he can also perform other simultaneous tasks, such as streaming, video editing or internet browsing, without missing a beat.
One of the differentials of Ryzen 5 7600X is your unlock for overclocking. This means that you can increase the processor frequency beyond the default limit if you have a proper cooling system and a compatible motherboard. Through this technique, you can extract even more power from your PC and improve its performance in games and applications.
As you can see, the Ryzen 5 7600X it is an intermediate processor that offers an excellent cost-benefit ratio for gamers. It combines high performance, low energy consumption and ease of installation in a single product. If you want to build or upgrade your gaming PC without breaking the bank, this is a great option, however, for even greater performance, keep an eye on our other products!
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (5000 series)
Generation: Ryzen 7/5th Gen | Ano: 2020 | Cores/Threads: 8 / 16 | Base frequency: 3.8 GHz | Price: R$1.456,29
The processor AMD Ryzen 7 5800X it is one of the other good mid-range options Ryzen 5000, which uses the Zen 3 architecture. It has eight cores and 16 threads, with a base speed of 3,8 GHz and a boost of up to 4,7 GHz. In addition, it has 32 MB of L3 cache and 105 W of TDP.
This processor is a good choice for those looking for high performance in games and heavy applications, such as video editing and 3D rendering. It outperforms its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 3800X, by up to 19% in single-core and up to 24% in multi-core, according to AMD.
Compared to the Ryzen 5 5600X, another model that we mention in this list, which has six cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 7 5800X takes advantage of scenarios that require more power from a processor, such as streaming and multitasking. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 5600X it has a lower TDP (65 W) and a more affordable price.
So, if you are in doubt between the two models of AMD, choose this one if you need a powerful and versatile processor that won't let you down in any type of task. If you just want to play games or use lighter programs, Ryzen 5 5600X may be a more economical and efficient option.
The best high-performance gaming processors
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (7000 series)
Generation: Ryzen 7/7th Gen | Ano: 2023 | Cores/Threads: 8 / 16 | Base frequency: 4.2 GHz | Price: R$3.299,99
O AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a high-performance processor for the gaming segment, offering an incredible experience for the most demanding gamers. It has several interesting technologies that will make it one of the best pieces on the market for a long time!
The first reason for its quality lies in the 3D V-Cache technology, which increases the processor's cache capacity by up to 64 MB per core, improving latency and frame rate in games. This functionality allows the processor to access the data needed to perform tasks more quickly, reducing waiting time and optimizing performance.
The second reason is the high number of cores and threads, which guarantee fluid multitasking and excellent performance in games that require more processing. O AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D it has 8 cores and 16 threads, which can run up to 5 GHz in boost mode. That means it can handle multiple apps at once without losing speed or quality.
The third reason is compatibility with AM5 motherboards, which allow for easy processor installation and upgrade. In addition, they support AMD Smart Access Memory and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution technologies, which increase gaming performance and graphics quality, respectively. Remember that these technologies work best with Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards, which are also from AMD.
Therefore, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a high-performance processor for the gaming segment, offering an incredible experience for the most demanding gamers. It has an innovative 3D cache technology and if you are looking for a processor that can run the most current and future games with quality, consider this option!
Intel Core 7-13700K (13th Gen)
Generation: Intel Core/13th Gen | Ano: 2022 | Cores/Threads: 16 / 24 | Base frequency: 3.4 GHz | Price: R$2.799,99
If you are a demanding gamer and looking for a processor that offers high performance to run the latest and heaviest games, the Intel Core 7-13700K could be a great option for you. Fast and efficient, this Intel component does not disappoint with the results presented.
One of the main characteristics of Intel Core 7-13700K is that it has a hybrid architecture, that is, it also combines high-performance cores (P-core) with high-efficiency cores (E-core). This allows the processor to adapt to the different demands of each application, using the most suitable cores for each situation.
For example, in games that require more power, the processor can use P-core cores, which have a higher frequency and a larger cache. Already in lighter tasks, such as surfing the internet or watching videos, the processor can use the E-core cores, which consume less energy and generate less heat.
Another advantage of Intel Core 7-13700K is that it supports DDR5 technology, which is the new generation of RAM memory. This technology offers higher speed and lower latency than DDR4, which means the processor can access data faster and more smoothly. In addition, they also have a higher capacity and lower energy consumption than their predecessors, which improves performance as well as part durability.
Finally, the Intel Core 7-13700K It also includes features such as Intel Turbo Boost 3.0, which increases the processor frequency when needed, Intel Hyper-Threading, which allows each core to run two threads simultaneously, and Intel Smart Cache, which optimizes cache usage across processors. cores. These features help improve processor performance in a variety of situations, especially in games that require more processing power.
Therefore, if you are looking for a high performance processor for the gaming segment, the Intel Core 7-13700K can be an excellent choice. With it, you can enjoy your favorite games to the fullest and have an amazing experience.
Top of the line gaming processors on the market
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (7000 series)
Generation: Ryzen/7th Gen | Ano: 2023 | Cores/Threads: 16 / 32 | Base frequency: 4.2 GHz | Price: R$5.085,15
If you are that player who wants to have the best possible performance in your favorite games, then you need to know the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the most powerful processor in the line Ryze da AMD. It is one of the best choices for those looking for high performance, graphic quality and energy efficiency.
O AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D it is a 16-core, 32-thread processor capable of running at up to 5.7 GHz in turbo mode. That means it can handle any task you throw at it, from heavy gaming to video editing, 3D rendering and streaming. In addition, it also features AMD 3D V-Cache technology, which increases the L3 cache capacity by up to 128MB, improving performance by up to 15% in games.
Another point of AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is that it is a processor that consumes a lot of energy, to match its enormous offensive capacity. It has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of just 120 W, which means you'll need a good cooling system to use it without major concerns. So make sure the machine coolers are in line!
In addition, it has features such as Precision Boost 2 and Smart Access Memory, which automatically adjust the frequency and voltage of the processor according to demand, optimizing performance and energy savings.
As you can see, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D it's an amazing processor for anyone who wants to have an unrivaled gaming experience. It offers a high level of performance, compatibility with AM5 motherboards and graphics quality. If you're looking to build or upgrade your gaming PC, this is the processor you need.
Intel Core 9-14900K (14th Gen)
Generation: Intel Core/14th Gen | Ano: 2023 | Cores/Threads: 24 / 32 | Base frequency: 3.0 GHz | Price: R$3.999,99
Beside the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Intel Core 9-14900K it is one of the most advanced processors on the market, especially for those looking for high performance in games and any other task that demands a lot from the computer. So, if you are building a PC Gamer, it is another option that should be considered.
O Core i9-14900K it is part of the 14th generation of Intel processors, called Raptor Lake. It has 24 hybrid cores, 8 high-performance cores and 16 high-efficiency cores. This means that it can perform several tasks simultaneously, without losing speed or consuming too much energy.
Furthermore, the Core i9-14900K has a maximum turbo frequency of 5,80 GHz, thanks to Intel Thermal Velocity Boost and Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technologies. These technologies allow the processor to increase its clock rate when necessary, offering an extra performance boost in the most demanding games.
Another highlight of Core i9-14900K is its compatibility with DDR5 and DDR4 memories, which guarantee greater bandwidth and lower latency. With this, the processor can access data faster, improving the fluidity and responsiveness of games.
Finally, the Core i9-14900K it also has advanced features such as Intel Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0, which accelerates artificial intelligence processing. We also have Intel Thread Director, which optimizes the distribution of tasks between hybrid cores, and Intel Deep Learning Boost, which improves performance in machine learning applications.
And with that, our list comes to an end, where we aim to explain how processors work and also indicate which are the best to buy during this year 2023. Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
Revised by Dácio Castelo Branco on 31/05/2023
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We also prepared a list of the best monitors available on the market!
SOURCES: Intel® Core ™, AMD, Tom's Hardware e PC Magazine
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