Best CPU For Gaming (2022)

While many people are looking for the best gaming graphics card, another important component is the CPU to power your games. With so many different CPUs out there, it can be hard to know which one is the right for you when building high-end PCs. Several factors go into finding the perfect gaming CPU —with some being way more crucial than others. 

Best Gaming CPUs 2022

For example, most gamers care about how fast their CPU runs in terms of GHz or cores/threads, while others care about how much cache memory is available. To find the best gaming CPU from 2020-2022, let’s look at our top picks! 

Image: Intel Core i9-12900K  

Intel Core i9-12900K  

Right off the bat, we start with an affordable gaming CPU that boasts high performance and speed. This CPU has an amazing 16 cores and 24 threads for extreme power. You can run games faster, edit videos faster, or perform any other demanding task you want even more quickly than before! 

It also features a base clock speed of 3.2GHz and Turbo Boost Technology, increasing your speeds to up to 400 MHz when possible. Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology is present here, too, so that all those threads have somewhere to go—allowing the greatest multitasking capabilities known. While this provides many benefits, it does come at a cost since there are no integrated graphics included on the chip, making it necessary to purchase some GPU with this processor (which could cost an additional $100+).  

Image: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X  

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X  

If you’ve got a gigantic budget and you want a sharp and super multi-threaded performance, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper is worth being on your list. Of the newest Threadrippers available, we choose the 3960X primarily because it comes in top-notch performance.  

The 3990X comes at a $3,600 price, and it is quiet on the high side for most people, but the $2,000 labeled price on the 3970X isn’t much inviting either. All in all, if you’re looking to make a PC for gaming, you could go for a less expensive option and still get incredible results. 

Image: Intel Core i5-10400F

Intel Core i5-10400F  

If you hunt for the best Intel CPU for gaming, you may want to consider the Core i5-10400F. It is a high-performing CPU if you are on a budget. And, while the i5-10400F goes way back in generations, it is probably one of the best CPUs currently available with the current market state.   

When used for gaming activities and multi-threaded applications, its processor is sure to function well beyond doubt.  

The i5-10400F price is on the low side right now, though, and if you have no overclocking plans (since it is locked) and don’t mind using the shabby cooler for the Intel stock, it’s presentable as a decent option.   

Image: Intel Core i7-12700K 

Intel Core i7-12700K  

While Intel’s i9-12900K and AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X have presented enough highlights as of what a top-end level processor should bring to the table, the basic truth is that, for nothing more than excellent gaming, performance, the low budget Intel Core i7-12700K is probably your best bet.  

The i7-12700K comes at over $200 low price than the 5950X and over $300 low price than the 12900K.  

And, truthfully, if your main aim is in-game performance, and you want to spend just within your limited budget, it is possible to achieve that with the i7-12700K.  

Image: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X  

A solid AMD CPU for gaming is a great option for those who want to save some money. The best Ryzen CPU is one that offers great performance and value for money. If you seek a slightly less expensive option than the Intel Core i7-12700K, or if you’re looking for a more extensive multi-threaded performance, the Ryzen 7 5800X is here for you.  

And just below $400, this beauty comes in at almost the same price as the Intel Core i7-12700K. And, while the 12700K will provide you with more in-game performance, the 5800X is sturdy enough to handle any in-game framework.  

So, if you’d prefer to choose an option that will give high performance in gaming and multi-threaded applications, the 5800X is worth looking into.  

Final Words 

There you have it—the list of some of the best processors for gaming in 2022. Every year the world of technology is changing fast; it takes a great deal of research to keep up with what’s new. This list has been compiled based on experience from users, it’s enough info to compare any CPU you might want to buy. Share your thoughts.