Best gaming processor: intel core i7, i5 or amd ryzen

The search for the best gaming processor is something really complex to carry out, since in the market we have many models and manufacturers are almost continuously renewing their desire and taking out variants of the existing ones. What will be better, Intel Core i7, i5 or AMD Ryzen ? In this article we will try to see the characteristics of each one and we will present the best choices.

Index of contents

If something is clear to us, it is that to start looking for the best gaming processor we will have to go to the two manufacturers available on the market, and these are Intel and AMD.

Intel and AMD architectures

Obviously they are two competing brands, although at first AMD adopted many of Intel's inventions, such as the x86 architecture. Intel has almost always been in the lead in terms of innovation and processor power, but also in their cost. AMD has always been a fairly cheaper manufacturer than Intel.

The arrival of AMD's Zen architecture has meant a before and after in the brand. These processors came after AMD bottomed out so to speak, with a Bulldozer architecture that was truly a flop for the brand as our CPU cores were much slower than Intel's Sandy Bridge cores.

It was around this time that we saw one of the biggest differences between the two manufacturers. Nor did the heavy investment of money made by AMD in the purchase of ATI accompany, until finally the ZEN architecture arrives. CPUs that were on par with the creations of Intel Broadwell and that were also implemented using 14nm chips, with more cores and more powerful with an improved I / O interface, although not at the level of those of Intel.

Still today Intel processors give an extra in terms of gaming performance. The eighth and ninth generation Coffee Lake Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 are 4, 6 and 8-core processors with the well-known that has given very good performance results, especially those that implement Hyperthreading technology. Intel is currently in the 14nm manufacturing process with the ninth generation CPU.

For its part, AMD scrapped Bulldozer technology and implemented silicon made up of 12nm CCX units, which is nothing more than complex 4-core chips that share an L3 cache. Each Ryzen processor has two of these CCXs inside and the manufacturer disables cores to build different performance processors. Furthermore, each of these cores handles two threads of execution. Currently AMD is close to commercializing 7nm CPUs.

To find the best gaming processor we will need, at least, to know the main architectures that manufacturers currently use.

Intel

• Core i3: they are the entrance to the processors of remarkable performance of Intel, Celeron and Pentium Gold aside. These CPUs have 2 cores and 2 or 4 threads of execution up to the Kaby Lake generation. The eighth generation raises the level to 4 cores and 4 threads of execution (4/4). A 9th Gen Intel Core i3-9350KF is expected very soon with 4/4. Core i5: if we want a gaming processor, we will have to go safely to that family of processors. They are the best quality / price and in the Coffee Lake generation they have a 6/6 and 4/4 configuration in Kaby Lake. Core i7: they already have members in this ninth generation Coffee Lake with extremely interesting proposals. These processors have 8 cores and 8 threads of execution. They are CPUs of higher cost, but also with better performance for high-end gaming equipment. Core i9: These are the high-end processors from Intel, without reaching those of socket LGA 2066, they are the ones that offer higher performance, with an 8-core count and 16 threads with Hypertherading. However, its quality / price ratio is somewhat less advantageous than the i5 and i7.

AMD

• Ryzen 3: It is the first version of the Zen architecture, and today they would be the most basic Ryzen for very modest gaming teams. It has a count of 4/4. Ryzen 5: We left the Ryzen 3 behind to find ourselves practically the best option for AMD gaming processors. The 2600 and 2600x versions have a 6/12 count and are ideal for this type of task. Ryzen 7: The count goes up to 8/16 and boasts spectacular performance and an equal price. They are the favorite option for high-end gaming equipment.

What are we looking for in a gaming processor?

We already have more or less clear what is the family of processors that we should look for in each of the manufacturers, Intel and AMD, so now we will see quickly what function our CPU performs in a game and what is most important to enjoy good performance.

CPU and games

We all know that the basic hardware to handle 3D or AAA games as we want to call it is a graphics card. The graphics card has a GPU, a graphics processor that is responsible for performing the heaviest floating point calculations that correspond to the graphics of the game. The rendering of the scenes, the movement of light, the high definition 3D textures thanks to its enormous bus width and extraordinary capacity.

But there are still many processes that will be the task of the CPU, it is the heart of our computer and as such it has relevance in the game. A processor is not capable of increasing the FPS of our game by itself, because it is not in charge of processing graphics. In your case, the actual task of a CPU is to send the information that the GPU must process.

The card's CPI-Express x16 slot is in direct contact with the CPU, and all the necessary information travels back and forth on this 16-LAN bus to bring the game to life. The CPU takes care of the important task of processing physics, and game artificial intelligence. How we act with our character, how the other characters act and the random events we experience in the game.

A clear example would be MMO and RPG games, where the volume and processing capacity of the CPU is essential. Managing an army or the dynamics of a large city requires the processing of millions of game variables, especially when it comes to multiplayer games.

The more cores and threads the better

Directly proportional to the performance of a CPU are its cores and its processing threads.

The cores or Cores with their English name, are, so to speak, subprocessors that are inside a CPU. They are integrated circuits more or less independent of each other, since each of them is capable of performing a task by itself. If for example we have 6 cores, our CPU will be able to perform 6 tasks at the same time, or 6 calculations if we get strict.

For its part, the processing threads or also called Threads are something quite different from the cores. We are not going to execute more tasks because we have more Threads, but we do that the flow of control of these and the waiting times between processes will be better optimized. A kernel runs one process after another, and a thread is going to be able to trick the kernel into looking like it is running more tasks. This is because the threads break the tasks into chunks and send them to the free cores and then put it all together and it seems that more tasks than cores exist have been carried out.

Technologies such as AMD's MutiTherading and Intel's HyperThreading allow processors to implement multiple cores and multiple threads and also keep them always active to execute tasks. Although we must say that Intel is still one step ahead of AMD in this regard. Very ingenious solution that is very useful for large processing loads such as graphic and video design tasks and games.

What are integrated graphics for?

Almost all current CPUs have a core inside that is capable of graphics processing. They will not be valid at all for games with great powerful 3D graphics and that is why we must acquire a dedicated graphics card.

Both AMD Ryzen and Intel Core have these cores inside, although there is virtually no use for them. In your case Intel is now bringing processors to the market without integrated graphics (they really do have, but disabled). We will find them with the distinctive "F" in the model code. They will be somewhat cheaper and optimized for games, with a higher clock frequency. Few of them are still available, but more will come.

Overclocking capability

Professional players like to build teams that also have the ability to give an extra in difficult times and in high demand. That is why the two manufacturers offer unlocked processors in their multiplier in order to increase the clock frequency to more MHz than the manufacturer specifies in the base model.

With overclocking we can raise the frequency of the processor so that it performs the tasks more quickly. It is an extra power that we can have on certain occasions. It is not the healthiest thing for the processor, but it is very useful in certain occasions. In any case, the unlocked CPUs are also prepared for higher loads and boast better build quality.

Intel is typically more generous than AMD in this regard. With an Intel system, you can expect overclocking capabilities with the Intel Core 8600K or 8700K 300-400 MHz plus. But be careful, you will not be able to do this on the Intel processor if it comes from the factory without the seal of approval of the K series. Always keep in mind that an unlocked Intel processor will deliver its full potential with a motherboard X390 chipset.

In the case of AMD Ryzen, they allow overclocking in all their models, so we will not have to stop to look for any “K” badge or anything like that. In the case of AMD we will need a motherboard to match, for example, the X470 chipset, although the B450 also allows overclocking.

Cache memory

The processors also have memory inside, this is called cache memory. Cache is used to store data that is imminently used for processing.

The cache memory is divided into three levels, regarding CPU proximity, speed and capacity. The closest to the CPU (level 1 or L1 cache) is the fastest of all and the least capable, each core will have its own. Then we have the level 2 or L2 cache which is of higher capacity, and will also be dedicated to each core, or every two cores. Finally we have the level 3 or L3 cache, the most famous and the one that manufacturers always give as a reference. It will be at least 6 MB, although the ideal will be at least 8 MB and it is shared between several cores.

Socket and compatible motherboard

It will also be necessary to take into account something as obvious as that an Intel CPU will not be compatible with an AMD motherboard. Neither by the socket, nor by the chipset. The processors that we have seen and commented on by Intel are all installed in the LGA 1151 socket, so it will be the one we will need for the best gaming processor from Intel.

We have also already commented that the recommended chipset is the X390, it is the most powerful available for 1151 socket motherboards, and it also allows overclocking. Not only that, but it also has greater processing capacity and more data lines (LANES). In this way we can connect more peripherals to the motherboard and it will also support AMD Crossfire and Nvidia SLI.

In the same way, AMD processors optimized for gaming are installed through the AM4 socket. The most powerful chipset available is the X470, which also supports overclocking, and most AMD Crossfire and Nvidia SLI.

Recommended best gaming processor models

Without further ado, let's go see the AMD and Intel models that we recommend for gaming.

AMD Ryzen 5 2400G

AMD Ryzen 5 2400G - Processor with Radeon RX Vega11 Graphics (3.6 up to 3.9 GHz, DDR4 up to 2933 MHz, 1250 MHz GPU, L2 / L3 cache: 2 MB + 4 MB, 65 W)

• AMD Rayzen 5 2400G processor with Radeon RX Vega11 Graphics CPU frequency 3.6 up to 3.9 GHz Supports DDR4 up to 2933 MHz GPU frequency: 1250 MHz L2 / L3 cache: 2 MB + 4 MB

170.00 EUR Buy on Amazon

An AMD Raven Ridge series processor, it is an APU that combines a 4-core 8-wire processor along with an integrated Vega 11 graphics core with 704 stream processors. All this with a TDP of 65W and maximum frequencies of 3.9 GHz and 1, 250 MHz for graphics.

Its high frequencies and its economical price are one of the best options for assembling a low-mid range gaming equipment. For options, not to be missed, of course.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600 and 2600X

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X - Processor with heatsink… 129.00 EUR Buy on Amazon

AMD YD2600BBAFBOX, RYZEN5 2600 Socket Processor… 125.12 EUR Buy on Amazon

One of the best options that the manufacturer AMD has for gaming equipment. It is a really cheap processor and also very good for what it offers us. Both processors have 6 cores and 12 processing threads. The 2600 version has a frequency of 3.4 GHz, while the 2600X gives extra performance with 4.25 GHz.

In both configurations we have a 16 MB L3 cache and great overclocking capacity. Without a doubt they are the two most attractive processors at present from AMD for mid-to-high-end gaming equipment.

Intel Core i3 8100

Intel Core i3-8100 3.6GHz 6MB Smart Cache Box - Processor (3.6 GHz, PC, 14 NM, i3-8100, 8 GT / s, 64 bit)

• Intel brand, desktop processors, 8th generation Core i3 series, name Intel Core i3-8100, model BX80684I38100 Socket CPU type LGA 1151 (Series 300), basic name Coffee Lake, quad-core cores, 4-wire, operating frequency 3, 6 GHz, L3 cache 6MB, 14nm manufacturing technology, 64-bit support S, Hyper-Threading support No, DDR4-2400 memory types, Memory Channel 2Support for virtualization technology S, integrated graphics card Intel UHD Graphics 630, frequency Basic 350 MHz graphics, max graphics. Dynamic Frequency 1.1 GHz PCI Express Revision 3.0, Maximum PCI Express Lanes 16, Thermal Design Power 65W, thermal heatsink and fan included

116.45 EUR Buy on Amazon

The most interesting of the Intel Core i3 Coffee Lake. It maintains a quad-core, four-wire configuration that runs at a speed of 3.6 GHz and offers sensational performance for its price. It has 6 MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 65W.

This is also a low-end CPU for affordable equipment. Along with the AMD 2400G the cheapest options.

Intel Core i5-9400F

Intel CPU CORE I5-9400F 2.90GHZ 9M LGA1151 NO GRAPHICS BX80684I59400F 999CVM

• Compatible CPU for the z390 and few z370 chipsets (after BIOS update)

146.90 EUR Buy on Amazon

We were precisely talking about the CPUs that have their graphic core disabled, and this 9400F is an example of this. The first ninth generation processor without GPU and therefore more optimized for games. More like this will be coming soon for the other families.

The 9400F is an ideal mid-range locked processor with 6 cores and 6 processing threads along with 9MB of L3 cache RAM. The frequency at which it works is 2.9 GHz and 4.10 GHz in turbo boost 2.0 mode.

Intel Core i5-9600K

Intel bx80684i59600k - CPU Intel Core i5-9600k 3.70ghz 9m lga1151 bx80684i59600k 984505, Gray

• 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600k processor with six cores 9600k 3.7GHz base speed and up to 4.6GHz turbo from factory Compatible with Intel Z390 and Z370, H370, B360, H310 motherboard

243.17 EUR Buy on Amazon

We raise the level with this processor that takes over from the Core i5 8600K for this ninth generation. It also maintains its same configuration of 6 cores and 6 threads. It runs at a base speed of 3.7 GHz and can reach 4.6 GHz under turbo boost. It also has 9MB of L3 cache and a 95W TDP.

Excellent option for a high-end gaming equipment, due to its good price and those 6 unlocked cores.

Intel Core i7-9700K

Intel BX80684I79700K - INTEL Core CPU I7-9700K 3.60GHZ 12M LGA1151 BX80684I79700K 985083, Gray

• Ninth Generation Intel Core i7 9700K processor with eight cores, With Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology, the maximum turbo frequency this processor can reach is 4.9 GHz. This processor also supports dual channel DDR4-2666 RAM and uses 9th generation technology.

404, 74 EUR Buy on Amazon

The best option that we see today as the best gaming processor from Intel is this i7-9700K. A 9th generation Coffee Lake Refresh CPU consisting of eight cores and eight processing threads operating at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz. Although capable of 4.9 GHz under turbo mode, this makes it the best processor for video games on the market. The L3 cache increases to 12 MB and the TDP remains at 95W, demonstrating excellent energy efficiency.

We have not chosen the 9900K because, despite being a little more powerful, it also has a much higher cost than lower it from being the reference.

We hope that all this information has been useful to you in deciding which will be the next processor for your gaming equipment. Which one best suits your needs?

From here you can see our completely updated complete guide to the best processors on the market.

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