Best Gaming CPU for Different Budgets

When it comes to computers, the central processing unit or the CPU is arguably the most important part among other components in any computer. Especially in a gaming rig! Even though there are really only two companies competing for business in this market, deciding which CPU to purchase can still be quite a handful. What is better? What has more power? Is this CPU comparable to this CPU? The list of questions goes on and on.

If you’re wondering who we must be talking about, we’re referring to these two companies, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices or AMD. In this Esports Mention article, we will be analyzing the performance and value of all the latest CPUs from both AMD and Intel in order to find the best choice for all budgets.

Best CPU Under $100

In this price range under $100, there is a clear and distinct winner for gaming CPU. The Ryzen 5 1600AF is by far the best computer processing unit for under $100. However, this is not to be confused with the original Ryzen 5 1600, the AF version is basically a 12nm refresh of 1600.

What does this mean exactly? Well, for starters, this means that the new 1600AF will have a higher clock speed and a smaller architecture compared to the original 1600. While this improvement is not monumental by any means, it brings the 1600AF closer to the Ryyzen 5 2600’s performance level.

Unfortunately, Intel’s similarly priced core i3 9100 F is still a long shot from the 1600 AF. AMD’s 1600AF not only has 2 more cores and 6 more threads, but it also comes with a super stock cooler. The 1600AF will outperform the 9100F in nearly every workstation task as well as most games. So, for the budget gamers out there, the Ryzen 5 1600AF from AMD is quite the no brainer if you ask us.

Best CPU Between $100 and $200

8 Cores and 16 threads for a price between $100 and $200? Sounds like another killer deal to us!

The Ryzen 7 2700 is just that, and it’s our pick for the best CPU between $100 and $200. For such a low price, the 2700 from AMD just offers so much performance. This processor is also awesome for content creators and beginning streamers. It is great for applications such as Lightroom, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, 7-Zip, and even Blender.

In terms of gaming, this processor will virtually run any game you’d desire. Also, a purchase of this processor includes a free Wraith Spire LED cooler (deal may have expired by the time you read this). Stepping into the $200 territory, AMD offers its Ryzen 5 3600. This processor is based on the 7nm Zen 2 manufacturing node, which allows for a 15% increase in terms of IPC compared to the Ryzen 7 2700.

What does this mean exactly? It means that the 3600 will perform noticeably better in games and single or quad tasks while tying the 2700 in applications that utilize all cores possible. This along with the relatively low price tag makes the Ryzen 5 3600 the best overall CPU under $200. From Intel, the core i5 9600K is also obtainable for $200 and very much similar.

The 9600K will perform about 10% greater in most games compared to the 3600 from AMD. However, the 9600K lack something called hyperthreading, which makes it significantly slower than the 3600 while streaming or running multi-core applications. Also, the 9600K does not come with a stock cooler.

Best CPU Between $200 and $400

Entering the segment of high-end machines, there are mainly 3 processors competing for market share in this range. From AMD, there are the Ryzen 7 3700X and 3800X. On the other hand, Intel offers its core i7 9700K.

First of all, we should go ahead and state that the Ryzen 7 3800X is not really worth the extra cost, unless it’s within a few bucks of the 3700X’s price (which you can find from time to time). The 3800X is just a better-binned version of the 3700X with a slightly better clock speed and higher TDP that only offers a bit more performance.

To make things simple we are just going to compare the 3700X and 9700K. The result is similar to the previous price range we just talked about. The 9700K will outperform the 3700X in most games by 10%, but lose by a very noticeable margin in multi-core tasks due to the lack of hyperthreading. Because of this, the 3700X is stronger than 9700K in value. Also, like the 9600K the 9700K lacks a stock cooler (something very important when it comes to overheating risk). In the end, we’d recommend the 3700X in this price range.

Best CPU Over $500

Looking forward to forking out a lot of cash for an elite system or gaming rig? There’s a great chance that you will decide to pick up one of these four processors if that’s a yes.

For this price range (the most expensive) Intel offers the core i9 9900K and 9900KS while AMD has the Ryzen 9 3900X and 3950X. It should be noted that the 9900KS is a binned version of the 9900K. The 9900KS guarantees an all-core overlock at a minimum of 5 GHz. However, some 9900K units can also reach 5 or more GHz on all-cores as well, but there is no guarantee for that.

Overall, itis worth it to spend a few more bucks for a better-binned unit in our opinion. For gamers, the 9900KS is the most powerful gaming CPU on the market. But if you are looking for more than just eight cores and sixteen cores, AMD has something massive for you. They offer its Ryzen 9 3900X. This processor is great for the competitive streamers as well as content creators.

The 3900X has 12 cores and 24 threads all in a 7nm manufacturing node. AMD also offers a 16 core and 32 thread processor called the Ryzen 9 3950X. Keep in mind this CPU is overkill for most PC users but excels at any workstation or rendering tasks. Both Ryzen 9 CPUs are significantly better than the i9 9900KS in workstation and streaming but is about 5 to 10% slower in games. All in all, at this price range, AMD’s Ryzen 9 CPUs offer better value. However, the 9900KS is still the king of gaming among others.