Best CPU’s of 2021
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is the brain behind your gaming rig. While a GPU specializes in graphical computation, the CPU runs literally everything else. Your Operating System, your web browsing experience, your videos. It computes (Does calculations) thuss giving a bit more reason to naming your PC Master Race gaming rig a computer. The CPU is extremely important in gaming but it fortunately is pretty simple to pick from.
Be forewarned that picking up a new CPU usually means you may need more than a CPU (Such as a motherboard and RAM). This is due to processors having specific socket types and newer processors usually needing a newer motherboard and so forth. We cover those details below our top picks in our tech guide as well as loads of other questions you may have about the almighty compute unit.
What should I have as a goal in mind for a new CPU?
A new CPU should keep you from bottlenecking the other parts of your set-up and allow you to game without stuttering and hiccups. Most games are GPU intensive but not CPU intensive meaning that you shouldn’t have a huge struggle with the quality of your gameplay.
Unlike other computer components, CPU’s don’t come in a million different overclocked variants. Intel and AMD basically list out the CPU’s available and that makes selecting one not only simple but you can select them based on what works for you and your setup.
OUR PICK – i5 9600k
Intel Core i5-9600K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.6 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
- 6 Cores / 6 Threads
- 3.70 GHz up to 4.60 GHz / 9 MB Cache
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
- Intel Optane Memory Supported
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Best combination of gaming focus and power
- Way older socket architecture meaning upgrading a rig is easy
- Can’t multitask well (bad for video editing)
- Pricier than the Ryzen 5 3600X
Our Take
This solid workhorse of a CPU is just perfect for current builds. It’ll be bottleneck free and run smooth. Running on Intels 14nm architecture, the i5 9th generation is just the standard go to for solid PC Gaming performance. This CPU does not boast hyper-threading meaning those that do a lot of multitasking will find themselves happier with a Ryzen 5 and probably save a bit of dosh as well. The performance in gaming is why we selected this as our top pick though, it edges out the competition and is the best blend of price, strength, and processing power. The 10th generation could be revealed very soon.
The Socket H4 or Intel 1151 socket has been the workhorse of Intel since 2015. While this may be replaced in future generations, one advantage is that an aging 6th generation CPU can easily be replaced with a 9th generation cpu. That means those with a five-year old motherboard may be able to sneak on by.
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RUNNER UP – RYZEN 5 3600X
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
- The world's most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment
- Can deliver ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- 6 cores and 12 processing threads bundled with the quiet AMD wraith stealth cooler max temps 95°C
- Cheaper than the Intel
- Multi-tasking means this CPU is good for streamers and editors
- Current PC owners will probably need a new Motherboard as well
Our Take
We are giddy to finally be using AMD products again. After years of wasting away in the basement of development hell, AMD has been rocking the CPU industry. Truth be told if this list was for anything other than gaming, AMD would probably be crossing the finish line ahead of Intel. The only reason we give Intel the crown is that the obsessive solitary focus (I.E. inability to multitask) of intel products often gives them the edge. And not a huge edge either. You’ll be happy with either of these fantastic CPU options.
That being said, if you stream, open LOTS of programs at once, or just don’t know everything you’ll be doing with your new gaming rig. This CPU will save you cash AND have similar performance. Processors are notorious for being incapable of focusing on more than one task at once. The most expensive processors from Intel offer this multitasking ability but AMD unlocks it far early in the product line. Why spend hundreds more for an i7 to edit video when Ryzen 5 can do it? And sometimes better! This is a powerful feature but if you primarily game and do little else, you really won’t see the benefit. So consider that when building a rig.
Due to intel being an industry leader for so long and AMD playing catch-up. It’s likely you’ll need a new Motherboard if you are jumping from one track to the other while many older Intel motherboards can still use generation 9. That being said, AMD systems are overall cheaper and the best budget option. If you make the leap to AMD, you’ll find that upgrading is most likely going to be cheaper in the future.
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BUDGET CPU – i3 9100
Intel Core i3-9100 Desktop Processor 4 Cores up to 4.2 GHz LGA1151 300 Series 65W
- 4 Cores /4 Threads
- Up to 4.2 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 300 Series chipset based motherboards
- Bios update may be required for motherboard compatibility
- Supports Intel Optane Memory
- Can play most games pretty well
- Best for older GPU rigs
- Good option for those REALLY trying to save cash
- Noticeable bottlenecking
Our Take
The i3-9100 is not amazing. It’s the best we have. For those who just can’t afford a good machine, this is the CPU that will do. It’ll be alright. It beats the i5-8400 (Which isn’t really that impressive of a feat) but keeps costs as low as possible without heading into a terrible place. We give honest reviews here and the i3-9100 is just a tease. It leaves you knowing that you could be running at full capacity for $70 more and your GPU is just doing lightwork. We include it because we know some gamers will want a PC Rig despite not having enough money and look for every possible place to squeeze more dollars out of. Listen, it’s not a bad processor. It’s just one day you’ll want to replace it and that day might be day one of running the new rig. You could also consider the Ryzen 3 2200G at these prices as well.
Those without a lot of cash can always jump down to the poverty stricken depths of the i3-9100. We aren’t super impressed. That’s not to say it’s a bad processor, it’s just our philosophy of gaming comes from the World’s Best Gaming, not the World’s Most Average Gaming. When picking a new PC up, saving $50 here and there is an exciting prospect but ultimately you’ll be sinking a lot of cash into a less powerful part that some patience could have replaced.
We suggest spending more money as this CPU will come with a bottleneck built in. You’ll want something i5-8600 quality or more for futureproofing.
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HIGH END CPU – i9 9900k
(both our top picks are in the mid-range price point)
Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
- 8 Cores / 16 Threads
- 3.60 GHz up to 5.00 GHz / 16 MB Cache
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
- Intel Optane Memory Supported
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Best balance for gaming and video editing
- Insane amount of cores and high clock speed to boot
- Overclocking potential is massive
- Hyper-Threading (The i7 of the 9th generation does NOT have hyper threading
- Costs a lot of money
Our Take
Do you stream and edit video? This is your CPU. Hands down. While Ryzen might boast more cores, the solid dependability and price of the i9-9900k just means you’ll get a nice workflow going. Realistically those in this camp already have a rig and may even be fortunate enough to avoid a motherboard upgrade by sticking with the LGA 1151 Socket Architecture. This is the processor for the person who wants to film and edit in the day, and blow faces off in Doom Eternal during the night.
Hyper-Threading is difficult to quantify in terms of performance increase but some have seen increases in export speed as much as 20-30 percent. Live-playback is the most important aspect to consider and with an i9-9900k, editing 4K content feels gratifying. It’s just a fantastic card. If you are into overclocking, many recommend using a Ryzen 2700X and saving loads of cash but you’ll need that extra skill. Truth be told, you’ll probably be just fine in the gaming world sticking to our top-picks and throwing the extra money into a nice GPU is the wisest solution. This ia fantastic processor but the current i5 and Ryzen 5 offerings make it difficult to pick this up without gaming being your secondary focus.
Ryzen has some comparable options as well, don’t be afraid to get the comparable Ryzen models. Some are cheaper and better performance after overclocking but ultimately the need to most likely get a whole new mobo is why the i9 edges AMD out here.
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PREMIUM DREAM CPU – AMD THREADRIPPER
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 32-Core, 64-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor, without Cooler
- An astonishing 32 cores and 64 processing threads for serious designers and artists
- Incredible 4. 5 GHz max boost frequency, with a huge 144MB cache
- Unlocked, with new automatic overclocking feature
- Quad-Channel DDR4 and 88 total PCIe 4. 0 lanes
- Insane Video Editing performance
- Basically can help you make Pixar films
- More cores than you thought possible
- Not for gaming
Our Take
Thread Ripper CPU’s are overkill. Literally overkill. We might have stated earlier that using a high-level CPU really doesn’t work much better than a mid-tier. I do imagine slapping one of these bad boys into your gaming rig will indeed show some sort of change. But not good change. While these high-level CPU’s have more cores than johnny appleseed’s trash bucket, they don’t do the work you want in a CPU. When gaming, most games know that CPU use is to be valued and treasured (Except for Ubisoft) so they don’t put the weight of gaming on the CPU. Rather, games use 2-4 cores extremely well and then games generally start being less efficient. So imagine you have 32 slow cores but can only use 4 of them… you start to understand why more cores and ultra-powerful CPU isn’t really the best for gaming.
Who is this card for? Well, those who make Pixar films, work with Ai, or want to edit video and then game after. Truth be told, streamers who game in 4K, create loads of content, and do much with video won’t necessarily be sad to have a thread ripper on call. They will regret all the other places money could have gone into production though. It’s not terrible. But it’s probably not the best use of resources either. Leave these cards to those doing animation at Vox or heavy digital design.
We included this, not because we encourage it, but it’s wise to understand what card work and don’t work for the average PC Gamer.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CPU’S
For gaming, the CPU is one of the biggest bottlenecks
Ok, try this right now. Yes. Just not near your computer. Get a glass bottled beverage and try pouring it into the sink. Preferably an evil beverage like sugar-free Coca Cola. You’ll notice that the pouring rate isn’t instant. I.E. even with the full 14.7 pounds or so of air pressure thrusting down with gravity, the whole beverage doesn’t fall out at once. This is, very simply put, an example of bottlenecking. Despite there being more than enough force to thrust that sugar-free devil juice into the smarmy depths below, the design of the bottle has a somewhat maximum pour rate. If the top of the bottle had a whole as large as the rest of the bottle, it’d be Coke Zero in no time.
Imagine the frustration of bringing home a new RTX 2080 Ti and slapping it into your bad boy rig only to find frame rates sluggish. Don’t blame the card. Blame the digital intersectionality of the prized CPU that gets called computer, is beloved by all, and yet holds the GPU back from its full potential.
You need to eliminate bottlenecks in your gaming rig. Often the part holding your performance back is the GPU but when the GPU starts to get pretty beefy, lifting weights, and possibly using performance enhancing overclocks. You’ll notice your gains start to lessen. That’s because your GPU can run further, faster, stronger, but keeps getting clock-blocked by a lesser part in your rig.
What are the common bottlenecks on a gaming rig? For most it’s the CPU or Hard Drive. It can be RAM too but that’s not as common. We’ll get to all the bottlenecks in a different article but for now, it’s good to know that your CPU may be the infamous bottleneck in your system. It is probably never ever your motherboard. Nobody ever played Apex Legends in 4K because they just started using a $4000 “Gaming” Motherboard.
What does a CPU do and what does it not do?
The CPU is a beauty of a piece of technology. If you are editing video and have tons of cores, you’ll play back silky smooth 4K content. It’s a must for editing. The CPU doesn’t do the heavy lifting when processing graphics though so cheaper processors won’t hold you back much even while 4K gaming. That’s exciting, right? Cheap CPU and Kardashian budget GPU can make a lovely couple. No need to overdo the processor to run the Witcher 3 in 4K.
The CPU is actually quite limited in its ability to process graphics. Some cards (Most Intel and some AMD) come with what’s known as integrated graphics technology. Basically, the CPU has a component equivalent to a very weak GPU. Now if you go and try to play a game from 2005, it’ll seem pretty powerful. If you try to play Red Dead Redemption 2, you might just feel sad. Really, really sad. These Integrated Solutions are great for laptops and light gaming but you really do need a dedicated GPU to pair with your CPU. World’s Best Gaming has you covered if you are in the market for that as well!
What a CPU Upgrade won’t fix
Since the CPU is the absentee father of components, sending the check but not doing any of the work, the fastest and best CPU on earth won’t make 4K gaming at 144hz buttery smooth. In fact most gaming applications are not CPU intensive (Except for you, Assassins Creed: Origins and your filthy CPU workload). The CPU is VERY important in getting those good frame rates but it’s more like a bottleneck than a solution. The difference between two top tier processors may be hundreds of dollars but in gaming translate to a fraction of performance gains. That being said, the best processor will undoubtedly remove the bottleneck, but most mid-tier do just fine and the savings put into your GPU have a much greater value.
Why should I avoid buying any CPU and slapping it into my rig?
Unlike the GPU, Processors aren’t compatible with just any motherboard. Processors come with a specific socket type that will only work in specific motherboards that are compatible. The motherboard also affects compatibility, I.E. the type of RAM you can use, the type of socket, and many other features. For a deep-dive into motherboards check out our article here! It’s likely that impulse buying a processor would then result in you needing to consider buying a new motherboard and even potentially RAM. So when upgrading the CPU, always be prepared to tackle them as a trio of hardware upgrades.
Also consider that some versions of Windows 10 are hard locked to your gear and putting in new parts may deactivate windows until you call them up or lock you out permanently if it was not a full copy.
Finally, it’s important to realize that more money doesn’t equal better gaming results with CPU. For instance, the difference in price between an i5-9600k and an i7-9600k is around $175. That will make a 4-5 FPS difference on average. For around $100 you could bump up from an RTX 2060 super to an RTX 2070 Super and have a difference of 15-20 FPS. The money is just far better spent on your GPU when thinking through a gaming rig.
The Two Major Companies (As Usual)
AMD
After years lagging behind Intel, AMD actually took the crown from them when it came to the processor industry. They started releasing cheaper, high quality, and faster processors at an alarming rate. It’s thought that this may have woken a sleeping dragon as Intel has finally started to see how much of a threat AMD is. Traditionally the best at overclocking, AMD is now the reigning champ of high-core count processors at an affordable rate.
Look for Socket Type AM4
This socket type works with any Ryzen line CPUs and is generally pretty new (2017).
Ryzen has four different product lines and is on the 3rd generation.
Ryzen 3
All-around word-processing champ! Not for gaming but good for office work.
Ryzen 5
The best level for gaming and some models come with multi-tasking meaning in some tasks they’ll outdo Intel i5 and i7 CPUs that lack hyper-threading.
Ryzen 7
The i7 of AMD. This is where you are getting into the overkill range for gaming but absolutely bottleneck free.
Ryzen 9 and Threadripper
These processors start to reach insane levels of cores and earthly foolish logic would make you think they help games ascend to the heavenly realms. Ultimately they are pricey and fail at making games run well as modern games don’t take advantage of the kajillion cores. These are best for unique applications like video-editing and building Ai machines. Just not for gaming.
Intel
Solid, dependable, and well-known for legendary product lines like Celeron and Penitum, Intel has been the leader in processors for the larger part of the last decade. This leading role did make them complacent enough to find themselves fighting AMD as serious competition once more. Intel has always been the top-tier pricer of the two companies but current offerings show that AMD may finally have the upper hand.
Look for Socket Type LGA 1151/Socket H4
Intel uses four main lines to show what processors they have,
i3
Avoid this line of processors, the i3, is specifically not suited for gaming. It’s the weakest of the bunch and just wont be worth the cost compared to buying a real processor. It’ll bottleneck you and keep you from gaming well and the savings could be used on an older i5 and typically see performance gains
i5
The i5 is a sweet spot for intel processors that cater to gamers. Made for tasks that require a lot of power but a singular focus like gaming, the i5 is the best value and balance of power. These are ultimately the better option when going with intel products.
i7
Computers rock but ultimately they aren’t the best trade off in value. An i7 will assuredly keep you bottleneck free and often adds hyper-threading which allows a CPU to effectively multitask without fail. Video editing and other intensive tasks are best suited for an i7 but it usually won’t bump up frame rates in your PC Gaming experience.
i9 and X
Just like AMD, this way lies damnation. These products are not meant for gamers. Avoid them. The money is just better spent and some even change the socket type.
What about generations?
Our guide covers modern generations. At times an old cheap i7 beats a new i3 and so forth. We recommend sticking to the newest generations available in these socket types but going back a generation or two is fine if that money gets poured into cheetah quick GPU solutions.
Finally, avoid the bottom players.
Most generations of CPUs have a cheap version that qualifies as i5 or whatnot. These budget CPUs are usually decent but can’t go head to head with even a low-quality i3. When buying a generation for gaming, always buy near the top of the mid-tier generation processor. For example, avoid the i5-8400 and snag that i5-8600 instead.
Features universal to CPUs
The nm or Nanometer
How small did they make the chip? Smaller is better with 14nm being the most common and smaller 7nm being on the pinnacle of modern technology. Realistically the gains are starting to diminish with our current material sciences.
Clock Speed
How many calculations can your CPU do? There isn’t really a good formula or strategy for the best clock speed. Faster is stronger and less cores with a much-higher clock speed will always beat thirty low speed clocks. Games generally max out after 4 cores and even then most use two efficiently. Overclocking bumps this up while creating immense volcanic levels of heat.
Core Count
Modern CPUs have multiple cores meaning that they can calculate more things at once (Although without multitasking this becomes a challenge for the processor). The core-count is most important with video-editing. Try to get at least four.
Socket Type
Who’s your supplier? Socket type changes from generation and manufacturer so consider this when making a build.
Integrated Graphics
Do you want to have all the thrills of owning a GPU without the thrill? Integrated graphics are the solution for computers with a dedicated GPU. Most likely office computers. They’re ok for games like DOTA 2 but this isn’t something you’ll care about as the PC Master Race.
Unlocked Processors
Processors that are incapable of being overclocked are referred to as locked. That means the amount of electricity, the operating rate, and the heat produced will remain pretty stable. Unlocked processors can be overclocked, often without limits, meaning that it can be pretty dangerous for your PC. If you overclock a card too much, you risk destroying it through heat or other factors. Without proper cooling most processors would burn out in seconds. The Heatsinks, fans, and thermal paste all help keep the heat down to a reasonable amount.
Cooling
Every CPU needs to be cooled and cooled tremendously. Some processors come with a cooler while others require you to buy one yourself. Always consider this when looking for a CPU. It’s going to cost some more money and you’ll need a cooling system that fits.
F.A.Q.
What should I avoid when purchasing a CPU?
CPUs come in generations and to the average person this may seem like something difficult to gauge. The generation of your CPU may in fact affect pretty important features for instance, a really old processor could technically be strong enough to run Windows 10 but just be locked out due to age (This is really rare). Avoid old CPUs, specifically those maybe 3 years or older. They are starting to show age at this point and newer generations future proof you for a long lifespan as a gamer.
As a rule, don’t pick up anything older than Ryzen and with Intel, if possible stick to processors that are in the 8th generation or higher.
Why didn’t any i3 or Ryzen 3 make the list?
Go big or go home. i3 and Ryzen 3 are great processors for your grandmother’s word processing Chromebox style PC. If you are buying a new gaming computer though, an older i5/Ryzen 5 CPU is just a better bet. Simply put, if you aren’t spending at least $500 on a machine, it’s probably better to be a console gamer. PC Gaming is fantastic but your rig needs to last a few years to be considered a solid investment. Actually, truth be told, some newer i3 models handedly defeat the i5 model before it. We can’t in good faith suggest that they would overall perform better overtime. The mid-tier options are just better quality and stronger. We’re more concerned about the philosophy of building a rig which is “Future-Proof” this puppy. If you are spending cash on a machine, you want it to last!
Why is Video Editing CPU intensive?
When editing video your computer needs to encode or in other terms convert the video from one format (the filmed format) to another (The necessary playback format). When finalizing your video, you need to export it and that is where the CPU does the bulk of encoding. A long video may take hours to encode with a good CPU, with a bad CPU, you can maybe start the process and watch the summer fade to fall. When the leaves start turning red, your video is close to being finished.
Most editing programs don’t favor the GPU (The exception being Davinci) so they are CPU intensive. The most frustrating part of editing video involves using a combination of storage (Such as SSD vs. HDD) in conjunction with your CPU. That is, live playback. Your computer needs to be able to take a clip and play it backwards or forwards, frame by frame, at a moments notice. It also needs to do this with multiple intersected files, effects, and more. This is extremely intensive for the CPU. While there are numerous ways to work-around low-level equipment, a CPU upgrade can do wonders for your workflow.
This (Insert Blank) CPU has water-cooling, lights, is overclocked, shoots lasers etc. is it worth it?
While you can’t buy an overclocked CPU, you very well can buy a gaming computer that has been overclocked. Really the gains in FPS will be minimal for the risk that your rig takes on. Rather than overclock we always suggest bumping up a model. Do take cooling seriously but stock speeds for a CPU and GPU rarely need excessive cooling. Modern parts run better with less electricity these days.
My new rig is running super-hot! Why???
First make sure your motherboard isn’t auto-overclocking. This can cause huge system issues. Secondly, check your cooling. Specifically check if the Thermal Paste was applied correctly. More often than not, poor cooling can be solved with these two things. There are a host of temperature monitoring programs online for free.
Should I use this Processor for Crypto Mining?
Truth be told mining can cause your rig to burst into flames and the processor just isn’t designed to be a good mining candidate. Mining requires simple, well actually complex, but repetitive calculations to be done over and over. As such, the multi-tasking nature of the processor just isn’t suited for mining like a GPU or several GPU’s. We’ll continue to say this too, STOP MINING WITH YOUR GAMING RIG. It’s inefficient and will wreck the parts, instead do dedicated mining and keep your precious FPS guzzling machine dedicated to glorious displays of pixels and ray-based lighting.
Thanks for Joining Us!
We hope you learned a bit more about processors and understand now why they’re ever so important but usually not the lightning in a bottle solution to high FPS. A good CPU will feel amazing, especially having Windows boot up quick, Chrome stop slogging around when you have a ton of tabs open, and your games stop background hiccups. It still needs all those other top-tier components to bring you to gaming Valhalla, but the CPU is one major piece of that wonderful gaming glory pie. Also keep your eyes peeled for some launch announcements. The 2nd quarter is notorious for AMD, Nvidia, and Intel to start picking fights with each other. As always, we here at WBG hope to continue bringing you excellent articles on the top gear and games of today. Keep checking back for more content and if you are living with a bottleneck… perhaps get that fixed?
