A great CPU is hard to find, especially when you have too many options. Multiple factors should be considered while buying a CPU apart from budget. What are those factors? Which is the best CPU to buy in 2022?
To answer these questions and many others, we have written this article and tried to pen down all the related concerns regarding the best gaming CPU of 2022. So, Let's get started.
The CPU is the brain of your PC, and it has to be as good as GPU for a better performing PC. A good processor lasts for years, which is why you must make the right choice for the long term and won't regret it later.
The two most popular brands among users are AMD and Intel. Each of them has numerous offerings, making the market change rapidly. AMD recently released a new series AMD Ryzen 7000 that utilizes Zen 4 microarchitecture, while intel has released the 12th generation gaming program Intel 12th-Gen Alder Lake. It is harder to choose when there is an insane pricing range, confusing model numbers, constant updates etc.
If you want to buy a system now, you should know that market is in flux state. We have recently tested AMD's two popular processors, including Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 9 7950X, and both blew our minds with their marvellous performance. However, if you want to make a more informed decision, Intel is releasing its 13th-Gen Raptor Lake retort on Oct 20, wait until that and see what’s new Intel is bringing for its customers.
1. Intel Core i5-12600K
Acquiring the top of the list is the best Intel CPU for gaming Intel Core i5-12600K.
FEATURES
Cores: 10 Cores (16 Threads)
Max clock speed: 4.90GHz
Base clock speed: 3.70GHz
PROS
- Speedy than 11th gen i9 CPUs
- Surpass most of the Ryzen 5000 line
- Price is half of previous high-end Intel processors
CONS
- Faces trouble while running a few games
- Windows 10 Compatibility issues
The Intel i5 Alder Lake is a powerful and competitive processor with features people had expected from Rocket lake. It dethrones the AMD Ryzen 5000 series with its price-to-performance ratio.
The Intel Core i5-12600K is a better alternative to the Intel Core i9-11900K and is also a fraction of the cost. Its documented performance makes it worthy of a high ranking, but it's not yet capable of running every game.
Some games, such as Assassin's Creed: Legends and Immortals Fenyx Rising, have issues with digital rights management (DRM) that prevent them from booting up on Windows 10. Some titles may not be compatible with Windows 10.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
The best value for money Ryzen 5600X CPU.
FEATURES
- Cores: 6-core (12 threads)
- Max clock speed (Turbo): 4.6GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7GHz
PROS
- Beat 10th-gen Intel chipsets in performance
- Feistily priced
- Holds its own against 11th-gen i5
CONS
- Mid-tier for the 5000 line
Despite its modest power, the AMD Ryzen 5600X is a capable and competitive gaming PC. Its current-generation chipsets are very hard to beat at the current price. Also, the 5600X is frequently on sale, making it a better buy than its previous model.
The powerful and versatile AMD Ryzen 5600X is a good all-around performer when it comes to gaming. Its combination of high clock speed and quiet operation makes it ideal for long periods. If you're looking for a processor that can keep your rig running smoothly, then the 5600X is the right choice.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600x is the best option for you if you prefer AMD over Intel.
3. Intel Core i9-12900K
The best all-around CPU for high-end gaming.
FEATURES
Cores: 16-cores (24 threads)
Base clock speed: 3.2Ghz
Boost clock speed: 5.1Ghz
Socket: LGA 1700
PROS
- Superb single core performance
- Excellent high-end option for DDR5 RAM
- Speedier than the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
CONS
- Expensive
The Intel Core i9-12900K is the company's flagship chipset. It's capable of delivering exceptional single-core performance and even better than the Ryzen 9 5950X. For those who are looking for the fastest AM4 Ryzen CPU, the i9-12900K is the best choice.
The Intel Core i9-12900K is a superb gaming CPU capable of easily handling most tasks. It's also one of the fastest processors available right now. Unfortunately, you'll need a dedicated DDR5 compliant motherboard such as the Z690 to get the most out of it. If you have the money, though, you'll be able to get the fastest speeds possible.
4. Intel Core i7-12700K
The best choice for today’s gaming
FEATURES
Cores: 12-cores (20 threads)
Boost clock speed: 4.9Ghz
Base clock speed: 3.6GHz
Socket: LGA 1700
PROS
- Best in price-to-performance ratio
- Developed for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
- Tussle against Ryzen 9 5900X
CONS
- Consumes a lot of power
- Requires Z960 motherboard
The Intel Core i7-12700K is a powerful and versatile CPU that can handle various tasks in modern gaming. It's also ideal for those who are looking to keep up with the latest titles. If you're not planning on using this as a gaming machine, then the Intel Core i7-12700K is a better option.
We've compared the current generation of Intel processors against themselves, with surprising results. The i7-12700K is almost as good as the Ryzen 9 5900x when it comes to performance. Even though the 5900x has more threads and a higher clock rate, the i7-12700K can still outperform it when the chips are down.
The Intel Core i7-12700K is a good choice if you're looking for a powerful and future-proof system that can handle modern games. However, it should also be noted that it supports DDR4 memory. If you're planning on getting a future-proof system, then the Core i7-12700K should be your choice.
5. AMD Ryzen 9 5900x
The best top-level AMD Ryzen CPU for gaming
FEATURES
- Cores: 12-core (24 threads)
- Max clock speed: 4.8GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.70GHz
PROS
- Exceptional single-core performance
- Best for gaming (in terms of power)
- Low power consumption
CONS
- Poor Overclocking scaling
The 12-core Ryzen 7 2700K is an absolute beast when it comes to performing high-end gaming. It can handle most tasks easily and is ideal for running 4K games at incredibly high frame rates.
If you're a serious gamer looking for a powerful and future-proof system that can handle modern games, then the 5900x is the right choice. Its ability to handle everything required in terms of performance, including video rendering and high-resolution gaming, is very important if you're planning on getting a creative rig.
FINAL WORDS
That’s all for today. We hope you like the article and learnt enough about the best gaming CPU of 2022. If you have any queries related to the article please let us know in the comment section.
Happy Processing!