CPU Quick Picks
How to Use These Recommendations
These recommendations are based on Zach's opinion after building and testing around 1,000 gaming PCs over the years. They're designed specifically for gaming PCs, so if your primary use is video editing, 3D rendering, software development, AI workloads, or other productivity tasks, some of these recommendations may change.
These picks are intended to help narrow down your choices, not suggest that these are the only great options. There are plenty of excellent parts that aren't included here, and you're absolutely not limited to what's recommended below.
The price ranges and typical prices are general guidelines. Prices change frequently, so you may see products listed above or below the ranges shown.
None of these recommendations are sponsored. While some links are affiliate links that help support ZTT at no additional cost to you, no manufacturer has paid us to recommend a specific product. Every recommendation is included because Zach genuinely believes it's a great choice for a gaming PC.
Entry Level CPUs
Use these for affordable 1080p gaming PCs. (Usually less than $1000).
Ryzen 5 5500
6 Cores / 12 Threads
$70 - $85 USD
Cooler Included ✅
AM4 + DDR4
Fantastic AM4 entry point. With a proper B550 motherboard, this has a huge upgrade path all the way to a 5800X3D. Pairs great with entry level to mid ranged GPUs. (Up to ~RTX 5060 Ti) Stock cooler works perfectly fine.
Ryzen 5 5600
6 Cores / 12 Threads
$130 - $150 USD
Cooler Included ✅
AM4 + DDR4
The big brother of the 5500 that can pair with slightly better GPUs. (Up to ~RTX 5070) With a proper B550 motherboard, this has a great upgrade path all the way to a 5800X3D. Stock cooler works perfectly fine.
Ryzen 5 7500F
6 Cores / 12 Threads
$120 - $150 USD
Cooler Not Included ❌
AM5 + DDR5
The most affordable way to hop onto the latest AM5 platform. (7400F not recommended) Excellent choice to keep your build affordable right now, but also have a wide open upgrade path with AM5. DDR5 will increase the total price of the build though.
Mid Range CPUs
Use these for 1080p Ultra / 1440p based gaming PCs. (Usually between $1000-$2000).
Ryzen 5 9600X
6 Cores / 12 Threads
$175 - $200 USD
Cooler Not Included ❌
AM5 + DDR5
The sweet spot for price to performance value. Great upgrade path on AM5. Can scale with any high end graphics card. Easy to keep cool, a $20 air cooler works fine.
Ryzen 7 5800XT
8 Cores / 16 Threads
$210 - $230 USD
Cooler Included ✅
AM4 + DDR4
Great choice to maximize your current AM4 system, without paying for an X3D chip. Scales well with mid to high level GPUs (Up to ~RTX 5080) Minimal upgrade path to only X3D AM4 CPUs. Pair with a solid air cooler or AIO, not the included stock cooler.
Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
6 P-Cores / 12 E-Cores
$210 - $240 USD
Cooler Not Included ❌
LGA1851 + DDR5
For those that prefer Intel over AMD, this is a really fast CPU option. On average about 2-3% faster than a 9600X in gaming. Not as great of an upgrade path compared to AM5. Can scale with any high end graphics card. Pair with a solid air cooler or AIO.
High End CPUs
Use these for 1440p Ultra / 4K based gaming PCs. (Usually above $2000).
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
8 Cores / 16 Threads
$330 - $360 USD
Cooler Not Included ❌
AM5 + DDR5
Underrated high end option. Still one of the best gaming CPUs, at a much more affordable price compared to current generation X3D chips. Will pair perfectly with an RTX 5090. Requires significant cooling, preferably with an AIO.
Ryzen 7 9850X3D
8 Cores / 16 Threads
$470 - $500 USD
Cooler Not Included ❌
AM5 + DDR5
For those that want the best of the best for gaming. Will pair perfectly with an RTX 5090. Requires significant cooling, preferably with an AIO.
Core Ultra 7 270K Plus
8 P-Cores / 16 E-Cores
$300 - $330 USD
Cooler Not Included ❌
LGA1851 + DDR5
For those that prefer Intel over AMD, this is a great high-end CPU option. On average in between 9700X and 7800X3D for gaming. Essentially no upgrade path. Can scale with any high end graphics card. Requires significant cooling, preferably with an AIO.
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