When it comes to gaming, we all want the best hardware for our needs. Whether you’re chilling in the casual genres or dominating the latest esports titles, it’s important to have the right CPU for the job. In this article, we’ll be going over the top five AMD CPUs for gaming.
For those who are Team Red, we have a cheeky round-up of five AMD Ryzen processors and the sort of games they are great for playing, when paired with the right GPU.
Are AMD CPUs Good For Gaming?
AMD Ryzen Series processors are optimised to provide a fantastic gaming platform. Each generation of Zen architecture has been engineered to facilitate smooth gaming across a range of genres and performance levels.
It should be noted that not all AMD CPUs are created equal for gaming. Their Threadripper Series processors are better suited for intensive workloads and workstations. While you can still game on them, you won’t get better performance than standard Ryzen processors.
As such, we’ll be focusing on AMD Ryzen 5000, 7000, and 8000 Series CPUs, selecting five processors to meet a variety of game styles. You can explore the full collection by clicking the button below, or read on to see which five made out list!
Our Top Five AMD CPUs for Gaming
Now for the star of the show! Our top five AMD CPUs for gaming, complete with games they are well suited to running. Ranked from casual up to elite tier, be sure to let us know your own top fives in the comments below!
5: AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
Our first entry is the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G APU and it is perfect for casual gamers. Games like Doomsday Paradise, Stardew Valley, and other cosy faves often have very modest specifications. As such, you won’t need an OP processor if this is your preferred genre. As an APU, this processor features integrated AMD Radeon 760M graphics, which negates the need for a dedicated GPU whilst still offering an upgrade path should you find you need one down the line. This powerful graphics engine can expertly render your games thanks to the eight dedicated GPU cores. Plus, the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G is optimised for AI workloads, enabling you to effortlessly use the latest AI tech.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G APU
- AM5 APU with integrated Radeon 760M Graphics
- Six cores and twelve threads
- 4.3GHz clock speed – boost to 5.0GHz
- DDR5 support
- 65W TDP
4: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Next, we have the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU, which is well suited to mainstream gaming. From new hits like Call of Duty Modern Warfare III to classic esports gems like Apex Legends, this processor is primed to deliver outstanding performance. Built on Zen 3 architecture, the Ryzen 7 5700X may be from an older generation, but it still packs in powerful processing where it counts. Plus, it’s a great option if your budget is a little tighter. Harnessing eight cores, sixteen threads, and boost speeds up to 4.6GHz, this CPU will help you dominate the battlefield for some time yet.
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU
- AM4 CPU
- Eight cores and sixteen threads
- 3.4GHz clock speeds – boost up to 4.6GHz
- DDR4 support
- 65W TDP
3: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
If you’ve got the budget for something a little more up to date, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU is for you. Another mainstream or mid-tier processor, it utilises Zen 4 architecture, supports DDR5 RAM, and clock speeds boost up to 5.4GHz, providing outstanding performance across a range of titles. As result, you can effortlessly run newer titles like Zenless Zone Zero or intense VR action games like Brazen Blaze. Plus, you can venture into higher resolutions above the standard 1080p high def, elevating your gaming to new heights!
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU
- AM5 CPU
- Eight cores and sixteen threads
- 4.5GHz clock speeds – boost up to 5.4GHz
- DDR5 support
- 105W TDP
2: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
Taking it up a notch, we have the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU. Truthfully, there are few games – if any – this CPU can’t handle! Armed with twelve cores, twenty-four threads, and boost speeds up to 5.6GHz, this processor can handle all your workflows, from 4K gaming to streaming. Even the latest power-hungry games like Alan Wake and Starfield are no match for this beast! If you are after elite-tier performance in your gaming, then this CPU should absolutely be a contender. (We do still have one more on this list, after all!)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU
- AM5 CPU
- Twelve cores and twenty-four threads
- 4.7GHz clock speeds – boost up to 5.6GHz
- DDR5 support
- 170W TDP
1: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Sitting at the top of our list, we have the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPU. This processor can do it all, thanks to Zen 4 architecture, sixteen cores, and thirty-two threads. It can effortlessly hand 4K gaming and streaming workflows, even on games like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Cyberpunk 2077. What makes this processor take the crown, however, is its innovative 3D V-Cache. This is AMD’s innovative stacked cache that allows the processor more access to its cached memory. As a result, you can game with lower latency which, in turn, will make your experience all the more immersive. Because who wants lag and stutter on beautifully detailed games, eh?!
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPU
- AM5 CPU with 144MB 3D V-Cache
- Sixteen cores and thirty-two threads
- 4.5GHz clock speeds – boost up to 5.7GHz
- DDR5 support
- 120W TDP
Team Blue?
If you’re on Team Blue, don’t worry, we have an Intel version ready for you to read!
Like to Know More About Processors?
Getting the right CPU for your gaming PC is important. Equip yourself with the wrong amount of cores, not enough clock speed, and heck even the wrong socket type for your motherboard, and your gaming will suffer! We’ve got plenty of articles on the Overclockers UK blog to help you find the perfect CPU.
What Is Your Go-To CPU?
Which AMD CPU is your sweet spot for gaming? Let us know in the comments below!
- 6 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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