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 Intel CPUs for gaming.
For those who are Team Blue, we have a cheeky round-up of five Intel Core processors and the sort of games they are great for playing, when paired with the right GPU.
Are Intel CPUs Good for Gaming?
Intel Core CPUs are great for gaming. Since the 12th generation and the advent of hybrid core architecture, these processors have been designed to intelligently manage your single and multi-core workloads with the help of Intel Thread Director. This nifty bit of software makes sure the right core, either P (performance) or E (efficient), is assigned to the job, so that your gaming can run better than ever.
Of course, there are Intel processors more suited to creative workloads. These are the Intel Xeon processors, which are crafted for workstation desktops. You can technically game on them, but the performance won’t be any better than an Intel Core processor.
As such, we’ll be focusing on five 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core CPUs, as these all sport the innovative hybrid core architecture. There are 11th and 10th Gen processors still readily available, which are an excellent option if you’re building a PC on a budget. You can explore the full collection by clicking the button below, or read on to see which five made our list!
Top Five Intel CPUs for Gaming
Now for the star of the show! Our top five Intel 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: Intel Core i3-13100
Starting our list in style, we have the Intel Core i3-13100 CPU. Built on Raptor Lake architecture, this processor has four cores, eight threads, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730. As such, it is perfect for cosy gaming faves like Stardew Valley or Botany Manor. By using integrated graphics, you can game without a dedicated graphics card – great for if you’re building on a budget. However, you do still have the option to upgrade and add a GPU as and when you need it.
Intel Core i3-13100 CPU
- LGA 1700 CPU with integrated graphics
- Four cores and eight threads
- 3.4GHz clock speed – boost to 4.5GHz (single core)
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 58W TDP
4: Intel Core i5-12600K
Next, we have the Intel Core i5-12600K, which was part of the first generation to utilise hybrid core architecture. This processor also features integrated graphics, but pairs excellently with a dedicated graphics card. You can enjoy outstanding performance in popular gaming and esports titles with this processor, such as Counter-Strike 2 and Apex Legends. Harnessing ten cores, sixteen threads, and single core boost speeds up to 4.9GHz, this CPU can effortlessly handle your workflows – leaving you free to concentrate on the leaderboards.
Intel Core i5-12600K CPU
- Unlocked LGA 1700 CPU with integrated graphics
- Ten (4E+6P) cores and sixteen threads
- 3.7GHz clock speed – boost to 4.9GHz (single core)
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 125W TDP
3: Intel Core i7-13700F
Stepping back to 13th Gen, we have the Intel Core i7-13700F. The “F” denotes that this processor doesn’t come with integrated graphics, so it needs to be paired with a GPU accordingly. 13th Gen developed the hybrid core architecture, adding more E-cores to handle background tasks. This CPU utilises an even blend of eight P- and E-cores each, delivering outstanding performance in a variety of games and genres. With this powerful hardware, you can easily play new and trending titles such as Still Wakes the Deep and Zenless Zone Zero.
Intel Core i7-13700F CPU
- LGA 1700 CPU
- Sixteen (8E+8P) cores and twenty-four threads
- 2.1GHz clock speed – boost to 5.2GHz (single core)
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 65W TDP
2: Intel Core i7-14700KF
Of course, you can take this tier a step higher and equip yourself with the latest 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700KF CPU. Intel processors featuring a “K” in their name mean they can be overclocked, so you can boost performance to suit your needs. Built on the latest innovations in hybrid core architecture, this CPU can effortlessly handle all your favourite gaming activities, like planet trekking in Starfield or exploring the Forgotten Realms in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Intel Core i7-14700KF CPU
- Unlocked LGA 1700 CPU
- Twenty (12E+8P) cores and twenty-eight threads
- 3.4GHz clock speed – boost to 5.6GHz (single core)
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 125W TDP
1: Intel Core i9-14900KS
Our top pick is currently the most powerful Intel Core processor, the Intel Core i9-14900KS. The “KS” means it is an unlocked special edition CPU, so you know it is going to deliver the best of the best when it comes to gaming. Game at 4K or stream your faves knowing that this processor has it handled. Boasting an impressive twenty-four cores (8E/16P) and thirty-two threads, this CPU has more than enough processing power for detailed gems like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Horizon Forbidden West.
Intel Core i9-14900KS CPU
- Special edition unlocked LGA 1700 CPU
- Twenty-four (8E+16E) cores and thirty-two threads
- 3.2GHz clock speed – boost to 5.7GHz (single core)
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 150W TDP
Team Red?
If you’re on Team Red, don’t worry, we have an AMD 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 Intel 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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