Intel has been the best CPU for video games for years, but since AMD has gained momentum, it’s hard to call a clear leader. Today, we’ll take a closer look at both companies’ current CPUs, compare them to each other, and find out which CPUs are best for video games in 2024.
Entry-level processors
This category includes 4-core Intel Core i3 processors:
- i3-12100;
- i3-13100;
- i3-14100.
Despite the small number of computing units, these CPUs cope well with modern games even when using outdated DDR4 RAM. In almost all games, these CPUs provide a stable 60 or more FPS on high and ultra graphics settings.
The only exceptions are poorly optimized games such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Cities: Skylines II. Even the top and most powerful CPUs like AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel Core i9-14900 cannot handle such projects.
AMD doesn’t have any current processors in this category, so Intel is clearly the leader in the budget segment. Their 4-core CPUs are great for budget PC builds when the budget is very limited.
In addition, motherboards on the LGA 1700 socket are inexpensive. For example, boards with the H610 chipset are 1.5-2 times cheaper than the most budget motherboards on the AM4 and AM5 sockets.
Mid-range processors
This category includes Intel Core i5 processors:
- i5-12400;
- i5-12500;
- i5-13400;
- i5-13500;
- i5-14400;
- i5-14500;
And also AMD Ryzen 5 processors:
- Ryzen 5 5600;
- Ryzen 5 7500F;
- Ryzen 5 7600;
All of these CPUs have 6 high-performance cores and are considered the most optimal in terms of price and performance. In other words, despite the relatively low cost, the power of these processors is enough for everything, including modern games, streaming, and professional work in heavy programs. By purchasing one of these CPUs, you will provide yourself with excellent gaming performance for the next 4-5 years.
To find out which mid-budget processor is better, we’ll split them into two price groups. First, we’ll compare the Intel Core i5-12400 and 12500 with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600. Then, we’ll compare the Intel Core i5-13400, 13500, 14400, and 14500 with the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F and 7600.
Comparison of Intel Core i5-12400 and 12500 with AMD Ryzen 5 5600
The gaming performance of the Intel Core i5-12400, 12500, and AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is identical, so there is no clear winner in this price category.
It can be noted that AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is slightly cheaper than its competitors from Intel, but this difference is compensated by the cost of motherboards. Even budget boards on the AM4 socket are unreasonably expensive. Their price is almost 2 times higher than that of motherboards for Intel on the LGA 1700 socket. So if you compare the CPUs separately, then indeed, AMD is cheaper, but if you take into account the price of motherboards, then there is a draw between the platforms.
Comparison of Intel Core i5-13400, 13500, 14400 and 14500 with AMD Ryzen 5 7500F and 7600
Comparing these processors, the winner is AMD Ryzen 5 7600. Its gaming power is about 10-20% higher than its Intel competitors. But when it comes to productivity in work programs, the situation changes dramatically.
In terms of multi-threaded performance in Cinebench R23, the Intel Core i5-13400, 13500, 14400, and 14500 processors are approximately 2 times more powerful than the AMD Ryzen 5 7600. Such a huge difference is achieved due to the larger number of cores in the processor design of the “blue” company. For example, the Intel Core i5-13500 has 12 cores, half of which are productive and the other half are energy-efficient.
If you need a pure gaming processor in the mid-budget price category, consider buying the AMD Ryzen 5 7600, but remember that this CPU is much inferior to its Intel competitors in multi-threaded performance, which is very important for professional programs. If you plan to not only play but also work, it is better to choose a CPU from Intel.
High-end processors
This category includes the AMD Ryzen 7 7700, as well as the Intel Core i5-13600 and 14600. These CPUs deliver top-notch gaming performance and can unleash the power of even top-end graphics cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.
When comparing AMD Ryzen 7 7700 with Intel Core i5 13600 and 14600, the winner is the processor from the “red” company. On average, it is 10% ahead of its competitors in gaming performance, but when it comes to work tasks, it loses by a lot. In Cinebench R23, AMD Ryzen 7 7700 is 50% behind the Intel Core i5-13600.
Top-level processors
This includes the latest Intel Core i7 and i9 processors:
- i7-13700;
- i7-14700;
- i9-13900;
- i9-14900.
And also AMD Ryzen 7 and 9 processors:
- Ryzen 7 7800X3D;
- Ryzen 9 7900X3D;
- Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
These processors provide the highest possible performance in modern games. Their power will last for the next 5-7 years.
There is no clear winner in this category. In some games, the most powerful Intel processors lead, while in others, AMD. For example, in Starfield and Far Cry 6, Intel processors win, while in Microsoft Flight Simulator and Cyberpunk 2077, AMD wins.
In work tasks, Intel processors are again the winners. Due to the larger number of cores, they significantly outperform AMD CPUs in terms of performance.
How to Choose a Gaming PC in 2024: Summary
Best CPU Lineups for Gaming in 2024:
- In the budget segment Intel Core i3-12100, 13100 and 14100;
- In the mid-budget segment, Intel Core i5-12400 and AMD Ryzen 5 5600 and 7600;
- In the high price segment AMD Ryzen 7 7700;
- In the top price segment, there are Intel Core i7-13700, 14700, i9-13900 and 14900, as well as AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 9 7900X3D and 7950X3D.
What processors are installed in HYPERPC gaming computers
When we create computers, we focus not only on video games, but also on professional activities. Considering that Intel processors are the undisputed leaders in work tasks and applications, we give preference to them.