Best Cpu For Gaming And Streaming

Best Cpu For Gaming And Streaming

Looking for the next best CPU for gaming and streaming, perhaps you’re a pro-gamer who needs an upgrade or casual who’s just starting. In 2021 with how far requirements have progressed, it can be stressful to pick the right CPU for your PC. However, in this article, we’ll be helping you choose the best CPU for gaming and streaming that suits your needs. Remember that you’ll want to balance the performance and features with your budget when shopping for the best CPU for gaming and streaming. But not to worry, as all the options mentioned in the list will help you choose the best CPU for gaming and streaming.

Factors You Should Look At Before Choosing A CPU

Before diving into the list, let’s see how a gaming CPU is different from a streaming CPU. Or rather, what are the factors you should look at when buying a CPU, whether it is for gaming or streaming.

CPU Cores And Threads

Cores and Threads are the no.1 factor while purchasing a new CPU. There was a time when most games utilize primarily two cores. But today is not the case. As games system-requirement getting higher and higher, the number of minimum core requirements increased from 2 to 4. Even some most recent AAA titles recommend having six cores for reaching the sweet 60fps mark.

But it doesn’t mean the more Core you have; the better CPU performance will be. Also, the more you looked for Cores, the more CPU price will increase. For, just playing games beyond six cores doesn’t give you many benefits.

On the bright side, tasks streaming and rendering love those extra Cores. That’s why high Cores and Threads CPUs are used for streaming, rendering, and other productivity tasks.

Performance Per Core

First, let’s under the difference between single-core performance and multi-core performance. Some applications used to use single-core, and some use multi-cores. During single-core utilization, only one Core stays active. On the other hand, some applications use multi-core to their tasks efficiently.

So what about gaming? As I said, games do use multi-cores and divide the task for better efficiency. Not every, but most games do not utilize the full performance of every single core. That’s why for gaming, the performance of single-core has more importance than multi-core. CPUs that have better single-core performance are usually good for gaming.

As streaming is one of the CPU-heavy tasks, that’s why a multi-core performance plays a significant role over a single-core performance. Not just streaming, any productivity task such as editing or rendering better utilizes the multi-core performance.

Clock Speed

A clock speed is determined by how many instructions a CPU can execute per second. A 4.2-GHz clock speed means the CPU is capable of executing 4.2 billion instructions per second. The clock speed is directly tied to how fast a CPU will be?. The higher CPU’s clock speed, the higher its performance will be.

That’s why the CPU’s clock speed also plays a critical role in gaming as well as streaming. In gaming, a 5.2GHz CPU can outperform a CPU that has a clock speed of 4.7GHz. Even if the core count of both CPUs is the same.

Best CPU For Gaming And Streaming List

Best APU For Gaming

Budget Gaming And Streaming CPU

Mid-Range Gaming And Streaming CPU

High-Range Gaming And Streaming CPU

Ultimate Gaming And Streaming CPU

APU For Gaming

1. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G

Basic Specification

Cores	4
Threads	8
Base Clock	3.7GHz
Boost Clock	4.2GHz
GPU Cores	11
Architecture	Zen+
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	2933
CMOS	12nm
TDP	45-65W

The Ryzen 5 3400G is a great processor for those on a very tight budget but still want to enjoy gaming. The 3400G is the upgrade version of 2400G. It comes with the RX Vega 11 integrated graphics, allowing you to enable the playable framerate for various recent game titles with low-medium graphics settings. In addition, this CPU eliminates the need for a graphics card, which allows using the money on different parts like RAM or SSD.

The Ryzen 5 3400G is based on a 12nm process with an optimized Zen+ architecture, which results in a significant improvement in overall performance and a higher CPU and GPU clock speed compared to the previous generation. In addition, the processor comes with a beefier bundled cooler, which not only keeps the CPU at a decent temperature, also gives you a little bit of room to overclock.

The Ryzen 5 3400G consider as one of the best APU for gaming. So, if you are on a very tight budget this CPU is all you need.

Budget Gaming CPU

1. AND Ryzen 3 3100

Basic Specification

Cores	4
Threads	8
Base Clock	3.6GHz
Boost Clock	3.9GHz
Architecture	Zen2
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	up to 3200MHz
CMOS	7nm
TDP	65W

Ryzen 3 3100 is the best CPU for gaming for those looking for a budget gaming PC. With 4-Cores and 8-Threads, the 3100 delivers a sweet 60+fps in most modern games at 1080p. In addition, the Ryzen 3 3100 comes at a very competitive price of $100-$120. Talking about competition, Intel I3-10100 or 10100F are seriously competitive against the 3100.

The Ryzen 3 3100 has a base clock of 3.6GHz and can go up to 3.9Ghz on full load. You can find the 3100 in many budget build, paired with GTX 1650 or 1650 super. Without any bottleneck, this Zen2 architecture based can pull out the full potential of any budget graphics card. For those who are still using 1st gen or 2nd gen Ryzen 3 processors. The Ryzen 3 3100 will be a brilliant upgrade.

2. Intel Core I3-10100F Or 10100

Basic Specification

Cores	4
Threads	8
Base Clock	3.6GHz
Boost Clock	4.3GHz
Architecture	Comet Lake
Socket	LGA1200
Memory frequency	2666MHz
Technology	14nm
TDP	65W

The Intel I3-10100F or 10100 is another excellent CPU for budget gaming. As I said, on the previous CPU, I3-10100 is directly competing against Ryzen 3 3100. On paper, the I3-10100 has 4-Cores and 8-Threads. All its Cores ticked at a 3.6Ghz clock rate on base and 4.3Ghz on boost. The 10100 or 10100F could be found for around $100-120. Quite the similar price compared with Ryzen 3 3100.

With that amount of money, the I3-10100 seems like an incredible value for a 4-cores chip that boosts up to 4.2Ghz. However, even though it offers a decent amount of cores and clock speed for gaming, this Comet Lake CPU has still used 14nm technology. In comparison, AMD is already at 7nm. But as 10100 has a higher boost clock speed than 3100, both perform pretty the same in gaming.

Ryzen 3 3100 Vs Intel Core I3-10100F Or 10100

Key Differences

	Ryzen 3 3100	Intel Core I3-10100F
Boost clock	3.9 GHz	4.3 GHz
Overclock	Yes	No
L1 cache	96K	64K
L2 cache	512K	256K
L3 cache	16MB	6MB
Memory speed	3200MHz	2666MHz
Technology	7nm	14nm

Mid-Range Gaming CPU And Streaming CPU

1. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

Basic Specification

Cores	4
Threads	8
Base Clock	3.8GHz
Boost Clock	4.3GHz
Architecture	Zen 2
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	up to 3200MHz
Technology	7nm
TDP	65W

Ryzen 3 3300X is falling under the budget category. But due to the high price of this CPU in the market, I had to put it in the mid-range category. Anyways, the Ryzen 3 3300X unlocks a new level of performance while still on a tight budget. With 4-Cores and 8-Threads, that can push the graphics card to its full potential. 3300X, based on Zen 2 architecture with 7nm process technology, pushes the processor at its peak performance. Moreover, the 3300X also enables the support of PCIe 4.0.

The 3300X’s base is 3.8 GHz in terms of base clock speed and can boost all 4-Cores up to 4.3 GHz. Thus, provide the best possible performance while gaming. In addition, the included Wraith Spire cooler is enough to keep the processor temperature reasonable. But still, for overclocking the CPU, you might need an aftermarket cooler. However, the low price point of this CPU makes the 3300X the best gaming CPU in the market and allows your budget for a better graphics card.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Basic Specification

Cores	6
Threads	12
Base Clock	3.6GHz
Boost Clock	4.2GHz
Architecture	Zen 2
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	up to 3200MHz
Technology	7nm
TDP	65W

The Ryzen 5 3600 is a budget-range processor in terms of gaming and productivity. At this price point, this CPU is value for money. In terms of multi-thread application performance, at the base clock speed, the 3600 beat Intel’s I5-10400, which is also more expensive than the 3600. Speaking of clock speed, the Ryzen 5 3600 tick at 3.6 GHz at stock and boosts up to 4.2 GHz.

Though in gaming, Ryzen 5 3600 is slightly underperformed than Intel’s I5-10400, but still an excellent CPU for gaming. Ryzen is known for its best in terms of productivity. If you’re looking into overclocking, the Intel processor provides a better result, but you also need better cooling for that. Which significantly increased the overall budget. On the other hand, AMD already offered a better, capable Wraith Spire cooler.

3. Intel Core I5-10400F

Basic Specification

Cores	6
Threads	12
Base Clock	2.9GHz
Boost Clock	4.3GHz
Architecture	Comet Lake
Socket	LGA1200
Memory frequency	2666MHz
Technology	14nm
TDP	65W

The Intel Core I5-10400F is an excellent alternative to Ryzen 5 3600. Both offer the same number of 6-Cores and 12-Thread. However, due to a lower TDP of 65W, the base clock of 10400F is 2.9GHz. But it has a boost clock of 4.3GHz. So, in terms of the base clock, the 3600 has an advantage over 10400F. But still, In gaming, 10400F gives you up to 5% better performance in gaming over Ryzen 5 3600. In addition, the 10400F supports hyper-threading, allowing all 12-Threads to execute any tasks simultaneously.

4. Intel Core 5-10600K

Basic Specification

Cores	6
Threads	12
Base Clock	4.1GHz
Boost Clock	4.8GHz
Architecture	Comet Lake
Socket	LGA1200
Memory frequency	2666MHz
Technology	14nm
TDP	65W

For gamers looking for a peek in gaming performance or PC enthusiasts who like to upgrade their processor without having expensive supporting components or simply like Intel’s chips over AMD, the Core i5-10600K is a solid processor with a great price point. It isn’t as fast as the AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X but has an integrated graphics processor and competitive pricing. So it’s a solid alternative.

Intel’s Core i5-10600K comes with double the Core count compared with the previous generation Core i5-9600K. It has 6-Cores and 12-Threads clocked at 4.1 GHz at base and 4.8 GHz on boost. The increased thread counts, paired with higher boost frequencies across the board, result in a much faster gameplay experience than the previous-gen Core i5. That makes this processor an excellent value for high-refresh-rate gaming.

High Budget Gaming CPU And Streaming CPU

1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Basic Specification

Cores	6
Threads	12
Base Clock	3.7GHz
Boost Clock	4.6GHz
Architecture	Zen 3
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	up to 3200MHz
Technology	7nm
TDP	65W

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X acquire a high top spot in the gaming PC market. With 6-Cores and 12-Threads at a price point of $299, the 5600X beat the Intel I5-10600K in terms of gaming and application workload. The Ryzen 5 5600X price is 50% higher than the last-gen, but it also brings an extra performance boost in gaming and application to justify the premium. In addition, the 5600 is the most power-efficient desktop processor.

The 5600X’s six cores tick at a 3.7 GHz clock rate and a boost to 4.6 GHz. Thus, providing outstanding performance in gaming and productivity. With only a 65W TDP rating, this processor runs relatively low in temperature, which also means low fan noise. The 5600X, a well-rounded processor that can handle the latest game titles to play on a high refresh rate monitor, allows you to stream as well. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the best CPU for gaming and streaming.

2. Intel Core I7-10700K

Basic Specification

Cores	8
Threads	16
Base Clock	3.8GHz
Boost Clock	5.1GHz
Architecture	Comet Lake
Socket	LGA1200
Memory frequency	2933MHz
Technology	14nm
TDP	125W

With excellent gaming performance, high overclocking performance, and reasonable cooling requirements, although lacking a bundled cooler, the Intel Core i7 sure does have a lot to offer, priced at just between $300-350. Do you care all about gaming performance, or you like to prefer Intel over AMD? Well, the core i7 10700k is a faster chip with overclocking capabilities. In terms of gaming performance, the overclocked i7 10700K matches with Intel’s flagship Core i7 11700k.

The 8-Cores and 16-Threads of this processor operate at a 3.8 GHz base and 5.1 GHz boost. Although the Core 10 gen Intel’s processors are not fast as AMD’s 5000 series, you can expect some extra performance from Intel with overclocking. It also has integrated graphics which not the case for AMD’s 5000 series processor; that’s an extra point for Intel.

3. Intel Core I9-9900K

Basic Specification

Cores	8
Threads	16
Base Clock	3.8GHz
Boost Clock	5.1GHz
Architecture	Coffee Lake
Socket	LGA1151
Memory frequency	2666MHz
Technology	14nm
TDP	95W

The Intel’s Core i9-9900k main street flagship CPU is a spirited performer no matter what you task it with. This chip is peak silicon for a new build if you don’t need the RAM bandwidth or PCI express lanes of Intel’s Core X or AMD’s Threadripper platforms. Its pros consist of having 2 more Cores in the previous top coffee lake CPU, which is a significant upgrade for those searching for good performance.

The 9900K comes with 8 Cores and 16 threads clocked at 3.6 gigahertz and 5.0 gigahertz, respectively. It also has a flamethrower for multi-thread applications while also having a 5 gigahertz peak single-core clock for single-threaded applications with an unlocked multiplier. It is the best CPU for gaming and streaming you can buy from Intel.

Ultimate Gaming And Streaming CPU

1. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

Basic Specification

Cores	6
Threads	12
Base Clock	3.8GHz
Boost Clock	4.7GHz
Architecture	Zen 3
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	up to 3200MHz
Technology	7nm
TDP	105W

Ryzen 7 5800X is an interesting CPU from AMD. It offers a great value in performance for most gamers and streamers. In terms of core count, the 5800X is sitting above the Ryzen 5 5600X. It has the same 8-Cores and 16 threads as its predecessor Ryzen 7 3700X. Capable of clocked at 3.8GHz on base and 4.7GHz on boost. Those specs are well enough for decent gaming performance in most AAA titles for the next few years.

However, the 5800X has a few problems though. Indeed, nothing wrong with the Core count and Clock speed that this CPU has. In fact, you can argue that 5800X is a sweet processor for gaming as well as streaming. The problem is its pricing. $450 is quite a bit of money, especially when you compared it with Ryzen 7 3700X. Not only 3700X, Intel’s I7-10700K, which will cost you $300-350, still share pretty much the same value on both’s specs sheets.

2. Intel Core I9-10900K

Basic Specification

Cores	10
Threads	20
Base Clock	3.7GHz
Boost Clock	5.3GHz
Architecture	Comet Lake
Socket	LGA1200
Memory frequency	2933MHz
Technology	14nm
TDP	125W

The Intel Core i9-10900K is undoubtedly one of the fastest processors in Intel’s 10th gen series. This flagship CPU packed up with 10-Cores and 20-Threads, making it a great processor for gaming, streaming, and other productivity tasks. The base clock of this CPU is 3.7 GHz. But here is a unique thing; all the 10-Cores are pre-overclocked to 4.9 GHz, which can also further boost up to 5.3 GHz.

This Intel CPU has a TDP 125W. While it seems normal like other CPUs, but on a full-load, the power consumption is drastically increased up to 250W. That’s quite a lot of power consumption. And this much TDP leads the CPU temperature higher. So for that, you have to look at a better cooling solution for this processor—preferable a liquid cooling or high profile air cooler.

3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Basic Specification

Cores	12
Threads	24
Base Clock	3.7GHz
Boost Clock	4.8GHz
Architecture	Zen 3
Socket	AM4
Memory frequency	up to 3200MHz
Technology	7nm
TDP	105W

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is currently the best gaming CPU as well as streaming CPU in the market. So thinking of gaming, streaming, or productivity tasks such as video editing or rendering, well, the 5900X offers excellent value. The Ryzen 9 5900X is recommended if you plan to gaming and streaming at the same time. It is an uncontested gaming processor in the market, but it is pretty overkilling if you prefer only gaming.

However, in productivity workloads, this chip’s 12 cores and 24 Threads chew all the workloads without any problem. Making it one of the best all-rounders. Build on the latest Zen 3 Architecture; this processor offers great features like PCIe 4.0, compatible with 500 series motherboard, excellent single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. If you are looking for the best of the best, well, the Ryzen 9 5900X is for you.

Conclusion

And that’s it. These are the best CPU for gaming and streaming you can consider buying for a new PC build or if you plan to upgrade your processor for a better gaming experience. All those budget CPUs are great for budget PC build for gaming. Also, the high-end CPU allows you to stream your gameplay as well. The price of these CPUs may vary depending on when you read this. Depending on how much your budget and requirements are, choose the right CPU.