Best Intel CPU for Gaming in 2024: Top Picks

Are you looking for the Conclusive Gaming Experience? First, the CPU you choose will Define or Destroy your playing experiences, whether you’re building a hefty gaming PC or choosing the internals for a sleek new gaming laptop.

This year in 2024, Intel’s processor options are stronger than they’ve ever been, so we have the best offerings for all types of gamers, from powerful desktop players to portable laptop players. In the guide below, we’ll examine which Intel processor will bolster your gaming performance to guarantee you stay ahead of the curve game after game, so let’s get going!

You’ve made the investment, now the best gaming experience deserves the best Intel CPU for your desktop or laptop setup!

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gaming CPU

Factor	Description	Why It Matters
Core and Thread Count	Refers to the number of cores and threads in the CPU.	More cores and threads enhance gaming and multitasking performance.
Clock Speed and Overclocking	Clock speed measures how many operations a CPU can perform per second; overclocking enhances this speed.	Higher clock speeds improve game performance; overclocking offers potential for further enhancements.
Price-to-Performance Ratio	Balances the cost of the CPU against the performance benefits it provides.	Ensures you get the best value for your money, avoiding overspending on unnecessary power or underpowering your needs.
Compatibility	Involves CPU’s fit with other system components like motherboard socket and chipset.	Prevents compatibility issues that can affect performance or prevent the system from functioning.
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	Indicates the maximum heat a CPU generates and affects cooling requirements.	Higher TDP requires more robust cooling solutions, impacting overall system cost and complexity.

Top Intel Gaming CPUs for Gaming

Gaming CPU Benchmarks

CPU Model	Game Example	Resolution	Settings	Average FPS	Notes
Desktop CPUs
Intel Core i3-13100F	Fortnite	1080p	Medium	110 FPS	Great for budget gaming setups
Intel Core i5-13400	Shadow of the Tomb Raider	1080p	High	95 FPS	Excellent mid-range performance
Intel Core i7-14700K	Cyberpunk 2077	1440p	High	60 FPS	Handles demanding games well
Intel Core i9-13900K	Red Dead Redemption 2	4K	Ultra	65 FPS	Ideal for high-res, high settings
Laptop CPUs
Intel Core i9-13900HK	The Witcher 3	1080p	Ultra	100 FPS	Desktop-like performance in laptops
Intel Core i7-13700H	GTA V	1080p	Very High	90 FPS	Balanced for performance and efficiency
Intel Core i5-13500H	League of Legends	1080p	High	140 FPS	Sufficient for casual gaming

Top Intel Gaming CPUs for Desktops

Intel offers a range of CPUs that cater to different segments of gamers, from entry-level enthusiasts to hardcore players. Here’s a detailed look at the top Intel gaming CPUs for desktops across various performance levels:

Entry-Level Choice: Intel Core i3-13100F

• Features: The Core i3-13100F is a four-core CPU with eight threads, with a base clock of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.5 GHz. It does not come with integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.
• Performance Benchmarks: The i3-13100F is ideal for gaming at 1080p with medium settings, often performing the best in titles that do not require a multitude of cores, such as almost all eSports games.
• Price: Priced around $120-$140, it is an excellent budget option for gaming.

Mid-Range Choice: Intel Core i5-13400 and Core i7-14700K

• Intel Core i5-13400
  • Features: This CPU features a 10-core layout (composed of 6 P-cores coupled with 4 E-cores) as well as 16 threads and supports a boost clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz. It integrates Intel UHD Graphics 730.
  • Performance Benchmarks: Provides good performance for both 1080p and 1440p gaming and handles current games well.
  • Price: Around $250-$270.
• Intel Core i7-14700K
  • Features: Comprises of 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 24 threads, with a maximum turbo frequency of 5.1 GHz. Also possesses Intel UHD Graphics 770.
  • Performance Benchmarks: Very good for higher end gaming and multitasking, supporting 1440p and even some 4K gaming.
  • Price: Typically priced between $350-$400.

High-End Choice: Intel Core i9-13900K

• Features: Its attributes and characteristics include a 24-core (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) setup, with a clock jump speed of 5.4 GHz, while prominently including Intel UHD Graphics 770.
• Performance Benchmarks: It delivers exceptional performance for 4K gaming, demanding applications, and productivity; exceptional performance.
• Price: Generally available for around $600-$650.

Best Intel Gaming CPUs for Laptops

Selecting the right CPU for a gaming laptop involves balancing performance with thermal and power efficiency to ensure sustained gameplay without overheating.

High-End Choice: Intel Core i9-13900HK

• Features: Offers 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, with high turbo frequencies for peak performance.
• Benchmarks: Delivers desktop-like performance in games and heavy applications.
• Power Consumption: High power draw but managed well with advanced cooling solutions typically found in premium gaming laptops.

At GEEKOM, you can even buy a mini PC with Intel Core i9-13900H with a water cooling system! Even though it can’t be overclocked, it already crushes most of the laptops and solves the problem of computer cooling very well!

Mid-Range Choice: Intel Core i7-13700H

• Performance: Delivers strong performance with capacity to run nearly all modern games at high settings, balancing power against efficiency.
• Power Efficiency: Designed for longer battery life compared to more powerful graphics cards, making it a great option for gamers who want to combine performance with portability.

Entry-Level Choice: Intel Core i5-13500H

• Ideal for Casual Gamers: The performance is solid and adequate for most contemporary games settled at higher settings with a good tradeoff of power versus efficiency.
• Performance and Price: Optimized for a more reasonable battery life than the high-end models, making a helpful system for gamers who need battery life and performance.

Performance Benchmarks and Thermal Analysis

• Comparison in Various Gaming Scenarios: High-end CPUs (the i9-13900HK as an example) perform exceptionally well under heavy workloads, where mid- and low-range CPUs offer more-than-sufficient performance for the average player.
• Thermal and Power Efficiency: High-end CPUs require solid cooling solutions as they generate more heat, while mid-range and low-end CPUs tend to draw less power and create less heat, allowing for thin-and-light laptops.

Budget Gaming CPUs (Price Range: $100-$150)

While there are various CPUs that can satisfy that requirement for gaming, the price becomes paramount for those gamers who are on a tight budget. If your budget is $100 – $150, a selection of Intel and AMD processors can offer a reasonably good gaming experience with a good discrete graphics card.

This section will detail what would constitute a good budget CPU, briefly summarize pros or cons of the CPU itself, and detail what gaming experience you can get from this performance in your gaming setup.

Top Budget CPUs for Gaming

1. Intel Core i3-10100F
   • Core/Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads
   • Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz (base) to 4.3 GHz (boost)
   • TDP: 65W
   • Features: This processor provides great single-core performance, essential for gaming. It didn’t come with integrated graphics, so you’ll need to buy a discrete GPU to use with it. This can be beneficial as it allows you to choose a graphics card that matches your performance needs and budget, without paying for integrated graphics that you won’t use.
2. AMD Ryzen 3 3100
   • Core/Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads
   • Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz (base) to 3.9 GHz (boost)
   • TDP: 65W
   • Features: As with the Intel option, the Ryzen CPU offers strong performance, especially when simultaneous multi-threading is used. It works well with cheap motherboards, like the B450 chipset, helping to keep the overall costs down.

Matching CPUs with Suitable Graphics Cards

To extract the maximum performance from these budget CPUs, pairing them with the right graphics card is essential. Here are some recommendations:

• For Intel Core i3-10100F: A viable graphics card option for this CPU is either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT. Both cards provide respectable performance in modern games at 1080p, and they offer a very good balance with the i3 without the risk of bottlenecking the GPU.
• For AMD Ryzen 3 3100: A viable pairing would be either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super or an AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card. These two cards would provide ample grunt in most modern games at medium to high settings and give acceptable frame rates.

Considerations for Budget Gaming Builds

• Motherboard Compatibility: As the compatibility of the motherboard is merely based on the socket of the CPU and the chipset, it is important to find an affordable CPU with good features; AMD’s B450 or Intel’s B460 motherboard.
• Future Upgrades: Think about any future potential upgrades for both your CPU and motherboard. Budget level CPU should be good enough now, but in a few year, you may want to upgrade. The motherboard with a newer chipset may allow for greater upgrade potential on CPU.
• Balance Your Build: It is important to have balanced components for a build to minimize the chances of bottlenecks. An example of this could be to avoid getting a high end GPU for a low-end CPU; it will not use the full potential of the graphics card.

Entry-Level Gaming CPUs

Entry-level processors such as the Intel Core i3-12100 or AMD Ryzen 3 4300G can handle basic computing tasks just fine – such as web browsing, streaming videos or general office productivity.

In terms of gaming, entry level processors can perform adequately (and reliably) well for less demanding games i.e. non-demanding communing system requirements, as a pleasant experience at lower settings and resolution.

These are the better entry level CPU options that can still provide satisfactory performance in moderate light gaming environments and possibly work with your current gaming conditions.

Top Entry-Level CPUs for Gaming

1. Intel Core i3-12100
   • Core/Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads
   • Clock Speed: 3.3 GHz (base) up to 4.3 GHz (boost)
   • Integrated GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 730
   • Features: For entry-level use, the i3-12100 is a star performer with amazing single-core performance, which is particularly important for gaming. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730 can handle light gaming, which is useful for gamers who are not ready to pay for a discrete GPU.
2. AMD Ryzen 3 4300G
   • Core/Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads
   • Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz (base) up to 4.0 GHz (boost)
   • Integrated GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
   • Features: This APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) from AMD offers decent CPU performance while providing good integrated graphics performance if you want to play less demanding games with a smooth performance at lower resolutions.

Performance in Basic Tasks

Entry-level CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 3-4300G and Intel Core i3-12100 are well-suited for basic computing tasks, including web browsing, social viewing, and handling office productivity, which are actually straight -forward capability at this performance category.

In gaming, they probably still perform reasonably well in old games or light -weight more recent games, certainly fun -you may not be able to turn up settings or resolution as high as with a quick processor, but the games will probably still be fun.

Compatibility with Current Gaming Setups

One thing to keep in mind when selecting a entry level CPU would be which motherboard is compatible with it. For example, the CPU above requires a specific socket than the other.

• Intel Core i3-12100: Supports LGA 1700 Socket Motherboards. It can be used with Intel 600 series chipsets, which are loaded with the latest and greatest. This option will be future proof and fit within most budgets.
• AMD Ryzen 3 4300G: Fits in an AM4 Socket. You have a wide variety of motherboards to choose from, everything from A320 all the way to B550 and X570, with a plethora of budget and feature choices available.

Considerations for Entry-Level Gaming Builds

• Future Upgrades: Entry-level CPUs are a good starting point, but consider your upgrade path. Both Intel and AMD offer easy upgrade options within the same motherboard ecosystem, so you can move to a higher-end CPU as your needs grow.
• Memory Support: Got Your Memory and Storage Upgrades Covered. Be sure your motherboard supports the latest memory standards like DDR4 or DDR5, which will give you better speed and overall system performance.
• Cooling and Power Requirements: Skimps by on Power and Quiet. Entry level CPUs use less power and are generally more efficient and cooler than mid-range or higher.

CPUs in the entry-level segment are an excellent choice for players who are new to gaming or who are looking into lower-power integrated graphics. Entry-level CPUs are the best value available right now, as entry-level CPUs provides sufficient headroom for adding new components, tools, hardware, upgrades, or whatever you may need next, including upgrades within budget.

Mid-Range Gaming CPUs (Price Range: $250-$300)

Mid-range CPUs have all of a sudden become the best value part of the market. Midrange CPUs have a good balance of however you define, cost versus performance. Mid-range CPUs are perfect for that gamer who wants to game casually and not get into that category where price brackets somehow begin to be compromised. Consider a Model like our best overall, The Intel Core i5-13400 and the Core i7-12700K. Both are good prices and are already proving worth their pricing into their performance.

Intel Core i5-13400

• Core/Threads: 10 cores (6 Performance-cores, 4 Efficient-cores), 16 threads
• Clock Speed: Up to 4.6 GHz boost
• Integrated GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 730
• Features: The i5-13400 is a significant step forward from its predecessors because of its hybrid architecture, which provides a good balance of efficiency cores and power cores. This CPU handles modern games well and easily handles circumstances where users demand the system to multitask, for example, streaming and gaming simultaneously.

Intel Core i7-14700K

• Core/Threads: 16 cores (8 Performance-cores, 8 Efficient-cores), 24 threads
• Clock Speed: Up to 5.1 GHz boost
• Integrated GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 770
• Features: The i7-14700K is an absolute beast. You should consider this if you are an enthusiast who requires more from your mid-range setup. It excels in productivity and gaming with fast clock speeds and more cores. Because of its core count, clock speed, additional cores, etc., this will make any scenario much more efficient for gaming and other uses needing better performance.

Compatibility with Current Motherboards and Memory Technologies

It is worthwhile to note that both CPU’s will operate with LGA 1700 socket motherboards, fully supporting Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets, meaning there is a good chance you will not be difference in experience between motherboard features, such as PCIe 4.0 and eventually 5.0 USB 3.2 will come with our -4 support and so on.

As mentioned again, chips support the new DDR5 memory, so unless you have a ton of unused DDR4 chips turned upside down in a computer box what you use.

High-End Gaming CPUs (Price Range: $500 and above)

For gamers and professionals who demand peak performance and are willing to invest in top-tier hardware, high-end CPUs like the Intel Core i9-13900K offer the ultimate gaming experience.

Intel Core i9-13900K

• Core/Threads: 24 cores (8 Performance-cores, 16 Efficient-cores), 32 threads
• Clock Speed: Up to 5.4 GHz boost
• Integrated GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 770
• Features: The Core i9-13900K is designed for extreme performance scenarios, including high-resolution gaming, VR, and content creation. It delivers exceptional multitasking capabilities and can handle the most demanding games and software without compromise.

Importance of DDR4 vs. DDR5 Memory Options and Memory Throughput

• DDR4 vs. DDR5: The decision between DDR4 and DDR5 can have a notable impact on the performance of a system. DDR5 has higher data rates and improved power efficiency, but it also comes at a cost. High-end CPUs, such as the i9-13900K, can maximize the potential of DDR5’s performance with its increased bandwidth and speeds, boosting responsiveness and gaming performance.
• Memory Throughput: High-end CPUs optimize memory throughput, which can help sustain high frame rates and smooth performance in games that have complex scenes and harmful graphical settings.

For avid gamers desiring the highest level of simulation and wanting to be able to enjoy upcoming gaming applications and experiences without the need to upgrade their pc gaming gear immediately afterward, spending more money on the best CPU available and matching that with the latest DDR5 memory will guarantee that you are able to tackle all of your future gaming desires.

Intel vs AMD Gaming CPUs

When selecting a gaming CPU, understanding the offerings from Intel and AMD across various price points and their respective technological strengths is crucial. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Performance Across Price Points

Price Range	Intel Model	AMD Model	Key Performance Notes
Budget	Intel Core i3	AMD Ryzen 3	Intel excels in single-threaded tasks; AMD offers better multi-threading
Mid-Range	Intel Core i5-13400	AMD Ryzen 5 5600X	Competitive performance; Intel has higher clock speeds, AMD better at multi-threading
High-End	Intel Core i9-13900K	AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Intel leads in high-frequency gaming; AMD offers better core counts for multitasking

Technological Strengths and Weaknesses

Technology	Intel Raptor Lake (13th Gen)	AMD Zen 3 Architecture
Core Design	Hybrid core design with improved power efficiency	Significant IPC gains, unified L3 cache improves efficiency
Performance Focus	High single-thread performance for gaming	Robust multi-threading capabilities for gaming and professional workloads
Efficiency	Enhanced by increased E-core counts and cache sizes	Reduced latency and improved efficiency through cache design

Shopping Tips for Gaming CPUs

Purchasing a gaming CPU requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that you get the best match for your needs and budget.

Understanding Specifications

• Cores and Threads: More cores and threads can improve performance in multitasking and content creation, while higher clock speeds benefit games that rely on single-thread performance.
• Cache Size: Larger cache sizes can help with faster data access, improving gaming and application performance.
• TDP (Thermal Design Power): Knowing the TDP can help you determine the cooling solutions needed for your system.

Evaluating Alternatives

• Compare Benchmarks: Look at gaming benchmarks for the CPUs you’re considering, especially how they perform in the games you play.
• Check Reviews: User and expert reviews can provide insights into real-world performance and potential issues like heat generation or power consumption.

Selecting CPUs Based on System Compatibility and Needs

• Motherboard Compatibility: Ensure the CPU is compatible with your motherboard’s socket and chipset. Otherwise, you may need a new motherboard.
• Future-Proofing: Consider how long you intend to keep your CPU. More cores and newer architectures might offer better longevity.

Timing Purchases

• New Releases: Buying just after a new CPU release can get you the latest technology, but prices may be high. Sometimes, previous-generation CPUs drop in price following a new launch.
• Sales Events: Look for discounts during major sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school seasons, which can significantly reduce costs.

By carefully considering these aspects, you can choose a gaming CPU that offers the best performance for your specific gaming and computing needs, ensuring a balanced and future-ready gaming system.

Comparative Analysis with AMD Alternatives

High-end processors and the latest DDR5 memory are intended for gamers who want to prepare for future gaming without needing to upgrade for some time.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs. Intel Core i7-14700K

• Performance Benchmarks: Ryzen 7 7800X3D generally dominates the i7-14700K. We see improved gaming performance based on AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, which increases data access speeds up with cache and is highlighted in various gaming workloads.
• Overclocking Results: Intel CPUs are known for their more significant overclocking benefits, and while the 7800X3D may not offer extensive tweaks, its base performance means it can still compare.
• Thermal Performance: AMD 7800X3D CPUs tend to run cooler under load compared to Intel CPUs. The combination of both advanced and header design helps the 7800X3D utilize an efficient cache, which is the hardest challenge with thermal in the 7nm of history.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs. Intel Core i9-13900K

• Performance Benchmarks: The performance of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is very strong in multi-threaded applications, and it shows excellent gaming performance, sometimes matching or slightly better than CPU-intensive applications than the i9-13900K.
• Overclocking Results: The i9-13900K features the potential to overclock, and has a larger overclocking headroom for the enthusiasts who demand the most of their performance.
• Thermal Performance: The i9-13900K draws higher power than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D at stock settings, and overclocking will generate additional heat, so the thermals require more cooling.

What to Expect from Future Intel and AMD Releases

As both Intel and AMD continue to innovate in the CPU market, upcoming releases are anticipated to bring significant advancements in processing power, efficiency, and specialized gaming capabilities.

Upcoming Technologies and Innovations

• Intel: Intel is expected to further develop its hybrid architecture with improved E-core designs and enhanced AI capabilities, potentially introducing more adaptable and power-efficient processors.
• AMD: AMD is likely to continue refining its 3D V-Cache technology and push the boundaries of its Zen architecture, possibly introducing features that enhance AI-driven tasks and real-time ray tracing performance.

Predictions on Gaming Performance Impact

• Increased Core Efficiency: Future CPUs will likely focus on per-core efficiency improvements, which could lead to better gaming performance, especially in CPU-bound scenarios.
• Enhanced Multi-Threading: As games become more complex, the ability to efficiently handle multiple threads will become increasingly important, favoring CPUs with strong multi-threading capabilities.
• AI and Ray Tracing: Both Intel and AMD are expected to integrate more advanced AI and ray tracing technologies directly into their CPUs, enhancing gaming visuals and performance without solely relying on GPU power.

Conclusion

Intel and AMD continue to battle it out in the CPU market, offering strong choices for every gaming category. Currently, both companies have extremely robust CPUs being offered in the market place as they fight to maintain their competitive position, including Intel’s i7-14700K and i9-13900K, while also presenting AMD’s 7 7800X3D and 7950X3D, while still offering differing performance profiles, performance scalability when overclocked, and handling heat. ​

In this context, when considering both options, it must be stated that Intel provides users with better room for overclocking, while AMD comes out on top on gaming scenario ratings in gaming when their CPUs are trying to capitalize performance gains from 3D V-cache performance gains while delivering better efficiency and cooler on CPU build.

Besides the general observation outlined above and indicated as/after using. AMD has established the CPU’s better efficiency capacity within the CPU, and it stands to reason you should expect CPUs to become increasingly efficient in the in the future while integrating processes utilizing efficiency with some of the emerging improvements, including AI and real-time ray tracing, to bring more to the modern-day gamer experience. ​

There is the same outlook for Intel and AMD as they expand their architectural efficiency CPU capabilities with likely next-generation offerings, including improved performance and efficiency, as these continue improvement in energy efficiency as a benefit to future both games. Specifically, you should expect that your future gaming CPUs will not only provide efficiency to gaming as it is now, they will provide even enhanced performance for improving gaming technologies as they arise and once on the gaming landscape. ​

Ultimately, it comes down to their performance capacity requirements, their price range, and prosecution, which in both technologies did I like better on each company and their product offerings, depending on what is best for the future overall in gaming. To conclude, there is no better time for the consumer. The consumer benefits from the need for competition amongst AMD and Intel, which should yield better overall power, efficiency, and next-generation features integrated and blended into their gaming, both in computing and gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions