Best Processor for Gaming - New CPU for 2014
Best Rated Processors for Gaming
This lens is a one stop guide and review of the best CPU for gaming in 2014. If you're a gamer, then you know that your computer's processor is second only to its graphics card.
Now that I've written about the overall best CPU of 2014 I thought I would take a secondary approach and show those CPU which allow gamers to achieve peak performance and overclocking. Not all games require a super expensive CPU so I've made sure to feature a few budget gaming processors at different price points so that you can get the best bang for your buck.
Best Intel and AMD Gaming CPU Processors 2014
If you're looking at raw performance, then the i7-3970x takes the cake. It gives you about a 40% increase in overall performance vs. the previous socket 1366 extreme processor the i7-990x. CPU Benchmarks also show that that the i7-3930k is nearly as fast at around 55% of the overall total cost.
Despite how tempting it is to purchase these CPU they are more than what most gamers need and are willing to spend on a CPU. Probably the most popular CPU among gamers in 2011 was the i5-2500k and in 2012 the i5-3570k. In the $200 price range Intel's unlocked i5 processors give you all the in-game performance you need without costing you a fortune. AMD builders will happy to know that the AMD FX-8350 (Piledriver) is also a very improved AMD option in this price range.
While it doesn't have hyperthreading like the i7 models, it's perfectly capable of stable overclocking well in excess of 4.0GHz. Reputable sites like Tom's Hardware argue that diminishing returns - for in game performance - beyond the $200 price point make the i5-2500k or i5-2400 the ideal gaming CPU.
Beyond the $200 price point you should probably take a look at 2 more processors, the Ivy Bridge i7-3770k and the Sandy Bridge-e i7-3820. The i7-3770k is unlocked for overclocking while the i7-3820, which uses socket 2011 rather than socket 1155, gives you more cache and a higher standard operating frequency. Both are compatible with PCIe 3.0 as long as you use an Ivy Bridge or socket 2011 motherboard (Gen3 socket 1155 Sandy Bridge motherboards are also PCIe 3.0 compatible).
Budget gamers can find quite a bit of performance with a CPU like the i3-3220 or the AMD FX 4100 or 6100. The original Bulldozer FX 8120 is also quite the deal now that it's come down to under $150.
Top 10 Gaming CPU for 2014 - #1. Intel i5-3570k
#2. AMD FX-8350 (Piledriver)
#3. i7-3770k Ivy Bridge
#4 AMD FX-6300 (Piledriver)
#5 i7-3930k (Sandy Bridge-e)
#6 AMD A10-5800K (Trinity)
#7 i3-3225 (Ivy Bridge)
#8 Phenom II X4 965
#10 i7-3960x (Sandy Bridge-e)
2014 Gaming CPU Poll - Vote for the Best
The order of this list is constantly updated / changing. You're vote ultimately influences the list above.
What CPU do you plan on purchasing in 2013.
PC Gaming News and Information
If you didn't find what you were looking for here, then here's a few other articles that you might find interesting.
- Best Gaming CPU 2013
A look at the top 10 most popular processors for gaming. - Bestselling Gaming Processors 2013
Another short post on the 10 bestselling CPU for 2012.
I hope you've enjoyed this lens featuring the best gaming cpu of 2012 - 2013. If you have, then you can support me by visiting my other lenses or leaving a comment in the reader feedback section below. Also, if I've missed something, then please be sure to list the model of your favorite CPU so that I can feature it for those who read this page after you. Your comments help to keep this lens fresh and up-to-date.