CPU Buying Guide – September 2023

Budget Gaming - Intel

Core i3 - 13100(F)

Coming in at the bottom of the 13th gen lineup is the Intel i3-13100(F). Intel has decided to keep this as a 4 core/8 thread CPU but it still performs adequately in newer games thanks to its improved single core performance. The i3 13100(F) still suffers in productivity due to having a limited numbers of cores, but as an inexpensive entry-level CPU, it is great. The 13100(F) has support for DDR5 memory, though the pricing, performance, and availability of DDR5 memory is not worth the upgrade over DDR4. If you have the budget for DDR5, spend it on getting a better CPU like the 12600K(F).

Mainstream Gaming - AMD

Ryzen 5 - 5600G

A competitor in this price range is the 5600g, another 6 core, 12 thread CPU in the Zen 3 architecture. Better known for its iGPU performance rather than its performance as a CPU, the Vega 7 is close to being the best iGPU on a desktop CPU. This is perfect for those with needs of an inexpensive, good performing system, or need temporary graphics in times of GPU shortages.

Mainstream Gaming - Intel

Core i5 - 12400(F)

The 12400 brings Golden Cove's 10nm efficiency and performance into a very affordable mainstream offering. Just like all 12th gen i3 and i5 non-k SKUs, it features a more traditional layout without E-Cores, at 6 cores and 12 threads. Comparable to the ryzen 5600/5600X.

Mainstream Gaming - AMD

Ryzen 5 - 5600

If you're already on AMD's AM4 platform and want a great performing CPU at an even greater pricepoint, the 5600 is for you! The Ryzen 5 5600 directly competes with Intel's i5 12400F and AMD's own Ryzen 5 5600x but comes out to be a bit cheaper than both of them.

Gaming + Streaming - AMD

Ryzen 7 - 5700G

A step up from the 5600G. The ryzen 7 5700G uses the same monolithic architecture. Only differences being 2 extra cores and a better integrated graphics. Everything that applies to 5600G also applies here, just this does it better.

Gaming + Streaming - Intel

Core i5 - 12600K(F)

With 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores for a total of 10 cores and 16 threads, the 12600K is a great choice in this price range. It has great gaming and productivity performance, with a decent price. It also offers PCIe Gen 5.0 and support for DDR5. However, it requires a Z690 motherboard to get the full potential out of, and with some of them, strictly DDR5, which at their current prices, can be quite pricey. The CPU requires a decent aftermarket cooler with support for LGA 1700.

Gaming - AMD

Ryzen 5 -7600

Sticking to the tried and true 6 core 12 thread design, the Ryzen 5 7600 is a great choice that does not disappoint. While having less physical cores compared to the i5 13400F or 12600K, the Ryzen 5 7600 manages to maintain a competitive standpoint in games due having fewer but mightier cores. The Ryzen 5 7600 is fully unlocked and has an integrated iGPU that works great as a simple display-out for troubleshooting and basic office use.

Gaming + Streaming - AMD

Ryzen 7 - 5700X

The slightly cut down version of the 5800X. Everything that applies to the 5600 applies here, with the main difference being the extra 2 cores, for a total of 8 cores and 16 threads for extra productivity performance.

Productivity and Gaming - Intel

Core i7 - 12700k(F)

Yet another Alder Lake CPU making it onto the list, with 8 P-cores and 4 E-cores for a total of 12 cores and 20 threads. Like the 12600K(F), it has great overall performance for both gaming and productivity at the expense of requiring a more expensive motherboard, more expensive and effective cooling and possibly having to pay extra for DDR5.

Core i5 - 13600K(F)

Never thought I would see 14 cores on the i5 line that spent a long time with 4 cores and only recently went to 6 cores. With 6 P cores and 8 E cores, The 13600K can game very well and compete with the 12700K in productivity loads. Amazing CPU for 300USD.

Gaming + Streaming - AMD

Ryzen 7 - 5800X3D

AMD's flagship gaming processor, the 5800X3D packs as much of a punch as it has cache. The 5800X3D doesn't fare too well in productivity performance but it excels in gaming performance, matching Intel's flagship at a much lower price.

Productivity and Gaming - Intel

Core i7 - 13700K(F)

A CPU that can honestly be called a 12900K V2. The Intel i7-13700K has the same 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores of the 12900K, just with the architectural improvements of raptor lake. Capable of handling any workload you give it, whether that is a lot of code compiling or the gaming you do after you are done code compiling. It is also 200USD less than the 13900K.

Gaming + Streaming - AMD

Ryzen 7 - 7800X3D

AMD's flagship gaming processor, the 7800X3D packs as much of a punch as it has cache. The 7800X3D doesn't fare too well in productivity performance but it excels in gaming performance, matching Intel's flagship at a much lower price.

Workstation and Gaming - Intel

Core i9 - 13900KS

Ever felt your CPU isn't quite cutting it? Does the mere 16 cores from previous top end CPUs feel pitiful for your needs? Well the i9-13900K with it's 24 cores and 32 threads will hopefully wash away your worries. With those 24 cores and a boost clock of 5.8GHz, You will never struggle with rendering, video editing or Tabletop Simulator ever again. And people say money cannot buy happiness, still waiting for that gold plated box to come out.

Workstation and Gaming - AMD

Ryzen 9 - 7950x

After milking AM4 for all it has, AMD has decided enough is enough and brought out the new AM5 socket with DDR5 support. At the top end of this new socket is the Ryzen 9 7950X. With 16 cores and 32 threads, It can clock to an unheard of before from ryzen at 5.7GHz boost. The main problems of the CPU is the high price of not only the CPU, but also AM5 motherboards and DDR5 RAM. If you have the money for it however, it can be well worth your while. Also nice new box.

Ryzen 9 - 7950x3d

A shock that surprised a lot of people. AMD brought out a two CCD CPU with 3D V-Cache, but only on one of the CCDs. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is very much like 7950x, but with more gaming performance and lower power comsumption in multi core workloads. Really hard to justify this though as while you get a nice performance bump in gaming, are you really going to buy a 700usd+ CPU for just gaming? Use that money on a better GPU like a 4080.