Best CPU for gaming 2022: The best CPU for gaming should be fast in performance with more cores and more clocks within your budget (price range). And there are many processors in the market right now with top-notch performance. Some processors are high-end (expensive), while others are mid-range (budget-friendly). Below are the best gaming CPU this 2022.
See Also: Best Graphics Cards in 2022 for you to buy
Best CPU for gaming 2022
1. Intel Core i5 12th-Gen
The best CPU for gaming right now is the Intel Core i5 12600k. The CPU comes with a strong combination of excellent performance and affordable pricing. Below are some of the key specs of the Core i5 12-gen processor:
Intel Core i5 12th Gen Key Specifications
| Core i5 12th Gen | Specifications |
| Cores | 10 (6P + 4E) |
| Threads | 16 |
| Base Frequency | 3.7GHz (Power-core) 2.8GHz (Efficiency-core) |
| Boost Frequency | 4.9GHz (Power-core) 3.6GHz (Efficiency-core) |
| Price | $289 |
Buy Intel Core i5
| Core i5 12th Gen | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $208.90 |
| Buy on Amazon UK | £269.99 |
• See Also: Intel Core i5 12th-Gen Price, Specs, and Availability
• See Also: 5 Best Gaming Keyboards for 2022
2. Intel Core i9 12th-gen
If you are in need of a processor for serious power, overall best gaming performance, and workstation productivity, here comes the Intel Core i9 12900k. The Core i9 12th-gen is the best CPU to get both for multi-threaded tasks and for single-threaded performance.
Intel Core i9 12th Gen Key Specifications
| Core i9 12th Gen | Specifications |
| Cores | 18 (8P + 8E) |
| Threads | 24 |
| Base Frequency | 3.2GHz (Power-core) 2.4GHz (Efficiency-core) |
| Boost Frequency | 5.2GHz (Power-core) 3.9GHz (Efficiency-core) |
| Price | $589 |
Buy Intel Core i9 12th Gen
| Core i9 12th Gen | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $579.50 |
| Buy on Amazon UK | £559.98 |
3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is the overall best value performing CPU for gamers to buy. Considering the tasks and workloads it can carry, the $498 processor is a worthy one to get. And when paired with high-end video cards on the market like an RTX 3080 or the Radeon RX 6800 XT, you can expect nothing but excellent performance.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Key Specifications
| Ryzen 9 5900X | Specifications |
| Cores | 12 |
| Threads | 24 |
| Base Frequency | 3.7GHz |
| Boost Frequency | 4.8GHz |
| Price | $498 |
Buy AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
| Ryzen 9 5900X | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $498.96 |
| Buy on Amazon UK | £449.99 |
4. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
If you are looking for a very cheap gaming processor, then you should consider getting the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU. Although it is not as powerful as the Intel Core i5 12600K, however, It’s one of the most power-efficient chips on the market to buy.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Key Specifications
| Ryzen 5 5600X | Specifications |
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Base Frequency | 3.7GHz |
| Boost Frequency | 4.6GHz |
| Price | $249 |
Buy AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
| Ryzen 5 5600X | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $329.00 |
| Buy on Amazon UK | £233.99 |
• See Also: Best Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti Laptop 2022 for you to buy
• See Also: 5 Best Gaming Mouse for 2022
5. Intel Core i5 12400
The Intel Core i5 12400 processor is for those on a tight budget. It is an entry-level CPU that is not overly special but, It’s a modest CPU to consider for budget gaming builds in 2022.
Intel Core i5 12400 Key Specifications
| Core i5 12400 | Specifications |
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Base Frequency | 2.5GHz |
| Boost Frequency | 4.5GHz |
| Price | $208 |
Buy Intel Core i5 12400
| Core i5 12400 | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $208.90 |
| Buy on Amazon UK | £184.98 |
Best CPU for Gaming 2022: Conclusion
In summary, the Intel Core i5 12-gen (Intel Core i5 12600k) processor is our overall best CPU to get at the moment. Meanwhile, knowing that the market moves so fast, new releases from AMD and even Intel are around the corner. So we keep updating this page to add the latest and better CPUs as they are being announced over time.
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