At the heart of every computer is the central processing unit (CPU)—or more simply, the processor. Choosing the right processor in 2023 means diving into marketing jargon, overloading spec sheets, and skepticism about one brand or another. Because different CPUs perform better in different workloads, the search becomes more detailed. We can help make the process as simple as possible so you can choose the best CPU for your needs in 2023. Here's our 2023 CPU Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Desktop Processor.
Tip: If you're building a brand new desktop PC this year, check out these considerations. Building a Gaming PC Before you begin.
The most important aspects of the CPU
1. Brand
There are two main manufacturers of desktop CPUs: Intel and AMD. You may remember that Intel comfortably led the CPU market for years and was the only option for high-performance systems. AMD used to be relegated to second place, being only a reasonable option for budget and HTPC systems. But that changed in 2017 with AMD Ryzen CPUs—the two companies are now battling it out in the 2023 CPU market.
Intel's Ryzen 7000 and AMD's XNUMXth-generation CPUs are competing for the attention of desktop builders. While both brands offer multiple options across their latest and previous-generation lineups, Intel leads the pack with the most powerful and best-value products across all price segments.
2. Number of cores
One of the first things you'll notice is the number of cores in a CPU. Generally speaking, the more cores a CPU has, the more processing power it has. Most CPUs have at least four cores, which are generally adequate for basic gaming and desktop use. If you're building a new mid-range or high-end system, opt for at least a six-core CPU. But core count alone doesn't tell the story. Generational improvements in microarchitecture, core configuration, physical layout, and other factors can easily put a modern six-core CPU far ahead of the 18-core workstation CPU of just four years ago.
Ideally, you should look at current-generation components—or at least ones no more than two years old. Furthermore, gamers should always prioritize overall performance over a higher core count, while workstation and productivity users should aim for as many cores as possible within their budget.
3. Clock speed
Clock speed describes how fast the individual cores on a CPU can operate. Typically, the more cores you have, the slower the clock speed. This is why gamers and non-workstation users should value faster single-core performance over a higher core count, and vice versa for productivity users. You'll notice that AMD's fastest Threadripper CPU, the 5995WX, has a boost clock of 4.5 GHz, which is even lower than the base clock of some modern six-core chips.
For most users, clock speed is more important than core count when comparing the performance of modern CPUs. If you use your computer for gaming, work, or casual browsing, a faster CPU will be significantly better (in terms of performance and price) than one loaded with more than eight cores.
4. TDP
Thermal Design Power, or TDP, is the maximum amount of power (in watts) a CPU is designed to draw from the computer and affects the amount of heat it will generate. The lower the core count and clock speed, the lower the TDP.
But modern mainstream CPUs increasingly draw more power than earlier workstation CPUs because they generally offer better performance. The crown of power efficiency in the current generation of CPUs lies with AMD, with its Ryzen 7000 CPUs generally offering more performance per watt than Intel's XNUMXth and XNUMXth generation processors.
TDP has a limited impact when comparing different CPUs in desktop computers, as desktop CPUs are generally housed in relatively large computer cases with smaller hardware. CPU cooling Able to dissipate the resulting heat. Despite having the most efficient chips, AMD will lag behind Intel's more powerful processors in 2023.
5. Platform
The CPU platform refers to the generation of processors it belongs to and the physical socket it's compatible with. For example, Intel's 1700th and 7000th generation processors are compatible with the LGA 5 socket, while AMD's Ryzen XNUMX CPUs are the first to use AMD's new AMXNUMX socket. The CPU platform will determine the remaining upgrade path for your processor and the features it can access.
One such feature is support for the newer DDR5 memory standard. Intel and AMD offer DDR5 support on their latest processors and motherboard chipsets. Another feature is overclocking, which is much more complex when comparing the two brands. If you're comfortable overclocking your CPU and want more performance, you'll find AMD processors much more flexible.
While you can overclock AMD Ryzen CPUs with Ryzen Master on a variety of chipsets, Intel reserves overclocking for its premium and more expensive "K" CPUs. However, Intel CPUs generally offer more overclocking headroom, allowing you to get more out of their chips.
Best CPUs for Different Use Cases
Now that you know more about what to look for when buying a CPU, it's time to highlight specific CPU recommendations for different types of users.
Tip: Having a solid CPU + GPU combo is crucial to maximizing the performance of any device. Check this out. Guide For graphics card For more information on choosing a GPU in 2023.
Use Case 1: Typical User
If you're a casual user and want a computer primarily for web browsing, working from home, and occasional gaming sessions, something like the Intel Core i5-13400F or AMD Ryzen 5 7600x will be more than sufficient. Each of these six-core processors is capable of delivering decent performance for four to five years. Additionally, inexpensive aftermarket coolers will easily keep these chips cool.
Note that the previous-generation Core i5-12400 and AMD Ryzen 5 5600x cost significantly less than current-generation recommendations while being equally capable chips. The only downside to the 5600x is that it's a dead platform (AM4) with no upgrade path. This also applies to the LGA 13400-based 1700F, which is slated to be replaced when Intel's next-generation desktop CPUs are released.
Intel gives you the option to purchase the Core i5-13400F or Core i5-12400F, which do not come with integrated graphics if you want to save even more. The Ryzen 5 chips do not have integrated graphics in the 7600X or 5600X.
Use Case 2: Player
The term "gaming" is a rather vague one, as it can mean anything from CS:GO, which can run on almost anything, to Cyberpunk 2077, which barely runs well even on the most powerful hardware. For high-end gaming, our recommendation would be a Core i5-13600K or a Ryzen 7 7700X—or even a Ryzen 5 7600X. The six-core 13600K is clearly the better choice, outperforming the eight-core 7700X and six-core 7600X in gaming as well as productivity workloads, while costing significantly less. The 7700X will appeal to users looking to invest in a more affordable but upgradeable platform.
Gamers should ideally target modern 1080-core CPUs, as they're all you really need to run the most demanding games when paired with a competent GPU. With more gamers switching from 1440p to 4p—or even XNUMXK gaming resolution—gaming is becoming more GPU-dependent. You can pay more for XNUMX-core CPUs if you want your PC to double as a decent productivity system.
Finally, for those who want the fastest gaming CPUs in their builds, the Core i9-13900K, Ryzen 9 7950X, or the newer Ryzen 9 7950X3D are the chips to look for.
Use Case 3: Designer or Content Creator
For users building a dedicated PC for productivity applications like Blender, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Da Vinci Resolve, solid CPU horsepower is non-negotiable. As mentioned earlier, Intel also leads this category. The Core i9-13900K is our top pick for professional applications. While the Ryzen 9 7950X manages to win in multi-threaded workloads, it costs significantly more than the 13900K.
Again, if you value upgradability, the 7950X makes more sense. But if you want a high-end CPU with a better value and won't need to upgrade for the next three years, the i9-13900K is a solid hit. With eight performance cores and 16 efficiency cores built on Intel's hybrid microarchitecture, the 13900K is one of the easiest recommendations.
Use Case 4: Engineer or Researcher
The HEDT (High-End Desktop) class is intended for users whose work demands more performance than modern 16-core processors can provide. AMD currently has the only option for computers requiring server-grade performance in the form of its Threadripper PRO line of CPUs. These chips are among the most efficient multi-core and multi-threaded processors available, featuring core counts ranging from 16 (5955WX) to 64 (5995WX) and up to 3MB of L256 cache.
They're expensive, but they're the only option for workstation systems that require the highest possible core count. Intel currently has nothing to offer in this category, as its 10th Gen eXtreme series CPUs are outdated. When the studio behind Terminator: Dark Fate and the creator of Linux are using Threadripper, you know you're in good company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does my CPU need to support PCIe 5.0?
answer. The increased bandwidth of PCIe allows computer components such as CPUs, graphics cards, and solid-state drives to use additional PCIe lanes to communicate with each other and deliver improved performance. PCIe 5.0 doubles the total bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, doubling the performance of PCIe 3.0. While PCIe 5.0 is the fastest and most powerful PCIe standard available, computer components haven't yet begun to tap into the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0. Tests have shown that real-world performance is virtually identical between PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0, so if your CPU of choice doesn't support the latest PCIe standard yet, you shouldn't have to worry about that for at least a few years. Besides, there are hardly any PCIe 5.0 devices available.
Q2. Are Intel i3 CPUs good for gaming?
answer. Intel Core i3 processors offer leading performance in the budget category, especially among current CPUs. For example, the Core i3-13100 offers excellent performance for the dollar in its class. However, Intel i3 processors, while a great value, are still quad-core CPUs and aren't really recommended for mid-range or high-end systems. If you're building an ultra-budget build exclusively for low-end gaming, the Intel Core i3 series is a great option. While the Ryzen 5 5500 offers similar performance at a much lower price point, it lacks integrated graphics, slightly reducing its value proposition for the 13100.
Q3. Should I buy a used CPU?
answer. When it comes to computer components, the CPU is one of the safest parts to buy used. Unlike GPUs, where it's completely impossible to judge their remaining lifespan due to their potential use in cryptocurrency mining, CPUs are relatively long-lasting chips, even when overclocked. Modern CPUs have sufficient safeguards that rarely allow permanent damage to the CPU. Purchasing a used CPU should be safe and even a great deal, provided you have some kind of warranty or at least buy from a reputable source.
