10 Best Processors for Gaming in 2020 from AMD and Intel Core

In the article, we answer the question of which processor is the best for games for in 2020. Compiled a rating of the best models from AMD and Intel Core for a computer in descending order of price / performance. This means that in the selection we did not stupidly show the most expensive processors, but honestly compared models with an ideal price-quality ratio and high performance. We get the most out of our investments with a power reserve for the future. The processors are tested with modern games.

Let's move on to the main question: Which processor is better than Intel Core or AMD Ryzen. In 2020, the obvious answer is Ryzen... Because with almost the same FPS in games, prices vary significantly.
Let's briefly consider what frequency and how many cores / threads a good modern processor should have.

Go directly to the processor rating =>

What to look for when choosing a processor?

When buying a processor for computer games, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• socket type... There are AM1, AM4, TR4, LGA 1151 and LGA Each of the options is designed to determine the generation of processors and motherboards. For example, socket AM4 allows assemblies with AMD Ryzen processors for any budget and need;
• clock frequency... This parameter displays the rate of data computation per second. Directly affects the performance of the device. Measured in gigahertz;
• number of threads and cores... For modern gaming computers, the minimum figure should be 4 cores and 8 threads. This parameter will allow you to cope with most of the tasks, but it is better to give preference to the ratio 6-12. CPUs with such indicators are more expensive and process data faster;
• bus frequency... Depends on the PC system bus and data exchange rate. Also has a huge impact on performance;
• memory cache... Equipped with several levels and is responsible for the exchange of information between the RAM and the microprocessor;
• integrated video chip... Most modern processors are equipped with integrated graphics chips. Elements act as a worthy alternative to budget graphics cards. Some models offer high performance in undemanding games;
• manufacturer... There are products from AMD and Intel. Each of the options supplies models with a lot of unique features to the international market. In terms of the main differences, AMD specializes in developing budget models with powerful integrated graphics and a lot of cores. Intel products belong to the more expensive price segment. Their models are characterized by high performance with minimal energy consumption.

Rating of the best processors for games price / quality

The ranking of the best gaming processors of 2020 was based on expert opinion and customer reviews. Performance metrics, core count and clock speed were also taken into account during compilation. All processors in the selection are good, choose the one that suits your budget.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a microchip with an ideal quality / price ratio. Due to its excellent technical characteristics, the computing element sets it apart from the general background of the line. The main distinguishing feature of the CPU is the new Zen 2 architecture, which has a huge impact on system performance.

The gaming power of the processor is determined by an increase in IPC within 15%. This is what allowed the Ryzen 5 3600 to overtake the previous generation of the line in performance and efficiency.The microchip with 6 cores and 12 threads is clocked at 3.6 GHz. If necessary, you can accelerate to 4.2 GHz. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 connects to socket AM4. With its affordable cost and decent performance, the processor is a worthy alternative to powerful Intel CPUs.

The computational element allows you to play the following games in high definition:

• Metro: Exodus;
• Red Dead Redemption 2;
• The Outer Worlds.

Benefits:

• high clock frequency;
• Zen 2 architecture;
• high performance of one core;
• nice price;
• the presence of the Wraith Stealth cooling system.

The model in question is a more advanced version of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor. The main distinguishing feature from its predecessor is a higher clock speed. This 6-core microchip with 12 threads operates at 3.8 GHz. Overclocking the base frequency is possible up to 4.4 GHz. Just like its predecessor, the CPU fits AM4 socket.

The computing element has a more powerful cooler and provides the system with high performance. However, despite the speed and the presence of a similar ZEN 2 architecture, the processor is inferior to the Ryzen 5 3600 model, since the original has an original quality-price ratio.

Benefits:

• overclocking capability up to 4.4 GHz;
• more powerful coolers;
• high performance;
• decent base frequency.

Disadvantages:

• overpriced.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is one of the best gaming processors thanks to its great performance and very low cost. Like the newer generation, the Ryzen 5 2600 is equipped with the powerful Wraith Stealth cooling system, 6 cores and 12 threads. The only weak point is the lack of Zen 2 architecture, as well as the rather low clock speed and overclocking - 3.4 GHz and 3.9 GHz, respectively.

Despite the relatively low performance, the processor in question is able to compete with the advanced models of the Intel series. This is primarily due to the low cost and high FPS in most modern games.

Benefits:

• incredibly low cost;
• high level of performance of one core;
• availability of a Wraith Stealth cooler.

Disadvantages:

• weak base frequency.

The Intel Core i5 8400 is pretty much on par with the previous processor in terms of performance, core count and overclocking capabilities. However, the product has a higher cost and a lower base frequency of 2.8 GHz. Also, the considered option works on only 6 threads, which will significantly reduce the system performance. The item connects to an LGA 1151 v2 socket.

Unlike the previous microchip, the Intel Core i5 8400 is equipped with a rather weak cooling system. When buying, you should pay attention to the lack of Hyper Threading technology, which negatively affects the system's power. In addition, Intel's lineup lacks backward compatibility for new CPUs.

Benefits:

• the presence of 6 cores;
• high bitframe in games;
• overclocking capability up to 4 GHz;

Disadvantages:

• lack of HyperThreading;
• weak cooling system;
• overpriced.

As in the case of the Intel Core i5 8400, this model provides exceptionally pure gaming performance, but the cost of the product is almost several times higher than that of its predecessor. The only significant advantage is the possibility of strong overclocking - up to 4.6 GHz.

The microprocessor of 6 cores operates on 12 threads with a base frequency of 4.7 GHz.The Coffee Lake chip is responsible for providing a high level of multi-threaded performance. However, to achieve maximum overclocking and high efficiency, as in the Ryzen 5 line, the user will need to get a powerful Z390 motherboard.

Supports the following games perfectly:

• The Outer Worlds;
• Apex legends;
• Warhammer: Vermintide 2.

Benefits:

• the highest acceleration;
• decent base frequency;
• high performance;
• powerful cooler.

An incredibly powerful 12-core processor, divided into 24 threads and equipped with Zen 2 architecture. Thanks to this, the computational element can easily cope with all demanding tasks. The modular architecture topology allows the dual chipsets to overclock up to 4.6 GHz. This approach ensures maximum performance in games.

Another advantage is the ability to connect to the AM4 universal socket. Thanks to this, the user does not need to spend a lot of money on a high-end board.

Benefits:

• one of the fastest processors in the Ryzen line;
• overclocking capability up to 4.6 GHz;
• support for PCIe 0 based solid state drives.

Disadvantages:

• transcendental cost.

This is a striking representative of the optimal balance of excellent quality and high performance in the Ryzen 7 line. This processor belongs to the mid-price segment and is in many ways superior to its predecessor 2700X in terms of efficiency. In this case, the calculation element needs much less power.

The microchip is in many ways similar to the reviewed Intel variants, but it differs in a higher cost. The CPU provides good performance in demanding games. Accelerates up to 4.4 GHz. The base frequency is 3.6 GHz. Easy to handle games:

• AC Odyssey;
• Battlefield 5;
• Borderlands 3.

Benefits:

• good overclocking;
• high multi-threaded performance;
• the presence of 8 cores;
• acceptable price.

Disadvantages:

• rather low clock speed for the price segment.

At the moment, the intel core i9 9900K is the most efficient microchip for gaming, but due to the excessively high cost, it is not in wide demand. Otherwise, the 8-core, 16-thread chipset is ideal for a powerful graphics card. The computing element is capable of accelerating up to 5 GHz, while the base figure is only 3.6 GHz.

The CPU only fits the LGA 1151 v2 socket. A distinctive feature is the ability to use games with high frame rates in 4K mode. The processor supports 4K projects:

• Battlefield 5;
• Assassins Creed Odyssey;
• Forza horizon 4.

Benefits:

• the highest data processing speed;
• great for all demanding games;
• accelerates to 5 GHz.

Disadvantages:

• transcendental cost.

The processor in question has good performance characteristics, which are due to 8 cores, 8 threads and the ability to overclock up to 5.1 GHz. Intel Core i7 9700F cleverly balances parameters and performance, but the lack of Hyper Threading technology largely undermines the power of the system.

Despite the lack of an efficient cooling system, the microprocessor can easily handle demanding games. The Intel Core i7 9700F performs well when paired with an RTX 2080 TI graphics card. It copes well with the following games:

• Red Dead Redemption 2;
• Metro Exodus;
• Battlefield 5.

Benefits:

• overclocking capability up to 5.1 GHz;
• suitable for rtx 2080 ti graphics card;
• good performance;

Disadvantages:

• ineffective cooling.

Closing the ranking of the best microchips for gaming is the 4-core model Ryzen 3 3300x with 8 threads, clocked at 3.8 GHz. If necessary, the product can be overclocked to 4.3 GHz. The main advantage of the microchip is its relatively low cost. However, the model cannot offer as high performance as its predecessors.

A distinctive feature is the even distribution of 16 MB of cache across all available cores. Also worth noting is the Zen 2 architecture. If necessary, thanks to the unlocked multiplier, the user can overclock the processor above the presented limit.

Benefits:

• low cost;
• overclocking capability up to 4.3 GHz - excellent for a budget CPU;
• acceptable performance;
• even distribution of the cache.

Disadvantages:

• low processing speed.

Video: How to Choose the Right PC Processor