Choosing the right processor for gaming and streaming can be the difference between a smooth, immersive experience or a frustrating one with lag and crashes. In 2024, processors are more powerful and efficient than ever, handling 4K gaming and HD streaming with ease. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a content creator looking to stream your sessions on platforms like Twitch, having the best processor ensures you can multitask without compromising performance.
In this guide will break down the best processors for gaming and streaming, covering everything from performance, budget, and specific use cases. We’ll also give you optimization tips and a comparison table so you can easily make the right decision.
#Quick Overview
Intel Core i9-13900K
★★★★★
4.5/5
- Manufacturer: Intel
- TDP: 253W
- Cores: 24 Cores
- Threads: 32 Threads
- Base Clock Speed: 3.0 GHz
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
★★★★★
4.7/5
- Manufacturer: AMD
- TDP: 170W
- Cores: 16 Cores
- Threads: 32 Threads
- Base Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz
Intel Core i7-13700K
★★★★★
4.7/5
- Manufacturer: Intel
- TDP: 125W
- Cores: 16 Cores
- Threads: 24 Threads
- Base Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz
What to Look for in a Processor for Gaming and Streaming
When it comes to finding the best CPU, it’s essential to understand what makes a processor stand out for this dual purpose. There are several key factors that directly affect performance:
Core Count and Threads
Gaming and streaming are demanding tasks, often happening simultaneously on the same machine. A higher core count and thread count can significantly improve your CPU’s ability to handle both. For example, processors with 6-7 cores can handle gaming well, but if you’re also streaming or recording, 12-16 cores are ideal.
Clock Speed
Clock speed refers to how fast a processor can execute tasks. For gaming, a higher clock speed (measured in GHz) ensures your games run smoothly, especially in CPU-heavy titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty: Warzone. Anything above 3.5 GHz is generally good, but higher-end CPUs can push beyond 4.5 GHz.
Compatibility
Ensure the CPU is compatible with your motherboard (socket type) and GPU, as upgrading one component might require upgrading others. AMD and Intel have different architectures, so you’ll need to check what fits your existing setup.
Thermal Performance
Gaming and streaming are CPU-intensive tasks, which means your processor can get quite hot. The best gaming CPUs handle heat efficiently and may come with built-in cooling solutions, but for higher-end models, you’ll often need third-party cooling solutions.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
You don’t need the most expensive CPU on the market to game and stream effectively. Look for options that provide the best value based on your specific needs. Budget-conscious buyers can find excellent CPUs without breaking the bank, while premium seekers might opt for flagship processors.
Multitasking
Streaming requires a lot of resources encoding video, running games, and managing streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs simultaneously. Processors with higher thread counts and support for multithreading handle multitasking better, allowing smoother performance.
Best Processors for Gaming and Streaming in 2024
Here’s a detailed roundup of the best processors you can buy for gaming and streaming in 2024. This list includes options for every budget and need.
1. Intel Core i9-13900K
The best processor for high-end gaming and streaming
The Intel Core i9-13900K is a powerhouse, delivering unmatched speed and multi-tasking capabilities. With 24 cores and a 5.8 GHz boost clock, this is the processor for those who want it all.
Cores/Threads: 24 Cores / 32 Threads | Memory Type Supported: DDR5, DDR4 | Base Clock Speed: 3.0 GHz | Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.8 GHz | TDP: 253W | Recommended Cooler: Liquid cooler, Air cooler
The Intel Core i9-13900K is a powerhouse and easily one of the best choices for those seeking top-tier performance for both gaming and streaming. Built on Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake architecture, this processor features an impressive 24 cores (8 performance + 16 efficiency cores) and 32 threads, making it an absolute beast for handling multi-tasking, intensive gaming, and high-quality streaming at the same time.
With a boost clock speed of 5.8 GHz, the i9-13900K can effortlessly handle any modern AAA game at 4K resolution while running your streaming software in the background. Its combination of Performance and Efficiency cores makes it highly versatile Performance cores handle heavy workloads like gaming, while Efficiency cores manage background tasks like streaming, keeping everything running smoothly.
The Intel i9-13900K also supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, ensuring that it’s future-proof for years to come. It’s perfect for gamers who also need excellent multi-threading performance for streaming, video editing, or running multiple applications simultaneously. However, all this power comes with a high price tag, and its 253W TDP means it can run hot, requiring robust cooling solutions.
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
The best AMD processor for gaming and streaming
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X brings a perfect balance of gaming and content creation performance. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it’s ideal for gamers who also need to handle intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
Cores/Threads: 16 Cores / 32 Threads | Memory Type Supported: DDR5 | Base Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz | Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.7 GHz | TDP: 170W | Recommended Cooler: Liquid Cooler
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is AMD’s answer to Intel’s i9-13900K, and it doesn’t disappoint. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it’s built on AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture, delivering impressive multi-threading performance, which is particularly beneficial for streamers who game and record content simultaneously. The boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz keeps this processor competitive in the gaming arena, handling 4K gaming and high-end streaming with ease.
What sets the Ryzen 9 7950X apart is its efficiency. Thanks to TSMC’s 5nm process, the 7950X manages to offer high performance with relatively better power efficiency compared to its Intel counterpart. This translates into lower thermal output while delivering top-tier gaming performance. The support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM ensures that the 7950X is also future-proof, making it an excellent long-term investment for those who plan to upgrade other components later.
One of the main strengths of the Ryzen 9 7950X is its ability to excel in both gaming and content creation. Whether you’re streaming, editing videos, or running heavy applications alongside gaming, this processor shines. However, its price and cooling requirements can be a concern for some users, as it needs a high-quality cooler to maintain optimal performance under load.
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. Intel Core i7-13700K
The best value CPU for gaming and streaming
The Intel Core i7-13700K is a CPU that handles 1440p gaming and streaming like a pro without the high price tag. With 16 cores and a 5.4 GHz boost clock, it offers fantastic performance, future-proofing with DDR5 support, and exceptional value for money.
Cores/Threads: 16 Cores / 24 Threads | Memory Type Supported: DDR5, DDR4 | Base Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.4 GHz | TDP: 125W | Recommended Cooler: Liquid Cooler
The Intel Core i7-13700K strikes the perfect balance between high-end performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for gaming and streaming. It’s part of Intel’s 13th generation lineup, offering 16 cores (8 performance + 8 efficiency) and 24 threads. This combination of cores allows the i7-13700K to handle multi-tasking like gaming at 1440p or even 4K while running streaming software without a hitch.
One of the standout features of the i7-13700K is its boost clock speed of 5.4 GHz, which ensures smooth performance in even the most demanding games. It also supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, making it future-proof for upcoming advancements in gaming and streaming technology.
Where the i7-13700K shines is in its price-to-performance ratio. Priced around $419, it offers many of the same benefits as the i9 models but at a lower cost. While it may not have the same multi-core power as the i9-13900K, for most gamers and streamers, it’s more than enough to handle demanding workloads. It’s an excellent processor for those who want near-flagship performance without paying the flagship price.
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The best CPU for 1080p gaming and streaming
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a processor designed to deliver super-smooth frame rates at 1080p and 1440p. Thanks to 3D V-Cache technology, it’s optimized for CPU-heavy games, making it perfect for competitive gamers.
Cores/Threads: 8 Cores / 16 Threads | Memory Type Supported: DDR5 | Base Clock Speed: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.0 GHz | TDP: 120W | Recommended Cooler: Liquid cooler, Air cooler
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a strong contender for gamers who want to focus on 1080p or 1440p gaming with streaming on the side. Built on AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, it provides exceptional gaming performance, particularly in 1080p scenarios, where high frame rates are crucial. This CPU features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a boost clock of 5.0 GHz, offering excellent single-core performance, which is ideal for gaming.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is its massive cache. The 3D V-Cache technology allows it to handle large amounts of data efficiently, which enhances gaming performance, especially in games that rely heavily on CPU speed. This processor is specifically tailored to deliver high frame rates, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers who stream.
While the multi-core performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D isn’t on par with higher-end Ryzen 9 models, it’s still very capable for light to medium streaming workloads. However, for users who focus more on streaming and content creation, they might want to consider a CPU with more cores, such as the Ryzen 9 7950X.
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. Intel Core i5-13600K
The best budget processor for gaming and streaming
With 14 cores and a 5.1 GHz boost clock, the Intel Core i5-13600K offers top-tier gaming and streaming performance without the hefty price tag. Perfect for 1080p and 1440p gaming, this CPU is designed to handle all your streaming needs without compromising on quality.
Cores/Threads: 14 Cores / 20 Threads | Memory Type Supported: DDR5, DDR4 | Base Clock Speed: 3.5 GHz | Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.1 GHz | TDP: 125W | Recommended Cooler: Liquid Cooler
The Intel Core i5-13600K stands out as an excellent choice for gamers and streamers looking for strong performance on a budget. It’s part of Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake family, offering 14 cores (6 performance + 8 efficiency) and 20 threads, making it incredibly versatile for gaming, streaming, and general multitasking.
With a boost clock speed of 5.1 GHz, the i5-13600K delivers impressive single-core performance, which is particularly important for high frame rates in modern games. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p or 1440p, this CPU will deliver smooth gameplay while handling the demands of streaming software in the background. While it’s not as powerful as the i7 or i9 models, it’s more than enough for casual to semi-professional streamers who want high-quality performance without breaking the bank.
Another major advantage of the i5-13600K is its future-proofing capabilities. It supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, so your system will be ready for future hardware upgrades, ensuring your gaming and streaming rig remains up-to-date for years. Additionally, the 13600K has a 125W TDP, making it efficient for a mid-range processor, but it still requires decent cooling under heavy loads.
Product Pros
Product Cons
6. Intel Core i3-12100F
The best entry-level processor for gaming and streaming
The Intel Core i3-12100F is an affordable yet powerful processor that’s perfect for 1080p gaming and light streaming. With 4 cores and a 4.3 GHz boost clock, it handles modern games and basic streaming with ease, making it a great option for new gamers and streamers.
Cores/Threads: 4 Cores / 8 Threads | Memory Type Supported: DDR5 | Base Clock Speed: 3.3 GHz | Boost Clock Speed: Up to 4.3 GHz | TDP: 58W | Recommended Cooler: Liquid Cooler
The Intel Core i3-12100F is an entry-level CPU that punches above its weight, making it a great option for gamers and streamers on a budget. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it may not sound as powerful as some of the other options in this list, but it offers surprisingly good performance for the price, particularly for 1080p gaming and light streaming.
The 12100F comes with a boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz, ensuring that it can handle most modern games at 1080p with ease. While it’s not designed for multitasking-heavy applications, it’s more than capable of running games while handling basic streaming tasks like broadcasting to Twitch or YouTube in 720p or 1080p. For users just starting with streaming or those who are casual gamers, this processor delivers solid performance without the high cost of more powerful models.
One of the main advantages of the i3-12100F is its extremely low power consumption, with a TDP of just 58W. This means it doesn’t require a high-end cooling system, making it ideal for budget builds. However, it does lack support for some of the newer technologies like PCIe 5.0, which limits its future-proofing compared to other processors on this list.
Overall, the Intel Core i3-12100F is perfect for entry-level gamers and streamers who are just starting out. While it won’t blow you away with its multitasking capabilities, it’s more than sufficient for 1080p gaming and light streaming, making it an excellent value processor.
Product Pros
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How to Choose the Best Processor for Gaming and Streaming
Now that you’ve seen the top picks, let’s break down how to choose the right CPU for your specific needs. Consider the following factors:
1. Performance Requirements
If you’re gaming in 4K and streaming in high quality, you’ll need a processor with more cores and higher clock speeds, like the Intel i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. For 1080p gaming and streaming, more affordable options like the Intel i5-13600K will get the job done.
2. Budget
Your budget plays a huge role in deciding which processor to choose. If you’re a casual gamer and streamer, the i5-13600K offers great performance at a low price point. However, if you’re aiming for high-end performance, investing in the i9-13900K or Ryzen 9 7950X is a must.
3. Future-Proofing
Choosing a processor that supports newer technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM ensures your rig will remain up-to-date as gaming and streaming technology evolves. Both Intel’s 13th Gen and AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors are future-proof, making them excellent long-term investments.
Tips for Optimizing Your CPU for Gaming and Streaming
Even with a powerful processor, getting the best performance out of your setup requires optimization. Follow these tips to ensure your gaming and streaming experience is smooth and lag-free.
1. Overclock Your Processor (Safely)
If you’re using a processor with overclocking capabilities, such as the Intel Core i9-13900K or the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, you can boost your performance by manually increasing the clock speed. Just be sure to pair your CPU with a robust cooling solution, like an AIO cooler, to prevent overheating.
2. Use a Dedicated Streaming PC
If you’re a professional streamer, using a dedicated PC for streaming can offload some of the CPU stress, ensuring smoother gameplay. One PC runs the game, while the other handles the streaming tasks.
3. Optimize Software Settings
For streaming platforms like OBS or Streamlabs, configure the settings to reduce the load on your CPU. Lower the encoding preset to prioritize performance and use hardware encoding (such as NVENC if you have an NVIDIA GPU) to offload some of the processing to your graphics card.
4. Maintain Proper Cooling
Processors tend to get hot under heavy workloads, especially during streaming and gaming. Ensure that your setup includes proper cooling with fans, air coolers, or liquid cooling solutions to maintain optimal performance.
Additional Recommendations for Gamers and Streamers
Choosing the right processor is only one part of building a great gaming and streaming setup. To get the most out of your new CPU, it’s important to pair it with compatible components and peripherals. Here are some additional recommendations to complement your processor.
Cooling Solutions
High-performance CPUs generate a lot of heat, especially during long gaming or streaming sessions. If you’re going for a high-end option like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or the Intel Core i9-13900K, you’ll need a robust cooling system to keep temperatures in check.
- Air Coolers: For mid-range processors, a high-quality air cooler such as the Noctua NH-D15 will provide excellent cooling without breaking the bank.
- Liquid Coolers: If you’re pushing your CPU to its limits, consider an AIO (All-In-One) liquid cooler like the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix to ensure optimal performance without thermal throttling.
Motherboards
Ensure your motherboard is compatible with your CPU’s socket type. For AMD processors, look for motherboards with the AM5 socket, while Intel processors require LGA 1700 sockets. Some recommended models include:
- MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi (for AMD Ryzen CPUs)
- ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E (for Intel Core CPUs)
Memory (RAM)
For gaming and streaming, 16GB of DDR4 RAM is the minimum recommended, but 32GB is ideal for smooth multitasking and future-proofing. If you’re investing in high-end components, consider DDR5 memory, which offers faster speeds and improved performance.
Graphics Cards
Your GPU also plays a crucial role in gaming and streaming. Pair your CPU with a powerful GPU such as the NVIDIA RTX 3080 or the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX to get the most out of your setup. For budget builds, options like the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT are more than sufficient for 1080p gaming and streaming.
Conclusion
Choosing the best processor for gaming and streaming in 2024 boils down to your performance needs and budget. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional streamer, there’s a CPU on this list that suits your setup. Here’s a quick recap:
- For high-end gaming and streaming, the Intel i9-13900K is unbeatable.
- If you prefer AMD, the Ryzen 9 7950X delivers top-tier performance.
- For those on a budget, the Intel i5-13600K offers excellent value without sacrificing performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important factor when choosing a processor?
The most important factor is the balance between core count and clock speed. A processor with more cores and threads will be able to handle gaming and streaming simultaneously without slowing down, while a higher clock speed ensures smooth gameplay, especially in CPU-intensive games.
Is it worth upgrading to a high-end CPU for streaming?
If you plan to stream frequently, especially at higher resolutions like 1080p or 1440p, upgrading to a high-end CPU such as the Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is worth the investment. These processors offer superior multitasking abilities, allowing for a smoother streaming experience.
Can I use a budget CPU for both gaming and streaming?
Yes, budget CPUs like the Intel Core i5-13600K are capable of handling both gaming and streaming, especially at 1080p. However, you may need to adjust some settings to optimize performance.