The best processors for games of 2020

This category contains relatively low-cost models for games that have a small margin of power for tomorrow. With their help, you can run any relevant games, and they especially do not complain about the lack of a good motherboard and memory. The only exceptions are Ryzen and Intel i5-9600K. For these gaming chips, it is advisable to use a motherboard with a Z-chipset. Getting a good gaming system will also require fast memory. In this case, accelerating to 4.9-5 GHz will not be difficult.

Opens the Top 10 gaming processors model Intel Core i5-9500 on the new architecture. The ninth-generation representative is designed for the LGA 1151 desktop platform. The chip is manufactured according to the 14-nm process technology standard and has 6 cores operating in 6 streams with a clock frequency of 3 and 4.4 GHz (in Turbo Boost mode). The price is quite high compared to AMD's analogues, but this is Intel's pricing policy. However, the level 3 cache is 9 MB. A dual-channel DDR4 memory controller is provided. As for the strengths of the chip, the advantages of the company's proprietary technologies, including Advanced Encryption Standard Instructions, should be noted here.

Speaking of inexpensive processors for games, it is difficult to ignore, though not the newest, but still effective AMD Ryzen 7 2700X model. The device is equipped with a RGB-control function, high-quality heat pipes. The computing platform is equipped with powerful X470 and B450 chipsets that still meet tomorrow's requirements. Special attention should be paid to the software combining the speed of an SSD and the hardness of a disk in simple operation. The software is provided free of charge along with AMD 400 series motherboards. It is worth saying that the thousandth series has never had a serious overclocking potential. For the entire line, a frequency of 4000 MHz has always been the best indicator. Thanks to the new process technology, the Ryzen 7 2700X managed to increase the range to 4150 MHz. But even this is difficult to attribute to serious overclocking potential.

Given the cost and the ability to get 6 cores with a good frequency in the BUST mode, we just could not help but attribute this game processor to the list of the best models of the current year. The ninth-generation chip, like its predecessor, is suitable for the LGA 1151 desktop platform. It works on the basis of 14-nm process technology. As you understand, 6 cores work in 6 threads, but with a weightless base clock frequency of up to 2.9 GHz. In Turbo Boost mode, it accelerates to 4.1 GHz. Level 3 cache has a capacity of 9 megabytes. A dual-channel DDR4 memory controller is provided. Protection technology does not make one doubt its relevance. The manufacturer has equipped its product with support for Secure Key, Intel OS Guard, as well as Advanced Encryption Standard Instructions.

In this case, it will not be possible to dispense with low-frequency memory. A good entry-level gaming processor is best used with an x570-based motherboard. AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is built on a 7-nm process technology, and is designed for use with an AM4 socket. The chip has 6 cores with support for 12 threads at a frequency of 3.8 GHz (basic mode). In Boost mode, performance can be increased to 4.4 GHz. It is worth adding that the mid-level chip received 3 MB of cache in the second level and 32 MB of the third. To cool the gadget, you need a powerful cooler that can dissipate at least 95 watts of TDP. As for RAM, the standard DDR4 strips with the ability to work at a frequency of 3200 MHz are suitable. But we do not recommend stinting on RAM.

The best processor for games in the price / quality ratio for 2020 is the Intel Core i5-9600K, which will require high-frequency memory. The chip is built on a 14nm process technology for the LGA1151 socket. Has a cache of 9 megabytes SmartCache. The base frequency in this case is 3.7 GHz. In Turbo Boost mode, you can accelerate to 4.6 GHz, which implies the corresponding position of the model in our top. Officially, this device works with DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity and frequency of 128 GB and 2666 MHz. In addition, the processor has an integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics chip, which provides 4K support. The model is compatible with InTru 3D, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, Quick Sync Video and others.

This category features flagship gaming solutions that guarantee the maximum number of frames. The problem is that all of them, without exception, need to connect high-frequency memory, overclocked manually. Similarly with motherboards. Only premium motherboards are needed. For AMD, Ryzen are models with x570 chipsets. Intel Core will require models with the z390 chipset. As you understand, the components described below are designed for users who plan to purchase equipment with a view to the future.

The rating of processors for games in 2020 replenishes the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X model of the premium segment, as you understand. Each of 8 cores works in 2 threads. The total frequency in the base mode is 3.6 GHz. This is already a good indicator, but in Boost mode, the frequency can be increased to 4.4 GHz. At the same time, the chip operates with 4 megabytes of cache in the second level and 32 megabytes of the third level. The TDP in this case is 65 watts. As for compatibility with RAM, the manufacturer recommends using a DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 3200 MHz in tandem with the Ryzen 7 3700X. The model is designed for motherboards with AM4 socket. The production of equipment is carried out by the 7-nm process technology, which indicates a high level of energy efficiency.

Perhaps the most optimal gaming processor for 6 cores with 12 threads this year is the Intel Core i7-8700K.The device attracts with a good memory controller and the possibility of overclocking the cores to a frequency of 5 GHz, and even more. In any case, this is indicated by user indicators. As for the official data, the model codenamed Coffee Lake-S is positioned as one of the best solutions for the Intel LGA 1151 platform. The device is positioned according to the 14-nm process technology standard. 6 cores in the basic mode works with a clock frequency of 3.7 GHz, which can be increased in Turbo Boost with a frequency of 4.7 GHz or higher. The model has a cache of 12 MB (level 3).

A very specific model due to its price, but having an advanced memory controller. One of Intel's top-end gaming processors has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz, but with Turbo Boost technology, the performance of 8 cores can be overclocked to 4.9 GHz. The model is built on a 14-nm process technology, and has far from the best indicators of energy consumption. But, this option highly compensates for the 12 megabyte cache of SmartCache. TDP 95 W for the LGA1151 socket. The manufacturer claims that the model is suitable for working with RAM, up to 128 gigabytes of type DDR4 with a frequency of up to 2666 MHz. In addition, an Intel UHD 630 graphics processor that supports 4K expansion is installed. Compatible with useful technologies, including InTru 3D, Trusted Execution, and others.

Last year, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X was launched in series production, and the flagship gaming processor quickly got a target audience. However, it is not surprising. The power reserve with this device for several years is precisely guaranteed. The model works on the basis of the 7-nm process technology for the AM4 socket. The premium model has dual-stream cores in the amount of 12 units, with a frequency of up to 3.8 GHz. In Boost mode, performance can be increased to 4.6 GHz. The memory cache of this device is 6 megabytes (first level) and 64 megabytes (second level). However, the TDP of the processor AMD Ryzen 9 3900X can reach a record high of 105 watts. A suitable RAM such as DDR4 cannot have a frequency of more than 3200 MHz.

The most powerful processor of 2020 is the Intel Core i9-9900KS model, equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads with a clock frequency of 4 GHz or more. In the “BUST” mode, the indicator can be increased to 5 GHz. At the same time, a powerful Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics core was introduced into the model, the frequency indicator of which is 350 MHz. Compatibility with socket 1151 is available. Heat resistance is 100 degrees, and this is not all the pluses of the model. The chip is based on a 14-nm process technology, and to get the maximum in the system, you can install up to 128 gigabytes of RAM type DDR4. The peak RAM frequency in this case can reach 2666 MHz.

As practice shows, sophisticated buyers in most cases prefer a slightly outdated "average" than the top new "hardware". This trend managed to take shape, and it is easy to explain by the fact that the choice of a chip with flagship performance is more likely to touch the future than the need. In fact, for modern games, 4 physical cores with 5 GHz are better than 8 cores, but with a frequency of 3.5 GHz. But not so simple ...

Software development, as well as upcoming game development, indicate that the future of the gaming industry is multithreading. However, even today there can be no extra cores. Let's say you squeezed 100% of the physical cores, and the game process begins to sag in speed instantly, as soon as the operating system has launched some labor-intensive process in the background. Toli still talk about streaming the game, which by itself implies the cost of considerable resources, as well as the processing of the video stream. Accordingly, in this case it is better to use the free resources than to take part of the capacities allocated for a comfortable game.

Finally, PCs are using more and more high-quality transmission lines, which is necessary for RAM, a video card, and SSD. For a long time, one cannot surprise anyone with the capabilities of SATA. And in this regard, the advantages of modern chips are already more obvious, although there may not be much difference in the FPS of your favorite games.

As for useful tips for users who do not know at all how to choose a processor for games, we will try to explain the main points with theses:

1. It is important that the socket on the motherboard matches the processor;
2. We set specific tasks for the chip, and only then compare the number of cores, frequency, overclocking potential and energy consumption of models of one segment from different manufacturers;
3. Do not forget about the cooling system and choosing a good cooler for the gaming system.

In fact, a casually situation is always visible with games: top-end novelties rarely have a cardinal superiority over current representatives of the average gaming segment. At the same time they are much more expensive. However, here everyone has their own opinion. Someone believes that it is the gaming industry that spurs the development of processors, although I3 still has enough performance, and someone is convinced that you need to keep up with progress. Accordingly, if you don’t know what kind of game chip to buy, then try to set exact tasks for the technique so as not to regret the purchase. We, in turn, will summarize.

• the best chip in price and quality for games - Intel Core i5-9600K;
• The best 6-core gaming processor - Intel Core i7-8700K;
• The most powerful gaming processor is the Intel Core i9-9900KS.