CPU Picks by Use Case
Smooth Gaming & High Refresh Rates
For gaming, the sweet spot is usually a fast 6-Core or 8-Core CPU with good cooling. Entry builds can use previous generation Ryzen 5 or Core i5 Processors. Current generation Ryzen 5/Ryzen 7 or Core Ultra 5 processors are a good range to consider for mid-range gaming PCs. High-end systems move into the current generation Ryzen 7/Ryzen 9 or Core Ultra 7/Core Ultra 9 Series processors with additional cache for gaming.
Content Creation, Streaming, and Heavy Multitasking
If you require a workstation for editing, rendering or streaming, higher core count CPUs are recommended. These tasks are often more intensive than gaming as the CPU is put under longer sustained loads, so more cores can offer shorter render times and less buffering and stuttering for certain tasks
Everyday Use and Office PCs
For office work, study, and browser-heavy use, we generally recommend CPUs like Ryzen 5, Intel Core i5 or Intel Core Ultra 5 processors. Opting for previous generation CPUs is also a good way to save some money while getting a more than capable CPU. Another key point to consider is these PCs don’t usually require a graphics card, so you should look for a CPU with onboard graphics to avoid additional graphics card costs.
Key CPU Facts for Buyers & Upgraders
Understanding CPU Cores & Threads
When running a lot of intensive tasks simultaneously, more CPU cores can help as the instructions can be handled by multiple cores and threads at once. Typical CPU cores range from 4-core, 6-core, 8-core up to 16-Core for mainstream and go even higher for intensive workstation users. Each brand handles core counts differently but performance is usually comparable across relevant SKUs depending on the task.
New Intel CPUs favour a mix of performance and efficiency cores where performance cores are intended to handle the intensive focus tasks, and the efficiency cores can handle background tasks and OS services. While named “efficient cores” they are still powerful and assist performance cores with intensive workloads.
AMD currently uses the more conventional core and threads method, where each core is a performance core that has 2 compute threads to divide tasks between.
For comparison, an Intel Core Ultra 7 might have 8 Performance Cores and 16 Efficient-Cores whereas a price comparable AMD Ryzen 7 might have 8 Cores with 16 Threads. For everyday tasks, these processors will performance similar but may become more important for heavy workloads that require more cores/threads.
Cache, iGPU, and Platform Features
Manufacturers have started including large cache models in their CPU lineups to increase gaming performance. AMD offer this with their 3D V-Cache Technology and Intel with their Intel Smart Cache Technology in Intel Core Ultra Plus CPUs.
Some processors include integrated graphics (iGPU), which means monitors can be connected to your motherboard display connections avoiding the need for a dedicated graphics card. These iGPUs are good enough to handle everyday tasks but usually won’t perform as well as a dedicated graphics card for things like games or workstation applications.
Platform features such as the latest generation PCIe support and memory generation can depend on both the CPU and Motherboard. Opting for an older generation CPU and motherboard can be a good way to save money but may mean future upgrades may be limited by PCIe speeds or memory generations.
Clock Speeds, Boost Behaviour, and Sustained Performance
While it doesn’t tell the full story, CPU speed is measured in GHz which is the frequency the CPUs can operate at. Processors usually have a base frequency and boost frequencies. When the processor is idle, the CPU will run at its base frequency. When under load, the frequency will increase, up to its boost clock speed. Higher GHz speeds can often mean lower latency for gaming, faster render times and quicker operations. There are many more things to consider when buying a CPU than Clock Speed, but high-end processors will usually have higher clock speeds regardless.
Balanced Decisions for Gamers
When shopping for the first upgrade to improve gaming performance, CPUs are often forgotten about in favour of a graphics card. It is important to choose a CPU that will match your graphics card otherwise you may end up with a CPU bottleneck. This is where your graphics card isn’t reaching its full utilisation because it’s waiting on instructions from a CPU that isn’t fast enough. Please reach out to our team for advice on finding a good match for your graphics card or continue reading for more information.
CPU & Motherboard Compatibility Made Simple
The following information can help you save some time when selecting a motherboard and memory to pair with your CPU choice:
- AMD Ryzen 9000 Series, Ryzen 8000 Series & 7000 Series Processors use socket AM5 Motherboards. These CPUs support DDR5 memory.
- AMD Ryzen 5000 Series and below use socket AM4 Motherboards. These CPUs support DDR4 memory.
- Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors use socket S1851 Motherboards. These CPUs support DDR5 memory.
- Intel Core 14th Gen, Core 13th Gen & 12th Gen CPUs use socket S1700 Motherboards. These CPUs support both DDR4 & DDR5 depending on the selected motherboard.
It is important to note that when new CPUs are released that are compatible with previous generation motherboards, a BIOS upgrade to the motherboard is likely required before the processor will work.
Power & Cooling Planning for your Processor
Not every CPU needs the same cooler. A lower-power chip for home or business use can often run fine with a basic cooler and many of these CPUs include a capable stock cooler. A higher-performance gaming or workstation CPU will benefit from a good air cooler or AIO liquid cooler. These better coolers allow the CPUs to maintain their higher clock speeds without getting too hot. If a CPU gets too hot, it will throttle its speed to avoid damage, but this will also impact performance.
AMD vs Intel: Choosing the Right Platform for your Next Upgrade
Both AMD and Intel offer a range of compelling models across their different SKUs.
AMD is often praised for supporting their CPU sockets for a long-time, making drop in CPU upgrades easy. AMD CPUs continue to offer compelling performance at each price range by continuing to offer previous generation SKUs along with newer current generation, high core count and their notorious 3D V-Cache models designed for gaming.
Intel continues to be a great all-round option when choosing a CPU. Their new Core Ultra CPUs provide great single and multi-core performance due to their Performance and Efficiency core configurations. Specific models also include integrated graphics with industry leading hardware transcoding making these CPUs excellent for creators and streamers.
CPU FAQs
Which CPU should I buy for my PC?
Choose based on what you plan to use the PC for. For everyday use, a 4-core or 6-core CPU is enough, but you may want to consider a CPU option with built-in graphics to save buying a dedicated graphics card separately. Gamers should consider, which graphics card they intend to pair their CPU with to avoid bottlenecks. If buying a high-end graphics card, consider pairing it with a high-end gaming CPU, potentially with additional cache. Workstation users should consider high-end CPUs for editing, streaming and rendering.
Do I need to upgrade my motherboard and RAM too?
Sometimes, yes. If the new CPU uses a different socket, you will likely need to update your motherboard and potentially memory. For example, upgrading from an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (socket AM4) to an AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (socket AM5) means the new CPU will not be compatible with your old motherboard. AM4 motherboards all use DDR4 RAM and AM5 motherboards require DDR5 RAM so you would also need to buy a new motherboard and memory.
Upgrading on the same socket is usually easier, as you can keep your RAM and motherboard, but you should always check your motherboards manufacturer website to make sure the new CPU is compatible. Chances are it will be, but your motherboard will need a BIOS update to communicate with the new CPU. Keep in mind if you are upgrading your CPU for a specific feature (like PCIe Gen5 support), the older motherboard also needs to support that feature, so you may need to upgrade the motherboard if you want a specific new feature of the new CPU.
What’s the best CPU upgrade path from my current system?
The best upgrade is the one that keeps compatibility simple and cost-effective. If your current motherboard supports a stronger processor with a BIOS update, that can be great value. If not, a platform change may make more sense, especially if you want newer RAM, better PCIe support, or more future upgrade room.
Need help choosing a CPU or have questions about upgrades and bottlenecks?
Contact Computer Alliance for more information.
