Top Gaming CPUs for 2024 Best Price-Performance Processors

Today, we'll take a detailed look at the best and worst processors you can get now, in mid-2024, for gaming based on their price-performance ratio. I'll tell you which graphics card they can be paired with and give you my opinion on whether it's worth waiting for the new releases from Intel and AMD later this year.

Best CPUs under $110 - CPU-GPU Combo for 1080P

Let's talk about the processors under $110 that are worth it. I'll use prices from the United States as a reference, though they may vary slightly in other countries.

In this range, I recommend two processors that are almost identically priced but offer different advantages:

• Intel i3 12100F: 4 cores and 8 threads, faster in video games, and with PCI Express 4.0. 

• AMD Ryzen 5 5500: 6 cores and 12 threads, better cooler, and more affordable motherboard options.

Due to its price-performance ratio and gaming performance, the Ryzen 5 5500 is usually more popular. We've paired it with an RX 6600, the best GPU under $220, achieving over 60 fps in demanding titles at 1080p in high or even ultra graphic quality.

Models to discard:

• AMD Ryzen 5 4500: Lower gaming performance compared to the 5500.
• Intel i3 13100F and 12100F: Prices above $140 without significantly better performance.

Best CPUs under $165 - CPU-GPU Combo for 1080P/1440P

For processors under $165, I recommend:

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600: 6 cores, 12 threads, and PCI Express 4.0.
• Intel i5 12400F: 6 cores, 12 threads, and PCI Express 4.0.

Both offer similar gaming performance, with advantages in some titles for one or the other. For GPUs, I suggest not exceeding the Nvidia 4070 Super and 4070 Super TI, or the AMD RX 7800 XT .

Models to discard:

• Intel i3 13100F: Fewer cores and performance for the same price as the 12400F.
• Other i5 models (12500, 13400F, 14400F): Efficient cores that don't impact gaming and prices above $220.

Best CPUs under $220 - CPU-GPU Combo for 1080P/1440P/4K

For less than $220:

• AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 3D: 8 cores and 16 threads, excellent for gaming and future AM4 upgrades.
• Intel i5 12600KF: 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, ideal for DDR5.

If you're starting from scratch and prefer DDR5, the 12600KF is a good option. DDR4 and DDR5 prices differ, with a difference of about $50.

Models to discard:

• Ryzen 7 5700 (non-X): Less cache and performance.
• Ryzen 7 5800X: More expensive without notable differences in gaming.

Best CPUs under $275 - CPU-GPU Combo for 1080P/1440P/4K

Between $275 and $330, I recommend:

• Intel i5 13600KF: 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores.
• AMD Ryzen 7 7700: 8 cores and 16 threads, ideal for future AM5 upgrades.

The AM5 platform allows upgrades until 2026. Consider good cooling and a motherboard, such as a B650 for around $180 for AMD, or a B760/Z790 for around $220 for Intel.

I suggest not exceeding the Nvidia 4070 Super and 4070 Super TI, or the AMD RX 7800 XT and AMD RX 7900 GRE

Models to discard:

• Intel i5 14500: More expensive and less performance than the 13600KF.
• Intel i7 12700KF: Same price as the 13600KF but slower.

Best CPUs under $400 - CPU-GPU Combo for 1080P/1440P/4K

For more than $400:

• AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Approximately $400, excellent gaming performance, and lower power consumption.

Alternative to consider:

• AMD Ryzen 7 7900X3D: Same or lower price, but worse gaming performance due to additional latency and less use of 3D V-Cache technology across all cores.

I recommend a B650 motherboard for less than $220 and a good air cooler for $70 to keep temperatures under control. Here you can use any video card higher than the Nvidia  RTX 4070 Super ,  4070 Super TI, AMD RX 7900 GRE,  AMD RX 7900 XTX, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, PNY GeForce RTX™ 4080 Super

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you find the processor that best suits your needs and budget. Remember to consider all components of your PC to achieve optimal performance. Whether you're building a budget-friendly rig or a high-end gaming machine, the right CPU-GPU combination can make a significant difference. Keep an eye on upcoming releases from Intel and AMD, as they might offer even better options later this year. Happy gaming!