We're going to put the i5 through its paces and offer our insight into how we feel about this CPU and where it stands in the market today. Spoiler alert, we love this CPU, and for every good reason. Here's our Core i5 13600K review.

CPU Specifications

The specifications of the 13600K speak for themselves, on paper, this CPU should be able to handle a great deal if paired with a decent GPU. We have outlined all of the specifications you need to know below:

In terms of design, the i5-13600K is evolutionary instead of revolutionary. As with its Alder Lake predecessor, the 13th Gen i5 CPU is once again built on hybrid architecture with a mixture of P-cores and E-cores. There's a total of 14 cores and 20 threads with a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 5.1 GHz. While far from the fastest chipset made by Team Blue, as some top-end models like the i9-14900K can do 6 GHz, this is still quick enough for gaming and productivity tasks.

Speaking to the power draw, this chipset features a 125W TDP which is on par with other Raptor Lake processors and fairly standard by Team Blue standards if a little high for a mainstream chip. For context, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X comes in with a 105W TDP with a similar level of performance. Unlike the aforementioned AMD chip, however, the i5-13600K features support for both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM so you won't necessarily need the best RAM for gaming here.

If you're already running an Alder Lake CPU and are considering upgrading then it should be as straightforward as a BIOS update, especially as this chipset is selling at a substantially discounted price. That's because it's an LGA 1700 chipset the same, which has also been kept by its successor, too. It's unconventional for Intel to retain an architecture for a handful of years like this, but it's good to ensure longevity, even if this chip only acts as a stopgap for you. Let's get into the performance below.

As you can see, the Intel CPU has both the core speed and the core strength to back it up. Couple that with the generous 24MB of L3 cache, and Intel's revered big.LITTLE core technology and you have the makings of a formidable mid-range CPU. But how do all of these specs translate into performance?

Performance

We tested the 13600K in a variety of scenarios, ranging from real-world to synthetic. This meant that we could gain a greater understanding of how the CPU performs in various workloads. We should also outline the rig that was used to test the 13600, as we will need to factor that in when discussing the performance. The components used to test the Mid-range Intel CPU Are as follows:

As you can see, the rig we concocted to test this CPU is no slouch, so bear that in mind when the results roll around. Speaking of, here's how the 13600K did in synthetic benchmarks.

Synthetic benchmarks

We tested the Intel CPU in a multitude of popular synthetic scenarios, these include CPU-Z, Cinebench R32, and Geekbench 5. Here's how it did.

First up is CPU-z, the Core i5 scored 830 points in single-core benchmarks, and 9,846 in multi-core benchmarks. Starting the set off pretty strong.

In Cinebench, everyone's favorite table and chair renderer, the i5 manages to get a single-core score of 1,992, and a multi-core score of 24,024.

In the geek bench, the impressive performance continues, the 13600K achieves a score of 2,006 in the single-core tests, and 16,989 in the multi-core scores. Which is nothing to shake a stick at.

Real-world performance

As far as real-world performance is concerned, we tested the i5 in 3 games. These were Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and CS2.

First up in Cyberpunk, the Core i5 managed an average FPS of 179FPS, the performance was smooth and there was no stuttering to speak of. The 13600k managed to keep up, despite being a "mid-level" CPU.

Next up, in Elden Ring, the Intel CPU manages an FPS average of 162FPS, however, you have to bear in mind that a mod is needed to uncap the FPS of Elden Ring, so there's the possibility that results are affected. There was little to no stuttering while playing, and the 13th-generation CPU seemed to keep everything in order.

Lastly, we have CS2, which is the newest title on the list. In CS2, the 13600K brought home an FPS average of 343FPS. As with all online games, performance can vary based on internet connection and the conditions of the match (what's going on) SO your performance may vary.

What do these benchmarks mean?

There's plenty of information to be gained from benchmarking a CPU, but it might not always mean too much to those who aren't as into tech as we are, so we're going to break down what these benchmarks mean.

When we test the single-core abilities of a CPU, this, as the name suggests, is a test that assesses the capabilities of a single core, sometimes a core and a thread, depending on the workload. This is mostly used to assess the performance your CPU can manage in gaming workloads, as games still use very few cores.

Multi-core is a little different, the higher the score in multi-core benchmarks, the better your CPU does with all of its cores working together. This is used to assess the CPU performance in tougher workloads, such as rendering, simulations, and editing.

You can check out the Geekbench and Cinebench scores here to compare the results we have obtained to your current, or any other CPU, to get a better idea of performance. However, you need to bear in mind that these scores are usually the average of the higher scores achieved, and they're public, so they will likely change over time.

Price

The Intel Core i5-13600K debuted in 2022 with a price point of $329 positioning it firmly in the entry-level camp as far as processors go, expectedly cheaper than Raptor Lake i7 and i9 processors. That's only one side of the story, however, as you can commonly find the CPU as cheap as $275 through retailers such as Newegg, Best Buy, and Amazon. That's a percentage saving of $54 (16%) which is to be expected as this chipset was replaced late last year by the i5-14600K.

Conclusion

The Core i5 13600K is a fantastic CPU for those looking to get a great performance CPU without breaking the bank. The compatibility with LAG 1700, and the fact that the socket is still in use, and will be for at least another year makes the 13th gen a great "it'll do for now" CPU, should you want to upgrade later.

The very real performance means it excels in both Gaming and workstation tasks such as editing and rendering. We saw this when we explained the high Multi-core scores. The fact that you can pick up this CPU for as little as $275, or less if you're lucky, makes this CPU an absolute score.

Slack isn't the type of application that consumes a lot of CPU resources. However, there are instances where certain issues may cause it to become a burden on the processor. This affects the overall performance of the system, and it gets frustrating when you can't figure out what to do.

This is where we come in. In this guide, we'll share a handful of methods that can help you reduce Slack's CPU usage.

How to fix Slack high CPU usage issue

If Slack's been using more CPU resources than it should, you can try following these methods to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

This was how you can reduce Slack's CPU usage. Make sure that you regularly check for the latest updates, as new updates bring fixes for issues that may be causing Slack to use more CPU resources than before. And if nothing seems to work, we recommend getting in touch with Slack support for further assistance.

Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, but it can also be quite demanding on your system's CPU, especially when you have multiple tabs or intensive applications open. This excessive CPU usage can slow down your computer, drain your battery faster, and even cause your system to overheat.

Thankfully, there are several ways that can help reduce Chrome's CPU usage, and we'll walk you through all of them in this guide.

How to fix Chrome high CPU usage issue

Here are several methods that can help you with making Chrome use less CPU.

Conclusion

Managing Chrome's CPU usage effectively can significantly enhance your browsing experience. By using methods such as clearing the cache, disabling or removing extensions, and disabling preloading, you can prevent Chrome from becoming a burden on the processor. But if nothing works, we recommend you contact Chrome support and let them know about the issue.

This is important to keep in mind as these days, newer and faster processors are appearing almost annually, and everyone wants the best of the best. But ask yourself, do you need an overclockable processor that costs over $500, or can you do with the previous-gen CPU that fits your build? Waiting for a new generation can bring greater value to the lower generations in the form of a price drop. We're here to help find you the best CPU for RX 7800 XT.

If you don't have time to read the full article, we have selected the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the best overall CPU to pair with the 7800 XT, just because the names match. We're joking, the 7800X3D is perfect for pire gaming workloads and will support the 7800 XT perfectly. If you don't fancy a bit of the 3D V-cache, we have outlined all the products in this article below for quick browsing.

Products at a glance

How did we pick the best CPU for RX 7800 XT?

Identifying the best CPU for the RX 7800 XT isn’t merely about selecting the latest or the most expensive option available. Our approach is rooted in a combination of real-world performance metrics, user reviews, and technical specifications. Furthermore, understanding the intricacies of gaming requirements is paramount. Some titles are CPU-intensive, demanding more from the processor, while others might lean on the GPU.

Firstly, we looked at some of the best CPUs currently out there for 1440p gaming, as well as some of the best CPUs for similarly performing cards, such as the RTX 4070 Ti or the RTX 4070 Super. This way, we could look deeper into the performance of the best-fitting CPUs that will use the full power of AMD’s latest RDNA 3 architecture. An important factor to look at is CPU core/thread count. To run the 1440p gaming that the RX 7800 XT promises, you will benefit from a CPU with at least six cores. This will make sure that the experience remains strong under intense loads.

Our main objective is to give the GPU the best fit to perform at full speed without overkilling the machine or bottlenecking the GPU. Furthermore, you’re likely to keep this CPU and GPU combo for a good few years, so we want to make sure you make a future-proof choice. Whether you’re looking for a budget choice, a high-end choice, or a gaming CPU, we’ve made sure to include a range of CPUs in our top picks.

Best CPU for RX 7800 XT

If you’re looking for the best CPU for RX 7800 XT, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800x3D might be the option for you.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a gaming powerhouse that runs on the modern AM5 socket, has eight cores, 16 threads, a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz, which can be boosted by up to 5.0 GHz, and a massive 96MB L3 cache. Now, let’s look at what these technicalities mean.

The AM5 socket features the latest PCIe 5.0 connection, which means it supports 5.0 storage devices that are 2.5x to 5x times faster than the previous generation. On top of that, the eight cores and twice the amount of threads means that you should be able to experience top-notch performance regardless of what you throw at it. You could run multiple applications in parallel or games in ultra-definition, and this processor should blitz through those tasks with a smile.

However, if that isn’t convincing enough, its turbo clock of 5.0 GHz should be more than enough to handle resource-intensive tasks such as rendering, if you’re using a CPU render engine. One thing to note is that running at high frequencies can lead to overheating, but that shouldn’t be an issue as long as you have ample CPU cooling capacity to keep the temperatures under control. And if you’re wondering if it can go beyond 5.0 GHz, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cannot be overclocked, but realistically speaking, there aren’t many scenarios where you’ll need to go above 5.0 GHz.

As far as its L3 cache is concerned, it’s one of the biggest we’ve seen. How the L3 cache works is that it stores data to be shared between different cores; basically, think of it as a library that is accessible by everyone. So, whenever more cores need to be recruited to work on a task, they can access the data and get to work. So, more data is stored, which means more data can be processed, reducing the access time and workload on the CPU and resulting in more efficient performance.

A benefit of choosing team red over blue to pair with your Radeon RX 7800 XT is that when you have a complete AMD build, the AMD Smart Access Memory (SAM) comes into play. That removes the middleman from the picture and gives the CPU direct access to your graphics card. This means better performance, reduced lag, and higher framerates, and we all know a higher FPS makes you a better gamer.

Overall, this amazing CPU delivers a bang for its buck and should stand the test of time. However, if you’re moving up from the previous generation, you should know that most elements can’t carry forward due to the new PCIe 5.0 configuration. This means that you’ll have to get new DDR5 memory to go with it, a better PSU to ensure everything has ample power, and a motherboard that supports and puts everything together. That said, we’ve got you covered with our guides for the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the best DDR5 RAM. This should help make your journey easier and result in the best possible build within your budget.

What users say about the 7800X3D

One verified purchaser of the 7800X3D had this to say on Amazon: "Simply put this is the best cpu for gaming. The uplift in performance is enormous. This works well with a 4080 and above. Would not buy this unless u have a 7900xt or above maximum. Runs hot but nothing a aftermarket cooler can’t solve."

Best Intel CPU for RX 7800 XT

The Core i9-13900K features Raptor Lake architecture, is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, and has a total of 24 cores divided between eight performance cores (P-Cores) and sixteen efficient cores (E-Cores), totaling 32 threads. This works because performance cores are physically larger and more powerful as they handle the heavy lifting of real-time processing, whether running multiple applications or encoding videos. Take a look at our review of the 13900K if you want to know more.

That said, if the performance cores are running all the time, this will lead to more power draw, and that is where efficient cores come in. These cores handle basic but important tasks that are running in the background and call in P-Cores when something big comes along.

This processor also comes unlocked from the manufacturer, as denoted by the “K” in its name. However, it has a maximum turbo frequency of 5.80 GHz, which is overkill, to say the least, and should be more than enough to make quick work of anything you throw at it, especially in gaming. That said, if you’re a hardcore PC enthusiast and want to see what this CPU is capable of, you can take it to 9.00 GHz, as claimed by Intel. Realistically speaking, there is no scenario where you’d need 9.00 GHz for any amount of gaming, coding, or general processing, but it is nice to know that you can take it to the next level should the need ever arise.

While it has a base power draw of 125w, it can go even lower if it is idle and the E-Cores are in play, as they have a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz. This means you’re saving up on energy bills when not utilizing your build’s full potential. On the other hand, if you’re overclocking it or using the max turbo frequency, it might even cross the 200w threshold on the power draw.

On top of that, it has a 36MB L3 cache and a 32MB L2 cache. Before we get into what this means in terms of performance, the lower the number of the cache, the faster it is, and the lesser amount of data it holds. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, the i9-13900K’s difference between L3 and L2 cache comes down to 4 MBs.

It doesn’t end there. The Intel i9-13900K also has a 4.0 and 5.0 PCI express configuration. This means that you can run DDR4 and DDr5 RAM with this chipset and stack 192 GB of RAM. This should result in super-fast performance and add a bit of versatility, as you can use previous-gen memory sticks and don’t have to spend a lot on newer memory. This also future-proofs your build, as you can always upgrade your storage devices and RAM to increase the overall performance of your PC.

All in all, this is one of the best CPUs for RX 7800 XT that you can buy. If you’re looking to upgrade your memory sticks to match your build and increase performance, we’ve got you covered there as well, with our best RAM for Intel 13th Gen guide that has top picks.

What users say about the 13900K

One user had this to say about the 13900K: "The Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor is a powerhouse that caters to both gamers and professionals, offering exceptional performance and flexibility."

Best AMD CPU for RX 7800 XT

The 7950X sits atop the AMD 7000 series, as we noted in our review of it, and it has the specifications to back that up. It features the latest Zen 4 architecture and is compatible with the AM5 socket. This means it can be coupled with the PCIe 5.0 storage drives and RAM, which should significantly boost the overall performance of the system whether you’re gaming, editing, or rendering 3D models.

On top of that, it has a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz, which can be turbo-boosted by up to 5.7 GHz. What this means is that if you feel like your build could be taken to the next level or overclocking would eliminate any bottleneck issues, you can easily take it beyond the 5.0 GHz mark and watch it tackle any tasks you put in front of it with ease. It also sports 16 cores with 32 threads.

This means that you could comfortably throw any task its way and watch it make quick work of it, and its single-core performance should go well with the RX 7800 XTs capabilities. To put things into perspective, its Cinebench R23 score only has a difference of 9 points when compared with i9-13900k, and this level of difference is negligible.

That said, to even the playing field, it has a massive 128 MB L3 cache, which we haven’t seen in any other CPU. This should result in more efficient data sharing between the cores, and for you, that means faster processing and better gaming performance. The 7950X3D also uses Smart Access Memory, which reduces any barriers between the CPU and GPU. This decreases the processing time and results in the best gaming performance and the highest framerates possible.

If that wasn’t enough, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D also sports 3D V-Cache technology, an innovation that dramatically amplifies its gaming prowess. The Precision Boost 2 ensures that the processor is churning out exactly the level of performance you require for varying tasks. Sensors inside it detect the condition and amplify or reduce its output to give you efficient processing and reduced power draw.

If you’re planning to partner this with the RX 7800 XT, expect a performance beast capable of chewing through the latest AAA titles and heavyweight applications with ease. But, while its offerings are lavish, its cost and power draw match its grandeur, making it more suitable for enthusiasts and professionals willing to invest in top-tier performance.

What users say about the 7950X

A customer who purchased the Ryzen 9 7950X had this to say: "I can run every core at 5500mhz, for hours, with just a little overclocking, core tuning, and a good 360mm AIO. This is just an amazing amount of computational power for a home computer. The best part, I have it tuned such that I can do this while it runs at 65c (vs 95c)."

The overkill CPU for RX 7800 XT

The fourth option on our list is the latest powerhouse from Intel, the i9-14900K, and this is definitely overkill if you’re not a PC or tech enthusiast who wants to push their build to the absolute extreme. In our hands-on review of the Intel Core i9-14900K, we gave it a rating of four out of five stars and this is what we have to say about it.

The specifications of this processor don’t vary much from those of its predecessor, the i9-13900K, and they are virtually the same on paper. However, it has a higher turbo boost frequency of 6.0 GHz at a lower TDP of 125W. This speaks towards better efficiency and performance overall, but it isn’t enough to make a whole lot of difference.

Once again, there was not much difference between multi- and single-core performance. While the i9-14900K did take the most victories home, the i9-13900K managed to snag a couple of them as well, specifically in the Cinebench R23 and CPU-Z single-core tests. So, there was nothing revolutionary that would put it leagues apart from the high-end model of the previous generation.

However, some good news exists for gamers still using previous-generation motherboards. This CPU is compatible with PCIe 4.0 connections and the LGA 1700 socket. This means that if you have a 12th or 13th-generation Intel processor, you can swap those out with this one. While we didn’t find much performance difference during our gaming tests, the backward compatibility should help you save up on cost as you won’t have to change the motherboard and RAM.

Overall, the Intel i9-14900 K is the talk of the town, as it is the latest high-end Intel CPU. That said, the performance differences between the last and new generations are minimal, to say the least. So, while you won’t get an absurd amount of increase in performance, you can get the i9-14900K if you want to play it safe and are willing to spend a good amount of money on future-proofing your build and avoiding bottleneck issues. If not, we recommend you stick to your 12th or 12th gen Intel processor and wait for the next line of Intel CPUs to upgrade.

However, is it worth the extra money for the small performance upgrade it brings over the 13900K? It is a refresh after all. That's up to you.

What users say about the 14900K

A verified reviewer on Amazon stated: "The Intel i9-14900K delivers impressive performance with its high clock speeds and advanced architecture. It excels in demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and multitasking, offering smooth and responsive performance. The integrated graphics are decent for light gaming and multimedia tasks. However, it's power-hungry and may require robust cooling solutions"

How to pick the best CPU for RX 7800 XT

There are a handful of factors that you need to consider before choosing a CPU. We’ve listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision on your next CPU, regardless of application.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to look at is whether the CPU in question is compatible with your current motherboard or whether you’ll have to purchase a new motherboard to cater to it. For example, the AMD Ryzen 7 7900X is compatible with the AM5 socket, and if you have Ryzen 9 5900X, which goes with the AM4 socket, you’ll run into compatibility issues and will have to purchase a new motherboard. This will not only cost more but you’ll most likely have to change your RAM as well as if the motherboard isn’t backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 memory sticks.

Budget

The next thing you need to keep in mind is your budget. Going for the highest option does have its appeal, as you’ll get the most powerful CPU and future-proof your build, but at times, the cost you’ll incur isn’t worth it. You might not even use its full capabilities and could’ve gone with a lower or mid-range option and saved some cash that you could’ve invested in another component.

Overclocking

While overclocking is something that most people don’t do, if you’re keen on squeezing every drop of performance from your processor, then opt for a CPU that is unlocked or has a high potential to be overclocked to higher frequencies. Intel “K” processors come unlocked and can be easily overclocked if you have the right expertise, while on the other hand, AMD CPUs also offer this functionality. So, make your decision carefully whether you choose team red or blue.

FAQs

Final thoughts

Choosing the right CPU to pair with your RX 7800 XT is vital to ensure you’re harnessing its full potential, and we know what it is capable of as we’ve had a hands-on review of the RX 7800 XT. While all the CPUs mentioned in this list are more than capable of meeting the demands of modern gaming and productivity tasks, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D takes the crown for the best CPU for RX 7800 XT.

It has a 3D-V cache that enhances the gaming performance of your build, a 96 MB L3 cache, and works with the latest PCIe 5.0 connection. Pairing it with an AMD GPU will result in better performance due to Smart Access Memory technology. So, overall, while it may take a chunk out of your budget, there is no denying that it is an absolute powerhouse that will run through anything you put in front of it.

Manor Lords system requirements

This upcoming medieval open-world strategy game is finally hitting stores on April 26, 2024. However, like always, we want you to be prepared before this game drops, and part of that process is dissecting the system requirements. These minimum system requirements are provided by game manufacturer Slavic Magic and Steam. Firstly, Manor Lords requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, 8GB VRAM memory, 16GB of storage, and a graphics card in the vein of a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB) or the AMD Radeon RX-460 (4GB). These GPUs certainly provide a baseline of gameplay for Manor Lords but it's not what we would recommend in today's market for wider use. For more on GPUs for Manor Lords, check out our additional guide.

It is a similar case when it comes to CPUs. The minimum requirements / suggested CPUs are the Intel Core i5-4670 (quad-core) or the AMD FX-Series FX-4350 (quad-core). Now some of you may be shocked to see an AMD bulldozer chip in the suggested CPU section, especially for such a modern game. But it seems to bode well for those who may not have the need, budget, or desire to purchase a top-of-the-range CPU. We agree that this was certainly a surprise, but we do have some alternatives waiting which are a little bit more...current, available, and well-suited to a modern setup.

Best CPUs for Manor Lords

Our top pick for the best CPU for Manor Lords is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. A strong contender in most categories, this CPU delivers an excellent gameplay standard for most modern games and titles. The card sports an impressive 96 MB of L3 Cache and 5 GHz boost speed which makes gameplay smooth and more effective. While other features such as cores and threads may appear lower than some other CPUs on the market, it does not diminish its overall charm. Additionally, for a game that is less graphically demanding, like Manor Lords, you needn't worry too much about it. This is important as buying a CPU just for Manor Lords isn't the best way to go here. We advise buying a CPU that can handle this game and beyond; Buying a versatile CPU that can handle a wide variety of games is important because it is more cost-effective in the long run.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a powerful and versatile CPU that offers excellent performance for gaming and content creation.

What users say

According to user reviews on Amazon, the processor is praised for its stability, value, and contribution to overall productivity and efficiency. In one review, a user stated "Simply put this is the best CPU for gaming. The uplift in performance is enormous". Reviewers also highlight its excellent gaming performance and exceptional value, making it a great choice for budget-minded users, but some raise concerns about quality control.

Another top pick is the Intel Core i7-1400K. In a similar vein to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, this CPU is an all-rounder. Intel is known for providing performance processing for high FPS and smooth gameplay, crucial for all modern games. Similarly, its improvement in cores and threads, 20 and 28 respectively, over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is impressive, to say the least. It too can be incredibly versatile, with the brand often favoured for creative tasks like Photoshop or video editing. However, for Manor Lords, this CPU will do more than enough. While this may appear as overkill given the low minimum system requirements of Manor Lords, it would be a disservice to omit it from this list if you're looking to build a system to last. Make sure to check out more from this CPU with our Intel Core i7-14700K review.

The Core i7-14700K, a prominent member of Intel’s 14th generation, carries a promise of exceptional performance, especially when stacked against its predecessor, the i9-12900K. 

What user say

Customer reviews praise this processor's value, performance, and gaming prowess, citing its affordability, smooth operation, and ability to handle tough games. On the other hand, opinions are divided on its temperature control, stability, and overall build quality. In a positive review, one user noted "From the moment I installed the i7-14700K, it was clear that my apprehension was unfounded". It's pretty impressive if you ask us.

We now move on to our options which provide a little more cost-effectiveness. Our top mid-range choice is the Ryzen 5 7600X. Providing high clock speeds of up to 5.3 GHz boost and strong single-threaded performance, you won't notice that this product is a generation behind today's top AMD lineup. You will notice it in price because it is much cheaper than our previous Ryzen 7 suggestion. Its support of DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 is also well appreciated by most users. However, this CPU has been reported to struggle with running multiple applications at once. Furthermore, this CPU needs an AM5 motherboard solid cooling, all of which require additional purchases - perhaps knocking a little of the value of the CPU overall. Still, an able and solid choice for many looking for an affordable current-gen option.

The Ryzen 5 7600X is the first of the brand’s mainstream processors to push well beyond the 5 GHz mark.

What users say

Users on Amazon have praised the value, easy installation, gaming capabilities, and overall performance of the Ryzen 7600X. Reviews highlight its power, mentioning it tackles any individual computer task effortlessly and crushes demanding games with ease. For example, a user noted, "...the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X stands out as an excellent choice for gamers seeking a powerful and cost-effective desktop processor". With that being said, some users have mixed feelings about its temperature control and build quality.

Our final option is the Ryzen 5 5600X, an entry-level CPU perfect for you if you're just starting with PC builds, or if you are content with moderate performance. As the oldest gen CPU on this list, the processor has proven reliability - many still consider the AM4 platform not worth upgrading from. It is also the best-priced CPU on this list, meaning it is excellent value for money. As part of the cost-performance analysis, it is also worth pointing out that this option is the closest (in our list) to resembling the very modest minimum system requirements provided for Manor Lords. So, if you want to cover the minimum and aren't looking to play the latest triple-A games at big frame rates then the 5600X makes sense.

However, this CPU certainly has its problems. Its limited core and thread count do diminish its overall performance, while newer Ryzen products outshine and out-perform in nearly every major category. Lastly, its availability on the market is sparse given its dip in popularity compared to other processors, even of the same generation - like the higher-spec Ryzen 7 5800X, 5800X3D and 5900X. While it may be a struggle to find, it's still build-worthy if you're not keen on top-of-the-range CPUs.

What users say

Amazon reviewers praise the Ryzen 5 5600X's performance, value, and gaming abilities. They highlight its impressive speed, smooth handling of multiple tasks, and affordability, all while excelling at games. Users also appreciate the processor's build quality, stability, and ease of installation. In a more negative light, some customers received theirs in less-than-ideal condition, and opinions are divided on its cooling capabilities - though these opinions were few and far between.

Considerations for the best CPUs for Manor Lords

There are a couple of major things to consider when buying a CPU for Manor Lords. Let's dive into a few of them and go through the best way to manage them:

Price

When buying a CPU for your desktop PC, you should consider the asking price and the performance offered. Typically speaking, if you’re someone who wants to push games to their limit, then an Intel or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU would be a smarter choice than the weaker alternatives. Additionally, to achieve the best price for your chosen CPU, make sure to purchase during seasonal sale periods. These times will provide the best overall prices. Lastly, use price tracker applications like Camelcamelcamel to find the best times and prices for your product. It could be the key you need. Check out our best budget CPUs for more cost-effective models and low prices.

Clock speed and TDP

Clock speeds are important, too, so if you want to overclock, shop for those processors that are pushing the 5.0 GHz rate. What’s more, TDP is an essential consideration as well, as Intel currently goes up to 125W, and AMD’s upcoming line will have a power draw of up to 170W base TDP. All considerations for the PSU required and overall system requirements.

Socket type and Motherboard

Don't forget about the CPU socket. This determines which motherboards are compatible. Currently, Intel CPUs use LGA 1700 sockets, while AMD uses AM4 and AM5. Remember, some motherboard features, like DDR5 support, can significantly inflate the price. If you aim for a high-performance system, factor in the motherboard cost and related components when choosing your CPU.

How much storage is needed for Manor Lords?

Fortunately for most fans, Manor Lords won't take up a huge chunk of storage space on your PC. At only 16 GB of storage required, it's a manageable download in today's landscape. Even after installation, the game itself is surprisingly light, clocking in at around 12 GB. Certainly a win-win for everyone.

Spotify isn't a resource-hungry application. However, at times, it can consume a lot of CPU resources. This can happen due to many reasons, and it can affect your processor's performance. But why does a music streaming app like Spotify sometimes consume more processing power than necessary, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

This is where we come in. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to reduce Spotify's CPU usage using 10 methods.

How to fix Spotify high CPU usage issue

If Spotify is using more CPU resources than it should, you can tackle the issue by trying these methods.

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to make Spotify use less CPU. If none of the methods worked, then we suggest getting in touch with Spotify support for further assistance. Make sure to let them know about the methods you've already tried so they can suggest something else. In any case, make sure you learn different methods that can help reduce your CPU usage, as putting the processor under constant load can shorten its lifespan.

Paring components together can be confusing, and it's understandable because there are so many variations of CPUs and motherboards. That said, the process is easy once you know what to look out and this is where we come in.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you figure out which CPU is compatible with your motherboard so you can make an informed decision.

How to check your CPU and motherboard’s compatibility

One of the most crucial aspects of building a PC is to check the compatibility between different components, namely, the CPU and motherboard. If they aren’t compatible, your PC won’t boot, or it will have severe stability issues. However, you can check for compatibility before purchasing to avoid spending on something that won’t work and returning it for something else.

Wrapping up

This was everything about how to know if a CPU is compatible with your motherboard. It may seem confusing at first, given that there are different socket types and the process of checking for BIOS compatibility and needing to update it. However, it is a straightforward process, and all the relevant information is readily available. That said, the easy way to go about this is to follow the CPU support list for your motherboard, and you should be good to go.If you’re interested in exploring motherboard options, we recommend you check out our best AM4 and best AM5 motherboard guides for the top picks available.

Your CPU can overheat for several reasons, and when that happens, you can face issues such as crashes, random freezes, and various other performance issues. On top of that, constant overheating can also reduce the lifespan of your processor. While it mostly happens when the processor is under load, there are many other factors that can lead to it.

In this guide, we'll explain how you can stop your CPU from overheating through 9 different methods.

How to fix CPU overheating

If your CPU is overheating, here are some techniques you can use to lower its temperature.

What can help you keep the temperatures low?

CPU coolers tend to lose their performance after a few years, so if your current one is old, you need to get a new one. If you don't know which one to go for, here are a few options that we think are worth every penny. Also, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best airflow PC cases and the best PC case fans, as these can help keep the temperatures down.

Conclusion

These were some methods that can help fix CPU overheating issues. Overheating can cause different problems, such as random crashes or freezes. As soon as you notice something like this, you need to fix the issue immediately, as delaying things can permanently damage the component.

Price

The Intel Core i7, which was supplied to us for this review by Overclockers UK, is available now with an MSRP of $420. However, despite the fact this chip has only been available for a few months, you can occasionally find it discounted to the sub-$400 mark from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg. That's an identical price to the MSRP of the 13700K, although the first Raptor Lake version is now discounted to around the $350 mark to offer improved value. For how these two CPUs compare, we recommend reading our 14700K vs 13700K feature.

Design and specs

As touched upon above, the Intel Core i7-14700K is once again built on the LGA 1700 socket as a Raptor Lake refresh featuring a total of 20 cores and 28 threads. Specifically, there are eight P-cores and 12 E-cores which is an increase on the 13700K's 16 cores (8P+8E) and 24 threads for four extra E-cores and four extra threads. It's not the most exciting upgrade, however, it should mean slightly increased performance, and considering the identical pricing, that's a solid minor upgrade.

The Intel CPU can be pushed up to 5.6 GHz with Turbo Boost enabled. That's an increase of 0.2 Ghz over the 13700K creeping ever closer toward the 6 GHz boost clock of the i9-14900K; this one's not the fastest chipset in the lineup but it should still be plenty fast for gaming, productivity, and creativity tasks. We'll be touching on the single-core and multi-core performance further down the page.

Because the 14th-generation CPU is a refresh that means it's built on the same LGA 1700 socket, so you shouldn't necessarily need another best motherboard for gaming if you've already got a compatible mobo. It should be as simple as a BIOS update, and those thinking of upgrading from Alder Lake should benefit the most. We recommend you check your system's compatibility before investing in the chip just to be sure though.

Gaming performance

First, we must assess the rig used to test the CPU, as this will contribute to the performance of our CPU. We used some of the best hardware available to test this Intel legend, as we will outline below:

In the testing conducted by PC Guide's own Jack Howarth, it's clear that the Intel Core i7-14700K is an incredibly capable processor for gaming, especially when paired with one of the best graphics cards. This is especially evident in titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, CS2, Days Gone, and Sons of the Forest. A good range of older and newer titles of varying optimization states showcases this mid-range chip's prowess. You don't necessarily need a top-end processor for high refresh rates.

Synthetic performance

It's a similar story with the synthetic performance of the Intel Core i7-14700K, with leading numbers especially where multi-core tests come into the equation. This is particularly evidenced in Cinebench R23 and Geekbench with strong figures showcasing the prowess of the third-generation hybrid architecture. The last i7 of its kind truly does go out on top, as evidenced below.

Alternatives to the Intel Core i7-14700K

Alternatives to the Intel Core i7 include the Intel Core i5-14600K, which performs similarly and for a cheaper price point from a pure gaming point of view. Over on the red corner, there's the 7800X which is priced similarly and offers slightly better gaming performance at the cost of worse multicore performance.

What do these benchmarks mean?

When we perform synthetic benchmarks, they are meant to give an overall idea of how the CPU will perform in a similar workload (either single or multi-core), because we can't benchmark every single program in the world. But how do these numbers translate to performance?

When we're talking in terms of Single-core performance, this represents how well the CPU will likely perform in a gaming workload. This is because games use very few cores, and tend to automatically prioritise the cores capable of higher speeds when gaming.

When we score based on multi-core performance, we're giving an example of how well the CPU will perform in multi-threaded workloads, these are workloads such as rendering, editing, streaming, or simulation-type programs. The higher the numbers in both camps, the better the CPU is said to perform for that given workload.

If you want to compare how well this CPU does to another, you can check out the Geekbench and Cinebench scores. But bear in mind, that these scores are based on high averages and tend to change over time as people submit higher and higher scores. So don't be alarmed if ours misalign slightly. Or benchmarks are run essentially out of the box, with no real manual tuning applied.

Conclusion

The Intel Core i7-14700K is a fantastic CPU for gaming with its strong multi-core performance making it ideal for creatives and those looking to also engage in high-end productivity. The last i7 of its kind, before the Arrow Lake equivalent, Intel has gone all out to ensure that this upper mid-range CPU ticks all the right boxes and it should be a confident chipset for many years to come. It's not quite as good as the 14900K but the broad strokes given its price-to-performance make it easy to recommend.

Is the Intel Core i7-14700K worth it?

Yes, the Intel Core i7-14700K is a worthy upgrade for those considering the jump over to LGA 1700 from older Intel or AMD processors. However, those running existing Raptor Lake hardware are going to see less of the benefits overall.

When your CPU starts having problems, it can cause a lot of frustration. This is because CPU related issues can cause your system to freeze or even crash, and this can make you loose progress on an important task. Identifying issues early can help you save your system from getting permanently damaged, but how can you tell if your CPU is really failing or dying?

This is where we come in. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to tell if your processor is failing or dead so you can take action accordingly.

Common signs of a failing or dead CPU

Here are some common symptoms of a failing or dying CPU.

PC automatically shuts down

A frequent sign of CPU failure is when your PC shuts down unexpectedly and repeatedly. Occasional shutdowns can occur for various reasons, but if your computer consistently powers off without warning, it could indicate a serious issue with the processor. To prevent permanent damage to your system, the CPU may shut down automatically. Unfortunately, these shutdowns can occur without any prior alerts, potentially leading to the loss of important data.

Random freezes

Another sign of potential CPU failure is when your system experiences random freezes. These freezes can occur immediately after logging in or after the system has been running for a few minutes. During this, the cursor may become unresponsive on the screen, and the keyboard may also stop functioning. The only solution is to restart the system. Unfortunately, you may lose any unsaved progress if you were in the middle of an important task when the system froze.

PC is stuck in a boot loop

If your processor is malfunctioning, your PC may fail to boot up properly or get stuck in a continuous reboot loop. Typically, what happens is that the system starts to boot, displays the loading screen, and then restarts unexpectedly. This cycle will go on until you either unplug the power cable or forcibly shut down the PC by holding down the power button.

Error codes or beeping

Sometimes, when trying to boot your system, you may encounter an error code displayed on the screen. To understand the issue, search this code online to find out if it's related to your CPU. On top of that, some motherboards start beeping when there's a problem with the processor. If you hear this beep, it's advisable to turn off your PC immediately to prevent further damage.

Blue Screen of Death

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can happen for many reasons, including a failing CPU. However, because the BSOD can result from various issues, it's hard to confirm if the CPU is the direct cause just from this sign. However, if you also notice other problems we've discussed earlier, such as system freezes, constant rebooting, or error codes, then the CPU might indeed be causing the issue. Seeing multiple signs together makes it more likely that there's a problem with the processor.

Visible damages

In some cases, your CPU may be damaged, and this can happen due to multiple reasons. Overheating is one of the most common causes of CPU damage, which usually occurs from inadequate airflow within the computer's casing. So, inspect the CPU for any burnt marks or physical damages. If you notice something's wrong, then it won't be a wise idea to continue using the processor.

PC isn't turning on

Now, there could be different reasons your PC isn't turning on at all. To test if the CPU is the problem, you can try installing it in another PC. If the CPU works fine in the second PC, then the issue likely lies with a different component in your original system. However, if the second PC also fails to turn on, then it's a strong indication that your CPU is dead. In this case, you will need to replace the CPU to get your PC running again.

What to do if your processor is dead?

If your processor is dead, it's likely beyond repair. In such a case, you need to get a new CPU for your system. If you can't find one on your own, here are some options that we think are worth getting. Also, we'd recommend checking out our top picks for the best airflow PC cases and the best AIO water coolers, as these can help keep the temperatures down and improve the lifespan of your CPU.

Conclusion

These were some signs your CPU is failing or dead. It is important to understand that as soon as you notice something wrong with your processor, you should take it to a repair shop quickly so experts can examine it. Leaving it as it is in your system can cause permanent damage, and your other components can be affected too.

Overclocking can be useful depending on the work you want to do, but not all CPUs are made to be overclocked, and they can’t handle running on such high frequencies for extended periods. Even the ones that are made for overclocking, using them in that state for long isn't recommended as it can reduce their lifespan. 

However, stopping your CPU from overclocking and returning it to its base clock speed can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. To that end, we’ve put together this quick, easy-to-follow guide showing you how to change the Windows and BIOS settings to stop your CPU from overclocking. 

How to stop your CPU from overclocking 

Long-term overclocking can lead to your CPU overheating, resulting in lowered performance and detrimental to the CPU’s health. However, there are some methods that can help you to stop it from overclocking, and here’s how:

How do I make sure my computer isn't overclocking?

You can ensure your CPU isn’t overclocking by checking its base speed and current speed in the task manager. Open the task manager by pressing “CRTL+SHIFT+ESC,” click on the “Performance” tab, and check the “Speed” next to “Utilization” to see whether your CPU is overclocked.You can also check the base and boost clock speed of your CPU from the manufacturer and compare it with its current speed to get an idea about whether it's overclocking. 

Wrapping up 

Hopefully, this guide helped you stop your CPU from overclocking. While overclocking can be beneficial in some instances, having your CPU run beyond its capabilities for a long time can dampen its performance by overheating or thermal throttling. This also reduces the CPU's lifespan. Luckily, there are easy workarounds for that, as we saw, that should keep your CPU running in optimal conditions. 

That said, overclocking isn’t the only reason processors overheat; ambient temperature, the thermal paste used, and cooling solutions can also impact that. To ensure that your processor doesn’t suffer from these issues, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best thermal pastes, CPU coolers, and airflow PC cases.

After all that, if you’re still running into performance issues, it might be time to swap out your CPU for a new one, and for that, we recommend these options.

Keeping an eye on your CPU temperature is crucial for maintaining the health and efficiency of your computer. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a video editor, or someone who uses demanding applications, understanding how to monitor your CPU temperature can prevent overheating and ensure your system runs smoothly.

As Windows does not have a dedicated feature for monitoring temperatures, you'll need to rely on third-party software. In this guide, we'll mention three different software programs that can help you check CPU temperature quickly.

How to monitor CPU temp

Here are different third-party software that can help you monitor your CPU temps.

HWiNFO64

The first software we would recommend for checking CPU temperature is HWiNFO64. This is an easy-to-use software that can help you monitor your CPU's temperature.

After downloading and installing HWiNFO64 on your computer, open the program and click on the "Sensors" option. As you scroll through the list, you will find a section dedicated to CPU temperatures. Continuing further, you'll also come across a section for the motherboard that similarly displays the CPU temperature.

HWMonitor

Another excellent software option for monitoring CPU temperature is HWMonitor. Similar to the previously mentioned application, HWMonitor offers an intuitive interface for easy temperature tracking. Once downloaded, all you have to do is launch HWMonitor, after which a window will pop up with all components and their respective temperatures. If you scroll down, you'll find your CPU, and you can expand the list to learn about the temperature of each individual core as well.

Core Temp

The third and final software we recommend for monitoring CPU temperature is Core Temp. This user-friendly application not only displays temperature readings but also shows the load on individual cores, all within a single, easily navigable window.

What sets Core Temp apart is its ability to display the temperature of each CPU core directly in the system tray. If you click on the arrow to view the hidden icons in the system tray, you'll notice that there are a bunch of numbers. If you hover your mouse over them, you'll see that these are the temperatures of individual CPU cores.

Is 70 degrees too hot for a CPU?

70 degrees isn't really hot for a CPU. You should start worrying only after the temperature goes above 90 degrees. However, do keep in mind that during gaming and other resource-hungry tasks, the temperatures increase significantly.

Is your CPU always hot?

If your CPU temps are always high, even at idle, then there may be something wrong with your cooler. If you already have a PC case with good airflow, then it will be wise to invest in a decent CPU cooler, as it can help keep the processor cool. Here are a few options that we think are worth getting.

Conclusion

These were different methods that can help you check CPU temperature. During gaming or other demanding tasks, it is important to monitor the temperatures, as constant high temperatures can ruin the overall lifespan of the CPU and cause performance issues. You should also consider checking your CPU usage, as this can help you identify applications that are taking a toll on the processor.

When we hear update your drivers, we automatically think about the GPU drivers, but its counterpart also deserves some attention, and there are drivers for the CPU as well. However, since that doesn’t get much attention, you might be wondering how do you even update CPU drivers. And we’re here to answer that question for you.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you update your CPU drivers, so let’s get right to it. 

How to update CPU drivers on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Updating CPU drivers is straightforward. The CPU brand doesn’t matter, so the process is similar whether you’ve got an AMD or an Intel processor. Follow the steps below to update the CPU drivers. 

Wrapping up

This was everything you needed to know about updating CPU drivers. Hopefully, you can update the drivers automatically or manually and get the best performance from your system. One thing to note is that getting the drivers from official sources like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel is always recommended to ensure you’re getting the right and verified software. 

That said, even after updating your CPU drivers, the performance isn’t quite where you want it to be; there is a possibility that it's thermal throttling due to old thermal paste or restricted airflow. To the end, we recommend you check out our top picks for the best thermal pastes, best CPU coolers, and the best airflow PC cases. 

However, if these solutions don’t work, it might be time to say goodbye to your current CPU and bring in the latest technology. If you’re interested in that, we recommend you check out these options.

What makes AM4 so great?

AM4 was released back in September 2016 and remained AMD's platform of choice for over six years. During that time, the AM4 socket was at the center of 11 different chipsets and supported 153 different processors; which is an impressive feat on its own if you think about it. (linked source does not include 5700X3D).

What makes this even more impressive is that at the same time, Intel went through 4 desktop sockets. AMD managed to keep up. It AMD took this tired socket and kept it relevant for over 6 years, through constant upgrades and supportive updates, AMD managed to go toe-to-toe with Intel in terms of performance for that whole period. It's like racing the same car for 6 years, while your competitors constantly upgraded theirs.

Of course, AMD upgraded the chipsets on subsequent motherboards, but it was all based around that same socket. Here's a grab to show just how deep the AM4 chipset range is...and the CPU releases that followed it.

One of the biggest complaints among Intel users in the early 2020s was that Intel changed sockets too often, meaning users needed to buy a more expensive motherboard every time they got a new Intel CPU. Not the case on AMD; if you wanted to, you could run a 5950X on an A320 motherboard. Should you? Probably not, but it was nice to have the opportunity.

Can AM4 still perform?

Absolutely! As you may know, the GPU does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to gaming. So if that's your primary focus, then you may just need a good GPU to cut through most of the workload.

When I tested the 5900X for the Ryzen 5900X review, I used my own hardware - which consists of an old AM4 X470 motherboard, an RX 7900XT, and 32GB of 3200MHz DDR4 memory. And the results I got may shock you. Here's a snippet of the gaming performance of the 5900X from the review:

Yes, the 7900XT is a pretty expensive card, but it serves to make my point that the GPU does most of the work when it comes to gaming, and if you're wondering whether to upgrade your current AM4 rig for more performance, you might just be able to upgrade your GPU for the time being and see some positive results.

Is it time to upgrade from AM4?

As always, it depends on what you use your PC for. Personally, as mentioned, I run AM4 and I'm not planning to upgrade until GTA 6 launches. But that's not through necessity...it's just because I want to. Never once have I encountered a time when playing Beam.NG, RDR2, Fallout, streaming videos, running benchmarks, and gone "Man, this CPU sucks". Truth be told, it had better not suck, it's a 5900X! But it's still AM4 driving everything at the heart of the system.

One nice thing about AM4's successor, AM5, is the PCIe Gen 5 storage opportunity; if you're a certified speed freak, then this could be the feature that tips you into AM5. But in all honesty, storage speeds are still fine. Even on my X470 motherboard. That's right! I'm happy, and I'm not even rocking the latest AM4 hardware.

What does AMD think?

Not even AMD thinks it's time for you to leave AM4 behind, or else they wouldn't have released the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D this year for AM4. Even in the era of AM5, AMD is still releasing hardware for AM4, which is surprising. I sincerely thought that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D would be the last AM4 CPU.

So if the performance is still great, and the speeds are still good, why upgrade at all? Well it's all down to personal preference, and your needs may be much greater than mine. Maybe you're a data science student, or maybe you run massive, complex simulations on your home rig. I don't do that, so what I have works for me. But there's no glaring reason to upgrade from AM4 that I can see.

How long will AM4 still be supported?

When AM5 was released, many feared for the future of AM4. But AMD put those fears to rest, assuring us that AM4 would still be supported for a long time. Thankfully, we have been reassured yet again that AM4 will see continued support until at least 2025, per a recent article from TechSpot.

If you ask me, this is what separates AMD from the likes of Nvidia, and even Intel to some degree. We know that AMD is a business above all else, but I'd like to commend them for thinking of the consumer and working hard to support the systems that are still in use, seemingly regardless of the likely cost implications. I'm sure it'd be far cheaper for AMD to cut ties with AM4 and stop supporting the socket. But here we are in 2024 and AM4 is still going strong.

Final Word

So is it time to upgrade from AM4? No, not for me. AMD's AM4 was, and continues to be, probably the best consumer PC platform that has ever been made. The fact that AMD kept the same platform and continued to improve its performance against Intel, which constantly updated its platform, is phenomenal. Even now with the release of AM5, AMD continues to keep AM4 alive; seemingly purely because of how many of its customers use it.

I won't be moving to AM5, at least not until 2025, and maybe beyond that. I realize this reads more like a fanboy love letter to a platform, but I just want to draw attention to everything AMD achieved with AM4. And how I hope it'll be in support for years to come. Honestly, it'll be a sad day for technology the day that AM4's support is discontinued.

Unlike the APU-focused 8000 series, AMD is back on track for giving us the best CPUs for gaming in this new generation, taking on their rivals Intel as always. We expect to see the 9950X, 9900X, 9700X, and 9600X first in line - but we'll be sure to come back and update you with a full list of SKUs once announced.

Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series - US expected retailers

Starting right away with the best retailers in the United States. The 9000 series should be widely available in this region.

Amazon

Best Buy

Newegg

Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series - Canada expected retailers

Moving on to Canada and you'll find that the same retailers as the US are a good choice. Of course, we've catered the store links below for the Canadian sites respectively.

Amazon CA

Best Buy CA

Newegg CA

Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series - UK expected retailers

Over in the UK, there are a couple of great local retailers in Overclockers and Scan. As always, we'll be updating these lists as much as we can!

Amazon UK

Overclockers UK

Scan

When will I be able to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPUs?

AMD has been following a pretty similar pattern when it comes to launching their latest (odd number) desktop CPU ranges. As per our current release date prediction, you should be able to buy a new AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPU sometime in Q3 2024. That being said, it will likely be towards the end of Q3, with September being a realistic estimate - as that's when the 7000 series released. There is also a chance you'll be able to pre order a little earlier, depending on retailer.

Do I need to upgrade my motherboard for 9000 series?

If you're upgrading to the 9000 series, motherboard compatibility should be one of your main concerns. The Ryzen 9000 series will be sticking to the AM5 socket, so if you have a motherboard designed for the 7000 or 8000 series, then you'll be good to go - a BIOS update may be needed at most. However, we suspect that many people will be upgrading from an older AM4 board, and in this case you'll need to buy a compatible AM5 motherboard.

The RTX 3060 Ti is a mid-range GPU – halfway from the entry-level and the real mid-high-end GPUs. This is a graphics card that you can easily buy and use for gaming, working, studying, and introducing yourself to the world of building PCs.If you have a GPU like this and are considering building your rig on that, in this article we bring you the best CPU options for you.

The best CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti will have to be a CPU that can endure the processing power of 4864 CUDA cores, 1,410 MHz of base clock speed, 1,665 boost clock speed, and 8GB of GDDR6 memory. This is not a super strong GPU, but the GA104 processor and the Samsung 8nm node found on the GPU have given this Ampere unit enough power to run any game you need.

If that's enough information for you and you just want to know what products we recommend, we have outlined our products at a glance below, top of that list is the Core i5-13600K - because of the value it brings to a system equipped with a 3060 Ti.

Products at a glance

How do we pick the best CPU for RTX 3060 Ti?

When choosing the best CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to make sure that the CPU is compatible with your motherboard and other components. Consider the processor brand and architecture, with Intel and AMD being really the only two brands to choose from, but they each have a plethora of different motherboard generations associated with them.

One of the main considerations to keep in mind is the processor speed, measured in GHz, will also impact performance, with a higher speed generally leading to better performance. The number of cores a CPU has is important as well, as more cores allow for better multitasking. Additionally, the cache size, a high-speed memory used by the CPU, is another imperative factor, with a larger cache size improving performance.

If you’re looking for more RTX 3060 Ti recommendations, then head over to our Best Motherboard for RTX 3060 Ti guide. As well as, our Best Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti article.

Best CPU for RTX 3060 Ti

You need the power to match the 3060 Ti speed, and the Core i5 13600K is the best option. You might wonder why the Intel 14th gen isn't here, and that's because, for this GPU, we don't consider the minimal performance increase over the 13th gen for the money a valuable investment, especially when we're trying to create value with our picks.

With this CPU your rig will be ready to take on 1080p gaming easily. In reality, you'd probably be able to handle some older games in 1440p, you're climbing into the big leagues now.

The Intel Core i5-13600K boasts an impressive 14 cores and 20 threads, making it a top contender in the CPU market. Its MSRP of $320 is incredibly affordable given the level of performance it offers. It's also important to note, that this CPU can now be found cheaper given its age, and even better deals can be found on the second-hand market.

Compared to its predecessor, the Core i5-12600K, the i5-13600K doubles the number of E-cores and comes equipped with a total of 8 efficient cores (E-cores) and 6 performance cores (P-cores). The P-cores also support Hyper-threading, which contributes to the total number of threads reaching 20. All this processing power is contained on a chip with a TDP of only 125W.

In layman’s terms, this design results in excellent performance for lightly threaded tasks such as gaming, and competitive performance for multi-thread workloads. The improvement is due to the increased number of cores and better clock speeds. The single-core performance is superior to AMD alternatives and is not far behind the Core i9-13900K, with a higher base clock but a lower boost.

For gaming purposes, the performance is nearly comparable to the Intel Core i9 with only a slight drop in frames per second, but with a lower cost and power consumption. The CPU is also unlocked and can be overclocked to a maximum TDP of 181W. The Intel Core i5-13600KF is a similar CPU without an integrated GPU and is priced at $30 cheaper. If you already have a graphics card in your setup, this is a cost-effective way to achieve the same performance.

Best Ryzen 7000 series CPU for 3060 Ti

Intel is not the only brand capable of delivering great CPUs at good prices. AMD has been known for being the top-chose brand in mid and low-entry builds. And with its 7000-series CPUs, AMD introduces to the world one of the best mid-range processors for gaming. Like in Intel’s case, you will be able to perform great at any 1080p and 1440p resolution when gaming.

The Ryzen 5 7600X is considered one of the best processors from AMD. However, if you’re upgrading from an older system, keep in mind that the Ryzen 7000 processors from AMD only support DDR5 RAM and require a new motherboard with the AM5 socket and DDR5 RAM. With 32MB of total cache, the Ryzen 5 7600X excels at handling heavy loads.

It boasts 6 cores and 12 threads, that can reach a boost frequency of 5.3GHz, which is a remarkable performance compared to previous generations where overclocking was necessary to achieve such speeds. This processor is capable of reaching these speeds on its own, as long as you have a sufficient CPU cooler.

The Ryzen 5 7600X is the best option in AMD’s current lineup. Unless you have specific needs for a high number of threads, such as for streaming or creative work, the Ryzen 5 7600X is the ideal choice. Additionally, the AM5 socket is expected to be supported for a considerable amount of time, so although there may be an added expense now, you can be assured that your setup will be compatible with future generations of processors.

Best AM4 CPU for RTX 3060 Ti

You can always find a better price. If you need the best budget for the 3060 Ti, then you can choose the Ryzen 5 5600X. This CPU from the previous Gen has ensured great gaming capabilities into rigs for a long time and has never disappointed. You’ll have the power of running 1080p games but if you want to go for the 1440p resolution, you’ll find a bit of a struggle.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the best budget option for those who want to save money. Despite having a larger bottleneck of around 12%, the price of this CPU is significantly lower, especially if you can find it on sale due to the recent release of the 5000 series CPUs.

The 5600X still offers impressive core speeds, however, it may limit the performance of your GPU at lower resolutions. Surprisingly, it is recommended to use this CPU and GPU combination for 1440p resolution for optimal performance.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a formidable force in the mid-range market, boasting six cores and twelve threads powered by the advanced Zen 3 architecture and manufactured using 7nm process technology. This combination leads to a significant improvement of ~19% in instruction per cycle (IPC) throughput, making the 5600X a top pick for the Best CPUs list.

Further optimizations such as an improved boosting algorithm, better memory overclocking, and revised cache topology eliminate any remaining performance advantages held by Intel and deliver a new level of power efficiency. In fact, as detailed below, the Ryzen 5 5600X is the most energy-efficient desktop PC chip tested to date.

Best future-proofing CPU for RTX 3060 Ti

There’s always that one person who loves putting a high-end component to the budget rig. Let’s say that one person is each one of us, and the minimum chance we have to build a Ryzen 9 7900X into our rig will be taken.

With this CPU you can forget about any possibility of bottlenecking your CPU. The processor is so strong that at some point it’ll carry out the GPU. In big sandbox games, you’ll have no regret about having purchased this processor. Even, if you do content creation tasks, you’ll feel the boost.

The Ryzen 9 7900X by AMD is a top-of-the-line CPU with a price point of $549, which falls between Intel’s premium Core i9 and Core i7 chips. But it can be found for cheaper now. Despite its mid-range placement in terms of price, the Ryzen 9 7900X boasts performance that surpasses the competition, delivering powerful gaming performance that matches or exceeds that of Intel’s best CPUs.

In addition, it has strong performance in desktop PC applications. With its combination of affordability, gaming performance, and powerful desktop application capabilities, the Ryzen 9 7900X is a strong contender for our list of the best CPUs and our CPU benchmark hierarchy. There is much more to consider than just the price when it comes to choosing the best CPU.

The Ryzen 9 7900X boasts impressive specifications with its 12 cores and Zen 4 architecture, which results in a ~13% improvement in IPC, manufactured on the advanced 5nm process. This allows for remarkable peak clock speeds of 5.6 GHz, nearly reaching the 5.7 GHz of the top-of-the-line Ryzen 9 7950X. The high clock speed is even ahead of Intel’s current fastest offerings and sets the bar for future releases.

Main features and considerations

The first thing you will need to consider is the type of workload you’re going to be asking of your PC. This type of build is mainly for budgeted gamers, however, you can still apply plenty of day-to-day productivity tasks to it. If that’s the case, you would need to consider which type of games you play. Keep in mind, that big sandbox games are more CPU-heavy than other AAA games. In that case, specifically, you will need a stronger CPU.

So among all the things to check on a CPU, the first one would be the number of cores. The more cores, the better the CPU’s ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This should be paired with core speed to determine the effectiveness of the CPU.

Something else to consider is the architecture of those cores and the whole GPU. For example, at this level, AMD has a better architecture to perform on AAA games, thanks to its great rasterization power; while Intel is more capable of enduring sandbox games due to its multi-threading abilities. However, that would change considering the CPUs and price.

This takes us to the next point. The 3060 Ti is an entry-level GPU, so the build will be based on a budget that can always allow the fanciest stuff. Keeping that in mind, you must consider price-to-performance balance. One of the best sensations when building a budget rig is knowing that you have the best piece for the best price.

Is it worth buying AM4 in 2024?

An interesting question from this guide arises; is it worth buying AM4 in 2024? Given that AMD is pushing toward AM5, they assured us that AM4 wouldn't die immediately. To our surprise, 2024 brought us the last known AM4 CPU to release, the 5700X3D, showing us that even n 2024, AMD isn't done supporting AM4.

It might be lagging a little behind in terms of technology, but it's safe to say that immense value can be found in an AM4 system today. I still use AM4 in my personal gaming rig, and it's not once felt like I needed to upgrade. You just have to decide whether PCIe Gen 5 storage and DDR5 memory speeds are more important to you than saving money.

FAQs

Our Verdict

When it comes to pairing a CPU the RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, the options for CPUs vary depending on your budget and performance needs. For those seeking an affordable option, the best choice is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X delivers fast core speeds and power efficiency at a reasonable cost. If you’re looking for something in the mid-range, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a solid choice with a fast boost clock and 32 MB of cache to handle heavy loads.

If you’re building a high-end PC, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a powerful 12-core processor that offers the best performance out of our list of desktop processors. Finally, the latest Intel Core i5-13600K is a solid pick for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, especially for gaming, with a high base clock and an option to save more with an i5-13600KF without an integrated GPU. Regardless of which CPU you choose, all of these options are well-suited to handle the RTX 3060 Ti.

If your PC has been lagging or crashing recently and you can't figure out why it's happening, then it would be wise to check if the CPU is under load or not. Some applications can end up consuming a lot of CPU, which can affect the overall performance of your system. In such a case, you need to identify these applications and get rid of them as soon as possible.

Luckily, there are four different ways to check CPU usage, which can also show you how much CPU each individual application is using.

How to check CPU usage

Here are different methods that can help you monitor your CPU usage.

Why is my CPU running at 100%?

Your CPU may be running at 100% due to multiple reasons, including a faulty hard drive, malware, or a resource-hungry software. While CPUs are designed to run safely at 100%, you should get rid of unnecessary applications that take a toll on the processor.

Is your CPU powerful enough?

Now, while high CPU usage can lead to performance issues, the problem can also be in your processor. If you're always multitasking or are running resource-hungry software but have a weak CPU in your system, then you may want to consider upgrading your processor. Here are a few options that we think are worth getting.

Conclusion

These were four methods that can help you check CPU usage instantly. You can either use the methods present in Windows to check it, or you can download a third-party software if you want more details. Either way, if you're facing performance issues, then make sure to learn about how to lower CPU usage.

Discord may be one of the biggest instant messaging applications in the world, but it still has its fair share of problems. For instance, it sometimes affects the overall performance of the system by using more CPU resources. And for those who don't know, high CPU usage can result in lag and crash issues, which no one wants.

Thankfully, there are several methods that can help reduce Discord's CPU usage, and we'll go through all of them in this guide.

How to fix Discord high CPU usage

Here are different methods that can help you make Discord use less CPU resources.

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to make Discord use less CPU. We understand that high CPU usage issues can be frustrating, as they can cause your system to lag or even crash. However, by following the methods we mentioned, you'll overcome the issue in no time.

Knowing which CPU you have is very useful, as it allows you to streamline your Google searches in case of crashes or error codes. That said, dismantling your setup just to look at your processor’s name is less than ideal, but there are easy workarounds. 

In this guide, we’ve listed four easy-to-follow methods that will show you how to check your CPU without any tinkering with the hardware. So, let’s get right to it, shall we? 

How to check what CPU you have in your PC

Here are a few methods that can help you quickly check which CPU you have as well as other specifications.

Wrapping up 

We’ve reached the end of our journey, and hopefully, now you know how to check what CPU you have using the easy methods listed in this guide. These methods not only show the name of your processor but also the number of cores, its base and current frequency, utilization, cache memory, and other useful information. 

That said, if the reason for you looking for your CPU was subpar performance or other issues and replacing the thermal paste, reseating, or changing the cooling solution hasn’t worked, it might be time to switch it out with a new processor. If you’re interested in that, we recommend you check out these options.

And once you've sorted your CPU, be sure to check out some of our top picks for best thermal pastes, best CPU coolers, and the best airflow PC cases so you can get the absolute best performance out of it too.

A processor running at 100% capacity at all times results in decreased overall performance and can even reduce its life expectancy. Constant stuttering while you’re working or gaming or just a slow boot-up can be frustrating. 

That said, there are a couple of ways to resolve the high CPU usage issue, and we’ve listed all of them in our easy-to-follow guide to help your setup return to its former glory. So, without wasting another second, let’s get right into it. 

Why is my CPU usage so high? 

High CPU usage can be frustrating, resulting in stuttering, lag, and slow processing. This happens due to the CPU trying to process more instances than it can handle or due to a bottleneck, and you see your CPU being used 100% in the task manager. A couple of reasons for this happening are: 

Here's how to lower your CPU usage 

Here are a few methods that can help you quickly fix the high CPU usage issue.

Wrapping up

This was everything about how to lower CPU usage, and as you saw, there are a handful of reasons that your CPU is running at 100% capacity. They can range from a dirty PC case to outdated drivers. However, these are all easy fixes, and by following the mentioned steps, your processor should be back to running at normal levels in no time.

After all that, if you think a new CPU would better serve you, then we recommend you check out these options.