Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming

Do you live stream your gaming? If so, you must be aware of the gamers who live stream their gaming and are getting popular day by day. Almost 1.3 billion PC gamers are there today, and the competition between them is getting tougher and tougher. To maintain their game and retain their edge, each one is looking for high-end computer hardware. And so is the need for the best CPU.

It’s been around 12 years since I live-streamed my first game, and because of being a pro gamer, I have tried so many of the CPUs. With my experience, analysis, and personal testing, I have developed 7 of the best CPUs for gaming and streaming that enhance the gaming performance of the gamer and make it possible for him to play next-level games with smooth and smooth and uninterrupted streaming.

Moreover, all of these are well-known CPUs that are highly positively reviewed and favored by most professional gamers who stream their gaming. Let us look at the details so you can have the best CPU to stream your game live in the best possible way.

7 Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming

These Best CPUs for gaming and streaming are all budget-friendly choices that belong to reliable companies and are better at multitasking and workload. These CPUs are ideal for uninterrupted gaming and streaming and ensure delivery of powerful performance when streaming your gaming.

1. Intel Core i5-12600K

With an LGA 1700 socket type and ten cores with 16 threads, this is one of the top best CPUs you can reliably purchase for streaming and gaming. It has 9.5 MB L2 cache memory and 20 MB L3 cache memory, making it easier to quickly access the most accessed and most opened data that you will need more.

Instead of reaching the main memory, the presence of a high value of cache memory in this CPU makes it reliable for you to quickly access what you want to access. Additionally, because of being one of the most powerful Intel processors, this is one of the most favorite choices for pro gamers and streamers who stream their gaming both at a time.

Although I didn’t like the low value of the L3 cache, still other features make it one of the top choices for most gamers. Adding to the perks of this CPU, being affordable, popular, and valuable this CPU has great compatibility with DDR5 RAM and comes with integrated 5.0 PCI-E slots that give you the choice to expand the system and enhance the overall functioning.

Moreover, with an incredible multithreaded performance, the possibility of overclocking makes it the top choice for gamers like me. This is one of my top priority CPUs because it gives me all of those features that are usually available in other expensive high-end CPUs. And this comes with an affordable price making it reliable for most gamers.

Intel Core i5-12600K is one of the top most popular, affordable, and highly valuable CPUs that comes with 16 threads and 10 cores. Moreover, with its compatibility with multithreaded performance, the presence of DDR5 compatible RAM makes it one of the quicker, faster, and more efficient CPUs you can ever have to deliver top-notch performance with high-end gaming and uninterrupted streaming.

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2. Intel Core i9-12900KF

Intel Core i9-12900 KF is another top CPU that you can consider for gaming and streaming. It has 16 cores, 24 threads, 14 MB L2 cache, and 30 MB L3 cache memory. With its RAM size of 128 GB, you can play next-level games without interruptions and flaws.

Moreover, because it is one of the latest CPUs it comes with a 5.0 PCI-E version making it reliable for streaming your gaming without any delays or buffering. You can always expand your system in the presence of expansion slots which ultimately adds to the reasons why it is one of the popular choices in the list of top CPUs for streaming and gaming.

Additionally being heavy-duty and extremely powerful you can use this CPU for tournaments. With the presence of hybrid architecture, this is the best compact and small CPU giving you the same performance at an affordable price as that of large and expensive CPUs.

I love the multithreaded performance that not only makes it reliable for me to use it for gaming and streaming but also for other tasks like editing and graphic designing I usually do in this computer setup.

Intel Core i9-12900 KF is the next best gaming and streaming CPU that you can always consider. It is popular because of its versatility and high quality in construction. It is small and compact but yet is highly efficient and promises to run all the games at their best making it reliable for both beginners and pro-level gamers.

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3. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Next in our list of best CPUs for gaming and streaming belongs to AMD Ryzen. This is one of my favorite CPUs and is one of the top choices for pro gamers. Yes, I am talking about AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. With its compatibility with the AM4 socket, this is one of the latest CPUs that has 16 cores and 32 threads.

It is one of the best available CPUs with a high value of L3 cache and that is 64 MB making it unparalleled to other options in this list. The presence of wide compatibility with all motherboards makes it reliable and more popular among most users. I have two motherboards, one is a B350 chipset and the second is an X570 chipset. And this processor is compatible with both of them.

This is why I love it because I don’t have to purchase the CPU separately for each motherboard. Moreover, one of the unique features that are present in this processor and that makes it stand out among other options is that it only reaches up to 78 degrees Celsius and not more than that.

This is truly a quality of good processor that is present in this CPU making it ultimately best for streaming and gaming. This is because streaming and gaming are both heavy-duty tasks and most of the time they raise the internal temperature of the processor.

Additionally, the 4.0 PCI-E version and the availability of a 3.7 GHz base clock and 4.9 GHz turbo clock speed make it the best available CPU you can ever have with 128 GB memory and DDR4 compatible RAM storage. This makes it ideal specifically when you have to use it for streaming your gaming.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is the next best reliable CPU for streaming and gaming that has the available options of overclocking and is one of the strong competitors in the list of top best CPUs. It comes with a low TDP value and is widely compatible with most motherboards ranging from B350 to X570 chipsets. Additionally, it is compatible with AM4 sockets and has 16 cores and 32 threads making it reliable for users.

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4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X has an 8 core 16 threads processor that comes with a 4.7 GHz turbo frequency. The availability of 32 MB L3 cache and 4 MB L2 cache memory makes it easier for the gamer to access the data most of the time.

It minimizes direct access to RAM making the processing more quick, efficient, and more proficient. It is constructed and is based on Zen 3 microarchitecture that basically uses multi-threading technology.

This makes the processor ideal for multitasking, heavy workloads, and gaming. This means you can reliably use this CPU for both streaming and gaming at a time. I have never come across the fastest speed that this processor provided me when I was playing tournament games.

When I compared the speed performance of Ryzen 5800X with this Ryzen 5600X CPU, I came to know that it offered around 36.94% faster and quicker performance. Now, you must be thinking about the price of the processor! Right? Well, nothing to worry about. It is one of the affordable choices that you can make that offers all those perks that are needed for making the CPU ideal for gaming and streaming.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is one of the most affordable choices that offers 8 cores and 16 threads in its manufacturing making it reliable for both gaming and streaming. The availability of 128 GB RAM and low TDP value makes it the top choice for gamers looking for an affordable yet efficient and budget-friendly CPU. Moreover, this CPU belongs to AMD and is compatible with the AM4 CPU socket.

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5. Intel Core i7-12700KF

Introducing you to the Intel Core i7-12700KF CPU, which is another CPU that comes with the socket type of LGA 1700 and has 12 cores and 20 threads. It is another CPU offering you a 5.0 PCI-E expansion slot so you can expand the computer system and enhance the functioning and performance at its best level.

Because it is made specifically for gamers you can reliably use it for next-level gaming. Moreover, it comes with 128 GB memory ensuring to deliver outclass performance and making it easier for you to download heavy games reliably and quickly.

Moreover, because it has a larger cache memory and high main RAM you can always stream your games without buffering and other issues because uploading is just like a piece of cake for this computer setup. I love its stability and consistently efficient performance which makes it reliable for streaming live tournaments.

Well, I can say this CPU is the best friend of gamers and mainly those who are looking to enhance their gaming experience and skill level. I have seen a noticeable difference in my gaming skill over time when I was using this CPU. Try your best to give this CPU at least a chance, if you want to experience the best gaming and streaming both at a time.

Intel Core i7-12700KF is the next best gaming and streaming CPU that comes with premium single-threaded performance and is ideal for pro gamers. It is a mid-range CPU offering a top-class gaming experience in the presence of 12 cores and 20 threads. Moreover, it comes with a 12 MB L2 cache and a 25 MB L3 cache that when combined with 128 memory main RAM makes it reliable for users.

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6. Intel Core i3-10100

Although focusing on the cores and threads is necessary when purchasing the CPU for streaming and gaming, it does not mean that the CPU that has a low count of cores and threads is not efficient for gaming and streaming simultaneously.

This is the sixth-best CPU that is known for being ideal for gaming and streaming purposes. It has around 65 Watts of TDP value and is known for being the most affordable and budget-friendly choice when it comes to gaming CPUs. Intel Core i3-10100 comes with 4 cores count and 8 threads making it trustworthy for beginners gamers to give them the choice of enhancing their gaming skills.

Well, this is a value pack that comes with low TDP, 1080p resolution of gaming, and a 4.3 GHz turbo clock that when combined with a 3.6 GHz boost clock makes it the top choice for most gamers. I didn’t like the generation 3 PCI-E slots because they limited me to expand the system. I was unable to enhance the system because it was not compatible with the latest hardware and this made me quite sad.

Intel Core i3-10100 is the next best CPU with an affordable price that is made for newbies who are just starting their gaming. It is one of the most affordable CPUs that come with a 4-core count and 8-thread count. Being efficient, it has a higher turbo clock and low TDP value making it reliable when it comes to stability and efficiency of performance.

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7. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is the last best CPU for streaming and gaming that comes with 4 cores and 8 threads. It is one of the best CPUs that have a compatible AM4 socket and 16 MB L3 cache memory. With 65 Watts of TDP value, the availability of 4.0 PCI-E slots makes it easier for you to expand the computer system according to your need.

These features add to the reasons for making this CPU one of the best available CPUs for gaming and streaming. Additionally, when it comes to cooling, the CPU comes with a wraith stealth cooler ensuring that the heat properly dissipates and the system does not overheat in any case.

Furthermore, being excellent in performance and power efficiency you can always give this CPU a try if you are looking for the best beginner’s CPU for providing incredible performance specifically to live stream your gaming.

AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is another efficient CPU for gaming and streaming that is not only power efficient but also has an in-built cooling system. This CPU has integrated 4.0 PCI-E slots that give you the choice to level up your system by simply expanding and connecting it to extra hardware.

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Guide To Pick The Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming

Following is the list of features that should be present in the CPU your purchase for gaming and streaming. Keep in mind the following specs and then purchase the CPU that you think will serve you adequately.

Cores And Threads

I will recommend you look for a CPU that comes with more cores and threads in it. Since cores are the inbuilt processors inside the CPU so you have to make sure that the CPU you’re purchasing has maximum cores in it. This makes it ideal for multitasking and heavy-duty work. Similarly, more threads ultimately make complex operations easy and quick.

The multiple numbers of threads and cores in the CPU enhance the overall streaming performance of the computer system and make it ideal for gaming so if you are specifically looking for the CPU to serve you streaming and gaming both at a time, then I will recommend you to go with the one that comes with more number of threads and cores inbuilt in it.

Clock Speed

Clock speed is measured in GHz. GHz stands for Gigahertz. It is the frequency and speed of the execution of the instructions by the processor. If the CPU you purchase comes with a higher clock speed, this means that it can process more data quickly and fastly.

Keeping that in mind focusing on the clock speed is one of the essential features that you have to pay attention to when purchasing the CPU.

Cache Memory

Then comes the cache memory. If you are specifically looking for the CPU to give you the best possible gaming and streaming both at a time, then keep your attention towards the cache memory of the CPU, to make sure you are selecting the best compatible processor according to your need.

Cache memory is similar to short-term memory which stores data and instructions that are frequently used. It means that if you have a higher value of cache memory the need to reach the main memory is reduced.

There are three levels of cache memory L1, L2, and L3. L1 is comparatively smaller as compared to L2 and L3 is larger than L2 and L1. Keeping in mind this, you have to make sure that the one you are purchasing comes with adequate cache memory to give you the best possible performance.

Cooling System

Now here is the cooling system. The cooling system is another important feature that should not be ignored specifically when purchasing the CPU for streaming and gaming. You have to make sure that the CPU is the one that comes with an adequate thermal setup and has a cooling system in-built in it.

Look for a CPU that comes with inbuilt fans and integrated proper thermal dissipation. Look for a high-end processor with an efficient cooling system because powerful, high-end processors usually generate more heat and need coolers to tackle and maintain the efficiency of the performance. So look for the CPU that comes with an integrated cooling system or has a proper thermal setup, built in it to make it worth purchasing

Brand And Warranty

Focusing on the brand the CPU belongs to is an important thing when you are purchasing the best CPU for streaming and gaming. You have to make sure that the one you are purchasing is the one that comes with high reliability and belongs to the adequate brand.

It should be reliable and should be trustworthy to serve you for longer. Make sure the CPU you purchase comes with a proper warranty. Moreover, prioritize the one that has the longest warranty instead of the one that has a limited warranty. Keeping that in mind, always make sure to focus on the warranty and brand the CPU belongs to, before finalizing.

FAQs

Do CPU cores matter for streaming?

Yes, the count of cores and threads available in the CPU matters a lot when you are looking for the CPU for streaming. More cores mean the CPU can tackle more tasks at one time, with the same efficiency as it can tackle one. If you are looking for streaming and gaming, going with the CPU that comes with at least 4 cores and 8 threads is recommended as compared to the one that has a low count of cores and a low number of threads.

What is the best CPU for gaming and streaming available?

Intel Core i5-12600K is the best available CPU for streaming and gaming that not only is affordable but also high-end in its construction and top-notch performance. The CPU comes with 10 cores and 16 threads and is highly reliable when it comes to cache memory. Moreover, being affordable and popular you can always consider this CPU if you’re looking for uninterrupted streaming and next-level gaming.

What types of CPUs are ideal for gaming and streaming?

Going with a CPU that can handle a heavy workload and heavy-duty tasks is ideal for gaming and streaming. Moreover, if you are a pro gamer and are looking for the best compatible CPU to give you an uninterrupted 4k gaming experience with uninterrupted streaming, going with the one that comes with more cores, more threads and a high value of cache memory is more adequate as compared to other ones.

Final Thoughts

Here you go! I have concluded the seven best gaming and streaming CPUs that you can always consider without any doubts in your mind. I have personally used them and have tested them before selecting them here. Keeping in mind the importance of a number of cores threads, cache memory, cooling setup, and clock speed, make sure to consider all of these before finalizing the CPU for you.

Moreover, always ask yourself what type of gamer you are and what skill level you play the game with. Then finalize the CPU from the above-mentioned list if you truly want to get the best, uninterrupted, and smoothest gaming and streaming experience both at a time.

Moreover, with my experience and analysis, and usage, I will recommend three of the top best products here in the description below, so if you are not into spending time reading the whole article, you can directly look at these three most recommended and suggested products with their key features to make the quick purchase.

Go with,

• Intel Core i9-12900KF is a highly efficient CPU that can deliver exceptionally powerful gaming performance. It has integrated PCI-E slots that are 5.0 in version making them reliable to expand the systems as per your want.
• AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is ideal for multiple functionalities and is compatible with an AM4 socket. It has 16 cores and 32 threads making it reliable for heavy-duty tasks and is known to be one of the high-quality CPUs that can tackle lots of tasks all at a time.
• Intel Core i5-12600K comes with 10 cores and 16 threads and has a high value of L2 and L3 cache memory. It is affordable and is compatible with DDR5 RAM making it quicker, faster, and more efficient in gaming and streaming.