How to pick the perfect gaming CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor is the second most important component in a gaming PC after the graphics card, impacting its performance and governing the number of concurrent tasks that can be performed at any one time. Learn more about the brands of CPU we recommend if you’re building a new PC or upgrading your current system.

Intel Processors

The ultimate CPUs for gaming PCs

The Intel Core Range Explained

Intel’s market-leading Core CPUs deliver unmatched speed in games and cutting-edge features.

Intel Core CPUs are available in a wide price range and are divided into four different series, i3, i5, i7 and i9, each with their own set of features and benefits. To help you choose between the different CPUs the table below compares the core and thread counts of the different series and rates the gaming and streaming performance out of 10. It also shows comparative pricing and buy buttons which link off to all the relevant CPU categories, as each series has many different CPU models.

Not sure what to buy?

Read our buyers guides for additional help.

Intel Core CPUs


VIEW BUYER’S GUIDE >

CPU - Intel

Need help? Read our CPU Intel Buying Guide

Intel Core i9 Socket 1700 Alder Lake Processors

Intel 12th generation Core i9 Alder Lake processors have a brand new hybrid architecture with 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores, delivering outstanding performance in all games and applications.

View:

Intel Core i7 Socket 1700 Alder Lake Processors

Intel 12th generation Core i7 Alder Lake processors have a brand new hybrid architecture with 8 P-cores and 4 E-cores, delivering outstanding performance in all games and applications.

View:

Intel Core i5 Socket 1700 Alder Lake Processors

Intel 12th generation Core i5 Alder Lake processors have a brand new hybrid architecture with 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores, delivering outstanding performance in all games and applications.

View: