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The best entry-level CPUs for gaming are those that deliver optimal performance for smooth gameplay without breaking the bank. Both Intel and AMD are making improvements and delivering new chipsets at a rapid pace. Not only the high-end segment, but both companies are also focusing on budget-conscious buyers. When building a gaming rig, selecting the right CPU that matches your requirements is crucial.
The current market is flooded with many options, which makes the decision-making process more complex. The choice of the best entry-level CPU will depend on multiple factors. This includes what games you want to play, at what resolutions, compatibility, future upgrades, and more.
This article presents a curated selection of budget chipsets, providing insight to facilitate your choice-making process.
Note: The article is subjective and based on the writer's opinion.
What are the best entry-level CPUs to buy for a gaming PC?
1) AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The Ryzen 5 5500 comes with six CPU cores and multithreading support up to 12 threads. The chipset is fully unlocked, which means you can go for overclocking to get more powerful performance. The base clock is set at 3.6GHz. The boost clock is at 4.2GHz. It features a PCI Express 3.0 interface for graphics cards, which is less future-proof.
At 4K resolution, it might struggle a bit, but if you want to play games at a lower resolution it is one of the best entry-level CPUs to consider.
Surprisingly, the IGP is disabled entirely on the processor, and you get 16MB of Level 3 cache. It looks disappointing at first, but it is justifiable at the price you get the chip. With the availability of the newer AMD processors, you will find the Ryzen 5 5500 at a discounted price. So, it is the best time to get one to build a gaming PC.
Pros:
- It can be overclocked.
- Build on Zen 3 architecture.
Cons:
- It only supports the PCI Express 3.0 interface.
- It might struggle with resource-intensive titles.
2) Intel Core i3-14100F
The Intel Core i3-14100F is one of the fastest Core i3 processors available in the market. Compared to its predecessor it is 200MHz faster with the clock reaching 4.7 GHz at max.
It is a quad-core chip with eight threads and no efficiency core. It comes with PCIe 5.0 support making it a top contender among the best entry-level CPUs. This provides significant bandwidth improvement for future upgrades.
Looking at the core specs, you might not see any major improvements from the last-generation chipset. However, it is likely to offer modestly better performance because of some architectural advancements, and futureproofing capabilities.
It also boasts a higher base and boost clock speeds resulting in better performance.
Pros:
- It supports PCI Express 5.0.
- It is compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.
- It has lower power consumption compared to higher-end processors.
Cons:
- No major upgrades for previous generations' variants.
- It does not support overclocking.
3) Intel Core i5-11400F
Despite being an older chipset, the Intel Core i5-11400F is one of the best entry-level CPUs you can place in your gaming system. It offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio. It packs six cores and 12 threads resulting in decent gaming performance.
It is built on the Rocket Lake architecture, which introduced a new core design to improve the single-threaded performance. It can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution when paired with a good graphics card.
This chipset performs very well even with highly intense graphics games. However, you might see some heating issues with the processor. The stock cooler is not enough. You might need a decent air cooler to calm down the chipset. Other than that, there are not any big deal breakers for this SoC.
Pros:
- It delivers an impressive performance.
- Build on Rocket Lake architecture.
Cons:
- You might see some heating issues.
4) Intel Core i5-12400F
The Intel Core i5-12400F is pretty identical to its predecessor and some newer variants in terms of core specs. It is built on the same Alder Lake Hybrid CPU core architecture as its big brothers, however, it lacks any Gracemont E-core clusters to keep the price lower. It has six Golden Cove P-cores.
It also supports HyperThreading enabling 12 logical CPUs. The L3 cache has also increased to 18MB from 12MB of the previous generation chip, making it a strong player among the best entry-level CPUs.
It supports both DDR5 and DDR4 memory types, making it future-proof to some extent. It also supports PCIe 5.0. However, you get classic Turbo Boost 2.0 instead of the Max 3.0. As an "F" SKU, it lacks onboard graphics. Therefore, its primary audience is gamers equipped with a discrete graphics card.
Pros:
- Build on Alder Lake Hybrid architecture.
- Improved performance from its predecessor.
- It comes with HyperThreading support.
Cons:
- No efficiency core.
- It lacks Turbo Boost Max 3.0.
5) AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Ryzen 5 is the most popular series among gamers. The 5600 chipset of the series is a Zen 3, 6-core/12-thread desktop processor. It is based on the same Vermeer multi-chip module as the premium 5600X, and features a 32 MB L3 cache, making it one of the best entry-level CPUs.
It has clock speeds of 3.50 GHz on base and 4.40 GHz on boost. You also get a cooling solution in the box.
It uses the AM4 socket with DDR4 and PCIe 4.0, so if you are looking to upgrade your system, it is an ideal pick. However, its other competitors are offering more advanced and efficient memory options.
It is an unlocked chip, which means you can push it a bit more to get a smoother gaming experience. Overall, it delivers a solid performance.
Pros:
- It delivers an impressive performance.
- It supports overclocking.
- It comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler.
Cons:
- Lack of advanced memory solutions.
These are our recommended best entry-level CPUs for a gaming PC. While numerous alternatives exist, only a handful of the ones we've listed demonstrate strong performance at this price point. You can pick anyone that matches your preferences.
Check out our other articles:
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