Computer Hardware

Reddit Best CPU For Gaming

When it comes to the world of gaming, having the best CPU is crucial for ensuring smooth gameplay and optimal performance. Reddit, the popular online forum, has become a hub for gamers seeking advice and recommendations on the best CPUs for gaming. One surprising fact is that the top choice among Reddit users for the best CPU for gaming is not necessarily the most expensive option, but rather the one that offers the best value for the price.

The appeal of Reddit's Best CPU for Gaming selection lies in its blend of affordability and performance. Gamers on Reddit understand that investing in the most powerful and expensive CPU does not always guarantee the best gaming experience. Instead, they value CPUs that strike a balance between cost and capability, providing excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank. This approach aligns with the needs and preferences of many gamers who want to enjoy their favorite games without compromising their budget.



Reddit Best CPU For Gaming

The Role of Reddit in Determining the Best CPU for Gaming

Reddit, the popular online community and discussion platform, has become a valuable resource for gamers seeking advice and recommendations on various aspects of their gaming setup. When it comes to finding the best CPU for gaming, Reddit has proven to be an excellent platform to explore. With a diverse community of gamers, tech enthusiasts, and experts, Reddit provides a wealth of insights, user experiences, and discussions that can help gamers make informed decisions about which CPU to choose for their gaming needs.

One of the key reasons why Reddit is particularly useful for discussions about the best CPU for gaming is the variety of opinions and experiences shared by its users. Unlike traditional tech reviews or sponsored content, Reddit allows users to share their personal experiences, recommendations, and even compare different CPU models based on factors such as price, performance, compatibility, and overclocking capabilities. This crowdsourced approach provides a unique perspective that goes beyond the usual benchmarks and specifications.

Additionally, Reddit offers a platform for asking specific questions related to gaming CPUs and receiving answers from a wide range of users, including experts in the field. Whether you're a beginner looking for the best budget CPU or a seasoned gamer seeking the ultimate performance, Reddit is a place where you can engage with like-minded individuals who are passionate about gaming and technology.

In this article, we will explore some of the key discussions and recommendations from Reddit regarding the best CPUs for gaming, highlighting popular models, their features, and the reasons why they are favored by the community.

High-End Gaming CPUs according to Reddit

When it comes to high-end gaming CPUs, Reddit users have consistently praised several models for their exceptional performance and value. Here are some of the most popular high-end gaming CPUs recommended by the Reddit community.

1. Intel Core i9-10900K

The Intel Core i9-10900K is often cited as one of the best gaming CPUs according to Reddit users. It features 10 cores and 20 threads, making it a powerhouse for gaming and demanding applications. With a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and the ability to boost up to 5.3GHz, this CPU offers exceptional single-core performance, which is crucial for gaming. The Core i9-10900K also supports Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, allowing for efficient multitasking.

Reddit users appreciate the i9-10900K for its overclocking capabilities and its compatibility with a wide range of high-end gaming motherboards. Its high core count and clock speeds ensure smooth gameplay even for resource-intensive games, and its stability under load makes it ideal for gamers who also engage in content creation or streaming.

However, it's worth noting that the Intel Core i9-10900K can run hot under heavy loads, so an efficient cooling solution is necessary to get the most out of this CPU. Nonetheless, Reddit users consistently recommend this CPU for its excellent gaming performance and overall versatility.

2. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is another highly regarded high-end gaming CPU recommended by the Reddit community. With its 12 cores and 24 threads, the Ryzen 9 5900X offers exceptional multitasking capabilities while delivering outstanding gaming performance. Its base clock speed of 3.7GHz and boost clock speed of up to 4.8GHz ensure smooth gameplay even for the most demanding titles.

Reddit users praise the Ryzen 9 5900X for its compatibility with the AM4 socket, making it easy to upgrade from previous AMD CPUs without having to change the motherboard. This CPU also benefits from AMD's Zen 3 architecture, which improves instructions per clock (IPC) performance, resulting in better overall gaming performance. In addition, the Ryzen 9 5900X offers excellent power efficiency, making it an attractive choice for gamers conscious of energy consumption.

Overall, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is highly recommended by the Reddit community for its exceptional gaming performance, multitasking capabilities, and overall value for money.

3. Intel Core i7-11700K

The Intel Core i7-11700K is another CPU that receives high praise from Reddit users for its gaming performance and value. With 8 cores and 16 threads, the i7-11700K offers a balance between gaming and productivity, making it a popular choice among gamers who also engage in content creation or streaming. Its base clock speed of 3.6GHz and boost clock speed of up to 5.0GHz ensure smooth gameplay even for demanding titles.

Reddit users appreciate the i7-11700K for its overclocking potential and its compatibility with the latest Intel motherboards. This CPU also supports Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, allowing for efficient multitasking. While it may not have as many cores as the i9-10900K, the i7-11700K still delivers impressive gaming performance and offers better value for money.

Overall, the Intel Core i7-11700K is a solid choice for gamers looking for a high-performance CPU that delivers exceptional gaming performance without breaking the bank.

Mid-Range Gaming CPUs according to Reddit

If you're looking for a mid-range gaming CPU that offers a good balance between price and performance, the Reddit community has some notable recommendations in this category as well.

1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is highly recommended by Reddit users as an excellent mid-range gaming CPU. With its 6 cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers solid gaming performance while offering good value for money. It has a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.6GHz, ensuring smooth gameplay even for demanding titles.

What makes the Ryzen 5 5600X particularly attractive is its power efficiency and compatibility with the AM4 socket, making it an ideal choice for gamers on a budget who still want to experience high-quality gaming performance. Its Zen 3 architecture also contributes to its overall gaming prowess, offering improved IPC performance compared to previous generation Ryzen CPUs.

In summary, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a highly recommended mid-range gaming CPU that offers excellent performance, power efficiency, and value for money.

2. Intel Core i5-11600K

The Intel Core i5-11600K is another mid-range gaming CPU that receives positive feedback from the Reddit community. With 6 cores and 12 threads, the i5-11600K offers solid gaming performance while being more budget-friendly compared to high-end CPUs. Its base clock speed of 3.9GHz and boost clock speed of up to 4.9GHz allow for a smooth gaming experience.

Reddit users appreciate the i5-11600K for its overclocking potential and compatibility with the latest Intel motherboards. While it may not have as many cores as higher-end CPUs, the i5-11600K still delivers impressive gaming performance and is more than capable of handling most modern games.

If you're looking for a mid-range gaming CPU that offers a good balance between price and performance, the Intel Core i5-11600K is a solid choice.

Budget-Friendly Gaming CPUs according to Reddit

For gamers on a tight budget, Reddit also provides recommendations for budget-friendly gaming CPUs that offer good performance without breaking the bank.

1. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

The AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers according to Reddit. With its 4 cores and 8 threads, the Ryzen 3 3300X delivers solid gaming performance at an affordable price point. Its base clock speed of 3.8GHz and boost clock speed of up to 4.3GHz ensure smooth gameplay for most modern titles.

Reddit users appreciate the Ryzen 3 3300X for its price-to-performance ratio and its compatibility with the AM4 socket. Additionally, it benefits from AMD's Zen 2 architecture, which provides a good balance between power efficiency and gaming performance.

If you're on a tight budget and looking for an affordable gaming CPU that still offers solid performance, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is highly recommended by the Reddit community.

2. Intel Core i3-10100

Another budget-friendly gaming CPU recommended by Reddit users is the Intel Core i3-10100. With its 4 cores and 8 threads, the i3-10100 offers decent gaming performance at an affordable price. Its base clock speed of 3.6GHz and boost clock speed of up to 4.3GHz ensure smooth gameplay for most popular titles.

The i3-10100 is appreciated by Reddit users for its compatibility with a wide range of Intel motherboards and its affordability. While it may not deliver the same level of performance as higher-end CPUs, it still offers good value for budget-conscious gamers.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly gaming CPU that offers solid performance without breaking the bank, the Intel Core i3-10100 is a reliable choice.

Exploring Different Dimensions for the Best CPU for Gaming on Reddit

In addition to the high-end, mid-range, and budget-friendly categories, Reddit discussions about the best CPU for gaming cover various other dimensions that gamers consider when making their choices. Let's explore some of these dimensions and the popular CPUs recommended within each category.

Overclocking Potential

Overclocking is a popular approach among gamers to squeeze out even more performance from their CPUs. Reddit discussions often include CPUs that are known for their excellent overclocking potential. Some of the popular choices in this category include:

  • Intel Core i9-10900K
  • Intel Core i7-11700K
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600

1. Intel Core i9-10900K

The Intel Core i9-10900K, as mentioned earlier, is often recommended for its exceptional overclocking capabilities. With advanced cooling solutions, this CPU can achieve even higher clock speeds, providing an extra performance boost for gamers who prioritize overclocking.

2. Intel Core i7-11700K

Similar to the i9-10900K, the Intel Core i7-11700K is also known for its overclocking potential. With a solid cooling solution, this CPU can achieve higher clock speeds, allowing gamers to push their systems to their limits for even better gaming performance.

3. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is often praised by Reddit users for its overclocking potential. This CPU, with its highly efficient Zen 3 architecture, can be overclocked to achieve even better single-core and multi-core performance, ensuring smooth gameplay for the most demanding titles.

4. AMD Ryzen 5 3600

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600, while being a mid-range CPU, is also known for its impressive overclocking capabilities. With the right cooling solution, this CPU can achieve higher clock speeds and provide a significant performance boost, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers who want to maximize their gaming performance.

Thread Count for Multitasking

For gamers who also use their systems for multitasking or content creation, a higher thread count is essential. Reddit discussions often recommend CPUs with more cores and threads that can handle both gaming and demanding tasks simultaneously. Some of the popular choices in this category include:

  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  • Intel Core i9-11900K
  • AMD Threadripper 3970X
  • AMD Ryzen
    Reddit Best CPU For Gaming

    Best CPUs for Gaming Recommended by Reddit Community

    If you are looking for the best CPU for gaming, Reddit has got you covered. The community of gamers on Reddit is known for sharing their valuable insights and opinions on various topics, including gaming hardware. Based on their recommendations, here are some of the top CPUs for gaming:

    • Intel Core i9-10900K: This processor offers excellent performance for gaming, with its high clock speeds and multiple cores. It is one of the top choices for gamers who want the best possible performance.
    • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X: This CPU is highly recommended for gaming enthusiasts as it delivers exceptional gaming performance and multitasking capabilities. It offers a great balance between price and performance.
    • Intel Core i5-10600K: For budget-conscious gamers, this CPU is a popular choice. It provides solid gaming performance at a more affordable price point.
    • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: This CPU is known for its excellent single-threaded performance, making it ideal for gaming. It offers great value for money and is popular among gamers.

    Remember that the best CPU for gaming ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. It is always recommended to do thorough research and consider factors such as compatibility and future-proofing before making a decision. The Reddit community can provide valuable insights and recommendations, but it is important to weigh all options and make an informed choice.


    Key Takeaways for Reddit Best CPU for Gaming:

    • A powerful CPU is essential for a smooth gaming experience.
    • Reddit users recommend the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X as the best CPU for gaming.
    • The Ryzen 9 5900X offers excellent performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.
    • It features 12 cores and 24 threads, making it ideal for demanding games and multitasking.
    • Users also praise the CPU's high boost clock speeds, which contribute to its impressive gaming performance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the heart of any gaming PC. It plays a crucial role in the overall performance of the system, especially when it comes to gaming. To find the best CPU for gaming, many Reddit users turn to the platform for advice and recommendations. Here are some commonly asked questions about the best CPUs for gaming on Reddit.

    1. What is the most recommended CPU for gaming according to Reddit?

    According to Reddit users, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is highly recommended for gaming. This CPU offers excellent gaming performance with its 12 cores and 24 threads, providing smooth gameplay and high frame rates. It also has a high boost clock speed, ensuring quick and responsive performance in demanding games. Many Reddit users praise its performance and value for money.

    Overall, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is considered one of the best CPUs for gaming according to the Reddit community.

    2. Is it worth investing in an Intel CPU for gaming?

    While AMD CPUs have gained popularity in recent years, Intel still has some offerings that are worth considering for gaming. The Intel Core i9-10900K is often recommended by Reddit users for its excellent gaming performance. It has 10 cores and 20 threads, providing ample power for gaming and other tasks.

    However, it's important to note that Intel CPUs tend to be more expensive than their AMD counterparts. Additionally, the gaming performance difference between AMD and Intel CPUs is not significant, especially at higher resolutions. Ultimately, the decision depends on factors like budget, specific gaming requirements, and personal preference.

    3. Are there any budget-friendly CPUs recommended by Reddit for gaming?

    Yes, Reddit users often recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X as an excellent budget-friendly CPU for gaming. This CPU offers great performance for its price, with 6 cores and 12 threads. It delivers smooth gaming experiences in popular titles and can handle multitasking efficiently.

    Overall, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers according to recommendations on Reddit.

    4. Should I prioritize higher clock speeds or more cores for gaming?

    When it comes to gaming, a combination of higher clock speeds and a sufficient number of cores is ideal. Higher clock speeds allow for faster processing of individual tasks, while more cores allow for better multitasking and handling of demanding games that utilize multiple threads.

    However, it's worth noting that most modern games are still optimized for fewer cores but high clock speeds. Therefore, it's generally recommended to prioritize higher clock speeds over the number of cores for gaming purposes. That being said, having a CPU with at least 6 cores and 12 threads is recommended for future-proofing and handling more demanding games and applications.

    5. Are there any specific CPUs recommended for gaming and streaming on Reddit?

    Yes, Reddit users often recommend the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X for gaming and streaming. This CPU offers excellent performance in both gaming and streaming scenarios, thanks to its 8 cores and 16 threads. It can handle the processing demands of running a game and streaming simultaneously without significant performance drops.

    Overall, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is considered a solid choice for gamers who also want to venture into streaming.



    When it comes to gaming, choosing the best CPU is crucial for a smooth and immersive experience. After conducting thorough research on Reddit, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best CPU for gaming.

    However, there are several CPUs mentioned by gamers on Reddit that consistently stand out for their excellent performance in gaming. These include the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, Intel Core i9-10900K, and AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. Each of these CPUs offers great value for their respective price points and provides the necessary power to handle the latest and most demanding games.


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