Desktop processors: AMD Ryzen and Intel Core Ultra
The processor (CPU) sets the pace for everything a PC does, from gaming frame rates to video export times. You can choose from AMD Ryzen 5, 7 and 9 chips, mostly for the AM5 socket with one AM4 model, and Intel Core Ultra 5 and Ultra 9 processors for LGA 1851 alongside a Core i7 for LGA 1700, with 6 to 24 cores.
Start with the socket, because it fixes which motherboards and memory you can use: AM5 and LGA 1851 boards take DDR5 only. For gaming, a 6 or 8-core chip such as the Ryzen 5 9600X or Ryzen 7 9700X handles most titles well, while 12 to 24 cores pay off in rendering and compiling. Many current CPUs come without a cooler, and tray versions ship without a box or fan, so plan for one.
Frequently asked questions
What do the K and F letters mean on Intel processors?
K means the multiplier is unlocked for overclocking on a board with a supporting chipset, such as Intel Z890 or Z790. F means the processor has no integrated graphics, so you need a separate graphics card for a display. A KF chip combines both. Models without K are locked and usually run at lower power limits.
Do Ryzen processors come with a cooler?
Some do, but most current X-series models do not. Ryzen 9000 chips such as the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X come boxed without a cooler, and tray editions never include a box or fan. Plan for a good tower air cooler or an all-in-one liquid cooler, plus thermal paste if your cooler does not come with it pre-applied.
Can I use DDR4 memory with a new CPU?
Not on AM5 or LGA 1851. AMD Ryzen 7000 and 9000 processors on AM5 and Intel Core Ultra 200S chips on LGA 1851 support DDR5 only. The Ryzen 5 5600X on AM4 uses DDR4, and LGA 1700 processors such as the Core i7-14700KF can use either DDR4 or DDR5 depending on the motherboard.
How many cores do I need for gaming and streaming?
Most current games run well on 6 to 8 modern cores, and a fast 8-core chip leaves headroom for background apps. If you stream with CPU encoding, edit video or compile code, 12 to 16 cores make a clear difference. Newer Intel chips mix performance and efficiency cores, so compare benchmarks for your main tasks rather than core counts alone.