BUYER GUIDE / CPUS

Best CPUs for Gaming

Gaming CPUs should balance high frame-rate consistency with platform cost, cooling requirements, and a sane upgrade path.

How this guide ranks products

Gaming latency and boost behaviorPlatform and RAM compatibilityCooling requirementValue against GPU budget
#1
Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black

Fits the $700 cap at $149.99.

Recommendation score: 184

Check Amazon $149.99
#2
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Fits the $700 cap at $36.53.

Recommendation score: 182

Check Best Buy $36.53
#3
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

Fits the $700 cap at $39.99.

Recommendation score: 182

Check Amazon $39.99
#4
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB

Fits the $700 cap at $109.99.

Recommendation score: 181

Check Amazon $109.99
#5
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black

Fits the $700 cap at $119.99.

Recommendation score: 179

Check Best Buy $119.99
#6
DeepCool AK620 Digital

Fits the $700 cap at $69.99.

Recommendation score: 178

Check Amazon $69.99