Best Gaming CPUs in 2026: X3D Picks and the Intel Value Pick
By David Lopez · Published · Updated
AMD's X3D chips stack extra cache on the cores, and games love cache, so X3D parts lead the gaming charts in 2026. Intel's Arrow Lake Refresh chips don't win on raw gaming speed, but the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has made Intel a real option again in the mid-range.
Our picks
Based on Tom's Hardware gaming tests: Tom's Hardware CPU hierarchy ↗
Tom's Hardware's top gaming pick. The newer 9850X3D is technically faster, but only by a marginal amount.
About 1% faster than a Ryzen 5 9600X in Tom's 1080p tests, and far ahead in multi-core work in Gamers Nexus testing.
Last-generation X3D. X3D chips still dominate Tom's 1080p gaming charts.
16 cores for gaming plus heavy creative work, and not far behind the fastest X3D chips in games.
Tom's Hardware's best DDR4 gaming CPU; this box tracks used prices. AMD has stopped making the 5700X3D.
A new AM4 drop-in, but TechSpot measured the 5800X3D 24% to 29% faster on average in games.
Tom's Hardware calls it a great base for a budget build if you're fine staying on AM4.
Before you buy
- At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets the limit. Tom's Hardware notes that the X3D advantage shrinks as resolution climbs, so spend the savings on the GPU first.
- X3D chips run cool. Tom's Hardware says the 9800X3D draws much less power than Intel's competition, so it doesn't need a beefy cooler, motherboard or power supply.
- Think about the platform. Gamers Nexus calls Intel's current socket a confirmed dead end, and Tom's Hardware says the same of AM4 and DDR4. Expect a full platform change at your next big upgrade.
- On Intel, Build a PC checks whether your board needs a BIOS update for a Core Ultra 200S Plus chip.
Price alerts
Waiting for a better price?
Get one email when a top-value deal lands in the category you pick. Confirm once, unsubscribe any time.