Gaming CPU recommendations
These are the gaming CPUs suggested most often in Reddit discussions, reviews and YouTube buying guides, as of October 2026, with current prices in Australia.
Most suggestions are AMD X3D CPUs. The choice between them mostly depends on budget, resolution and whether the PC is also used for multi-threaded work.
Prices are for in-stock CPUs. Updated
Suggested CPUs
Each pick at its lowest price in stock.
Ryzen 5 7500F 6 cores · 32 MB L3 · Zen 4 $217.46 Amazon AU Often suggested for budget AM5 builds, where the money saved on the CPU goes towards the graphics card. In most games the graphics card limits frame rates more than the CPU, and these 6-core CPUs are considered fast enough for most games.
The lowest-priced of the 7500F, 7600, and 9600X.
Ryzen 5 7500X3D 6 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 4 $395.00 Amazon AU Often suggested for gaming-only builds that want 3D V-Cache for less than an 8-core X3D CPU. The extra cache helps most in CPU-heavy games, and games rarely use more than 6 cores.
The lowest-priced of the 7500X3D and 7600X3D.
Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 4 $503.73 Amazon AU Usually considered enough for 1440p gaming with an RTX 5070 Ti or RX 9070 XT class graphics card. At 1440p the graphics card limits frame rates more often, so a faster CPU adds less.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 5 $648.00 Mwave The usual pick for the highest frame rates, with the most gain at 1080p and with the fastest graphics cards. The 9850X3D is slightly faster but uses more power and runs hotter.
The lowest-priced of the 9800X3D and 9850X3D.
Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24 cores · 36 MB L3 · Arrow Lake $498.00 Amazon AU Often suggested for buyers who also run multi-threaded work, as its extra cores are faster in tasks such as video editing and compiling code. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is the lower-priced option.
Ryzen 7 5700X3D 8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 3 $1,230.98 Amazon AU Often suggested for existing AM4 PCs, as they fit the current motherboard and DDR4 memory. The 5800X3D is faster but usually costs much more.
The lowest-priced of the 5700X3D and 5500X3D.
Prices of suggested CPUs
| CPU | Pick | Price | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7500F6 cores · 32 MB L3 · Zen 4 | Budget | $217.46 | Amazon AU |
| Ryzen 5 76006 cores · 32 MB L3 · Zen 4 | Budget | $284.00 | Amazon AU |
| Ryzen 5 9600X6 cores · 32 MB L3 · Zen 5 | Budget | $303.01 | Amazon AU |
| Ryzen 5 7500X3D6 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 4 | Budget X3D | $395.00 | Amazon AU |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D6 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 4 | Budget X3D | $417.73 | Amazon AU |
| Core Ultra 7 270K Plus24 cores · 36 MB L3 · Arrow Lake | Intel | $498.00 | Amazon AU |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 4 | 1440p | $503.73 | Amazon AU |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 5 | Fastest | $648.00 | Mwave |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 5 | Fastest | $742.77 | JW |
| Ryzen 7 5700X3D8 cores · 96 MB L3 · Zen 3 | AM4 upgrade | $1,230.98 | Amazon AU |
Questions
Is an X3D CPU worth it for gaming?
X3D CPUs are the usual suggestion for gaming-first builds. Their extra cache is said to help most in CPU-heavy games, such as competitive shooters, simulators and MMOs, and at high refresh rates.
Does the CPU matter for gaming at 1440p and 4K?
Less than at 1080p. At higher resolutions the graphics card usually limits frame rates, so a common suggestion is to spend less on the CPU and more on the graphics card.
Is a Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 better for gaming than a Ryzen 5?
Usually only if it is an X3D model. Extra cores are suggested for work such as video editing or compiling code, not for gaming alone.
AMD or Intel for gaming?
AMD's X3D CPUs are usually suggested for gaming-only builds. Intel's Core Ultra 200S Plus CPUs are often suggested for buyers who also run multi-threaded work, though LGA1851 is not expected to get new CPUs.
Should I upgrade an AM4 PC or move to AM5?
For an existing AM4 PC, an X3D upgrade such as the 5700X3D or 5500X3D is often suggested before a new platform; older motherboards may need a BIOS update first. For a new build, AM5 is usually suggested. The AM4 CPU guide compares every AM4 CPU in stock.
Other CPU guides
- Compare AM5 CPUs Current AM5 desktop CPU prices: the lowest price by core count and generation, X3D prices against the same core count, and every AM5 CPU in stock.
- Compare AM4 CPUs Current AM4 desktop CPU prices: the lowest price by core count and generation, X3D prices against the same core count, and every AM4 CPU in stock.
- Compare LGA1700 CPUs Current LGA1700 desktop CPU prices for 12th, 13th and 14th generation Intel Core: the lowest price in each Core i5, i7 and i9 series, prices by core count and generation, and every LGA1700 CPU in stock.
- Compare LGA1851 CPUs Current LGA1851 desktop CPU prices for Intel Core Ultra 200S: the lowest price in each Core Ultra 5, 7 and 9 series, prices by core count, and every LGA1851 CPU in stock.
- CPUs for the RTX 5090 The CPUs r/buildapc parts lists pair with an RTX 5090, TechPowerUp's RTX 5090 frame rates for each, and current prices.