AMD processors have always been an excellent choice for budget-minded gamers who don’t mind exchanging some of the bells and whistles that come with Intel CPUs in favor of raw performance combined with unprecedented value. And while that’s the attitude that many have had towards AMD lately, AMD has gotten a whole lot better in processing power, becoming one of the premier brands for gaming capabilities. So if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional Intel-based processor setup, Best AMD Processor has a lot to offer through its Ryzen series. In most benchmark cases, Ryzen processors are actually meeting the same heights that Intel CPUs are, if not better.
At A Glance: 7 Best AMD Processor for Gaming in 2020
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
AMD | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Processor with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 6-Core Processor Black Edition | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD Ryzen 3 1200 Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler | Check Price on Amazon |
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Why Choose AMD for Gaming?
As you know, a powerful processor is just one part of a larger equation that determines how much time you spend below 60 FPS. Only rarely is the processor the most significant bottleneck, which is why it makes sense only to spend as much money as it takes to max out your graphics card. Modern AMD processors are particularly great in this regard, allowing you to achieve high framerates and fantastic responsiveness and still have enough money left in your bank account to make the most out of the next Steam sale event.
With all of that said, here are five of our favorite AMD processors for gaming.
Best AMD Processor for Gaming
1. AMD Ryzen 5 2600
While a slight step down from the Ryzen 7, the Ryzen 5 2600 is quite a performer as well. Sure, you only get six cores in comparison to the Ryzen 7 2700X’s eight cores, but you should still get top performance out of this one. The cores come unlocked, so you can still overclock quite well — and when overclocked, the difference between the two CPUs is minimal — the Ryzen 7 is 4.3GHz and the Ryzen 5 just 3.9GHz.
Like the Ryzen 7, the Ryzen 5 also runs on the AM4 socket type. There’s 19MB of combined cache, and this CPU will work well with 64-bit systems. AMD has done some great work with this processor, so you should have no problem with long-lasting performance here.
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2. Ryzen 3 2200G
The Ryzen 3 2200G is a pretty good processor for your low-tier gaming. There are only four cores, so you’re not going to be able to withstand something that needs a lot of processing power; however, the cores are Unlocked, so you can eke out as much processing power — within reason — that you need. It maxes out at 3.7GHz.
The Ryzen 3 2200G comes with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics, so you don’t need a separate video card, unless you want better graphics, of course. This one does come with a Wraith Cooler, which keeps your CPU cool, even under weighty loads.
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3. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPU
If you’re looking for nothing but sheer power, look no further than what AMD’s Ryzen 7 2700X has to offer your PC. This one has a whole 8-cores inside of it, as well as 16 threads. The processor is unlocked, allowing you to achieve maximum overclocking potential. You should be able to quickly get a whole 4.3GHz of power out of this processor.
It has 20MB of cache in it, and this processor runs on the AM4 socket, which is a step above of the last-gen AM3+ sockets. One of the advantages of this setup is that it comes with the LED Wraith Prism cooler for best cooling performance.
Whether you’re looking to do things like high-end video editing or playing the latest games on “high,” the Ryzen 7 2700X will be right up your alley, providing you with long-lasting performance.
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4. Ryzen 3 1200
If you want something a little more on the lower end of the spectrum, you’ll want to take a look at the Ryzen 3 1200. This one is a quad-core but might not have the processing power needed in a setting that requires a lot of power, such as a visually intensive real-time strategy game.
This one is VR-ready, so you can actually pair this up with the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive without any problems. It comes with the Wraith Cooler as well, which keeps your CPU at normal operating temperatures, even when you’re pushing the load to the max.
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5. AMD FX-6300
AMD has made it very easy for us to select our entry-level favorite. The FX-6300 is the budget deal of the year. According to data from CPU Benchmark, this six-core processor offers the best value across all price categories, refuting all claims that PC gaming is a costly endeavor.
The FX-6300 runs on 3.5 GHz, and its max turbo core speed is 3.8 GHz. Unlike with Intel CPUs, there’s no need to pay extra so that you can indulge in some overclocking. While your results may vary, there are many people out there who have successfully reached almost 5 GHz with the FX-6300—that’s a lot of computing power for something so affordable. And perhaps best of all, the processor’s TDP is just 95 W
6. AMD FX-8320
With its 8 cores, a boost speed of 4.0 GHz, the FX-8320 has every right to look at other mid-range processors with a self-assured smirk on its face. Performance-wise this processor is almost on par with the i5-4460 from Intel, which is one of the most popular mid-range Haswell CPUs.
But unlike the blue marble, the red beast is fully unlocked for overclocking and noticeably less expensive. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a capable after-market cooler to prevent it from going full-toaster. Most people who tried overclocking the FX-8320 very able to increase the base clock speed to 4.0 GHz on the stock voltage settings.
7. AMD FX-8350
If you’re familiar with the current AMD CPU lineup, you might be wondering where’s the FX-9590, AMD’s most powerful desktop processor. The reason for its omission in favor of the FX-8350 is simple: it’s about as power-hungry as the average smartphone factory in China. At 220 W, the FX-9590 simply doesn’t make sense for most people. Compared to your typical Intel CPU with TDP of around 85 W, the FX-9590 would increase your annual home energy cost just a little. That means you would have to pay extra for 3 years for marginally better performance.
The much more level-headed FX-8350, which is our high-end favorite, runs on just 125 W. Despite its humbler power requirements, the actual gaming performance of this processor is still excellent. And if you ever need more, clock speeds of over 5.0 GHz are just one beefy cooler away,
Best AMD Processor for Gaming Verdict
As you can see, there are some excellent AMD processors available for gaming. The Ryzen CPUs will provide you with top performance for gaming, but if you can’t afford the high cost, AMD’s last-gen Piledriver CPUs aren’t a bad option either.
What’s your favorite choice?
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
AMD | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Processor with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 6-Core Processor Black Edition | Check Price on Amazon | |
AMD | AMD Ryzen 3 1200 Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler | Check Price on Amazon |
* If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more details, please visit our Privacy policy page.