The gaming industry has grown exponentially over the past decade. New gamers are joining this vast industry, securing careers as pro gamers—stream games from various platforms like Twitch or YouTube, where streaming and gaming require the fastest processor.
To make money in the gaming industry by streaming professional gameplay, you need a good gaming PC and fast internet for a smooth experience. The first thing to check is the CPU.
Streaming software needs the fastest and highest processing power possible, but only if you have the fastest CPU for gaming and streaming.
Which CPU is best for gaming and streaming?
Two types of processors are used for streaming and gaming. The first is AMD, and the other is Intel.
Intel has a bigger market than AMD in the past. But things will change in the future.
Most people think that AMD will be far behind Intel in the future as many new PCs and laptops with AMD processors are released.
Intel vs. AMD: Which one should you choose?
Both! However, Intel didn’t produce high-performance chips a few years ago, and AMD seized the opportunity by producing better processors at competitive prices.
Now both Intel and AMD are producing good processors at competitive prices, Intel and AMD both are the most popular and most-selling processors in 2024.
Fastest Processor for Gaming and Streaming 2024
In this article, we have reviewed the ten-plus best CPUs for gaming and streaming video that are easy to use.
Most of these processors are the AMD and Intel series because they offer the highest processing power with multiple cores, threads, and overclocking capabilities.
Now, let’s move straight to choosing the fastest processor.
1. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6 Core
The Ryzen 5 3600 is an economical CPU that offers the performance of a high-end processor. The overclocking capacity makes it the best AMD CPU for gaming and streaming with powerful gaming chips, with enough cores for multitasking streaming besides gaming requirements, making it one efficient system.
If you aim to play and stream simultaneously, 12 threads per core are necessary. Multiple tasks are processed quickly, with no hiccups or lags between the two tasks, so the gaming experience is smooth.
The Ryzen 5 3600 is the new AMD CPU with unlocked clock speeds. This means that if the base clock of 3.6 GHz isn’t enough, it can be overclocked up to 4.2 GHz. The speed increase does help framerate and game speed, but it’s not as significant (about 17%) compared to other CPUs on this list, as it’s already powerful at default settings. But some others aren’t too far behind either.
It consumes only about 50W when the processor is at its base clock. Power consumption stays under 70W when overclocked, which means if you’re building a minor system like a mini-ITX, even if you install a small PSU, the wattage is still within safe limits for upgradable use.
3200MHz DDR4 compatibility means you can get the most out of your RAM even if you choose a lower-frequency RAM. The processor boasts a 35MB cache and allows data to be accessed quickly and frequently in that location, making it easier to work with files or processes commonly needed by the CPU.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is recommended for streaming—a solid performance baseline with minimal quality degradation. If you’re looking into building a PC, that can be great, too.
2. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8 Core
AMD shines as a technology standard for its price point. The Ryzen 7 3700X is an excellent example of this and has eight discrete processing units (12 and 10 reductions from the previous one, respectively).
Most game builds don’t utilize more than four cores. Adding streaming puts some extra demand on it, but eight cores should suffice, except for the most demanding builds and graphics setups.
The Ryzen 7 1700 has 16 threads to handle 16 software instruction sets simultaneously—it requires multi-threading technology to create two threads per processor core.
It’s a notch below other high-end processors but delivers significant performance for most builds that don’t fully utilize their potential.
Overclocking can increase the heat and consumption of the CPU, but doing so also provides a noticeable performance boost. The base clock and overclock speed of the RX 480 are suitable for power consumption.
TDP (65W) is below average but not a problem for consumers. Overclocking will slightly increase the maximum consumption to 90W. However, it won’t cause much trouble to other components or devices connected to the computer system, and it’s still not the level most people use.
The Wraith Prism LED Cooler is an excellent option for those looking to overclock, but it’s good enough even if you don’t go above base speed. It works well and keeps things cool, with the RGB lighting built into the blade as a bonus customization option on top of its cooling ability.
The relatively low power consumption makes it easier to cool this CPU. The included processor cooler is comparable in strength to the one with the more powerful 3900x processor. Any case fan will suffice when overclocking or connecting a large graphics card to your system.
The CPU is compatible with DDR4 up to 3200 MHz. The size and speed of RAM provide advanced gaming performance while simultaneously streaming your work. With 36MB of total cache, you can expect a boost during gaming sessions and streamline your overall computer usage.
For experienced gamers on a tight budget, this CPU will allow you to stream games on most setups. If there’s something good in the build, like an upgraded GPU or more RAM, it’s worth investing in those components instead of upgrading your current CPU.
3. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core with Wraith Prism LED Cooler
You may have heard the debate about AMD processors. For those looking for a little more processing power than what you get from a laptop or pre-assembled tower computer, AMD will be your best bet; fortunately, for gamers looking to go all-in for smooth gameplay without breaking the bank, no other brand has as much raw horsepower as AMD’s Threadripper CPUs, which are available at half the price.
Threadripper is a high-performance CPU, so it’s overkill for the average streamer. The 3960x (the smallest in the series) offers more power than recommended if you plan other activities besides streaming, such as server hosting and rendering animations.
The Ryzen 3900x is an excellent choice as the first chip of a new generation because of its price-performance ratio. The 3900x works beautifully, handles streaming easily, and can be a focal point for advanced builds without doubling your CPU cost.
As a result, the most profitable CPUs are often those with fewer cores and threads due to the rapid increase in power consumption and cooling demand.
The Core i9-9900K is a 12-core CPU. This means that one unit contains 12 different processing units. This allows the Ryzen 9 3900x to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and handle demanding situations like gaming or streaming video at once.
With 12 cores, you can play any game without lag or slow loading times. Even if multiple DRM programs are running and many browser windows are open, there is no performance penalty because there are too many threads to process.
To get the most out of your AMD processor, you should conMultithreadingmultaneous Multithreading (SMT). SMT allows you to run two threads at a time per core. It effectively doubles the number of software instructions the CPU can execute and takes full advantage of this technology.
The 3900x is a 12-core processor running on 24 threads. Computers are an excellent choice for streamers who need to do many things simultaneously, such as streaming and recording video games, as users can run multiple programs simultaneously.
When choosing a new CPU, it’s essential to understand how clock speeds work. Cores and threads determine the type of work a computer can handle, but whether or not it performs immediately depends on its clock speed.
This is important because clock speed is the most important thing when playing games. However, if streaming or doing other CPU-intensive tasks is a priority, many cores and a fast base speed become more important—one of the best CPUs for gaming and streaming in 2024.
Adjusting your processor’s refresh rate, the simplest form of overclocking, is a great way to improve performance without making drastic changes. It also results in higher power consumption and thermal output, which you must know before committing yourself.
If you overclock the Ryzen 7 3900X, it will be limited to 4.6 GHz and will not ventilate in a ventilated case, slightly reducing CPU lifespan. For this reason, overclocking can damage CPUs that are not covered by the AMD warranty.
Other factors that affect the quality of a processor are RAM compatibility, power consumption, and cache. For example, if all three features match, you will be notified of these details regarding performance.
The Ryzen 9 3900x is compatible with up to 3200MHz DDR4 RAM. It places it on top of the performance but leaves only some peak components outside this range. A more expensive option is DDR5 RAM. DDR5 RAM has existed and includes memory speeds significantly faster than the average PC builder would like to spend.
DDR4 is available at up to 4133 MHz, but dropping to 3200 MHz is undetectable for most operations. Gaming or streaming is negligible due to its ability to cache games that store data that can be accessed faster than RAM.
AMD’s top-rated offerings include the Wraith Prism LED cooler that can handle overclocking as long as the case is well-ventilated and has ample cooling built-in. This model comes explicitly with LEDs that add an RGB element to the build.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is an excellent processor for both gaming and streaming. It provides the processing power you need to handle most tasks without slowing down. However, it doesn’t offer enough performance for advanced users or those streaming competitive levels of play.
4. Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor
Need enough processing power to keep your game running smoothly while streaming on multiple platforms? Check out this Core i9-9900K monster processor with eight cores and 16 threats. It is one of the best Intel CPUs for gaming and streaming.
This processor outperforms Ryzen’s other high-end CPUs. This processor has a base frequency of 3.60 GHz and can be boosted to 5.0 GHz for superior performance.
Due to its high processing power, this CPU is ideal for multitasking, streaming, gaming, and video editing. The processor features the same number of cores and threads as the Ryzen 2700X, but the performance of the i9-9900k is much better than the Ryzen due to better single-core performance.
It has 16MB L3 high-speed cache memory to improve performance further. The production of this processor uses a Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM), which helps prevent excessive temperatures.
So, suppose you use an excellent cooler while overclocking your CPU. In that case, the cooler will quickly absorb all the heat and the build materials of the processor will contribute to the lower temperatures to optimize performance.
Gaming CPUs have numerous holes that can lead to overheating. However, you can buy a good 360mm cooler to keep it warm while overclocking the CPU.
The best thing about this processor is its excellent per-core performance, which outperforms many high-end processors. This process still seems a bit pricey, but it’s a good choice for high-end streaming, gaming, and workloads.
The CPU can withstand much stress without causing problems (except for overheating if a proper cooling system isn’t provided). For all gamers, streamers, and even editors, it’s a sizable but slightly expensive option.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Processor
Are you on a tight budget and looking for a streaming processor? The Ryzen 7 series offers one of the most economical yet powerful 3800X processors with eight cores and 16 threads that define incredible processing power. The processor uses an AM4 socket. The base frequency is 3.9 GHz and can be boosted to 4.5 GHz.
The single-core performance of this processor is also pretty decent. AMD may enable overclocking but may overclock at its own risk without guaranteeing any damages. We did a detailed comparison of the 3800x and 3700x, and it is clear that the 3800x stands out in terms of performance.
The processor has a Wraith Prism Cooler, but you need something better for overclocking. If you want to overclock your CPU, find a separate cooler that can keep it warm without damaging the CPU.
This processor also belongs to the Zen 2 lineup and has 32MB of L3 for peak performance. Processors provide value for money, and streamers, gamers, and editors can use them to perform heavy-duty tasks.
However, while better options are available on Ryzen, the Ryzen 7 3800X may be the best choice for your budget. Considering the price, the multi-core performance is also excellent. You can stream games in 1080p. You can play games in 1440p and 4K quality when paired with a decent GPU.
The maximum temperature of this processor is up to 95°C. The Wraith Prism LED cooler has this processor to keep it cool while optimizing performance. The TDP of this CPU is around 105W, which is typical for high-performance CPU consumption.
6. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
If you want a high-end processor for streaming purposes, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is the best choice. The Zen 3 architecture of the 5950X takes performance to the sky, as previously seen with the Ryzen 5 5600X and AMD Ryzen 7 5800x.
This processor also matches the performance of Intel’s flagship gaming processors and outperforms Intel in some scenarios. Sixteen cores and 32 threads make the AMDRyzenn 9 5950x the best model in the entire 5000 series, making it an excellent choice for pro streamers.
This processor has a base clock frequency of 3.4 GHz and can be boosted to 4.9 GHz to maximize performance.
Another critical point is that the TDP of this processor is only 105W. Though expected to be higher, AMD is compatible with low-end but popular motherboards such as the B450 and A520.
Streamers need to change tabs for multitasking constantly, and this Ryzen 9 5960X handles all the multitasking burden wonderfully for a smooth, lag-free experience. 32MB L3 cache makes it easier for users by reducing the need for excessive access to memory.
This processor keeps it cool with a stable cooler, but temperatures can still reach up to 90°C.
7. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
If your pocket isn’t big enough to buy a high-end processor, but you want to stream your favorite games on Twitch or other channels, the Ryzen 7 5800X is probably a budget-friendly and performance-oriented choice.
Like the other flagships of the Ryzen 5000 series, this processor is based on the Zen 3 architecture. It has eight cores and 16 threads, enough for multitasking and streaming with stream quality for HD viewers.
Comparing the benchmark scores of the Ryzen 5000 series against other top-tier processors from Intel, Ryzen appears to be the clear winner. Here, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950x takes the trophy with the highest multi-core score, and the budget-friendly Ryzen 7 5800X still holds a pretty impressive sixth place in that price range.
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800x has a base clock frequency of around 3.8 GHz and a maximum boost capacity of up to 4.7 GHz. The processor is unlocked, and users can overclock the processor by using AMD’s Ryzen™ master utility to keep it optimized.
32MB of L3 cache allows users to access memory quickly. The TDP is around 105W, the same for most processors in the Ryzen 5000 series.
This processor supports the X570 or B550 AMD and many X470 and B450 boards but requires a BIOS update. Temperatures can reach up to 90°C. So, it would be best to have a cooling solution to keep everything balanced.
8. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Processor
If you’re looking for the best Ryzen CPU for streaming and gaming, nothing beats the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X—the AMD Ryzen 9 3950x guarantees excellent performance with 16 cores.
This processor’s higher clock speeds and 32 threads are purpose-built for powerful performance, whether streaming, editing, or gaming. It also runs virtually any streaming software seamlessly, including OBS Studio or Twitch’s streaming software.
It runs on an AM4 socket, making it a better choice than other processors. It can be used with PCIe 4.0 via socket. Gamecache improves game performance and framerate with a fast 72MB cache capacity. Gamache is an on-chip memory that boosts gaming performance by 100%.
This processor is based on the 7nm “Zen 2” architecture, making it a better and quieter choice for gamers and streamers. Water cooling systems can be easily paired with Ryzen CPUs to keep temperatures down while improving overall performance.
This processor’s maximum boost clock capacity is up to 4.7 GHz, which is pretty decent when used with 16 cores. This processor has 1MB of L1 cache memory and 8MB of L2 cache for faster processing.
9. Intel Core i7-10700K
The Intel Core i7-10700K offers excellent performance for the price. Being a 10th-generation CPU, it has the overclocking ability to make up for a slightly higher cost than an AMD CPU with similar performance and speed.
With integrated graphics, this powerful processor boasts a 3.8 GHz base clock and delivers high frame rates for gaming and streaming without lag. The cherry on top is the overclocking potential to get you up and running faster when needed.
The i7 10700K delivers smooth frame rates in all games, even while streaming. Thanks to the massive 5GHz overclock. The Intel Core Processor I7-10700k is overclocked to a whopping 5GHz for smoother gameplay than ever before. It may seem trivial at first glance, but that’s a 30% increase over the standard 3.6GHz frequency and guarantees uninterrupted gaming, whether you’re streaming live or playing alone.
Various processes need to be handled when streaming a game. With eight or more cores, your computer has enough processing power to simultaneously handle streaming and other tasks. Before Intel’s i7-10700k was released, the CPU could only wait for four software threads at a time.
However, with Hyper-Threading enabled on this 10th Gen CPU from Intel, there are 16 spaces for programs and instructions that can run faster without lag.
When overclocked, this CPU can draw up to 125W. Overclocking doubles power usage. Check the power supply unit (PSU) to ensure your computer has enough capacity.
The only downside to this CPU is that it consumes more power and generates heat. The cooler is not included with the purchase, so if you are not overclocking the processor, you must purchase the cooler separately.
If you’re running a standard program and don’t plan on overclocking an air-cooled system should be your best bet in most cases, as long as you have a good ventilation fan installed inside.
Regarding overall performance and price, the Intel Core i7-10700K is a great CPU. It’s great for games that require high framerates and streaming from sites like Twitch, Facebook, or YouTube Gaming, which makes a huge difference in engaging viewers with low latency.
10. Intel Core i9-10900X
This is the best 9th Gen Intel CPU for gaming and streaming with a broader range of uses, which usually means more compatibility with component and peripheral manufacturers offering more options for Intel CPUs and motherboards. Some models may have higher latency than AMD models, so overall, Intel is often better if you don’t want to research the build.
Intel’s 10th gen is also less prone to shortages. If you lose hundreds of dollars, AMD’s better pricing means nothing because the CPUs you want are back-ordered everywhere.
Intel has a vast array of CPUs at around $1000, and there are undeniable advantages to spending that much on a CPU, but you should always consider it if you want to get your money’s worth from your purchase. For streaming, the requirements can be high, but in most cases, you’ll get all the performance you need from a product like the Intel Core i9-10900X.
The Intel Core i9-10900X is a 10-core processor with ten discrete processing units assembled inside the chip. This allows the camera, microphone, gaming, streaming platform, chat platform, and any other program running to perform many concurrent high-demand tasks and essential functions for streaming when needed. Once.
The 10-core may require slightly more power consumption, but it offers performance on par with the 12-core Ryzen above. There are very few situations where you can see the difference between 10 and 12 cores.
The CPU uses Intel Hyper-Threading, essentially the same technolomultithreadingultaneous multi-threading. Hyper-Threading creates two threads (storage space for individual instructions) for each processor core. This allows you to store up to 20 “threaded” software instructions simultaneously, allowing more programs to respond faster.
Streaming requires a fast response from many programs running concurrently, so having a high number of threads is just as important as having a large number of cores.
This CPU has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, which will handle essential tasks without any fuss. Since this is an unlocked processor, you can easily overclock it to a higher frequency if you want to increase your frame rate.
Unlike AMD, Intel only unlocks a handful of CPUs, but unlocked CPUs can be clocked at higher speeds. This is another big part of why the brand is still popular with gamers.
This typically peaks at 4.7 GHz, but some users with dedicated overclocking gear have pushed it up to 5.1 GHz. Assuming no gear is built to test the clock capacities of various CPUs, 4.7GHz is an impressive jump of nearly 30%. This will give you a frame rate of well over 60fps, or sometimes even 100fps, depending on your game.
Whether overclocked or not, this CPU draws a lot of power. Base consumption is around 135W, and overclocked will be 165W+. It’s not that a decent power supply can’t handle it, but the only CPU with higher power consumption is the Threadripper. More than anything else, more power consumption means more heat. This makes the fact that there are no coolers with a little mixing bag included.
On the one hand, you might be short on a basic cooler, especially if you’re looking to overclock. So, all options are available, and the primary cooler is not wasted if you want to replace it with a more powerful one, such as a liquid cooler. On the other hand, a decent cooler is usually in the $100 range, an extra cost you won’t spend (or at least won’t notice) if it’s bundled with a processor.
You’ll also have to do more research, and if you decide to be water-cooled (very lovely and worth it), it will cost you a lot more and set up. The i9-10900X supports up to 256MB of DDR4 2933MHz RAM. This is more than most motherboards support and more than most tasks require. The 2933MHz sync rate is lower than what’s currently available, but it’s not something you’ll notice in games.
It may have a slight perceptible effect on streaming, but it won’t make a difference unless you’re streaming the current generation of Triple-A games. The cache is one of those areas that “may be better, but you probably won’t notice.” Every CPU has a small amount of storage for data and instructions that must be reused frequently. This is called a cache.
The larger the cache, the more instructions it can store and the faster specific programs (especially games) run. The 10900x only has 19.25MB compared to competing for AMD’s 70MB. You may not notice a difference, which may be offset by other factors, especially RAM size and frequency.
The Intel Core i9-10900X is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a fast Intel CPU for gaming, streaming, or multitasking productivity.
Also, the Intel Core i9-10900X continues to rank as one of the best gaming CPUs so that many components will be built with that in mind. It would be best to spend more on cooling, but cooling is an area where you can show off and customize your build.
FAQ about Gaming and Streaming CPUs
Is the Ryzen 5 3600 good for gaming and streaming?
The Ryzen 5 3600x is a good processor for gaming. What makes the Ryzen 5 3600 so much better for gaming and streaming is that multithreadingmultaneous multithreading. This means that even if your CPU has six cores, it can handle 12 threads simultaneously.
Do Streaming and Gaming affect the CPU?
The CPU is responsible for encoding the stream to be sent to the streaming platform, and the GPU is responsible for rendering the game so that it cannot be played while streaming.
Does more RAM improve streaming?
Increasing your computer’s RAM may improve streaming video playback if your device struggles to display content. If your device does not have enough RAM, the video may stutter during playback, and you will need to take more frequent breaks to load content during the stream.
Is 32GB RAM Excessive for Streaming?
32GB of RAM is more than enough for a streaming setup. It’s overkill! That means if your games require more than the standard 8GB of RAM, you won’t need to upgrade your RAM in the future.
How much RAM do I need for streaming?
8GB of RAM is enough for streaming, but you may experience some streaming quality issues when streaming more demanding games. It may also limit the number of other applications you can run while streaming. 16GB of RAM is enough for streaming and gives you more headroom.
Will SSDs Improve Streaming?
Solid State Drives (SSDs) do not improve stream quality. SSDs are primarily used to increase storage capacity and allow Twitch broadcasters to store past streams.
What is the purpose of the core?
Core refers to the number of processors within the CPU. This number is usually between 2 and 32. Most processors only have 4 to 8 cores.
How many cores do you need for streaming?
The core is one of the main factors in the performance of a streaming processor. Most streaming can be done on at least a quad-core or 4-core CPU, with some low-end games at 720p, but it depends on your needs.
Studies show that six cores are suitable for streaming and gaming and can run high-end games. You can choose advanced processes for streaming, but it depends on your needs. For smooth 1080/4K streaming, we recommend selecting a CPU with a 12-core processor.
What CPU do Twitch streamers use?
Most famous streamers use top-of-the-line processors and accessories for full performance. However, on the top, we have listed all processors for all types of users.
Are Intel or AMD better for gaming and streaming?
Intel has up to 18 cores, while AMD has up to 32. So, there is a win-win situation for AMD CPUs. But that doesn’t mean Intel will quit and never lead. Many high-end Intel CPUs take over AMD CPUs in terms of performance. That’s why we’ve chosen the best CPUs for both streaming and gaming.
How dangerous is overclocking?
Overclocking is used to push the CPU beyond its performance and capabilities. This will significantly improve performance, but there is also the risk of a motherboard and CPU conflict. Overclocking exceeds the typical specifications of processors provided by Intel or AMD. If you are overclocking your CPU, we recommend using a good CPU cooler to avoid potential damage.
What is clock speed, and why is it important?
The clock speed refers to the speed at which the CPU runs and processes queries. Higher clock speeds are always better. Processor often refers to the minimum and maximum (turbo) clock speed of the processor. Overclocking exceeds this clock speed to maximize performance. Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
What is TDP?
Thermal design power refers to the maximum heat the GPU or CPU uses. TDP is measured in watts. Indicates the power consumption capacity of the CPU or GPU. More watts can give better performance, but it also increases CPU temperature. To stay calm in a particular cooling system, consider TDP when purchasing a processor.
Conclusion
If you plan to upgrade your processor for better gaming and streaming experience, consider it. All these budget CPUs are great for building good gaming and streaming PCs. Choose the right CPU based on your budget and requirements.
