Gaming and video editing are the two most demanding tasks that you can put your PC through. You will need all of these components to play or edit: high quantities of RAM, a current GPU, and a powerful processor. Suppose you want to start streaming at the same time as gaming or video processing. In that case, it’s going to be hard on your computer because both activities place demands on your system simultaneously, making them even more complicated than they would have been otherwise.
The search for the best CPUs to stream with is not an easy one. The market only has two major players, Intel and AMD, each of which has multiple generations that could be right or wrong depending on your budget. However, without further ado, let’s look at what we think are the top choices when it comes to streaming.
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We recommend going with these older generations despite widespread shortages of new processors that would make a great addition to your streaming PC, such as the AMD 3rd generation and Intel 10th generation. They will save you money on building or buying your build but still give you something impressive enough for sharing online. Here are the top six best CPU for gaming and streaming.
Best CPU For Gaming and Streaming
Sr. | Image | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Intel Core i5 | Check Price | |
2. | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core | Check Price | |
3. | Intel Core i7 | Check Price | |
4. | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core | Check Price | |
5. | Intel Core i9 | Check Price | |
6. | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core | Check Price |
Intel Core i5
Description
If you’re looking for a solid-performing Intel Core i5, the 3600 is where it’s at. It offers excellent performance while still coming in under $200 and can even be upgraded to include more cores later on (upgrading from 2 to 4). However, if you want something better than this budget-friendly option but don’t care about spending an extra hundred bucks or so, I’d recommend going with one of the CPUs above.
A 6-core processor is a minimum you need to stream. When streaming, your computer will be limited in how many background applications it can handle; however, there’s plenty of multitasking power available when not spraying. It may become frustrating if you plan on making this a routine part of your life but for now, choosing between 8 and 16 cores should do just fine depending on what else you use your browser/computer for outside of gaming, such as browsing webpages or scrolling through social media feeds, etc.
One of the critical benefits of Intel’s hyperthreading technology is that it allows for twelve software threads in a six-core processor. It makes streaming and other regular operations quick and smooth when you’re not doing them but will also allow multiple video sources without bugging up your system if need be.
With a 2.9 GHz processor and 8 GB of RAM, this will be an entirely serviceable option for streaming games with high graphics settings. However, the drawback that we should take into consideration is that it’s not overclocked, meaning you can’t overclock its speed which may lead to low framerate when playing graphically demanding games like Battlefield 1 or Overwatch on your new gaming laptop with Intel i7-7700HQ CPU Processor 7th Gen in New York City.
It makes the Intel I5-6600Kan an excellent choice for small, budget builds. The lower processor speed and smaller cores make this the least power-hungry option on our list, with a TDP (thermal design power) of only 65W. That will be compatible with even smaller builds like mini ITX, commonly used in budget build today.
The Intel i3-7100 is a great budget CPU for those who want to build their computer. It may not be the most powerful, but it will still handle any tasks you throw at it without stuttering or trouble running too many programs altogether. This one works best when paired with an equally affordable motherboard and RAM so that they can work in tandem to give your PC some extra power while staying within a reasonable price range.
If you’re not planning to overclock, the Intel Core i5-10400F is a great processor for gamers who play indie games or casual competitive esports. It’ll give players plenty of performance without lagging because it can handle streaming well with this CPU and RAM combo. It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
Specs
- Brand Intel
- CPU Manufacturer Intel
- CPU Model Core i5
- CPU Speed 2.9 GHz
- CPU Socket BGA 437
Pros
- Very affordable
- Great power efficiency
- It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
- Perfect for budget streaming builds
- Comes with a cooler
- Decent performance for streaming
Cons
- Limiting performance
- Poor multi-core performance compared to AMD
- Locked – cannot be overclocked
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core
Description
The Ryzen 5 3600 is a budget-friendly CPU that gives you the power of a higher-end processor. The overclocking capacity makes it a powerful gaming chip, and with enough cores to multitask streaming on top of your gaming needs, this will make for one efficient machine.
The Ryzen 3 1200 is an excellent starter CPU for those looking to build an affordable computer. It may not be the most powerful processor out there, but it offers enough power for casual PC use while being very budget-friendly. It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
The i7-8700K is a six-core processor, and it has the processing power you need to play games. When streaming live on Twitch or Mixer, your computer may slow down if too many processes are running in the background; however, this will not happen very often as long as you monitor what programs are open while gaming.
If you’re aiming to game and stream simultaneously, 12 threads per core is an absolute necessity. It will make your gaming experience smooth as the multiple tasks are handled quickly without hiccups or delays in between both actions.
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The Ryzen 5 3600 is a new AMD CPU with an unlocked clock rate, meaning it can be overclocked up to 4.2 GHz if the base clock of 3.6 GHz isn’t doing enough for you. The increase in speed will help with framerate and game speeds but isn’t as significant (only about 17%) compared to other CPUs on this list because it’s already powerful at its default settings; however, some others aren’t too far behind either way.
When the processor is at the base clock, it only draws about 50W. When overclocked, its power consumption remains below 70W, and this means that if you were to build a minor system such as a mini-ITX one, then even with a small PSU installed, your wattage would still be within safe limits for using an upgradeable motherboard like Skylake Z170 chipset without issues of upgrading in future.
The Wraith Stealth Cooler included with the Ryzen 5 2600 is more than enough for temperature control, but you might want to run one or two case fans if overclocking. The cooler does not have any RGB lights, so customization options are limited somewhat, though there are other ways of customizing your build that won’t affect cooling performance negatively.
The 3200MHz DDR4 compatibility means you’ll be getting the most out of your RAM, even if you opt for a lower frequency RAM. The processor boasts a 35MB cache that allows data to be stored quickly and frequently accessed at its location, making it easier to operate on files or processes needed often by the CPU.
We recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 if you want to stream. It’s a solid baseline of performance for under $1000 with minimal cut in streaming quality. If you’re looking into PC building, it can be great too.
Specs
- Brand AMD
- CPU Manufacturer AMD
- CPU Model Ryzen 5 3600
- CPU Speed 4.2 GHz
- CPU Socket Socket AM4
Pros
- Excellent budget CPU for streaming
- Lots of power for the price
- It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
- Beats Intel CPUs in multi-core performance
- Decent overclocking capabilities
- Comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Limited multitasking performance
- No integrated graphics
Intel Core i7
Description
The Intel Core i7-10700K provides excellent performance for the price. It’s a tenth-generation CPU, so it has an overclocking ability that makes up for its slightly higher cost than AMD CPUs of similar power and speed.
This powerful processor boasts a 3.8 GHz base clock, delivering high framerates for gaming and streaming without delay. The cherry on top is the overclocking potential that can run even faster when you need it most.
The i7 10700K delivers smooth framerates on any game, even while you’re streaming. It is because of the massive 5 GHz overclock. It allows for almost 35%.
The Intel Core Processor I7-10700k can be overclocked to a whopping 5GHz, resulting in smoother gameplay than ever before. Although this may not seem like much at first glance, that’s an increase of over 30% compared to its standard 3.6GHz frequency and ensures uninterrupted gaming regardless if you’re live streaming or just playing by yourself.
When you stream games, there are a lot of different processes to handle. If the core count is more than eight cores, then your computer will have enough processing power for streaming and other things at once.
Before the release of Intel’s i7-10700k, CPUs could only have four software threads on standby at a time. However, with hyperthreading enabled in this 10th generation CPU from intel, there are sixteen spaces for programs and commands that allow them to run more quickly without lag.
If overclocked, this CPU can draw up to 125W. Overclocking doubles the power usage. Ensure your computer has enough capacity by checking its PSU (Power Supply Unit).
The only downside of this CPU is that it consumes a lot more power, which produces heat. There’s no cooler included with the purchase, so you’ll have to buy one separately if not overclock your processor. If you’re going to run standard programs and don’t plan on overclocking, then an air-cooled system should be exemplary for most cases as long as they have good ventilation fans installed inside them.
Liquid cooling is expensive and requires a well-ventilated case to prevent noise issues, allowing for overclocking the CPU. If you don’t mind these drawbacks, overclock your processor with liquid cooling. It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
The DDR4 compatibility goes up to 2933MHz, which isn’t the highest frequency available but won’t have any adverse effects on your performance. Just be conscious of that when you purchase RAM.
However, the total cache size is only 16GB. It means you’ll have less storage immediately in your CPU, and specific tasks could be milliseconds slower than before. It’s not a difference that will impact most users except at extremely high levels of competitive play, where some games might see differences depending on what they are playing.
When it comes to overall performance and price, the Intel Core i7-10700K is a great CPU. It’s perfect for games like Fortnite that require high framerates and streaming on sites such as Twitch or YouTube Gaming, where low latency can make all of the difference in engaging with viewers. If you’re looking into making your first foray into liquid cooling (which will be necessary if you want to get full use out of overclocking this processor), then this would also be an excellent choice because there are minimal downsides aside from its higher cost compared to other CPUs at similar levels of power and speed.
Specs
- Brand Intel
- CPU Manufacturer Intel
- CPU Model Core i7
- CPU Speed 3.8 GHz
- Platform Windows
Pros
- Great performance for the money
- Great performance for streaming
- It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
- High overclocking capabilities
- Still good for multi-core applications
- Has integrated graphics
Cons
- High power consumption
- Does not come with a cooler
- Requires proper cooling when overclocked
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core
Description
AMD shines with technical standards for the price point. The Ryzen 7 3700X is an excellent example of this, and it has eight individual processing units (a drop from 12 and 10 respectively in previous entries).
Most gaming builds are not leveraging more than four cores. The addition of streaming will introduce some extra demand, but eight-core will be enough for all but the most demanding builds and graphic settings.
The Ryzen 7 1700 has 16 threads, which means it can handle sixteen sets of software commands at once. It uses AMD’s simultaneous multi-threading technology to create two threads per processor core. It is a step down from other high-end processors but offers significant performance for most builds that will not use its full potential.
With a base clock rate of 3.6 GHz, the Ryzen 5 2600X ships unlocked, so you can overclock it up to 4.4 GHz for even better performance and speed when playing games or streaming videos online.
Overclocking can increase the heat and consumption of your CPU, but doing so will also provide noticeable performance enhancements. It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
The base clock and overclocked speeds of the RX 480 are friendly to power consumption. The TDP (65W) is below average, but it does not cause any problems for consumers. Overclocking causes a slight increase in a maximum draw at 90W, but this will still be under most people’s usage levels without causing many issues with other components or devices connected to their computer system.
The Wraith Prism LED Cooler is an excellent option for those who want to overclock, but it’s also enough even if you’re not going above stock speeds. It works well and keeps things cool with RGB lights built into the blades as a bonus of customization options on top of cooling power.
The relatively low power consumption makes this CPU easier to keep cool. The included processor cooler is similar in strength as more powerful 3900x processors have included them, which means any case fans will be enough when overclocking or attaching large graphics cards onto your system.
The CPU is compatible with DDR4 up to 3200MHz. The size and speed of your RAM will deliver high-end game performance while streaming tasks simultaneously. With a total cache of 36MB, you can expect boosts during gaming sessions and streamlining overall computer usage.
For experienced gamers with a tight budget, this CPU will allow you to stream games at most settings. If anything else would be good in the build, such as an upgraded GPU or more RAM, it’s worth investing in those components instead of upgrading your current CPU.
Specs
- Brand AMD
- CPU Manufacturer AMD
- CPU Model AMD Ryzen 7
- CPU Speed 4.4 GHz
- CPU Socket Socket AM4
Pros
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
- Great performance for streaming
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Comes with a Wraith Prism cooler
- Low power consumption
- Fair price
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Worse at single-core performance
Intel Core i9
Description
When comparing Intel and AMD CPUs, you might pay a bit more for the same power and performance. However, there are benefits to using an intel CPU: compatibility with components/peripherals & better latency than its counterpart. Researching your build is essential before deciding which one will be best suited for it – but if you choose intel over AMD, then good luck.
Intel’s 10th generation is also more resistant to shortages. AMD’s better prices don’t mean anything if you’re getting gouged hundreds of dollars because the CPU you want is back-ordered everywhere.
The Intel Core i9-10900X is an excellent option if you’re looking for something powerful enough to meet your streaming needs but not too expensive.
While not the most powerful processor available, it will handle a large number of simultaneous tasks. It is excellent for streaming since you need your camera, mic, game, and other programs running at once with peak performance.
The 10-core processors will require more power consumption than the 12-cores, but they’ll deliver an equivalent level of performance. You’re only going to notice their difference in scarce circumstances.
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The CPU uses Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which is essentially the same technique as AMD’s simultaneous multithreading. It allows a single core to run two software threads at once instead of just one, allowing it to process more commands and respond faster across multiple programs simultaneously.
A 3.7 GHz processor is the base clock rate of this CPU so that it can handle your essential operations without any difficulty. This unlocked model overclocks to higher frequencies if you want a faster framerate for games / graphics-intensive tasks like video editing and rendering with ease.
Many companies refuse to unlock the potential of their CPUs, but Intel is committed to this practice which makes gamers want them more. The unlocked chips can be overclocked for even higher speeds, and that’s why it remains a popular choice among gaming enthusiasts.
The 4.7 GHz clock speed on this processor is an impressive 30% increase over its predecessor, so your frame rates are going to be well above 60fps or sometimes even 100fps depending on the game you’re playing.
The overclocked variant of the Ryzen 7 2700X will consume around 65 watts more than its base model. It is not a significant increase in power consumption, but users who want to use the cooler might be disappointed as there isn’t one included with this version.
With the ability to switch out its default cooler and all options available for overclocking, this CPU won’t go unused if you want something more powerful. It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
However, if you’re looking for a more expensive cooler option or something that is liquid-cooled (which will give your PC an even more significant boost), then this may not be the best choice. It’s also another research project and cost to add on top of everything else.
The i9-10900X CPU supports 256MB of DDR4 2933MHz RAM, much more than most motherboards support. It won’t have a perceptible effect on streaming unless you’re trying to stream the current generations of Triple-A games.
The cache is another one of those “could be better, but you probably won’t notice” areas. Every CPU has a small amount of storage for data and commands it’s likely to need to reuse frequently called the cache.
The larger the size, the more commands it can store and, therefore, will run games faster than if they were held in RAM due to its lower frequency/capacity. The 10900x only has 19MB, whereas other competing CPUs have 70+ MBs which could offset any differences caused by smaller compared with higher capacity memory modules such as DDR4 or GDDR5 used on PCs today (the latter depending upon version). However, given that this CPU was released before these technologies became popularized so may not see much improvement there either.
If you’re looking for an Intel CPU that can handle countless tasks at once, the Core i9-10900X is undoubtedly a great pick. Not only does it excel in multi-tasking and productivity, but it also ranks as one of the best gaming CPUs around – so expect to see components built with this baby specifically in mind. Be prepared to spend more on cooling equipment/supports, though: there’s no such thing as too much when it comes down to showing off.
Specs
- Brand Intel
- CPU Manufacturer Intel
- CPU Model Core i9
- CPU Speed 3.7 GHz
- CPU Socket LGA 2066
Pros
- Great all-around processor
- Excellent performance for streaming
- Superb multitasking performance
- Highly compatible
- It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
- High overclocking capability
Cons
- More expensive than AMD offerings
- Less power-efficient than AMD offerings
- Does not come with a cooler
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core
Description
By now, it’s likely that you’ve heard the debate about Intel vs. AMD processors – but which is truly better? For those looking for just a bit more processing power than what they’re getting out of their laptop or pre-assembled tower computer, AMD will be your best bet because there are many instances where an intel processor won’t cut it (no pun intended). Fortunately for gamers who want to go all-in on smooth gameplay without breaking the bank, there isn’t another brand with as much raw horsepower available at basically half price right now as Threadripper CPUs from AMD.
The Threadripper is a high-performance CPU, so that it would be overkill for the average streamer. The 3960x (the smallest of this series) has more power than we recommend if you’re planning on doing other activities such as hosting servers and rendering animation in addition to streaming.
The Ryzen 3900x is an excellent choice for your first chip in the new generation because of its price to performance ratio. The 3900x will perform beautifully, handle streaming with ease, and can still be used as a centerpiece in high-end builds without doubling the cost of your CPU.
As a result, the most profitable CPUs are often those with fewer cores and threads. Since it is accompanied by rapidly increasing power consumption and cooling demand, top-of-the-line CPUs may require liquid cooling for peak performance which means more investment to get your money’s worth out of an already exponentially expensive component.
The Core i9-9900K is a 12 core CPU, which means that it comprises twelve different processing units in one unit. It 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’ll be able to play any game with no lag or slow loading times. Even if there are multiple DRM programs running and many browser windows open, the performance won’t suffer due to having so many threads at your disposal.
To get the most out of your AMD processor, you should consider using simultaneous multithreading (SMT). SMT allows two threads to run at once per core. It effectively doubles how many software commands a CPU can execute and efficiently makes the most from this technology.
The 3900x is a twelve-core processor that runs on twenty-four threads. It allows users to run multiple programs simultaneously, making the computer an excellent choice for streamers who need to do many things simultaneously, such as streaming and recording video games.
It is essential to understand how the clock rate works when you are picking out your new CPU. The cores and threads determine what types of operations your computer can handle, but it’s up to the clock rate whether or not they will be carried out promptly.
It matters because when you’re just gaming, the clock rate will be most important. However, if streaming or doing other CPU-intensive tasks are your priority, having a high number of cores and a fast base speed becomes more important. It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
As the simplest form of overclocking, adjusting your processor’s refresh rate is a great way to increase performance without making drastic changes. It will also result in higher power consumption and heat output that you should know before committing yourself.
If you choose to overclock the Ryzen 7 3900X, it will cap at 4.6GHz and decrease your CPU lifespan slightly due to poor ventilation in a poorly ventilated case. It should be noted that overclocking can damage your CPU without AMD warranty coverage for this reason.
The other factors that affect the quality of a processor are RAM compatibility, power consumption, and cache. For example, in cases where all three features match, these details will be notified regarding performance.
The Ryzen 9 3900x is compatible with up to 3200MHz DDR4 RAM. It puts it on the upper end of the performance but only leaves some peak components outside this range. A more expensive option would be DDR5 RAM which has existed for a while now and contains much higher memory speeds than your average PC builder would want to spend.
DDR4 is available in up to 4133MHz, but the drop to 3200MHz isn’t perceptible for most operations. It has virtually no effect on gaming or streaming because of a Game Cache feature that stores data that can be accessed more quickly than RAM.
AMD’s highest-tier offering includes a Wraith Prism LED cooler which can handle overclocking as long as your case is well ventilated and has sufficient cooling built-in. This model ships explicitly with LEDs that will add RGB elements to your build.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is an excellent processor for both streaming and gaming. It provides the processing power needed to handle most tasks without any slowdown. Still, it does not offer enough performance for advanced users or those who stream at competitive levels of play.
Specs
- Brand AMD
- CPU Manufacturer AMD
- CPU Model Ryzen 9 3900X
- CPU Speed 4.6 GHz
- CPU Socket Socket AM4
Pros
- Excellent performance for streaming
- Superb multitasking performance
- Compatible with a variety of motherboards
- Out-performs Intel at the same price
- Supports PCIe 4.0 standard
- Comes with a CPU cooler
- It is among the best CPU for gaming and streaming.
Cons
- Higher price
- No integrated graphics
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