Gaming and streaming have become increasingly popular activities, with more and more people looking to enjoy high-quality gameplay while also sharing their experiences with others. To achieve this, a powerful CPU is essential, as it will ensure that your computer can handle the demands of both gaming and streaming without any issues.
When it comes to choosing the best CPU for gaming and streaming, there are several critical factors to consider. These include the number of cores and threads, clock speed, and cache size. Additionally, you’ll need to decide between Intel and AMD processors, as both offer different advantages and disadvantages.
To help you make an informed decision, we spent countless hours researching and testing various CPUs to identify the ones that offer the best performance for gaming and streaming. In the following sections, we’ll discuss the top CPUs that we recommend and explain why they are the best choices for gamers and streamers alike.
Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming
When it comes to gaming and streaming, having a powerful CPU is crucial for a smooth and seamless experience. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best CPUs for gaming and streaming, based on our extensive research and testing. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a professional streamer, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
If you’re looking for a pre-built gaming desktop that can handle modern PC-compatible games and streaming, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is a great choice.
Pros
- The AMD Ryzen 5300G desktop processor delivers high-speed performance, making it perfect for gaming, designing, or data crunching.
- With 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive storage, multitasking and gaming performance is boosted significantly.
- The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop has 9 USB ports, making it easy to connect a second display, external storage drives, and all your accessories.
Cons
- The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop does not come with a monitor.
- The desktop is somewhat bulky and may take up more space than you expect.
- The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop’s graphics card may not be powerful enough for the most demanding games.
We recently tested the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop and were impressed with its performance. The AMD Ryzen 5300G desktop processor is a powerhouse, and it delivers high-speed performance that’s perfect for gaming, designing, or data crunching. We were also impressed with the 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive storage, which significantly boosted multitasking and gaming performance.
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop has 9 USB ports, making it easy to connect a second display, external storage drives, and all your accessories. We found this to be a convenient feature, as it allowed us to quickly and easily connect all of our peripherals without having to worry about running out of ports.
However, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop does not come with a monitor, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Additionally, the desktop is somewhat bulky and may take up more space than you expect. Finally, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop’s graphics card may not be powerful enough for the most demanding games.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a pre-built gaming desktop that can handle modern PC-compatible games and streaming, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is a great choice. Its high-speed performance, ample storage, and convenient USB ports make it a great option for gamers and multitaskers alike.
HP RGB Gaming PC Desktop Computer
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming PC that can handle streaming, this HP RGB Gaming PC Desktop Computer might just be what you need.
Pros
- The Intel Core i7 processor and GeForce GTX 1660 Super graphics card allow for smooth gaming and streaming simultaneously
- Large 3TB hard drive provides ample storage space for games, videos, and other files
- Comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty
Cons
- The included keyboard and mouse feel cheap and flimsy
- The wireless adapter can be unreliable and disconnect frequently
- Some users have reported issues with the HDD and mid-level hardware set
In our experience, this HP gaming PC is well-suited for a variety of tasks, including gaming, streaming, photo and video editing, and more. The Intel Core i7 processor and GeForce GTX 1660 Super graphics card deliver fast and smooth performance, even when running multiple programs at once. We were also impressed by the large 3TB hard drive, which provides plenty of storage space for all your games, videos, and other files.
However, we did find a few downsides to this PC. The included keyboard and mouse feel cheap and flimsy, and the wireless adapter can be unreliable and disconnect frequently. Some users have also reported issues with the HDD and mid-level hardware set.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful gaming PC that can handle streaming, this HP RGB Gaming PC Desktop Computer is a solid choice. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.
Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming PC that can handle both gaming and streaming, the Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop is a great option.
Pros
- The Intel Core i5 Processor and NVIDIA RTX series graphics card provide excellent performance for gaming and streaming.
- The 1TB NVME SSD ensures fast boot and load times for games and applications.
- The Shiva ATX Mid-Tower Gaming Case with Tempered Glass – White looks sleek and stylish.
Cons
- The 16GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough for heavy multitasking.
- The included keyboard and mouse may not be of the highest quality.
- The component makes and models may vary from product depictions in product images.
We recently got our hands on the Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop and were impressed with its performance. It was able to run popular games like Call of Duty Warzone, Fortnite, and Apex Legends at Ultra settings with smooth 60+ FPS gameplay. Streaming was also a breeze, with no noticeable lag or dropped frames.
The 1TB NVME SSD provided fast boot and load times for games and applications, and the Shiva ATX Mid-Tower Gaming Case with Tempered Glass – White looked sleek and stylish. However, we did notice that the 16GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough for heavy multitasking, and the included keyboard and mouse may not be of the highest quality.
Overall, if you’re looking for a gaming PC that can handle both gaming and streaming, the Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop is a great option.
YEYIAN Kunai X21 Gaming PC Computer
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming and streaming PC, the YEYIAN Kunai X21 Gaming PC Computer might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The Intel 12th Gen Core i5 12600K CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card provide excellent performance for gaming and streaming.
- The 1TB NVMe Gen 4 SSD and 16GB DDR4 3600MHz gaming memory ensure fast load times and smooth multitasking.
- The case features 3 ARGB system color adjustable ring fans for maximum air flow with remote control.
Cons
- The RAM clock speed might not be set to its maximum speed out of the box, requiring manual adjustment.
- Some users have reported issues with the RGB software.
- The manufacturer for the GPU and motherboard might vary based on availability.
We recently got our hands on the YEYIAN Kunai X21 Gaming PC Computer, and we were impressed by its performance. The Intel 12th Gen Core i5 12600K CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card handled demanding games and streaming with ease. The 1TB NVMe Gen 4 SSD and 16GB DDR4 3600MHz gaming memory ensured fast load times and smooth multitasking.
The case features 3 ARGB system color adjustable ring fans for maximum air flow with remote control, making it easy to customize the look of your setup. The front and rear connectivity options are extensive, including USB 2.0 and 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, Displayport, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and more.
While some users have reported issues with the RGB software, we did not experience any problems during our testing. However, we did have to manually adjust the RAM clock speed to its maximum setting.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful gaming and streaming PC, the YEYIAN Kunai X21 Gaming PC Computer is definitely worth considering.
HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly desktop computer that can handle gaming and streaming, the HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer is a great option.
Pros
- The HP Desktop Computer PC comes with a remote-controlled RGB front panel that gives it a gaming PC feel.
- Configured with Intel Core i5-4570 Quad-Core Processor 3.20 GHz, this computer provides reliable and consistent performance to ensure an exceptional PC experience.
- The HP Desktop comes with a multifunctional RGB gaming keyboard, RGB backlit gaming mouse, so you have everything you need to ensure precision shots, stealth moves, and rapid combos to take down your opponent.
Cons
- This HP Desktop PC does not come with a dedicated graphics card, which may limit its ability to handle more advanced games.
- The computer only comes with 8 GB DDR3 RAM memory, which may not be enough for some users who need to run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.
- While the computer comes with a solid-state disk drive that can hold up to 256GB of information, some users may require more storage space.
In our experience, the HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer is a reliable and budget-friendly option for users who want a computer that can handle gaming and streaming. The remote-controlled RGB front panel adds an extra level of customization and personalization to the computer, making it feel like a true gaming PC.
However, the lack of a dedicated graphics card may limit the computer’s ability to handle more advanced games, and the 8 GB DDR3 RAM memory may not be enough for some users who need to run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Additionally, some users may require more storage space than the 256GB provided by the solid-state disk drive.
Overall, we recommend the HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer for users who want a budget-friendly option that can handle gaming and streaming, but may not be suitable for more advanced users with higher demands.
Buying Guide
When choosing a CPU for gaming and streaming, there are several factors to consider. We recommend looking at the following features:
Core Count and Thread Count
The number of cores and threads a CPU has can impact its performance in gaming and streaming. Having more cores and threads can allow for better multitasking and smoother gameplay while streaming. We recommend looking for CPUs with at least 6 cores and 12 threads.
Clock Speed
Clock speed refers to how fast a CPU can process information. Higher clock speeds can lead to faster processing times and better performance in gaming and streaming. However, it’s important to note that clock speed isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a CPU.
Cache Size
Cache size is the amount of memory a CPU has to store frequently accessed data. Larger cache sizes can lead to faster processing times and better performance in gaming and streaming.
TDP
TDP, or Thermal Design Power, refers to the amount of heat a CPU produces. CPUs with higher TDPs may require more cooling and can impact the overall power consumption of a system.
Compatibility
It’s important to ensure that the CPU you choose is compatible with your motherboard and other components in your system. We recommend checking the specifications of your motherboard and other components before making a purchase.
Overall, when choosing a CPU for gaming and streaming, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your system and the games and applications you’ll be using. By considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision and choose a CPU that will provide the best performance for your needs.
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