Streaming and gaming are two of the most popular activities in the world of technology, and they have become even more popular in recent years. Gamers and streamers alike need powerful hardware to ensure a smooth and seamless experience. One of the most important components for both streaming and gaming is the CPU, or Central Processing Unit.
The CPU is the brain of your computer, responsible for carrying out all of the calculations and instructions necessary to run your favorite games and applications. When it comes to streaming and gaming, a powerful CPU is essential for providing a smooth and lag-free experience.
When choosing the best CPU for streaming and gaming, there are a few critical factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to look for a CPU with a high clock speed and plenty of cores. This will allow for faster processing and better multitasking capabilities. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a CPU with a high thermal design power (TDP) rating, as this will ensure that the CPU can handle the demands of both streaming and gaming without overheating.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various CPUs to identify the best options for streaming and gaming. In the following sections, we will discuss our top picks and provide a detailed breakdown of each one.
Best CPUs for Streaming and Gaming
We know how important it is to have a powerful CPU when it comes to gaming and streaming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best CPUs that can handle both tasks with ease. These CPUs have been tested and proven to provide top-notch performance, allowing you to stream and game without any lag or stuttering. So whether you’re a professional gamer or just starting out, our list has got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC Computer
We highly recommend the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC Computer for those looking for a high-performance gaming PC that can handle a variety of tasks.
Pros
- Capable of running a wide range of popular games with 60+ FPS
- Includes RGB BT Sound Bar, RGB Fan x 6, RGB Mouse Pad, RGB Gaming Mouse & Keyboard
- Comes with 1 Year parts & labor and free lifetime tech support
Cons
- Some users reported issues with the antivirus software crashing the computer
- Wi-Fi plug may be installed incorrectly during shipping
- May not be suitable for extremely demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering
We were impressed with the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC Computer’s ability to run a wide range of popular games with 60+ FPS. The included RGB BT Sound Bar, RGB Fan x 6, RGB Mouse Pad, RGB Gaming Mouse & Keyboard add a fun and stylish touch to the setup. The 1 Year parts & labor and free lifetime tech support provide peace of mind for those worried about potential issues.
However, some users reported issues with the antivirus software crashing the computer, so it may be best to use caution when installing new software. Additionally, the Wi-Fi plug may be installed incorrectly during shipping, but this can easily be fixed with an Ethernet cord. Finally, while the computer is well-suited for a variety of tasks, it may not be suitable for extremely demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering.
Overall, we believe the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC Computer is a great choice for those looking for a high-performance gaming PC that can handle a variety of tasks.
Dell PC Treasure Box RGB Desktop Computer
We highly recommend the Dell PC Treasure Box RGB Desktop Computer for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option for streaming and gaming.
Pros
- The Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of memory provide fast and efficient performance.
- The 512GB solid-state drive offers ample storage space for games and other files.
- The special appearance, RGB light, and RGB gaming PC keyboard and mouse give it a unique and stylish look.
Cons
- The computer is refurbished, so it may come with some minor scuffs and scratches.
- The DVD drive is not functional.
- The keyboard and mouse are off-brand and low quality.
The Dell PC Treasure Box RGB Desktop Computer is a great option for those who want a budget-friendly PC that can handle streaming and gaming. The Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of memory provide fast and efficient performance, and the 512GB solid-state drive offers ample storage space for games and other files. Additionally, the special appearance, RGB light, and RGB gaming PC keyboard and mouse give it a unique and stylish look.
However, since the computer is refurbished, it may come with some minor scuffs and scratches. Also, the DVD drive is not functional, which may be a downside for some users. Finally, the keyboard and mouse are off-brand and low quality, which may not be ideal for those who want a more premium experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option for streaming and gaming, the Dell PC Treasure Box RGB Desktop Computer is a great choice.
KAMRUI Mini PC
If you’re looking for a powerful mini PC that can handle streaming and gaming, the KAMRUI Mini PC might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU and Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics provide powerful processing and graphics capabilities.
- The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB M.2 SATA SSD offer plenty of memory and storage space for your needs.
- The gigabit ethernet RJ45 LAN port and 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi provide fast and reliable connectivity options.
Cons
- Some customers have reported slow shipping times and difficulty with drivers.
- The mini PC may not be able to handle more demanding games or programs.
- The design may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other mini PCs on the market.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the KAMRUI Mini PC, and we were impressed with its performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU and Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics provided smooth and speedy processing and graphics capabilities, even when running multiple programs at once.
The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB M.2 SATA SSD offered plenty of memory and storage space for our needs, allowing us to easily store and access all of our files and programs without any lag or slowdown.
One of the standout features of the KAMRUI Mini PC is its connectivity options. The gigabit ethernet RJ45 LAN port and 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi provided fast and reliable internet access, even in areas with poor signal quality.
While the KAMRUI Mini PC may not be able to handle more demanding games or programs, it’s a great option for those looking for a powerful mini PC that can handle streaming, light gaming, and everyday use. Overall, we would recommend the KAMRUI Mini PC to anyone in the market for a reliable and powerful mini PC.
STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC
We highly recommend the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC for those who want a high-performance gaming PC that can handle a variety of tasks.
Pros
- Capable of running a wide range of popular games with 60+ FPS
- Comes with RGB accessories including a sound bar, keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad
- 1 year parts & labor with free lifetime tech support
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with display
- Older generation CPU and RAM
- Some users have experienced issues with loading websites
This gaming PC is well-suited for a variety of tasks including gaming, study, home, business, photo and video editing, streaming, day trading, crypto trading, and more. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8G GDDR6 Video Card allows for smooth gameplay with 60+ FPS on popular games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty Warzone, Escape from Tarkov, GTA V, World of Warcraft, LOL, Valorant, Apex Legends, Roblox, Overwatch, CSGO, Battlefield V, Minecraft, Elden Ring, Rocket League, The Division 2, and Hogwarts Legacy.
The STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC also comes with RGB accessories including a sound bar, keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad, making it a stylish addition to any setup. Additionally, the 1 year parts & labor with free lifetime tech support provides peace of mind for those who may need assistance with their device.
However, some users have reported issues with display and loading websites, and the older generation CPU and RAM may not be suitable for those who require the latest technology. Overall, the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC is a great option for those who want a high-performance gaming PC at an affordable price.
Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini Gaming Computer PC Desktop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC that can handle popular games with ease, the Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini is a great option.
Pros
- The Intel Core i3 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card deliver smooth and fast gameplay at ultra settings and 1080p resolution.
- The 500GB SSD provides lightning-fast boot and load times, making it a great choice for gamers who want to get into the action quickly.
- The three RGB fans keep the system cool while adding a touch of style to your gaming setup.
Cons
- The 8GB RAM may not be enough for some games and may require an upgrade.
- The Intel Core i3 processor may not be powerful enough for more demanding games or tasks.
- The included keyboard and mouse may not be of the highest quality.
We recently had the chance to test out the Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini and were impressed with its performance. It was able to handle popular games like Fortnite and Call of Duty Warzone with ease, delivering smooth and fast gameplay at ultra settings and 1080p resolution.
One of the standout features of the Chronos Mini is its 500GB SSD, which provides lightning-fast boot and load times. This makes it a great choice for gamers who want to get into the action quickly and don’t want to spend time waiting for games to load.
The three RGB fans not only keep the system cool but also add a touch of style to your gaming setup. However, the 8GB RAM may not be enough for some games and may require an upgrade. Additionally, the Intel Core i3 processor may not be powerful enough for more demanding games or tasks.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC that can handle popular games with ease, the Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini is a great option. Just be prepared to upgrade the RAM if necessary and consider investing in a more powerful processor if you plan on playing more demanding games.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best CPU for streaming and gaming, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend looking at the following:
Processor Cores and Threads
The number of cores and threads is an important factor to consider when choosing a CPU for streaming and gaming. More cores and threads mean that the processor can handle more tasks simultaneously, which is important when running multiple programs at once. We recommend looking for a CPU with at least 6 cores and 12 threads.
Clock Speed
Clock speed is another important factor to consider when choosing a CPU for streaming and gaming. A higher clock speed means that the processor can perform more calculations per second, which is important for gaming and streaming. We recommend looking for a CPU with a clock speed of at least 3.5 GHz.
Cache
Cache is a type of memory that is built into the CPU. It is used to store frequently accessed data, which can improve performance. We recommend looking for a CPU with at least 16 MB of cache.
TDP
TDP, or Thermal Design Power, is a measure of the amount of heat that a CPU generates. A higher TDP means that the CPU generates more heat, which can impact performance and require more cooling. We recommend looking for a CPU with a TDP of no more than 95 watts.
Compatibility
Compatibility is also an important factor to consider when choosing a CPU for streaming and gaming. Make sure that the CPU is compatible with your motherboard and other components.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best CPU for streaming and gaming that meets your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended CPU specs for gaming and streaming?
When it comes to gaming and streaming, we recommend using a CPU with at least 6 cores and 12 threads. This will allow you to run your games and stream at the same time without any lag or performance issues. Additionally, we suggest using a CPU with a clock speed of at least 3.5 GHz.
What is the difference between Intel and AMD processors for gaming and streaming?
Both Intel and AMD processors are suitable for gaming and streaming. However, AMD processors generally offer better value for money, while Intel processors tend to have better single-core performance. In terms of core count, AMD processors usually come with more cores and threads, which makes them better for multitasking.
Can you stream and game on a budget CPU?
Yes, you can stream and game on a budget CPU. However, you may experience some performance issues, such as dropped frames or lag. We recommend using a CPU with at least 4 cores and 8 threads if you are on a tight budget.
What is the best Ryzen CPU for gaming and streaming?
The Ryzen 9 5950X is currently the best Ryzen CPU for gaming and streaming. It comes with 16 cores and 32 threads, which makes it ideal for multitasking. Additionally, it has a clock speed of up to 4.9 GHz, which provides excellent single-core performance.
Is it necessary to have a dedicated streaming PC for gaming and streaming?
No, it is not necessary to have a dedicated streaming PC for gaming and streaming. However, it can be beneficial if you want to achieve the best possible performance. A dedicated streaming PC allows you to offload the streaming workload from your gaming PC, which can improve your gaming performance.
What CPU do professional streamers use for gaming and streaming?
Professional streamers usually use high-end CPUs, such as the Intel Core i9-11900K or the Ryzen 9 5950X. These CPUs provide excellent performance for gaming and streaming, allowing streamers to provide their viewers with a high-quality streaming experience.
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