Cheapest 8-Core CPUs For Gaming PC In 2024

As modern games demand more processing power, an 8-core CPU is becoming increasingly essential for a smooth gaming experience. If you're looking to upgrade your gaming rig without breaking the bank, this article will explore the best budget-friendly 8-core CPUs currently available. We'll delve into their specifications, performance, and suitability for various gaming needs, helping you make an informed decision.

Why You Need an 8-Core CPU for Gaming

In today's gaming landscape, the demands on your CPU are higher than ever. Games are becoming increasingly complex, featuring more detailed environments, advanced AI, and intricate physics simulations. These elements place a significant load on your processor, and a CPU with fewer cores can struggle to keep up, leading to performance bottlenecks and stuttering. An 8-core CPU offers a substantial advantage by providing the processing power needed to handle these demanding tasks efficiently. Each core can work on a separate task, allowing the CPU to juggle multiple processes simultaneously, resulting in smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and improved overall performance.

Beyond gaming, an 8-core CPU also excels in multitasking and content creation. If you frequently stream your gameplay, edit videos, or work with other CPU-intensive applications, an 8-core processor will provide the headroom you need to handle these tasks without sacrificing performance. The ability to handle multiple threads simultaneously makes an 8-core CPU a versatile investment for both gaming and productivity.

Moreover, investing in an 8-core CPU can future-proof your system to some extent. As game development continues to push the boundaries of hardware capabilities, having a CPU with ample cores will ensure that your system remains capable of handling the latest titles for years to come. While a high-end graphics card is crucial for visual fidelity, the CPU plays a vital role in processing the game's logic, AI, and physics, and an 8-core CPU provides a solid foundation for a future-proof gaming rig.

Top Budget-Friendly 8-Core CPUs

Now, let's explore some of the most affordable 8-core CPUs that deliver excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks:

1. AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X is a powerhouse 8-core processor that offers exceptional value for its price. Based on AMD's Zen 3 architecture, this CPU delivers impressive performance in both gaming and productivity applications. Its 8 cores and 16 threads provide ample processing power for handling modern games, and its boost clock speeds ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. The Ryzen 7 5700X is also compatible with a wide range of motherboards, making it a versatile option for upgrades or new builds.

One of the key advantages of the Ryzen 7 5700X is its excellent power efficiency. Despite its high performance, this CPU operates at a relatively low TDP (Thermal Design Power), meaning it doesn't require an overly powerful cooler to maintain stable temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious builders who want to maximize performance without incurring excessive cooling costs. Furthermore, the Ryzen 7 5700X supports PCIe 4.0, allowing you to take advantage of the latest high-speed storage devices and graphics cards.

The Ryzen 7 5700X excels in multitasking scenarios, thanks to its 16 threads. This means it can handle multiple applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation. Whether you're streaming your gameplay, editing videos, or running other CPU-intensive tasks in the background, the Ryzen 7 5700X will provide a smooth and responsive experience. Its combination of performance, power efficiency, and affordability makes it a top contender in the budget-friendly 8-core CPU category.

2. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

Stepping back a generation, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X remains a highly competitive 8-core CPU that offers excellent value for gamers. Based on the Zen 2 architecture, the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers impressive performance in both gaming and productivity workloads. Its 8 cores and 16 threads, combined with a competitive boost clock, ensure smooth gameplay and responsiveness in modern titles.

What makes the Ryzen 7 3700X particularly appealing is its affordability. As an older generation CPU, it's often available at a lower price point than newer models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. Despite its age, the Ryzen 7 3700X still holds its own against more recent processors in many gaming scenarios, providing a compelling balance of performance and value.

The Ryzen 7 3700X's 16 threads enable it to handle multitasking with ease, allowing you to stream, record, or run other applications in the background without significantly impacting your gaming performance. This makes it a versatile choice for gamers who also engage in content creation or other CPU-intensive tasks. Additionally, the Ryzen 7 3700X's compatibility with older motherboards can be an advantage for users looking to upgrade without replacing their entire system.

3. Intel Core i7-10700F

For those who prefer the Intel ecosystem, the Intel Core i7-10700F is a compelling 8-core CPU option that delivers strong gaming performance. Based on the Comet Lake architecture, this processor offers a high base clock speed and a boost clock that rivals some of the higher-end CPUs. Its 8 cores and 16 threads provide ample processing power for modern games, and its compatibility with Intel's 400-series motherboards makes it a viable option for both new builds and upgrades.

The Core i7-10700F stands out for its strong single-core performance, which is particularly beneficial in games that are heavily reliant on a single thread. This can translate to higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in certain titles. While it doesn't support overclocking, the i7-10700F's stock performance is more than sufficient for the vast majority of gamers.

Another advantage of the Intel Core i7-10700F is its availability and price. As it's an older generation CPU, it's often found at competitive prices, making it an attractive alternative to newer, more expensive Intel processors. Its 16 threads enable it to handle multitasking effectively, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant performance drops. If you're building a gaming rig on a budget and prefer Intel CPUs, the Core i7-10700F is a solid option to consider.

Choosing the Right 8-Core CPU for Your Needs

Selecting the best 8-core CPU for your gaming rig depends on several factors, including your budget, the types of games you play, and your other computing needs. Here's a breakdown of key considerations:

• Budget: The Ryzen 7 3700X often represents the most budget-friendly option, offering a compelling balance of performance and value. The Ryzen 7 5700X provides a step up in performance at a slightly higher price point, while the Intel Core i7-10700F typically falls in between. Consider your overall budget for the entire system, including the motherboard, RAM, and graphics card, to determine how much you can allocate to the CPU.
• Gaming Focus: All three CPUs are capable of delivering excellent gaming performance, but there are nuances to consider. The Ryzen 7 5700X's Zen 3 architecture provides a slight edge in many modern titles, while the Intel Core i7-10700F's strong single-core performance can be beneficial in specific games. If you primarily play games that are heavily multithreaded, the Ryzen CPUs may offer a slight advantage. Research benchmarks and reviews for the specific games you play to make an informed decision.
• Multitasking and Content Creation: If you frequently engage in multitasking, such as streaming or video editing, the 16 threads offered by all three CPUs will be beneficial. However, the Ryzen 7 5700X's newer architecture and higher clock speeds may provide a performance edge in these scenarios. Consider your specific multitasking needs and the types of applications you use to determine which CPU is the best fit.
• Platform and Upgradability: The choice between AMD and Intel also involves considering the respective platforms. AMD's AM4 platform, which supports the Ryzen 7 5700X and 3700X, offers excellent upgradability options, allowing you to potentially upgrade to a newer Ryzen CPU in the future. Intel's 400-series platform, which supports the Core i7-10700F, has limited upgradability options. Consider the long-term upgradability of your system when making your decision.

Conclusion

Upgrading to an 8-core CPU is a significant investment that can dramatically improve your gaming experience and overall system performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, and Intel Core i7-10700F represent some of the most affordable options in this category, each offering a compelling blend of performance and value. By carefully considering your budget, gaming needs, and other computing tasks, you can choose the best 8-core CPU to power your gaming rig for years to come. Investing in a powerful CPU is a cornerstone of a high-performance gaming system, ensuring smooth gameplay and the ability to tackle demanding tasks with ease.