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Over the last decade, streaming has become very popular, especially among gamers.
Now lots of gamers do not just play games; they also stream their gameplay live on various streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and others.
Streaming is not only limited to gamers; it has penetrated different sectors, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic that stroked the world and still continues to do that in 2022.
A whole lot of people are taking advantage of live streams to maintain relevance and connect with their audience.
If you are a pro-gamer or just someone who needs the best CPU for streaming, this blog will provide you with all the details you need.
Here we have handpicked 10 CPUs for you and you learn why they are the best out there in a while.
But before diving into that, we may also need to answer specific questions, and in the appropriate sections, we’ll handle these questions, too.
Our Top Picks
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Does CPU Matter for Streaming?
The CPU is crucial when it comes to streaming.
That’s because it shoulders most of the burden that comes with playing the game and streaming it at the same time.
The better the CPU, the more efficient the streaming is. Thus, it is essential to get the best CPU within your budget if you want to stream with minimal hitches.
And it’s important to note that the more cores it has, the better.
So you can see that having a perfect CPU is very important. And it’s very indispensable to your streaming dreams.
Now that you know this, you should be picky when it comes to the CPU you use.
In the list below, we will introduce the ten best CPUs for streaming in 2022.
List Of Best CPU for Streaming In 2022
1. AMD Ryzen 5 1600
Best for Streaming
Processor: 6 cores and 12 threads | Base Clock: 3.2 GHz | Maximum Boost: 3.6GHz | Data Width: 64 bits | Maximum Operation Temperature: 65 degrees Celsius
The AMD Ryzen series hit the market with a bang, especially the AMD Ryzen 5 1600, with its six cores.
The fantastic thing about this CPU is the fact that it has six cores plus comes at an incredibly lower price than its counterparts in the same category.
Now, you may think that it is cheaper means it may have lower quality, but this perception is wrong.
The AMD Ryzen 5 has been tested and shown to produce the results desired of a CPU of its caliber.
The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 package comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler. This feature makes it possible for the CPU to cool itself when overclocks, hence increasing its efficiency.
The AMD Ryzen 5 1600, has been judged for its 1080p game performance, bandwidth, and other features, making it unique.
But the truth is that as the day goes by, the Ryzen processor outperforms itself. It is due to the continuous BIOS updates and software optimizations.
These updates ensure that the processor performs better and delivers more quality to the user.
All of these innovations make the Ryzen 5 1600 one of the best processors for streaming.
Its six cores ensure that there are no hitches. Besides, the cooler makes sure that it is useful even when used for long hours.
2. Intel Core I7-9700K
Best for Gaming, Recording, and Streaming!
Processor: 8 cores and 8 threads | Base Clock: 3.6GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.9GHz
Intel’s Core i7 line has always been in demand for its high performance. Moreover, users usually rate this CPU as one of the best CPUs in the market.
The Corei7-9700k is an improvement from the previous Core i7-8700k generation. With its eight cores, it runs efficiently.
Besides, its price is quite pocket-friendly, considering the value it brings to the table.
Intel recently launched the Core i9 family that displaced the Core i7 as the company’s main CPU. But the Intel Core i9 9900k has some little disadvantages.
First of all, it is more expensive, it needs you to get a cooler that will fit its specifications, and it requires a strong motherboard.
All of these factors make the Core i7-9700k a favorite amongst streamers because it doesn’t come with these disadvantages.
Instead, the Core i7-9700k has a whole lot of advantages ranging from its price to the features that it brings to the table. And to top it all, it does not overheat, so you may not even require a cooler.
If you are looking for a processor for streaming, you should totally consider this one.
3. Intel Core i5-9400
Fantastic Performance
Processor: 6 cores and 6 threads | Base Clock: 2.9 GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.1GHz | Data Width: 64 bits
This product is the Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor. It’s one of the processors that were not received well at first.
That’s mainly because a lot of streamers were not aware of its abilities.
But soon enough, it started to get popular among streamers and began to move up the ladder in popularity and efficiency, and that is how it ended up on this list.
The first thing you should know about this processor is that it supports 64-bit, which gives it more ability and range.
It has small semiconductors, unlike other processors, and this helps provide it with better performance and reduced power consumption.
Moreover, that also allows it not to overheat a whole lot. Furthermore, the graphics processing unit has a clock speed of 350MHz.
The thermal design power (TDP) is about 65W, and this allows the cooling system to dissipate and reach every part of the processor.
Finally, the CPU temperature on average is about 100 degrees Celsius. All of these features place this processor among the top ten best processors for streamers.
And like most of the processors on this list, it is pocket-friendly because it gives you value for your money.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Desktop Processor
Processor: 8 cores and 16 threads | Base Clock: 3.6 GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.4GHz
The AMD Ryzen 7 is a fantastic processor, according to many streamers. Its features place it among the best processors in the 3rd generation of the AMD Ryzen series. It is phenomenal.
The processor comes equipped with the latest AMD chipset architecture, the AMD Zen 2, and it also has a TDP of 65W.
This processor is the best 8-core processor in the series. The design of the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X allows it to have a very high-performance and also high-core-count computing system.
Moreover, the crazy aspect of all of this is that it is cheaper than many processors within its range.
The AMD RYzen 7 3700X was released in July 2019 and was put on sale for $329.
Hence, this puts it in the same price range as the older generation. It means you are not breaking the bank to get a better processor than what you used to have.
What’s more, this processor is an upgrade and is extraordinary for streaming because it combines high-level efficiency with low-power consumption.
5. AMD Ryzen 5 2600
High-Performance
Processor: 6 cores and 12 threads | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Maximum Boost: 3.6GHz
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor is among the top processors available in the market today. It has a high-core count plus an excellent gaming performance, and it is very affordable.
The processor has six cores, and it can execute two threads per core that place it at twelve threads in total.
Besides, this also puts it at the same level as the more expensive Ryzen 5 2600X. The Ryzen 5 2600X offers higher clock rates than the previous generation of processors before it.
It also has an unlocked ratio multiplier that gives it the ability to compete with newer processors when it comes to clock rates.
Finally, this processor comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler that ensures that it does not overheat when you decide to overclock it. Thus, it means you are safe to explore that option.
6. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Powerful Processor
Processor: 6 cores and 12 threads | Base Clock: 3.6 GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.2GHz
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core has been called the bestselling CPU on amazon. And a product would not sell that fast if it is not any good.
The secret to its popularity is that it combines the right price with the correct number of cores, frequency, and compatibility.
At a point, it ranked as number one on the Amazon bestseller list; it is that popular.
With its six cores and twelve threads, its direct competition from Intel is the Core i7-9600KF, which has six cores and no hyperthreading.
But the disadvantage of the Intel option is the affordability; it is more expensive. So, it means that the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-core offers you better value for money.
This processor comes with an X570 chipset that comes with support for the new PCIe 4.0 standard. It helps boost the bandwidth that the processor offers and gives better value with AMD’s Navi graphics card.
However, even if you don’t freak out with the new features, you can steal-run this processor effortlessly on your old motherboard.
7. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Best Multiprocessing Performance
Processor: 8 cores and 16 threads | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.3GHz | Maximum Operation Temperature: 85 degrees Celsius
The AMD Ryzen 7 2700X was built on a 12nm manufacturing node. The significant difference between this processor and its predecessor is that the Ryzen 7 1800X gives the speed.
Also, some other features are coupled with it. What attracts most people to this processor is the faster clock speed of 3.7GHz, which can be boosted to 4.3GHz.
It has eight cores and sixteen threads, which makes it relatively fast and efficient.
The fantastic thing about this processor is that it works with older motherboards like the X370 motherboards. So you do not need to worry about compatibility issues.
It is also one of the best processors in its range, which is why it is popular among some streamers and gamers.
It offers efficiency, and it comes at an affordable cost.
8. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
Game-Ready Processor
Processor: 4 cores and 4 threads | Base Clock: 3.6 GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.0GHz
The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G comes with the unique feature of a Radeon Vega 8 graphics core, which was built into the processor.
Additionally, it is also coupled with a Wraith Spire cooler. These two features ensure that the CPU is one of the best for gamers and gives a fantastic performance overall, plus it offers a more precise playback.
Apart from the incredible graphics, this processor has a quad-core processor of 3.6 GHz clock speed, which can be boosted to higher speeds when necessary.
These unique features make it a favorite amongst gamers and also one of the best processors for streaming.
It is seamless and offers you efficiency, plus it does not overheat because of the in-built cooler, and it also does not consume a lot of power. Besides, it is pocket-friendly.
9. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Advanced Processor
Processor: 12 cores and 24 threads | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Maximum Boost: 4.6GHz
The Ryzen 9 3900X is one of the unique, highly advanced processors when it comes to desktop gaming.
Although it is no longer the best on the ground since AMD released the Ryzen 9 3950X, this processor is a mighty one, with its 12 cores and 24 threads.
It is also equipped with the Zen 2 architecture, which helps place it in a league of its own as far as processors.
Moreover, it also helps close the gap between AMD and Intel and has even surpassed its competition.
The Ryzen 9 3900X is the highest clocked chip in the history of AMD to date. It is also available for $499 as of now, an affordable price for such a fantastic processor.
For now, it is a favorite among a whole lot of gamers because it brings a whole lot to the table. It brings speed, performance, and compatibility.
Also, it has a cooler that ensures that it does all this work without overheating.
If you have $500 to invest in a processor, this should be on the top of your list because you will certainly get value for your money.
10. Intel Core i7-10700K
Elite Performance
Processor: 8 cores and 16 threads | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Maximum Boost: 5.1 GHz
The Intel Core i7-10700K is a potent desktop processor in its range. It has 8 cores and 16 threads.
In addition to this, it has a base frequency of 3.8GHz, which can be boosted to 5GHz when necessary.
This boosting is made possible by the Turbo Boost 2.0. However, this processor does not have a Thermal Velocity Boost, so all its cores cannot run beyond the Turbo boost speed.
This processor is a good alternative for people who have a budget and cannot go for more expensive versions.
But the fact that it is affordable does not mean you will not get value for your money. You will get even more value for your money because this processor is efficient and great to use while streaming.
These are the top ten CPUs you can use as a streamer. Any of these CPUs will do a fantastic job, but it all depends on your budget and what you have in mind.
Conclusion
If you are a tech-savvy person already, you can make the right decision in picking the best processor. However, an ordinary gamer may need external help. In either case, you will find the above processors worth considering to enhance your streaming experience further.
Streaming games have become very popular, and most gamers are even using them as a source of livelihood.
Many have become popular and gathered thousands of fans on various platforms. If you are starting and want to get the best processor for streaming, you can pick any processor from the list above. It will give you the quality you want, and you will run your games and live stream effortlessly.
FAQs
AMD or Intel: Which Is Best for Streaming?
How Many Cores Do I Need for Streaming or Gaming?
So it is preferable to have 6 cores when it comes to streaming. But just to be safe, you should get a processor with 6 cores and above for both streaming and gaming. If you can afford it, get a processor that has 8 cores.
What Is the Meaning of Cores?
After technological development, we got to see dual and quad-core CPUs. It was like having 2 or 4 CPUs operating on a single chip.
In the 20th century, multi-core processors were standard. What’s more, multi-core processors are quite beneficial when you perform gaming, video rendering, or live-streaming activities.
What Is the Meaning of Clock Speeds?
Let’s understand it with an example of a quad-core CPU. If the CPU specification says it has 3 GHz of base clock speed, then it indicates that all four cores will reach 3 GHz under load, provided that the chip is cool. If you want to go beyond the given base clock speed, you must go for a processor with an overclock or boost clock feature.
