- If you’re a gamer and need a new PC here’s how many cores do you need for gaming today.
- We’ve asked experts to weigh in and present their case: how many CPU cores do you really need to play any game.
- TLDR: 8-cores are still the sweet spot, but that may not be the case in the near future.
While some people think the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is no longer the most important component in a modern PC, indicating the GPU as the most important piece I disagree with that statement.
GPUs are the most expensive part of a modern computer, which is true for most configurations, but they’re only good for large scale repetitive tasks. The CPU is still the king of general computing. It’s not the best at everything, but it surely can do anything you ask for from it.
Also, the fact most data flows through the CPU means even with a very high-end GPU, the processor can still be a bottleneck, something that will impact performance.
After addressing the required number of CPU cores for general computing we are now addressing the number of CPU cores needed for gaming. As before, we have asked the experts for input, and if you care to read the entire article, you’ll also find my input at the end.
Let’s jump in:
CONTENTS
CPU core count is important, but not as crucial as the GPU
CPU core count is important, but it’s not the single most crucial factor. Gaming performance is still largely dictated by the GPU, as it handles the majority of the graphical workloads. That said, a CPU with 6 to 8 cores should be more than sufficient for most gaming scenarios today. Modern games are starting to use more cores effectively, but the real bottleneck often lies with the GPU, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates.
While having a high core count in the CPU helps with multitasking and ensures the system can handle background processes (like streaming or running other applications while gaming), the GPU will be the most significant contributor to gaming performance. For tasks like high-end 4K gaming, ray tracing, or virtual reality, investing in a powerful GPU will give you the best performance boost.
Another important factor is clock speed. Especially in gaming, where single-threaded performance still plays a role, particularly for older games or less optimized titles. RAM also plays a role. Having at least 16GB of fast DDR4 or DDR5 memory makes for smoother performance, particularly in open-world games with lots of assets loaded at once.
So, while having a solid 6 to 8 core CPU is great, your GPU and RAM will likely have a more substantial impact on overall performance.
Matthew Lam, Full-Stack Developer, Penfriend
6 to 8 cores are usually enough
For gaming nowadays, 6 to 8 CPU cores are usually enough for most titles, thanks to better optimization in modern games. However, core count isn’t the most important factor—the single-core performance and clock speeds matter most.
Many games still rely heavily on a few cores, so a CPU with strong single-threaded performance can handle demanding tasks like AI and physics calculations better. That said, other factors like a powerful GPU and enough RAM (16GB or more) often impact gaming performance more than just core count. Balance is key for a smooth experience!
Hicham Badri, Blogger, SEO Expert, GamerProspect
CPU cores matter, but GPU is still key
When it comes to gaming, the number of CPU cores is important, but it’s not the only factor to consider. I learned this while upgrading my gaming setup a couple of years ago. At the time, I was running a 6-core CPU, which worked fine for most games. But when I started diving into more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, I realized that while the cores were important, it was the CPU’s single-threaded performance and overall architecture that really made a difference.
Today, most AAA games will likely benefit from at least 8 cores, but the performance of each core is just as critical. A high-clock-speed CPU with good single-thread performance will provide smoother gameplay, especially for games that are less optimized for multi-threading.
But here’s the kicker—while the CPU matters, the GPU is the real heavy hitter when it comes to gaming performance. A powerful GPU will likely be more important than the number of CPU cores for rendering high-quality graphics and achieving high frame rates.
So, my advice? Aim for a solid 8-core CPU, but don’t skimp on a powerful GPU—your gaming experience will depend on it more than anything.
Takarudana Mapendembe, Founder, Best Calculators
Six-core CPUs are sufficient for most gamers
Nowadays, six CPU cores will still be enough for most gamers, especially if you’re playing at higher resolutions or using a powerful GPU. Modern games focus more on single-core performance. A 6-core CPU like the Ryzen 5 7600 handles even demanding titles with minimal FPS drops. Even when paired with high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090, a 6-core CPU won’t create major bottlenecks for most games.
However, having more cores does bring benefits in specific scenarios. Games that demand heavy CPU power, such as simulation titles or RTS games, can utilize 8-core or 12-core CPUs for better FPS and smoother gameplay. Competitive players aiming for the highest FPS may also find extra cores useful, particularly for maintaining higher 1% low FPS values.
While cores are important, the GPU and single-core performance usually have a more significant impact on gaming. If budget permits, an 8-core CPU is worth considering for future-proofing and added performance.
James Owen, Co-Founder & Director, Click Intelligence
Here’s what I think: a fast 8 core is still OK, but think about the future
Most games are not really optimized for multi-threaded CPU workloads, but that’s slowly changing.
You don’t want to be left out by major AAA game titles in the future because you “only” have 8 CPU cores. I would invest in a 12-core or 16-core model if I were planning to use my new PC for a long time.
Also, I would choose a CPU with a high single-core frequency. This works wonders in any game, especially in those that are not optimized for multi-threaded computing. Here, the AMD CPUs with extra 3D V-Cache memory are the undisputed gaming CPUs of today.
Single core performance is still very important in personal computing, which also includes gaming, not so much for workstation and enterprise workloads.
