I'm looking to find a reliable source for ranking CPUs based on their average gaming performance. I keep encountering big differences in rankings depending on the website or video, which I assume is due to varying game selections, settings, or methodologies used in tests. For instance, I've noticed that Hardware Unboxed ranks the 7700X higher than the 9600X, but Tom's Hardware places it lower. It's confusing since even the YouTube comparisons yield inconsistent results. What should I consider when trying to compare these CPUs?
4 Answers
You might want to check out TechPowerUp for their in-depth reviews. Just keep in mind that no source is flawless, so corroborating across multiple sources can help. It's really about finding a balance that works for your requirements based on what games you play and your setup.
If you're trying to figure out which CPU is best for your gaming needs, definitely look for reviews that cover the specific games you play. For example, if you play Cities: Skylines, you'd want to check out benchmarks related to that game. The same goes for any other games—different titles can have very different performance outcomes with each CPU.
When comparing CPUs, consider the trade-offs. For example, the 9800X3D is a beast for gaming but it’s a waste if you don’t pair it with a high-end GPU. Plus, you’ll need a good PSU and motherboard. Also, think about what resolution and frame rates you want for gaming, your budget, and whether you have easy access to stores like Microcenter. Those factors really shape what the best CPU for you will be.
From what I've seen, the only major YouTube channels that consistently use solid testing methods are Hardware Unboxed. There’s also PC Games Hardware which does a good job, but sometimes they only use the officially supported RAM speeds, which might not give the full picture for some CPUs.
I see your point, but for competitive games like Dota or CS:GO, I think it's better to go with a 9800X3D, even if I have to pair it with a cheaper GPU. At lower resolutions, the GPU is rarely the bottleneck, so focusing on the CPU can give you an edge in FPS without needing to max out 4K settings.