Is a 6-Core CPU Still Good for Gaming Today?
Asked by
GamerGalactic99
Hey everyone! After a five-year break from PC gaming, I'm gearing up to build my new rig. I'm considering going with a 6-core CPU, specifically the Ryzen 5 9600X, but I've seen that some upcoming AAA games like DOOM: The Dark Age and Borderlands 4 list 8-core CPUs as their minimum requirement. I'm also looking at the Ryzen 7 7700X, which is about $70 more or sometimes available used for around $220. Is it worth the extra investment, or will the 9600X still hold up? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Answers
Honestly, the whole 8-core requirement for games is a bit overblown. Six cores will be totally fine for quite a while. In fact, the Ryzen 5 9600X is efficient, runs cooler, and performs really well—sometimes even better than the 7700X in certain scenarios. I'd say stick with the 9600X unless you find a great deal on the 7700X!
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The Ryzen 5 is a solid choice for your build. Most games don't even utilize 6 cores fully, so it won't be a problem at all. You can expect to play pretty much any game without issues!
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The 8-core recommendation is often based on older gen CPUs. I have a 9600X, and it runs titles like DOOM and Indiana Jones without any hiccups!
CuriousGamer88: That’s reassuring to hear! Do you have Precision Boost Overdrive turned on for your 9600X?
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If you're building in 2025, it might be wise to consider an 8-core CPU just to be safe. You never know when some AAA title is going to push your system or if Windows will be running extra processes in the background.
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PCBuilder123: Thanks for the advice! I've been leaning towards the 9600X to save some cash, but those 8-core specs made me second-guess. I think I’ll go with the 9600X unless an amazing deal on the 7700X pops up.