I'm building my first PC and just ordered the ASUS ROG STRIX Z890-A motherboard. Now I'm on the hunt for a CPU that strikes a balance—nothing too over the top, but something I won't regret spending a little extra on. I don't plan on going crazy with ray tracing, but I do want to try out mods in a game like Project Zomboid. Any advice for a first-timer like me?
1 Answer
Before choosing a CPU, it’s helpful to consider what games you’ll be playing. It sounds like you mainly want casual gaming, which doesn't require top-tier performance. Picking a CPU that matches your motherboard is also essential; most people start with their CPU and select a compatible motherboard after that. Do you have a specific budget in mind?

Casual gaming sounds perfect! If you're looking for something budget-friendly yet powerful enough for games like DayZ and Battlefield, something like the AMD Ryzen 5 series could work well.