Best CPU for CS2 in 2025 – Our top picks tested for Counter-Strike 2
Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock
Table of Contents
In this article, we will cover the key considerations and options when it comes to choosing the best CPU for CS2. It's paramount for any serious gamer to equip their rig with a processor that can handle modern games. With CS2 presenting a more substantial load compared to its predecessor, the choice of CPU becomes even more critical, alongside your pick of the best GPU too.
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) represents a significant leap from the previous CS:GO. The improvement to the game engine makes it GPU and CPU-heavy. So, having a potent CPU is essential to managing the game's mechanics efficiently, ensuring smooth gameplay and maximizing the graphical output and physics that the game offers, but that doesn’t mean that an older GPU would be able to churn out 400+ FPS.
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With that in mind, we’ve compiled some of the top choices to pick for playing CS2. Put through our testing lab and having been reviewed, we’ve found the ones that provide the best pick for the job. Including testing out the game in our suite on occasion to see the performance it achieves. So here are our picks for CS2.
Products at a glance
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Best CPU For CS2
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
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Best overkill CPU For CS2
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- Cores: 16
- Thread: 32
- Base Clock Speed: 100 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 5.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 128 MB (shared)
- TDP: 120 W
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Best entry-level CPU For CS2
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
How we selected the best CPU for CS2
In determining the best CPU for CS2, we test each processor for its synthetic and gaming performance. While the latter is more tuned toward productivity output, we always run CS2 when testing any CPU or GPU, for that matter, because it is a very popular title and serves as an essential element in any review.
This allows us to gauge which CPU was able to deliver a better performance, and then, factoring in the balance between output and cost, we selected these processors for outstanding performance. Also, while high-end CPUs guarantee exceptional performance, not everyone has the budget for top-tier processors. So, we also included processors that offer excellent performance for CS2 while ensuring good value for money.
Our top picks
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
When it comes to being a true jack-of-all-trades, it has become hard to beat the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. As seen in our review, the CPU offers the best gaming performance among all the flagships currently available, and AMD's architectural changes, including using a 4nm process node, have also given it a good bump in productivity tasks.
To begin with, the 9800X3D packs a solid number on paper, offering an 8-core configuration with support for multi-threading, meaning you get 12 threads. As for clock speeds, the cores can get up to 5.2GHz, and you can also overclock them to run at a higher frequency. Just make sure your motherboard has a good VRM structure to handle the increased power consumption, and your cooler can handle the thermal increase. For guidance, you can check our guides on the best motherboard and the best cooler for Ryzen 9800X3D.
The 2nd generation V-Cache gives it the ability to run the CPU core faster and at higher voltages pushing its performance even further over the 7800X3D and on par with non-X3D chips in non-gaming tasks.
PC Guide
Since the 9800X3D comes with 96MB of L3 cache, we get an exceptionally high performance in all games. During our tests, we saw pretty much double FPS in CS2 from the 9800X3D when compared to the 7800X3D, 9700X, and Core Ultra 7 265K. Specifically, the 9800X3D ran CS2 with 604 FPS, followed by 7800X3D at 352 FPS, and 9700X and 265K @ 332 FPS and 311 FPS, respectively. If the 604 FPS figure wasn't impressive enough for you, we also ran CS2 at 669 FPS using the 9800X3D with PBO enabled.
As such, no better CPU can handle CS2 than the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and given its productivity performance, thermal efficiency, and overall future-proofing aspect, it is clearly the most versatile CPU available right now.
With 16 cores and 32 threads, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a beast that clocks up to 5.7GHz. Improving upon the lower-tier processors, the Ryzen 9 CPU offers a great deal of multi-core capabilities and can handle more workloads than just gaming.
It supports PCIe 5.0, DDR5 RAM, and features a 105W TDP, placing it firmly in the high-performance category. This powerhouse of a processor is perfect for those desiring to game in 4K, offering top-notch performance and the ability to handle the demands of CS2 effortlessly.
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is far from the cheapest chipset on the market, but with unparalleled performance, it's also one of the best.
PC Guide
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D stands out for CS2 primarily because of its exclusive 3D V-Cache technology. This feature adds 64MB of L3 cache directly to the cores, substantially decreasing latency and enhancing average frame rates. For gamers dedicated to CS2, this means smoother gameplay, faster responses, and a significant edge in the competitive arena. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious players seeking to maximize their in-game performance and experience.
All of that comes in a package of 120W, with the PPT able to reach up to 162W. Yet it doesn’t quite have the improvements that the Zen 5 cache has, so the Zen 4 X3D does have a limit to its power capabilities. But still, that doesn’t stop it from being the powerhouse at the top of the pack.
When we tested CS2 with this processor paired with the RTX 4070 Ti Super, we got 364 FPS at 1080p low settings. While depending on the in-game settings, this figure can go up or down, but either way, you should be able to hit high FPS at low resolution with this processor.
That being said, the 9950X3D might be of greater interest to you and might be a better choice for the longer term, as being on the AM5 platform, there should be plenty of years to enjoy.
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
On the other end of the spectrum, if you need something a bit more budget-friendly, then the Ryzen 5 9600X is the way to go. As we found in our review of the processor, it has plenty of potential and value for the AM5 range, bringing the Ryzen 5 tier to the Zen 5 generation and being a top choice for the job.
Although the initial release was a bit mediocre and middling, AMD focused on efficiency and dropping the power requirements for its processor. So the performance wasn’t as impressive, but with BIOS and AGESA updates, the 9000 series got a boost to improve it even more if you want it.
The gaming performance is very stable and there is a substantial improvement over the last gen.
PC Guide
That means it now has two power levels to choose from, initially 65W and extending that up to 105W. The PPT also jumps from 88 to 142W, providing a great range of power capability for the entry level.
In all of that power, the package gives you six cores and 12 threads on the Zen 5 CPU. Along with coming in with a 1MB L2 cache and 32MB of L3 cache. So with an MSRP of $279, you get plenty of value and specs for the price to get yourself onto the AM5 platform for a great option. Especially when you’re looking to play CS2 on a budget, the 9600X is definitely the way to go.
Why you can trust us
At PC Guide, we have a long-standing tradition of thoroughly testing a wide range of processors, from entry-level models to flagship powerhouses. We believe in hands-on evaluation of every CPU we recommend, pairing them with various GPUs to understand how these combinations affect overall performance. This approach ensures our readers get a comprehensive view of real-world capabilities across different hardware setups.
Our testing process includes measuring real-world benchmarks, thermal output, multi-core, and single-core performance to deliver a complete picture of how well a processor handles both gaming and synthetic workloads. Given the massive popularity of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), one of the most widely played games globally, we include it in every GPU and CPU review.
Testing CS2 allows us to assess how processors perform under competitive gaming conditions, where frame rates and responsiveness are critical. We maintain 100% honesty and transparency in our reviews, free from any brand or manufacturer bias, because we uphold the highest editorial standards and want our readers to have the same trusted experience we expect of ourselves.
There is no compromise when it comes to performance, stability, and value. What you see in our reviews reflects our genuine experience—both the strengths and the shortcomings—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Considerations for the best CPU for CS2
When you’re considering which CPU to get for CS2, there are plenty of considerations. These are also some of the factors we considered when making our selection of CPUs.
CS2 requirements
Firstly, to run CS2 at its best, you do need to have one that meets its requirements. Now CS2 doesn’t actually have that hard-hitting needs for your hardware, as the Steam page states that it just needs four hardware threads to run. Something akin to the i5 750 or higher. Now that is rather old technology and should be easily achievable, although the actual performance of those processors might not be ideal either.
As seen with the 9800X3D performance, it clearly benefits from the cache and cores that it provides. So if you’re after those high frame rates and best advantage in-game with a high refresh rate monitor, a high-end CPU is the way to go.
Platform features
Another consideration for the choice of CPU is the rest of the platform behind it. Many of our recommendations, if not all, feature AM5. It offers the top CPU options and promises great longevity to keep your hardware on the latest generation, with some great features and upgradeability down the line.
Budget and value
Along with that, the actual performance and how much you’re willing to spend on it are key considerations as well. You’ll want to balance the low-end pricing, but that might not provide good enough performance, especially as CS2 is so much more susceptible to the CPU’s power and how well it does. So there is a great deal of value to getting a stronger CPU and upping your frame rates a lot more.
FAQs
What CPU is the best for CS2?
When considering the best PCU for CS2, there is a variety of options to pick from. In our selection, we have picked out the 9800X3D as the top option since it garners an incredible performance, leveraging its 3D cache and setup to achieve that. On the other hand, the 7950X3D provides more cores to make creative work a capability on your machine, while on the budget range, there is the 9600X to give you an entry-level option.
What CPU does CS2 need?
Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t need anything too new or powerful to run. Valve’s minimum system requirements only suggest that it needs a CPU with four threads, and they point to the i5-750 that came out back in 2009 on the old Intel platform. So anything from the recent generation is plenty enough to get it going, as long as you have a DX 11 GPU with Shader 5.
Final word
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that for a title that can be taxing on the CPU, we choose the best gaming processor available on the market, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This processor is a powerhouse for gamers and content creators, and it should be able to handle whatever you can throw at it. Also, it can paired with some of the best graphics cards out there without causing a bottleneck.
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