Best CPU for Cyberpunk 2077 in 2025 – our top Intel and AMD picks
Table of Contents
Diving deep into Cyberpunk 2077 requires not just skills but also a well-equipped gaming rig. In this article, we're zoning in on the best CPU for Cyberpunk 2077, ensuring you have the horsepower needed to experience every street brawl, high-speed chase, and intimate character interaction with the smoothest performance possible.
The game's beauty and vastness come at a price, pushing many PCs to their limits. While the developers suggested a Core i7 4790 paired with a GTX 1060 for high settings at 1080p, in reality, it's clear that players need a much more formidable setup. That's precisely what we'll be guiding you toward in this article, recommending the processors that are going to allow you to enjoy the blend of reality and dystopia of Cyberpunk at its best performance.
AMD launches latest Ryzen 9 9950X3D & 9900X3D CPUs!
AMD's highly anticipated Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D chips have finally arrived! Below, we will be listing all the latest listings from the web's biggest retailers.
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D - CA
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D - CA
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D - Newegg
*Stock availability and pricing subject to change depending on retailer or outlet.
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Best CPU for Cyberpunk 2077 overall
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
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Best performance CPU for Cyberpunk 2077
Intel Core i9-13900K
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.3GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.0GHz / E-Core 2.2GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253 W
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Best 1440p CPU for Cyberpunk 2077
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Cores: 12
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 4.8 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 63 MB
- TDP: 105 W
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Best budget CPU for Cyberpunk 2077
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
How we picked
Sifting through the sea of CPUs to find the perfect match for Cyberpunk 2077 isn't a task we've taken lightly. Alongside our CPU topic knowledge, we've scoured the internet, looking through public benchmarks and gamer testimonials to get a comprehensive understanding of each CPU's performance in the context of the game. We also put each CPU through rigorous in-house tests to find its upper and lower limits. If you're interested in learning about how we do it, head on over to our PC Guide Testing Lab for more details.
This helped us identify CPUs that consistently deliver optimal performance levels for Cyberpunk 2077 and will engage the impressive graphics and ray tracing without inducing tearing or stuttering.
Another aspect that we paid attention to is the hardware specifications which provide vital insight into the system requirements to consider when choosing a compatible processor for Cyberpunk. The minimum requirements are an Intel Core i7-6700 or an AMD Ryzen 5 1600, so this is used as a base level for our own processing recommendations.
However, to prepare for some potential bottlenecks and challenges, a CPU of a similar level to the recommended specs, an i7-12700 or a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, will serve you better overall. We've made sure to cater to all budgets and preferences, choosing processors for those on a budget, for playing 1440p 60fps, and for 1080p high settings. Furthermore, we've considered the broader gaming landscape.
Cyberpunk 2077 is indeed a demanding game, but a CPU upgrade will likely serve many other titles in your library. As such, our selections are not just tailored for this game alone but also ensure a future-proofing aspect, catering to upcoming titles and ensuring longevity. For an overview of other market-favorite CPUs, we've got guides on the best CPU for gaming, as well as the best CPUs for integrated graphics.
Best CPU for Cyberpunk 2077
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
- Unbeatable gaming performance
- Great power-efficiency and thermal design
- Can be overclocked
- Expensive
- Doesn’t support DDR4
If you're looking to play Cyberpunk 2077 and want the best possible performance, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the way to go. In our 9800X3D review, the processor achieved an impressive 334 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, outperforming other top CPUs. For comparison, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D reached 313 FPS, and Intel's Core Ultra 7 265K delivered 240 FPS. This makes the 9800X3D the clear leader for gamers seeking smooth and high-frame-rate gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes with 8 cores and 16 threads, and it can boost up to 5.2GHz. While these specs are already strong, the real standout feature is its massive 96MB of L3 cache. This large cache allows the CPU to store more data close to the cores, which means faster access to the information needed during intense gaming sessions. This efficiency is a key reason why the 9800X3D delivers such high FPS in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.
The 9800X3D has unlocked its potential and become the leading processor in the market. 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
The 9800X3D’s thermal efficiency is also quite impressive, as the CPU maxed out at 61°C in our gaming tests with a 360mm. We still recommend getting the best cooler for 9800X3D to avoid any chance of thermal issues.
Apart from gaming performance and thermal efficiency, what makes the 9800X3D a great overall pick is its productivity numbers. Yes, it is not the best in synthetic benchmarks, but considering how well it performs in games, the productivity performance is also impressive.
Overall, this is one of the best CPUs for Cyberpunk 2077. Its snappy processing should handle the processor-reliant AI NPCs and other elements without a hitch. Just don’t forget to go with the best motherboard for 9800X3D to make the most out of this CPU.
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.3GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.0GHz / E-Core 2.2GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253 W
- Platform: Intel Socket 1700
- Excellent gaming and professional performance
- Compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM
- Unlocked for more performance per watt
- Prone to high-temperature
- It needs a robust water CPU cooler
- It comes with a premium price tag
Next, we have the flagship CPU from Intel's 13th-generation lineup, the i9-13900K. Not only is it jam-packed with features and impressive hardware, but during our in-house testing, it performed exceptionally well in gaming and synthetic benchmarks.
Another reason to choose this CPU over the i9-14900K was the price difference and the minimal performance gap. You can read more about that in our i9-14900K review. In Cyberpunk 2077, at 1080p low settings, this processor managed a whopping 342 FPS. This is quite impressive, given that low-resolution gaming relies more on the CPU churning out more instructions per second. On top of that, this title is notoriously demanding, but the i9-13900K made quick work of it.
However, gaming isn't the only thing it’s good at. It had excellent multi-core scores across a number of tests like CPU-Z, Cinebench R23, and Geekbench. What this means is that you should be able to run resource-intensive tasks in parallel without experiencing performance degradation.
The Intel Core i9-13900K is still more than competitive when it comes to powering today's games.
PC Guide
One thing to note is that this CPU will most likely run quite hot during heavy loads. It reached its maximum of 100°C during our stress testing, even with a 360mm AIO cooler installed. That said, gaming or professional tasks shouldn't push it to that limit, but we still recommend pairing it with the best CPU cooler for i9-13900K.
All this performance is courtesy of its 24 cores, 32 threads, 36MB L3 cache, and a maximum frequency of 5.8GHz. On top of that, it comes unlocked from the manufacturer, so you can overclock each independent core for the most optimal performance.
What users say
According to the Amazon reviews of the i9-13900K, it’s a versatile powerhouse capable of handling anything you throw at it. One review stated, “This processor is an excellent investment.” Other praised features include its reliability, gaming, and professional performance, which includes 3D modeling and rendering.
- Offers great performance without burning a hole in your pocket
- Excellent gaming and professional results in 2025
- Low TDP of 105W
- Doesn't leave many options to upgrade other than the Ryzen 9 5950X
- The value will drop since the AM5 platform has been introduced
The era of 1080p gaming is seemingly ending, and 1440p is the sweet spot for most gamers. To comfortably run Cyberpunk 2077 in 2K, we recommend pairing the Ryzen 9 5900X with your GPU. In our Ryzen 9 5900X review, we were glad to see it performing well in our gaming and synthetic tests, especially in 2025, four years after its release.
This CPU managed 154 FPS in Starfield, paired with an RX 7900 XT, which is generally considered as demanding as Cyberpunk 2077 if not more. This result was in 1080p low settings, so the higher you go, the better FPS you should get as the workload shifts onto the GPU.
Besides that, it also had decent single- and multi-core scores, which shows that it is still a viable option for creative endeavors and that the AM4 legacy continues to be strong. Another great aspect of this CPU is that it is compatible with the AM4 socket.
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is still an excellent CPU for gaming and productivity even in 2025, thanks to its 12 cores and 24 threads.
PC Guide
This means that if you're running an AMD chipset and want to upgrade it, you can slap this on your motherboard and start gaming without worrying about stability or compatibility issues. That said, it also means you won't be able to install next-gen components such as DDR5 RAM.
However, pairing it with the best DDR4 RAM and the best SSD for gaming should result in a significant boost in performance, both in gaming and other applications. This shouldn't cost a lot, especially compared to the cost of shifting to the AM5 platform.
Overall, if you want to stick with the AM4 platform and want a CPU for top-notch gaming and professional results, the Ryzen 9 5900X shouldn't disappoint, and its mid-range price point also makes it a steal.
What users say
Sporting a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0, it isn't surprising that the Ryzen 9 5900X is well-liked among the users. Its reviews are filled with praise for its performance, ease of use, and the value it brings to the table. One user stated, “This is an absolute beast of a CPU,” which we believe perfectly sums up this CPU.
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- A pocket-friendly option with top-notch overall performance
- Has an unlocked multiplier for even faster processing
- Has a low TDP of 105W
- The shift to the AM5 platform is expensive
- Will need to invest in a good cooler to keep it from overheating
- 6 cores might not be great for heavy workstations
The last choice on our list is the Ryzen 5 7600X. It’s based on the AM5 platform, which brings the next generation of technology with it, but it's still a pocket-friendly option with good performance.
In our Ryzen 5 7600X review, we put it through several real-world tests such as video encoding as well as gaming benchmarks. It passed with flying colors and churned out 295 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 when paired with an RTX 4070 Ti Super.
This processor features six cores, 12 threads, a max boost clock of 5.3GHz, and a 32MB L3 cache. While these cores and threads might not seem impressive, the Zen 4 architecture is capable of delivering top-notch results, as we saw in our in-house tests. Furthermore, despite its performance, it has a low TDP of 105W, which should keep things relatively cool. However, you can't go wrong with a robust CPU cooler, and if you're interested, we recommend you check out our best AIO water cooler guide for the top picks available.
The CPU is more than capable of gaming at a high end, with enough oomph to keep up with the latest GPUs.
PC Guide
One downside to opting for this CPU would be that if you don't have an AM5 motherboard, you'll have to purchase one because AMD moved from their PGA chips to the LGA design. So, it won't be compatible with an AM4 motherboard or DDR4 RAM. However, we've got you covered in that case as well. Our best AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM guides have the top picks available on the market, so be sure to check them out.
Overall, if you want to experience the capabilities of next-gen technology and open up the landscape for future upgrades, the Ryzen 5 7600X would be a great place to start. It should serve you well in various games, whether it’s Cyberpunk 2077, a competitive shooter, or a chill open-world exploration-type game.
What users say
We weren't the only ones impressed by the Ryzen 5 7600X's performance. Users on Amazon have left countless reviews, showcasing its gaming prowess, value for money, and smooth everyday usage. However, there are also reviews stating its high temperature, which is normal given its specifications, but a good air or AIO cooler is recommended to keep it from unnecessarily overheating.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 CPU or GPU heavy?
Both, but there’s an emphasis on CPU. Cyberpunk 2077 leverages the CPU extensively, especially for its AI routines that govern countless NPCs and their behaviors. This means that while a robust GPU is essential for handling the game’s stunning visuals, the CPU is equally critical for managing the bustling life and activities that make Night City feel alive and dynamic.
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