Streaming has evolved from a casual hobby into a demanding technical craft. To deliver a smooth, high-quality broadcast to your audience, your computer’s processor, or CPU, is the unsung hero working behind the scenes. It’s responsible for running your game, encoding the video, managing your overlays, and handling chat, all simultaneously. Choosing the right CPU is critical to prevent lag, dropped frames, and a poor viewing experience.
With options from both Intel and AMD, the market offers powerful solutions tailored for different budgets and streaming ambitions. Whether you are a newcomer starting your journey on Twitch or a seasoned professional producing multi-camera content, the balance of core count, clock speed, and architectural efficiency is key. This roundup breaks down the best CPUs for streaming in 2025 to help you build a PC that can handle the load without breaking a sweat.
The Best CPUs for Your Streaming Setup
- Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12-Core Desktop Processor
- Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores
- Intel Core i9-13900K Desktop Processor 24 cores
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-core desktop processor
- Intel Core i7-12700K Gaming Desktop Processor
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12-core Desktop Processor
- Intel Core i9-14900K Desktop Processor 24 cores
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 16-Core Desktop Processor
Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor
The Intel Core i7-13700K stands as a fantastic all-rounder for streamers who want high performance without stepping into the flagship tier. Its 16-core configuration, which includes 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores, provides the multitasking muscle needed to run a game, stream software, and other background applications smoothly. With 24 threads and a boost clock up to 5.4 GHz, it handles demanding encoding tasks with ease.
This 13th Gen processor is built on a hybrid architecture designed specifically for intense workloads like immersive streaming. The 30MB Intel Smart Cache ensures that frequently accessed data is readily available, reducing bottlenecks during your broadcast. For streamers looking for a powerful, unlocked processor that excels in both gaming and content creation, the i7-13700K is a compelling and balanced choice.
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
For streamers committed to the AMD platform, the Ryzen 9 7900X offers a significant leap in performance with its advanced 5nm process technology. This 12-core, 24-thread processor is engineered for reliability and maximum productivity, making it ideal for creators who push their systems hard. The high core count allows for dedicated encoding threads while maintaining excellent in-game performance.
The Zen 4 architecture provides a solid foundation for a modern streaming rig, ensuring that your system remains responsive even under heavy loads. Its versatility makes it suitable not just for streaming, but also for editing your VODs and creating other content for your channel. If you need a high-speed, multi-threaded workhorse for your streaming and creative endeavors, the Ryzen 9 7900X is a top-tier contender.
Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor
The Intel Core i5-13600K is the go-to recommendation for budget-conscious streamers who refuse to compromise on quality. It brings the efficient hybrid architecture of the 13th Gen to a more accessible price point, featuring 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores) and 20 threads. This configuration provides ample power for gaming and simultaneous streaming at 1080p or 720p.
With a boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz and a sizable 24MB cache, this processor handles multitasking remarkably well. It’s an excellent entry point for those building their first dedicated streaming PC, offering a great balance between cost and capability. For streamers who primarily use GPU encoding or are starting their journey, the i5-13600K delivers exceptional value and performance.
Intel Core i9-13900K Desktop Processor
When your streaming ambitions demand the absolute best, the Intel Core i9-13900K answers the call. This processor is a powerhouse with its 24 cores, split into 8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores, for a total of 32 threads. It is engineered for streamers and creators who operate at the highest levels, offering industry-leading features for seamless broadcasting and content production.
With a staggering maximum turbo frequency of 5.8 GHz and a 36MB cache, the i9-13900K chews through even the most demanding encoding settings, such as x264 slow preset, without impacting game performance. It is the ideal CPU for multi-streaming, running complex overlays, and handling other resource-intensive tasks simultaneously, making it a top choice for professional-grade streaming setups.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X remains a very relevant and powerful option for streamers, especially for those looking to build on the mature and affordable AM4 platform. As AMD’s fastest 8-core processor for mainstream desktops, its 16 processing threads provide more than enough capability for a smooth streaming and gaming experience. It is known for delivering elite 100+ FPS performance in popular titles.
This CPU strikes a great balance for streamers who also consider themselves hardcore gamers. The strong single-core performance ensures high frame rates, while the multiple cores manage the encoding workload effectively. It’s important to note that a high-performance cooler is recommended, as one is not included. For a high-end streaming experience on a previous-generation platform, the Ryzen 7 5800X is a stellar pick.
Intel Core i7-12700K Gaming Desktop Processor
The previous-generation Intel Core i7-12700K continues to be a compelling option for streamers seeking great performance on a budget. Its 12-core design (8 P-cores and 4 E-cores) leverages Intel’s performance hybrid architecture to provide robust multitasking power for gaming and broadcasting without compromise. The integrated Intel UHD 770 Graphics can also be a useful tool for streamers using certain encoding features.
Compatibility with both Intel 600 and 700 series motherboards offers flexibility in building your system. This processor proves that you don’t always need the latest generation to build a capable streaming PC. It provides a significant performance uplift over older models and handles the demands of modern streaming software with authority, making it a smart value-oriented choice.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X solidified its reputation as a world-class processor for gaming, and it holds up exceptionally well for streaming. With 12 cores and 24 threads, it offers plenty of multitasking headroom to manage game, stream, and chat applications simultaneously. This processor is renowned for its ability to deliver high frame rates in games while maintaining stream quality.
As a cornerstone of the AM4 platform, the 5900X represents a peak of performance for this socket. It’s an excellent choice for streamers who want a proven, high-core-count CPU without moving to the latest platform. Remember to pair it with a capable cooler, as one is not included. For a top-tier streaming and gaming experience on AM4, the Ryzen 9 5900X remains a formidable option.
Intel Core i9-14900K Desktop Processor
For streamers who must have the latest and greatest, the Intel Core i9-14900K sits at the pinnacle of desktop performance. This 14th-generation CPU pushes the boundaries with 24 cores and a blistering boost clock of up to 6.0 GHz, making it the fastest processor in this lineup. Features like Intel Thermal Velocity Boost and Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 optimize it for the most demanding gamers and professional content creators.
With support for PCIe 5.0 and both DDR5 and DDR4 memory, the i9-14900K is built for a cutting-edge streaming setup. It provides the absolute maximum headroom for multi-tasking, allowing you to stream at the highest possible quality, run a demanding game, and manage numerous other applications without a hint of slowdown. This is the ultimate CPU for uncompromising performance.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a unique and specialized processor that combines immense multi-core power with groundbreaking gaming performance. Its 16 cores and 32 threads are built on AMD’s advanced 5nm technology, providing immense bandwidth for streaming and content creation. What truly sets it apart is the addition of 3D V-Cache technology, which offers a massive performance boost in games.
This makes the 7950X3D an intriguing proposition for streamers who are also competitive gamers. You get the best of both worlds: the high core count needed for a flawless stream and the exceptional gaming performance that can provide a competitive edge. It’s the ideal CPU for those who want to lead the pack in both broadcast quality and in-game performance.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best CPUs For Streaming in 2025
When I’m building or upgrading a PC for streaming, the CPU is the component I think about the most. It’s the brain of the operation, handling the game, the streaming software, and all the background tasks simultaneously. If you get this choice wrong, your stream can become a stuttering mess. So, let’s break down what you should be looking for.
First, let’s talk about cores and threads. Streaming is a multi-tasking monster. You need a processor with plenty of cores and threads to divide the workload. While your game might use a few cores, your streaming software (like OBS Studio) needs dedicated threads to encode the video smoothly. For a smooth experience in 2025, I wouldn’t recommend anything with fewer than 8 cores. 12 or 16 cores is the sweet spot for high-end streaming without compromising game performance.
Next is the single-core performance. This is crucial because it directly impacts your in-game frame rates. A CPU can have all the cores in the world, but if each one is slow, your games will feel sluggish. You want a processor that strikes a great balance between having many cores for streaming and having fast cores for gaming. Look at recent benchmarks to see how a CPU performs in the games you play.
Then there’s the platform: AMD vs. Intel. Both offer fantastic options. AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series CPUs on the AM5 platform are incredibly strong for multi-threaded workloads, making them excellent for streaming. They also tend to be very power-efficient. On the other hand, Intel’s 14th and 15th Gen Core i7 and i9 processors are absolute powerhouses for gaming and, with their high core counts, are more than capable streamers. Your choice here might also come down to which motherboard features you prefer.
Finally, consider your encoder. Most modern CPUs have a dedicated media engine. Intel has Quick Sync Video, and AMD has a similar technology. However, the quality and efficiency of software encoding (using your CPU cores) versus hardware encoding (using your GPU or the CPU’s media engine) is a big topic. For the best CPUs for streaming in 2025, I generally recommend using the GPU’s encoder (NVENC on NVIDIA GPUs) for the best performance, which takes a huge load off the CPU. But having a powerful CPU means you have the flexibility to use high-quality software encoding if you prefer, making it a more future-proof choice.
FAQ
How many CPU cores do I really need for streaming?
For a dedicated streaming PC in 2025, I think 8 cores is the solid starting point. This gives you enough headroom to run a game and encoding software without major hiccups. However, if you’re a single-PC streamer who wants to play very demanding games while streaming, aiming for 12 or even 16 cores will provide a much smoother, more future-proof experience. It allows the system to allocate resources without everything fighting for CPU time.
Is it better to use my CPU or GPU for streaming encoding?
For almost everyone, I recommend using the GPU’s dedicated encoder. NVIDIA’s NVENC is fantastic and offloads almost the entire encoding process from your CPU, preserving your gaming performance. Modern AMD GPUs also have very capable encoders. Using your CPU for software encoding (x264) can produce a slightly better image quality at a given bitrate, but it is incredibly demanding on your processor and will likely hurt your in-game frame rates.
Should I choose an AMD or Intel CPU for my streaming build?
Both are excellent, and the “best” choice often changes with each new generation. As of 2025, AMD’s Ryzen 7 and 9 series offer incredible multi-core performance for the price, which is great for streaming and multitasking. Intel’s Core i7 and i9 chips are typically top contenders for raw gaming speed and are also massively powerful. You can’t go wrong with either; I suggest looking at your total budget and comparing specific models from both brands.
How important is RAM when pairing with a streaming CPU?
Very important. Your CPU needs fast access to data, and that’s what RAM is for. With a powerful processor, you don’t want to bottleneck it with slow memory. For a modern streaming build, I would recommend 32GB of DDR5 RAM as the standard. This ensures you have plenty of room for your game, streaming software, overlays, browser tabs, and other applications running in the background. 16GB is starting to feel a bit tight for high-end streaming in 2025.
Do I need a special motherboard for a high-end streaming CPU?
Yes, you need to pay attention to the motherboard chipset and socket. High-core-count CPUs draw a lot of power and require a robust power delivery system (VRMs) on the motherboard to perform consistently. You can’t just pair a top-tier CPU with the cheapest motherboard you find. For instance, an AMD Ryzen 9 deserves a good X670 or B650 motherboard, and an Intel Core i9 needs a Z790 or similar board. A good motherboard ensures your best CPUs for streaming in 2025 can maintain their boost clocks without throttling.