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As a fairly CPU-intensive game, we’re considering the best CPU for Baldur’s Gate 3 so your gaming PC is up to scratch.
Whether your ambition is to play in Ultra, high or low settings, you’re going to need a CPU that is up to the task. Researching and choosing a CPU can be daunting. Depending on what GPU you have, we recommend checking with a bottleneck calculator to make sure you’re getting the best possible performance so you can romance those bears in peace.
Larian Studios recommends the Intel Core i7-8700K at a minimum though they’re hard to come by. It was a 6-core, 12-thread processor with a turbo boost of 4.7GHz. In this guide, we’ll recommend CPUs for playing Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1080p and 1440p at a range of settings. For a broader selection, check out the best overall CPUs for gaming and make sure you consider the best CPU coolers as well.
Best CPU for Baldur’s Gate 3 at a glance
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
3.6GHz
Boost speed
4.6GHz
Cache
32
TDP
95W
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
32MB
TDP
105W
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base speed
4.2GHz
Boost speed
5.9GHz
Cache
104MB
TDP
120W
If you’ve had enough of CPU research, why not check out these Baldur’s Gate cheats. It’s also worth factoring in other games into your CPU choice (naturally). If you have your eye on Starfield, then why not get your copy for free with these AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs?
Best CPU for Baldur’s Gate at 1080p – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
3.6GHz
Boost speed
4.6GHz
Cache
32
TDP
95W
- Affordable
- Strong single-core performance
- Can run 4K
- No integrated graphics card
The Ryzen 5 5600X CPU is among the best budget options for Baldur’s Gate 3. It runs at high clock speeds, especially if you pair it with 16GB of DDR4 memory. It’s a six-core 12-thread CPU, bringing a healthy price-to-performance ratio.
This CPU is built on Zen 3 architecture, meaning the price has really dropped since it was first released. Potential buyers should note that it does lack an integrated GPU which might put off some, but otherwise, it’s a strong choice for Baldur’s Gate 3.
it’s the most affordable Zen 3 CPU, and has remained popular since its release thanks to its brilliant value.
Best CPU for Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1440p Ultra – Ryzen 5 7600X
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
32MB
TDP
105W
- Zen 4 architecture
- Generous cache
- Not everyone has AM5 socket
The Ryzen 5 7600X is a great choice for Baldur’s Gate 3 if you’re keen to play at 1440p in Ultra settings. It offers a good addition to anyone with a budget or mid-range gaming PC, able to run games at both 1080p and 1440p. It has a strong single-core performance, offering Zen 4 architecture without the expense of upgrading to the AM5 socket just yet.
It pairs best with newer graphics cards like the RTX 4060 or RX 7600, though equally an RTX 3060 Ti would be good here too. Depending on what you’re working with, this CPU can help you reach high FPS in Baldur’s Gate 3. Just make sure you check out the best budget CPU coolers to make it last.
Best CPU for Baldur’s Gate 3 at 4K – Ryzen 7 7800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base speed
4.2GHz
Boost speed
5.9GHz
Cache
104MB
TDP
120W
- Large L3 cache
- One of the fastest chips available
- Low power consumption
- Gets very hot
- Expensive
- Needs AM5 motherboard
If you want to go all out in 4K resolution, then you’ll want the Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU which is more than capable. This CPU isn’t for the faint hearted. It will set you back over $400, but boy does it have a lot to show for it.
It boasts 8 Cores and 16 processing threads, combined with a massive 100MB of cache. Larian Studios recommended just a 6-core, 12-thread processor so you’d be going above and beyond with the 7800X3D. It has a boost clock of 5GHz, and it’s worth adding that you’ll need an AM5 motherboard for this CPU to be compatible.
It’s a tough price considering the PS5 runs 4K for only slightly more than the CPU alone. However, let’s not get into that. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an incredible CPU if you’re keen for the best 4K gaming experience.
