You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
We’re back once again, hoping to find the best CPU for Warzone 2.
As many of you probably know, a good CPU is essential for first-person shooting games. Not only does Warzone 2 feature some pretty detailed maps, but the sheer number of players means a good CPU help maintain a silky smooth gaming performance.
While DLSS 3 seriously helps the workload of a CPU, not everyone has a 40-series Nvidia GPU to access it. With that in mind, we’re recommending the best CPUs for the job. Activision recommends the Intel Core i5-6600K or Core i7-4770 to run Warzone smoothly. Of course, any 13th Gen Intel CPU should do the trick, but we’ll guide you through a range of options worth considering.
Best CPU for Warzone 2 at a glance
Intel Core i7-13700K
Cores
16
Threads
24
Base speed
P-cores 3.4 GHz / E-cores 2.5 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.4 GHz / E-cores 4.2 GHz
Cache
24MB
TDP
125 W / 253 W boost
Intel Core i5 13600K
Cores
14
Threads
20
Base speed
P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
Cache
20MB
TDP
125 W / 181 W boost
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Core Count
8
Thread Count
16
CPU Speed
4.5 GHz
TDP
105W
If you’re worried about bottlenecks, we’ve also covered the best CPUs for RTX 3080 which is a popular GPU for Warzone 2. Otherwise, take a closer look at our top picks below where we discuss the specs at length.
Best overall CPU for Warzone 2 – Intel i7 13700K
Intel Core i7-13700K
Cores
16
Threads
24
Base speed
P-cores 3.4 GHz / E-cores 2.5 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.4 GHz / E-cores 4.2 GHz
Cache
24MB
TDP
125 W / 253 W boost
- exceptional performance for gaming and production workloads
- DDR5 memory support
- Can be overclocked
- Quite power hungry
Our go-to pick for Warzone 2 has to be the Intel Core i7 13700K. Expect a strong single-thread performance and a boost clock of up to 5.4GHz. With this CPU in your gaming rig, you’ll find it seriously boosts your performance for across AAA titles.
It supports faster DDR5 memory as well as overclocking. This means you can pair it with a Z790 motherboard, fast RAM and PCIe 4.0 for a devilish PC build that will be difficult to beat.
Anyone with a GPU around or equivalent to the RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti will appreciate this CPU from Intel and all that it can do to enhance your gaming experience. Overall, a big thumbs up from us!
Best budget CPU for Warzone 2 – Intel Core i5 13600K
Intel Core i5 13600K
Cores
14
Threads
20
Base speed
P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
Cache
20MB
TDP
125 W / 181 W boost
- Excellent value
- Pairs with a budget DDR5 motherboard
- Integrated graphics
- CPU cooler not included
Avoid the high-end prices with the Intel Core i5 13600K. Here you’re looking at 14 cores, 20 threads and a 5.1GHz boost clock which delivers a strong performance for Warzone 2.
We’ve opted for this CPU because it overclocks supremely well. You’ll find it outperforms competitors like the Ryzen 5 7600X, making it an easy choice for anyone looking for a high-value option. It’s a good choice for budget and mid-range builds, so if you’re sporting an Nvidia 30-series or similar, then this is the missing piece of the puzzle.
If you’re someone who runs multiple programs while gaming, or enjoys streaming with a webcam, this CPU is a great multitasker and has enough horsepower for the job. It’s compatible with DDR4, DDR5 and PCIe 4.0 standards, which also helps keep the price low. Overall, this CPU can’t come recommended enough! Seriously.
If you want to check out more of the best budget CPUs, you know where to go.
Best AMD CPU for Warzone 2 – AMD Ryzen 7 58003D
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Core Count
8
Thread Count
16
CPU Speed
4.5 GHz
TDP
105W
- 3D Vcache technology
- Same AM4 socket
- Affordable
- Needs a good cooler
Our final pick comes from AMD. The 5800X3D card is well suited to Warzone for a host of reasons. Allow us to explain why we haven’t chosen a Ryzen 9 CPU instead.
First up, the X3D part of the name basically means the CPU has 96MB of L3 cache which is ideal for balancing the performance for heavier workloads. A game like Warzone 2 which is a pretty intensive game seriously benefits from this.
On top of that advantage, it’s also a very power-efficient chip. Gaming is expensive enough, and it goes a long way to have a modest CPU that doesn’t suck up loads of power. While you will need one of the best CPU coolers for the job, its discount compared to Intel equivalents makes it all worth it.
Frequently asked questions
We’ll answer some classic questions about CPUs below.
Is Warzone 2 CPU intensive?
Yes, Warzone 2, like other first-person shooter games, is particularly CPU intensive. If your CPU is struggling with the workload, be sure to lower the game settings to something less demanding.
About the Author
