Gaming is one of the most intense demands users expect from a PC, stressing the graphics card and CPU in equal measure as you need high frame rates, high detail settings, and high resolutions.
The only way to push it further is by using it for professional tasks like video editing or doing both things simultaneously. And using it for game streaming, your PC should be good for both gaming and rendering video in real-time while playing.
When selecting the finest CPU for streaming, you must consider something additional along with which processor has the fastest clock speed or the greatest raw power. When you are streaming at 1080p, it is crucial to maintain a steady stream without disturbing the gaming performance.
A normal gaming PC doesn’t always need a heavy CPU. However, streamers need to run various demanding applications simultaneously and a solid processor is important for building a streaming PC. Here, we will review the best CPUs for dedicated streaming PC 1080p 60fps. So, have a read.
10 Best CPUs for Dedicated Streaming PC 1080p 60fps
With the release of third-generation Ryzen processors, AMD has improved what was already great in Ryzen second-generation CPUs. Ryzen 3600, Ryzen 7 3700X, Ryzen 3950X, and Ryzen 9 3900X are the best CPUs for multitasking and streaming in the market.
However, Intel also offers the Core i9-9900K and Core i7-9700K CPUs that are good for streaming. But, the Ryzen 3000 CPUs have balanced the gap when it comes to tasks that need multiple threads and cores like streaming.
Before releasing the Ryzen 3rd generation CPUs, the i9-9900K was the king on the market. Still, the 2700X offered much better value. However, the Ryzen 3900X is the top streaming CPU at the moment. However, things changed with the release of the 3950X later this year.
Thus, for photo and video editing, streaming, graphic designing, and other content creation, the Ryzen 7 3950X is an ideal multitasking processor over the Intel Core i9-9900K. The 3900X and 3950X also offer better value partially because they offer decent stock coolers, but the 9900K does not. Still, 9900K is an ideal CPU when it comes to the pure gaming experience.
Below, we have reviewed the best CPUs for streaming on different platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Mixer, and more. These processors are also suitable for CPU-intensive tasks, 3D rendering, and video editing.
Our Recommendations of The Best CPUs for Dedicated Streaming PC 1080p 60fps:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
BEST FOR HIGHER CLOCK SPEEDS | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Processor | |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR STREAMING | Ryzen 9 3900X Processor | |
EXCELLENT PROCESSOR FOR GAMERS AND STREAMERS | Intel 9th Gen Core i9-9900K Processor | |
BEST BUDGET POWERHOUSE | Ryzen 7 3800X Processor | |
GREAT PROCESSOR | Ryzen 7 3700X Processor | |
BEST FOR BACKGROUND PERFORMANCE | Intel 9th Gen Core i7-9700K Processor | |
GREAT CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Processor | |
GOOD CHOICE FOR STREAMERS WHO ARE ON A BUDGET | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor | |
DECENT CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Processor | |
GOOD BUDGET OPTION CPU FOR STREAMERS | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 16 / 32 Cores / Threads
- 5 GHz / 4.7 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 3200 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
AMD is a solid choice for gamers over Intel as it has been the go-to choice for streaming CPUs for the past few years. However, AMD has widened the lead with the release of AMD Ryzen 9 3950X.
It comes with 16 cores and 32 threads and offers higher clock speeds. The 3950X is capable of handling everything that you may need to run on this CPU, and it can run all the programs you need for streaming, gaming and also the need to get top-quality streaming.
Talking about streaming, streamers require all the multi-threaded performance that they can get from this CPU. 3950X will never disappoint you on this matter. However, the only issue you will probably face with the 3950X is the price, and there is no cooler offered in the package.
The third-generation Ryzen processors offer outstanding performance, and they are known to get a little bit hotter than the old generations. When you are running the CPU at higher resolutions and putting a great load on the processor, this is the place where the 3950X will be significantly used. You need a decent liquid cooler to keep the system cool while performing CPU-intensive tasks.
Still, it is an excellent CPU with 16 cores and 32 threads that are enough to fulfill your demands. If you want to pursue your career as a full-time streamer and are looking to upgrade your streaming set-up to meet the needs of your audience, you should definitely go for the 3950X.
PROS |
Great for Power Users |
CONS |
Expensive for Some Users |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 12 / 24 Cores / Threads
- 8 GHz / 4.6 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 3200 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a part of the new Zen 2 architecture, which offers many enhancements and puts some pressure on Intel. It is also known as one of the most expensive new CPUs released on the market, but it justifies the price factor with all its performance.
The first thing you will need to know about this CPU is that it is made on a TSMC 7nm FinFET process, and it makes use of AMD’s AM4 socket. It is the same socket used for the previous Ryzen generations, so you can also utilize a B450 motherboard or an older X470 with this CPU. This CPU is so powerful that we recommend you pair it up with the newer X570 motherboards.
It is one of the best processors for streaming due to its high core count, and it comes with 12 cores and 24 threads, which is a wonderful thing. It offers a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a maximum boost clock speed up to 4.6 GHz. It is capable of handling almost any CPU-intensive task, and it also offers a 64 MB L3 cache.
Overall, this CPU comes with dual-channel memory support at 3200 MHz and a TDP of 105W. This CPU is unlocked, and overclocking is a great option with this CPU, but you may need something powerful than the Wraith Prism cooler that comes with it. The included cooler is what makes it better than 9900K.
PROS |
Offers Fantastic Single-core Performance |
CONS |
Can be Expensive for Some |
Key Features
- Coffee Lake Architecture
- LGA 1151 Socket
- 8 / 16 Cores / Threads
- 6 GHz / 5 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- DDR4 – 2666 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
The Intel Core i9-9900K is an excellent processor for gamers and streamers. It comes with a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz that can be boosted up to 5 GHz and offers a massive boost in computing power.
However, this CPU comes with the number of cores and threads as the Ryzen 2700X 8 cores / 16 threads. It offers much faster single-core speeds and incredible multi-core speeds for streamers as well. This helps the CPU to provide better gaming and streaming performance than 9700K and 2700X.
Moreover, the 9900K also comes with a Solder Thermal Interface Material that helps offer more efficient heat transfer for the processor to the cooler and helps to get lower temperature even when performing CPU-intensive tasks.
PROS |
Offers Great Single-core Performance |
CONS |
Considerably Less Price to Performance Value than the 3900X |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 8 / 16 Cores / Threads
- 9 GHz / 4.5 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 3200 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
If you don’t want to spend much money but are looking for the best processor for streaming, this is the right CPU you should consider. It is an absolute powerhouse, and it doesn’t come at a high price, and it comes with plenty of cores for streaming and covers everything else reasonably well.
It is a part of the Zen 2 lineup made on the TSMC 7nm FinFET process. It comes with an unlocked CPU with 32 MB of L3 cache. It offers a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz and can be boosted up to 4.5 GHz; it is suitable for overclocking. You will also get a Wraith Prism cooler that isn’t ideal for overclocking, and you need a bit more serious for overclocking, considering the 105W TDP. The 8 core and 16 thread configuration is ideal for streaming.
The processor works on AMD’s AM4 socket, which is the same socket that you get with the older Ryzen generations. AMD fulfills its promise to offer a good motherboard ever since 1st generation and then upgrade the CPU later. If you are looking for a streaming powerhouse but don’t have enough money to buy the most powerful models, the Ryzen 7 3800X is ideal.
PROS |
Offers Great Multi-Core Multitasking Performance |
CONS |
The 3700X offers Similar Performance for Considerably Less |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 8 / 16 Cores / Threads
- 6 GHz / 4.4 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 3200 MHz Dual-Channel
image courtesy of Tech ARP
Overview
The 3700X is a slightly less powerful Ryzen 7 processor that AMD released with their Zen 3rd generation lineup, but still, it is a great processor. It offers a high core count and great operating frequencies and offers overclocking potential.
It offers 8 cores and 16 threads, but the frequencies at which it works are a bit lower. It provides 3.6 GHz base clock speeds and 4.4 GHz boost speeds. However, it only runs at a TDP of 65W, which is a difference. Furthermore, it also offers 32 MB of L3 cache, which is made on the TSMC 7nm FinFET process. Like other high-end models, it uses the AM4 socket and supports dual-channel memory at 3200 MHz.
It depends on what you want to stream and what you want to play on this CPU; it doesn’t make sense to pay for high-end models if you don’t want to perform more CPU-intensive tasks. This CPU comes with enough cores and threads that are helpful to run most modern competitive games and stream them without sacrificing image quality.
PROS |
Offers Great Multi-Core Multitasking Performance |
CONS |
There is no con as such |
Key Features
- Coffee Lake Architecture
- LGA 1151 Socket
- 8 / 8 Cores / Threads
- 6 GHz / 4.9 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- DDR4 2666 Dual-Channel
Overview
Streamers must have a tremendous in-game performance while streaming. Thus, a CPU like the Intel Core i7-9700K is a wonderful choice. It offers a default clock speed of 3.6 GHz and can be further pushed to 4.9 GHz, resulting in a massive boost of computing power.
Games that need a lot of background performance can get benefit from this type of processor. Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 helps this processor further to increase the processing speeds throughout peak loads.
This CPU comes with 8 threads, which is perfect for getting heavy media production or particular video streaming codecs than the Ryzen 7 2700X above. Still, it is an excellent CPU for gaming and streaming as it comes with two more cores and makes a total of 8.
With the help of this processor, there is no problem in getting 4K in-game performance with the best GPU. You will also be able to produce high-quality live streams at 1080p 60fps due to the impressive power of the chip.
It is a perfect choice for streamers who need high framerates and resolutions while gaming and are happy to give up somewhat less multitasking performance than this CPU.
PROS |
Offers Great Single-core Performance |
CONS |
Multi-Core Performance is Less than the Ryzen 7 3700X |
7. AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Processor
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 6 / 12 Cores / Threads
- 8 GHz / 4.4 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 3200 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
Out of all the new processors released by AMD, the Ryzen 5 3600X seem to be an excellent choice for many users, including streamers. It is a competitor of the Intel i7-9700K, beats it in some scenarios, and comes at a lower price. It offers good core count and great clock frequencies with AMD’s familiar socket to make it an excellent CPU for streaming.
It is made on the TSMC 7nm FinFET process, and it is an unlocked CPU that offers 6 cores and 12 threads. This is enough for the streamers, especially as it runs at 3.8 GHz, and that’s the base clock speed. If you are looking for a bit more power, you can get the turbo speed up to 4.4 GHz, which is excellent. In terms of memory, if you are looking for dual-channel support, it offers 3200 MHz memory, and you will need it to be fast if you want to take advantage of it. It comes with a default 95W TDP and the Wraith Spire cooler that does an excellent job of keeping the CPU cool.
Overall, the Ryzen 5 3600X is a great CPU; it is enough whether you are a gamer or a streamer and don’t want to break the bank and look for 6 cores and 12 threads configuration.
PROS |
Offers Good Multi-Core Multitasking Performance |
CONS |
The 3600 Maybe of Better Value for Some Buyers |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 6 / 12 Cores / Threads
- 6 GHz / 4.2 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 3200 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
AMD Ryzen 5 is the best choice among many users, both in the first and the second generation. The situation is similar with the third generation and the Zen 2 architecture as well. The Ryzen 5 3600 is a great model for everyone, from gamers, to professionals, to streamers.
So what can you expect from this processor? It is a slightly cheaper variant of the Ryzen 5 3600X and offers slightly slower clock speeds. The base clock speed of this processor is 3.6 GHz, but you can also get up to 4.2 GHz boosted performance. When it comes to streaming, it offers excellent performance due to its 6 cores and 12 threads.
This CPU is made on the TSMC 7nm FinFET process, and it makes use of an AM4 socket, for which there are many motherboards available On the market. This CPU is unlocked, and you can overclock it, but you need a good liquid cooler and replace the Wraith Stealth that comes with it. It offers dual-channel memory support at 3200 MHz, but fast memory is vital for outstanding performance, so you need to keep that in mind too. Overall, it is a good choice for streamers who are on a budget.
PROS |
Offers Great Multi-Core Multitasking Performance |
Key Features
- Zen+ Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 8 / 16 Cores / Threads
- 2 GHz / 4.1 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 2933 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 may not be the value king of CPUs for the streamers, but still, it is good.
It is available at half the price than most CPUs nowadays, and it offers enough value for gaming and streaming. Moreover, it is a better entry-point for streamers than 2600.
For starters, it offers 8 cores and 16 threads. You will also get a Wraith Spire LED cooler with it, which looks and provides better cooling with less noise than the Wraith Stealth of 2600. Moreover, you will also get a much higher boost frequency of 4.1 GHz with this CPU that negates the difference in the base clock between the 2600 and 2700.
2700 offers more value than 3700 because both are almost the same. You can pair it up with an excellent motherboard and use the stock cooler to get outstanding performance, and it can run at a stable 4.0 GHz on all cores. Moreover, you can get great value from this processor for streaming.
If you want to upgrade from 2600, 2700 is an excellent investment until you are looking to upgrade your setup into something more powerful and better.
PROS |
Offers 1080p Streaming |
CONS |
Needs Some Upgrades for Power Users |
Key Features
- Zen+ Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 6 / 12 Cores / Threads
- 9 GHz / 3.9 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- 2933 MHz Dual-Channel
Overview
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600 isn’t an all-new 3950X and not even the 3600, but it is a good budget option CPU for streamers. 2600 is already known as the best value CPU for streaming since the time it was released, and it comes at a lower price tag, and now its value proposition increases more.
It comes with 6 cores and 12 threads and is capable of handling the average needs of a streamer. Well, it is slower than the newer 3600 and other offerings from Intel in streaming and gaming. You need to remember that it is a budget-friendly option.
If you are willing to spend more, you can get the high-end CPU. But for buyers who are looking for a streaming CPU and want to test without spending much, it is an ideal choice. It offers a reasonable 4.0 GHz overclock on all cores by using the same stock cooler.
Moreover, it runs on AM4 architecture as the other Ryzen chips. It means if you want to upgrade your processor in the future to get more powerful performance, you can upgrade it easily. Overall, it is the best value CPU for newcomers.
PROS |
Offers Great Multi-core Performance |
CONS |
Professional Gamers May Need Some Upgrades |
Summary for The Best CPUs for Dedicated Streaming PC 1080p 60fps:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
BEST FOR HIGHER CLOCK SPEEDS | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Processor | |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR STREAMING | Ryzen 9 3900X Processor | |
EXCELLENT PROCESSOR FOR GAMERS AND STREAMERS | Intel 9th Gen Core i9-9900K Processor | |
BEST BUDGET POWERHOUSE | Ryzen 7 3800X Processor | |
GREAT PROCESSOR | Ryzen 7 3700X Processor | |
BEST FOR BACKGROUND PERFORMANCE | Intel 9th Gen Core i7-9700K Processor | |
GREAT CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Processor | |
GOOD CHOICE FOR STREAMERS WHO ARE ON A BUDGET | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor | |
DECENT CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Processor | |
GOOD BUDGET OPTION CPU FOR STREAMERS | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor |
Conclusion
If you are looking to build a streaming system, you should get the best CPU for a dedicated streaming build. It is crucial to get the best on the market if you want to meet the expectations of your audience and hassle-free gaming and streaming experience.
As we saw, the best CPU for streaming is different from being the top-of-the-line processor on the market. And good mid-range processor would be enough for building a good streaming PC.
The greatest challenge is to set up the entire setup with excellent video capture cards so that the quality will turn out to be perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a dedicated PC for streaming?
There are various advantages of building a dedicated streaming PC for yourself. For starters, it helps to save up resources on the primary PC, and this can help get better gaming performance.
Secondly, since the dedicated PC doesn’t need to have a dedicated graphics card, it doesn’t only help save up cost, but you wouldn’t need to worry about setting up hardware encoding like NVENC.
Thirdly, if you want to play CPU-intensive games like simulation games or strategy games, you should have a dedicated PC for x264 encoding. It helps to create a unique streaming environment for you with the help of dedicated drives, microphones, and all the required software installed on it while your primary PC has all the games.
A dedicated streaming PC can be helpful to get better streaming quality on YouTube, Twitch, or other streaming platforms. Your streams will be more reliable and stable to make your audience happy.
Why shouldn’t I go for a dedicated streaming system?
The first and foremost disadvantage of building a dedicated system is the financial loss you will need to bear. However, if you are able to handle the loss, there are a few disadvantages of building a dedicated streaming system.
Another notable disadvantage is the issue of connecting two PCs and tweaking the settings to avoid any quality issues. This is specifically true if you are making use of a virtual network like the NDI, where you will need to use networking instead of a capture card.
Moreover, you will need to deal with audio synchronization between two PCs on the NDI method or both capture cards. In order to fix this, you may need to invest more in a mixer.
Then you will need to deal with the issue of space allocation. You will surely need a reasonably complete desk setup for efficiently placing both systems and your streaming equipment.
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