No matter if you are looking to build a PC for work, gaming, or video editing, getting one of the best processors of 2021 is definitely what you need. However, weaker CPUs can handle more daily workloads, but you need one of the more powerful CPUs to perform demanding computing tasks and stay cool while performing those tasks.
The processor works as the computer’s brain, running all the processors, tasks, and commands. So, asking your CPU to do intensive tasks while using one of the mediocre quality will end up in a lot of frustration and disappointment, whether you are building or upgrading your PC. Luckily, AMD and Intel have been fighting to dominate the processor market; fantastic options are available at reasonable prices.
You don’t need to sacrifice using lesser chips even if you have a low budget, thanks to the options that offer plenty of performance and a manageable price tag, like the Ryzen 5000 and the Comet Lake-S. Moreover, to help you find the best one ideal for your needs, we have prepared a list of the best processors available on the market for creative workloads, playing your favorite PC games, and more.
What’s the best CPU for single-core performance?
Both AMD and Intel are in 1 on 1 battle of the CPUs. Intel CPUs have been a favorite among those who love single-threaded performance. However, this doesn’t mean that AMD CPUs are not powerful enough at this point.
We are living in the year where most of the applications are using multiple cores to some level. But still, most parts need more clock speed on a single thread/core. If you buy a CPU for music production or photo editing, you need to buy a processor offering more GHz on a single core.
Quick Shopping Tips
While choosing a single-core CPU in 2021, consider the following:
You Can’t Lose With Intel or AMD
We have recently pointed out that AMD offers better CPUs overall nowadays in our Intel vs. AMD debate. However, as long as you consider current-generation parts, the discussion of performance is simply a wash, especially when it comes to gaming. Some of the most-expensive Intel processors are slightly better for gaming, and AMD processors handle tasks like video editing quicker.
For Gaming, Clock Speed Matter Most than the Number of Cores
Higher CPU clock speeds offer snappier performance in common and simple tasks, like gaming, while more cores are helpful to get through time-consuming workloads faster. Overall, the fastest CPUs of any family of processors offer the highest clock speeds.
Budget for a Full System
You should avoid pairing a strong CPU with weak RAM, storage, and graphics.
Overclocking Isn’t for Everyone
If you want a PC just for gaming, it might make more sense to spend some more money and buy a higher-end chip rather than spending money to buy a higher-end cooler.
Our Recommendations of The Best CPUs With Single Core Performance In 2021:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
EASY RECOMMENDATION FOR LEADING GAMING PERFORMANCE AND OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CORE PERFORMANCE AT THIS PRICE POINT | Intel Core i5-12600K | |
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN TERMS OF GAMING, MULTI-THREADED, AND SINGLE-THREADED PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | |
UNCONTESTED LEADER IN X86 SINGLE-THREADED PERFORMANCE | Intel Core i9-12900K | |
RECOMMENDED HEDT PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | |
BEST, FASTEST GAMING CHIP AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET, OR LOOKING FOR A CPU FOR GAME STREAMING, EDITING VIDEOS, OR JUST LIKE THE IDEA OF GETTING MORE THREADS AVAILABLE WHENEVER YOU NEED THEM | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | |
BEST BUDGET CHIPSET AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET | Intel Core i5-11400 | |
HARD TO FIND CHIP BECAUSE IT IS ABSOLUTELY A GREAT DEAL | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | |
PROVIDES EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE FOR THE STANDARD DESKTOP PC APPLICATION PRICE POINT | AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | |
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CONTENT CREATION AND FREELANCING BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT SINGLE-CORE PERFORMANCE | Intel Core i9-10900X | |
ONE OF THE BEST PROCESSORS CROWNED FOR ITS PREMIUM FEATURE | Intel Core i5-10600K |
Take a look at the best CPUs with single-core performance in 2021:
10 Best CPUs With Single-Core Performance
Key Features
- Alder Lake Architecture
- 10 Cores & 16 Threads
- 7 GHz Base Frequency & 4.9 GHz Boost Frequency
- LGA 1700 Socket
- 125W TDP
Overview
This processor is an easy recommendation for leading gaming performance and outstanding single-core performance at this price point. This processor outshines the Ryzen 5 5600X while coming at a slightly lower price tag. This processor offers up to 38% more threaded performance than Ryzen 5 5600X and 7% more performance than the Ryzen 7 5800X. It provides wonderful single-threaded performance.
This processor comes with six threaded P-cores that work at 3.7/4.9 GHz and four E-cores that operate at 2.8 GHz / 3.6 GHz, having a total of 16 threads. It comes with 20 MB of L3 and 9.5 MB of L2 cache.
Furthermore, it comes with 16 leading-edge PCIe 5.0 interface lanes and an additional four PCIe 4.0 lanes for connecting speedy M.2 SSD ports. However, the leading-edge connectivity of this processor doesn’t stop there. This processor also offers support for DDR4 or DDR4 memory. Most gamers like the lower price and comparable performance of DDR4, but you can advance the more expensive DDR5 if you want access to more memory.
This processor has a maximum power rating of 150W, but the chipset sucks significantly less power than its previous generation counterpart while offering much more performance in gaming. The lowered power consumption allows the chipset to work well with a wide variety of standard air and water coolers, but you will need to ensure a model supporting the LGA 1700 socket.
Speaking of that, you will also need a new 600-series motherboard for connecting with this processor, and Z690 models are currently options you can consider. You can find a wide range of high-end models that offer support for DDR5 memory, and you will also find lower-end and mid-range DDR4 motherboards; there is still plenty of choices available on the market.
PROS |
Great Gaming Performance |
CONS |
Lacks Bundled Cooler |
Key Features
- Zen 3 Architecture
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 1 GHz Base Frequency & 4.8 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
This processor takes the top spot in the gaming PC market with a solid blend of Intel-beating performance in both application workloads and gaming. It has 12 threads and 6 cores and offers more than enough extra gaming and application performance to make it a premium choice. This processor also beats the Intel Core i9-10900K for gaming, which is an incredible performance at this price.
Zen 3 microarchitecture of AMD results in offering a 19% increase in IPC. It provides excellent performance in terms of gaming, multi-threaded, and single-threaded performance. In fact, this chip usually matches the gaming performance of its more expensive sibling, the Ryzen 7 5800X. It makes the 5600X a fantastic and well-rounded chipset that can handle any type of gaming. It has a high refresh rate for streaming and offers more than enough performance for daily application workloads.
Furthermore, the Ryzen 5 5600X offers a 3.7 GHz base frequency and 4.6 GHz boost clock frequency; by pairing up the suitable cooler and motherboard, you can expect higher short-term performances. This chipset also comes with a 65W TDP rating, which means it runs exceptionally cool and silent. Existing AMD owners having a 500-series motherboard will find it easy to pair up this processor with the existing 400 and 500-series motherboards. If you want a motherboard for supporting the chipset, both the 400 and 500 series motherboards are abundant and affordable, with the B550 lineup providing the best overall performance for this class of chip.
PROS |
Offers Strong Gaming Performance |
CONS |
Higher Gen-on-gen Pricing |
Key Features
- Alder Lake Architecture
- 16 (8P+8E) Cores & 24 Threads
- 2 GHz Base Frequency & 5.2 GHz Boost Frequency
- LGA 1700 Socket
- 125W TDP
Overview
This processor is one of the fastest-growing processors available on the planet. It also outperforms the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X in gaming and offers even heavily-threaded content creation tasks, making this processor an excellent choice for high-end game streaming. It is also known as the uncontested leader in x86 single-threaded performance.
Moreover, it also supports leading-edge connectivity with support for DDR-3200 or up to DDR5-4800 memory. It comes with 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0 and offers additional four lanes of PCIe 4.0 from the chip for M.2 SSDs. This chipset comes with 8 P-cores that support hyper-threading and 8 single-threaded E-cores, making 24 threads. That makes a 33% increase in the thread count over the previous generation Core i9-11900K. The P-cores offer a 3.2 GHz base, and the boost frequencies of this processor can reach up to 5.2 GHz with a Turbo Boost Max 3.0. Moreover, the E-cores of this processor offer a 2.4 GHz base and can extend up to 3.9 GHz with the help of standard Turbo Boost 2.0 algorithms. This chipset also comes with 30 MB of L3 cache and 14 MB of L2.
This processor comes with a 125W PBP base and 241W MTP power rating. Still, the power consumption is considerably lower than its prior-generation counterpart, and you will get industry-leading performance in return.
You will need to buy a capable cooler for this chipset, and you will also need a new 600-series motherboard to combine with this processor. You will get a wide range of high-end motherboards that offer support for DDR5 memory, and although you will find lower-end and mid-range DDR4 motherboards, there is still a wide range of selection available. Many gamers will enjoy the lower price and comparable performance of DDR4, but you can also advance to the more expensive DDR5 if you want access to more memory.
PROS |
Fastest Growing Processor |
CONS |
No Bundled Cooler |
Key Features
- Zen 3 Architecture
- 16 Cores & 32 Threads
- 4 GHz Base Frequency & 4.9 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 105W TDP
Overview
High-end desktop processors have been offering the ultimate performance for a long time, as long as you are ready to pay the price for this.
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X comes with 16 cores and 32 threads, expanding more than its predecessors to bring HEDT-class performance to the standard motherboards, lowering the bar entry. This processor comes at a great price tag, but that’s affordable compared to the competing HEDT processor that doesn’t provide the same performance class.
We usually don’t recommend HEDT processors for users who are only interested in gaming. Gamers can be best served by the mainstream processor having fewer cores and higher clocks that are often faster in games; the Ryzen 9 5950X also comes in the same category. Lesser 5000-series models of AMD offer a better value for gamers. However, if you are looking for a chip and platform that can perform serious work quickly but still be quick enough to deliver high-refresh-rate for smooth gameplay. This processor fits the bill like no other CPU before it.
PROS |
Offers Higher Boost Frequencies |
CONS |
Needs Beefy Cooling |
Key Features
- Zen 3 Architecture
- 12 Cores & 24 Threads
- 7 GHz Base Frequency & 4.8 GHz Base Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
If you are genuinely looking for the best gaming CPU that can do basic productivity tasks as well, you should go for the Ryzen 5 5600X and save some money. However, if you are looking for the best, fastest gaming chip available on the market, or looking for a CPU for game streaming, editing videos, or just like the idea of getting more threads available whenever you need them, AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is an excellent choice.
It comes with 12 cores and 24 threads. It offers a 3.7 GHz base frequency and 4.8 GHz boost frequency, but we can clock it up to 5.0 GHz. This processor provides excellent gaming performance. It is known as the uncontested gaming chip available on the market, but it is a bit of gaming is all you are looking to do. However, if you are looking for a processor that offers speed in performing productivity workloads, this chip with 12 cores will perform such workloads without any problem.
It also offers support for PCIe 4.0 and is overclockable. This processor works with the existing 500-series and 400-series motherboards. Moreover, you will need to get your own cooler, and the bigger, the better. Cooling indeed has a significant impact on the performance of this processor. Overall, it is a great choice in case you are looking for a no-compromise gaming chip.
PROS |
Offers Support for PCIe 4.0 |
CONS |
No Bundled Cooler |
Key Features
- Rocket Lake Architecture
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 6 GHz Base Frequency & 4.4 GHz Boost Frequency
- LGA 1200 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
The Core i5-11400 is known as the best budget chipset available on the market. It is mainly because only competing chipset of AMD comes in the form of two-year-old Ryzen 5 3600 that can’t compete with the more modern 11400. In terms of gaming, this processor offers excellent performance than the Ryzen 5 3600. Moreover, you can choose this graphics-less Core i5-11400F that provides a good level of gaming.
Overall, the Core i5-11400 offers a better blend of performance throughout the full suite of application tests. This processor provides tremendous single-threaded work, and its only deficiencies in threaded work come when paired with the stock cooler. This processor roughly matches the 3600 in terms of threaded performance with the help of a better cooler; even with the power limits are enforced strictly, while removing those limits, the 11400 gets the uncontested lead.
The Core i5-11400 also offers support for the PCIe 4.0 interface. Moreover, B-series motherboards make the perfect pairing with this chipset, and it supports both memory overclocking and increases the power limits. However, you will need to overlook the higher power consumption if you want to choose this processor, especially if you remove the power limits of this processor. Intel’s stock cooler is also worthless for enthusiasts, so you should buy and pair up a better cooler with it.
PROS |
Solid Application and Gaming Performance |
CONS |
Higher Power Consumption |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- 4 Cores & 8 Threads
- 8 GHz Base Frequency & 4.3 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
This processor is a hard to find chip because it is absolutely a great deal. This chip unlocks a new level of performance for gamers who are on a budget. It comes with 4 cores and 8 threads that can push low to mid-range graphics cards to their fullest.
This new processor has the Zen 2 architecture paired with the 7nm processor for pushing the performance to new heights while enabling features for low-end processors, like getting access to the speedy PCIe 4.0 interface. The 3300X comes with 4 cores and offers a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz. And it can boost up to 4.3 GHz, providing outstanding performance in lightly threaded games and applications.
AMD also offers the bundled Wraith Spire cooler with this processor. Still, you may consider the budget in a better low-end cooler for unlocking the full performance, especially if you are overclocking. Speaking of which, the Ryzen 3 3300X is capable of overclocking the highest all-core frequencies that we have seen in the Ryzen 3000-series processor, making it an ideal chipset for enthusiasts. Unlike other current-generation Ryzen 3 processors of AMD, you will need to pair this processor with a unique GPU. Still, the low price point of these processors leaves extra space for the budget to connect a more capable graphics card.
You can pair up this processor with the existing X470 and B450 motherboards, but you will lose PCIe 4.0 support in exchange for a lower price point. You can buy new B550 motherboards by AMD, and these new motherboards support the PCIe 4.0 interface but offers lower entry-level pricing, which is an excellent fit for this class of processors.
PROS |
Great Gaming Performance |
CONS |
Lackluster Bundle Cooler |
Key Features
- Zen 3 Architecture
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 9 GHz Base Frequency & 4.4 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
The Ryzen 5 5600G appeared on the market during the worst GPU shortage in history. Many users will buy this chip and use its original integrated graphics for gaming until GPU pricing improves. This processor lives up to the expectations, stepping into the arena as the new value champ for APUs, which are the chipsets that come with the solid integrated graphics that don’t need a different GPU for light gaming, though at lowered quality settings.
This processor offers 96% of the gaming performance on integrated graphics than the most expensive sibling of this processor, the Ryzen 7 5700G, but for 30% less price. This is how it becomes the best value on the market. As long as you are ready to compromise the resolution and fidelity and keep your expectations in check, the Vega graphics of this processor offers good performance in gaming. The Vega graphics offer comparatively excellent 1280 x 720 gaming performance for various titles, but options become limited at 1080p. Of course, you can go for the 1080p gaming, but you will need to limit the fidelity settings for many titles.
It has 8 cores and 16 threads that can operate at a 3.9 GHz base frequency and boost frequency up to 4.4 GHz. The Ryzen 5 5600G provides excellent performance for the standard desktop PC application price point. Moreover, the processor also comes with a bundled Wraith Stealth cooler, increasing the value of this processor. This processor can be paired up with the existing 400-series and 500-series motherboards.
PROS |
Faster Zen 3 CPU Cores |
CONS |
PCIe 3.0 Connectivity |
Key Features
- Cascade Lake Architecture
- 10 Cores & 20 Threads
- 7 GHz Base Frequency & 4.7 GHz Boost Frequency
- LGA 2066 Socket
- 165W TDP
Overview
The 10 generation of Core i9 offers the most powerful processor you can expect from Intel, and it comes with 10 cores and 20 threads. This processor is unmatchable when it comes to the CPUs for producing music, editing 4K videos, or multitasking. Every core of this CPU offers a clock speed of 3.7 GHz, with a capacity of overclocking up to 4.7 GHz.
According to Intel, this CPU is specifically designed for content creation and freelancing because of its excellent single-core performance. It comes with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology; you can expect a higher clock speed up to 4.7 GHz from every core. This offers you more edge in terms of rendering and editing videos and performing other similar tasks.
This processor’s 10 cores and 20 threads are enough to handle both light and heavy applications like Adobe After Effects, Lightroom, etc. This CPU is undoubtedly ideal for single-threaded performance if you don’t care about the budget. However, AMD offers many other CPUs that cost less and provide the same performance.
PROS |
Great Single-Core Performance |
CONS |
Expensive |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 1 GHz Base Frequency & 4.5 GHz Boost Frequency
- LGA 1200 Socket
- 125W TDP
Overview
You may have heard about the Hyper-threading technology by Intel. The Intel Core i5-10600K is one of the best processors crowned for its premium feature, and this means you will get superb fast performance while dealing with single-threaded applications.
It offers a base clock speed of 4.1 GHz, and it is one of the fastest processors that offer outstanding single-core performance. Moreover, you can also get more juice for every core with the help of Turbo Boost. However, with the help of 6 cores and 12 threads clocked at 4.1 GHz, you won’t need any further changes to get excellent performance.
Apart from being a great processor having Intel Hyper-threading technology, this processor excels in applications like gaming and video editing that depend on multiple cores. But, this processor is that it is compatible with LGA 1200 socket, and thus, you may need to spend some more money if you want to replace your old LGA 1151 socket.
PROS |
Great Single-core Performance |
CONS |
LGA 1200 Socket |
Summary for The Best CPUs With Single Core Performance In 2021 [Experts Choice]:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
EASY RECOMMENDATION FOR LEADING GAMING PERFORMANCE AND OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CORE PERFORMANCE AT THIS PRICE POINT | Intel Core i5-12600K | |
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN TERMS OF GAMING, MULTI-THREADED, AND SINGLE-THREADED PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | |
UNCONTESTED LEADER IN X86 SINGLE-THREADED PERFORMANCE | Intel Core i9-12900K | |
RECOMMENDED HEDT PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | |
BEST, FASTEST GAMING CHIP AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET, OR LOOKING FOR A CPU FOR GAME STREAMING, EDITING VIDEOS, OR JUST LIKE THE IDEA OF GETTING MORE THREADS AVAILABLE WHENEVER YOU NEED THEM | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | |
BEST BUDGET CHIPSET AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET | Intel Core i5-11400 | |
HARD TO FIND CHIP BECAUSE IT IS ABSOLUTELY A GREAT DEAL | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | |
PROVIDES EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE FOR THE STANDARD DESKTOP PC APPLICATION PRICE POINT | AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | |
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CONTENT CREATION AND FREELANCING BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT SINGLE-CORE PERFORMANCE | Intel Core i9-10900X | |
ONE OF THE BEST PROCESSORS CROWNED FOR ITS PREMIUM FEATURE | Intel Core i5-10600K |
Conclusion
So we end up with this list of best CPUs with single-core performance in 2021. Here are some of the final points related to the best processors for single-core performance. This list has all the best CPUs that you can choose for building a great PC according to your budget and needs. If you have a great budget, you can go for the premium CPU that offers excellent gaming and single-core performance. Overall, CPUs are from Intel and AMD don’t compromise on the overall quality and performance. They offer you a wide range of compatibility and selection so that you can manage your required processors according to your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is single-core performance good for gaming?
When it comes to gaming, Single-core performance is still more important than multi-core performance. However, since most games will ultimately be using multiple CPU cores, the core count shouldn’t be avoided either.
Which AMD CPU has the best single-core performance?
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is an affordable processor with single-threaded performance, and it is one of the best processors offering an excellent single-core performance out on the market. AMD Ryzen 5 3600X outperforms many mainstream chips of Intel like the Intel Core i5-9600K.
Is Ryzen 5 better than i5?
AMD Ryzen 5 processors are usually slightly less powerful than i5 processors, and they offer a clock speed of upto 4.4 GHz compared to the 4.6 GHz of the i5. However, they do offer twice as many threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 also stands out because of its very low power consumption of 65W.
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