Best CPU for Elden Ring (Intel, AMD, Gaming, 4K)

You will need a powerful CPU to play Elden Ring, and can handle the game’s graphics and performance.

Elden Ring is a highly anticipated fantasy action RPG from the creators of Dark Souls and Sekiro. The game promises to deliver a vast open world, a rich story, and a challenging combat system. However, to enjoy the game at its full potential, you will need a best CPU that can handle the game’s graphics and performance.

According to the official system requirements, the minimum CPU you will need to run Elden Ring is an Intel Core i5-8400 or an AMD Ryzen 3 3300X. These are decent processors that can run the game at low to medium settings on 1080p resolution. However, if you want to experience the game at high settings or higher resolutions, you will need a more advanced CPU.

The recommended CPU for Elden Ring is an Intel Core i7-8700K or an AMD Ryzen 5 3600X. These are high-end processors that can run the game at high settings on 1080p resolution or medium settings on 1440p resolution. They can also support higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.

However, if you want to push the game to its limits and enjoy it at ultra settings or 4K resolution, you will need an even more powerful CPU. 

Below are some of the best CPUs for Elden Ring in 2023. They offer different features and benefits that suit different needs and preferences. You can choose the one that best fits your budget and requirements.

Our recommended list of the Best CPU for Elden Ring (Intel, AMD, Gaming, 4K)

1. Intel Core i7-13700K
2. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
3. Intel Core i5-13600K
4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
5. Intel Core i7-12700K
6. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Elden Ring System Requirements

Elden Ring system requirements are as follows:

Minimum

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
• RAM: 12 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4 GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 60 GB available space
• Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

Recommended

• OS: Windows 10/11
• Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
• RAM: 16 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 8 GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 60 GB available space
• Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

It is important to note that these are just the minimum and recommended requirements. If you want to experience the game at its best, you may want to consider using a system that exceeds these requirements.

Here are some additional tips for running Elden Ring on your PC:

• Make sure you have the latest drivers for your graphics card.
• Close any unnecessary programs before starting Elden Ring.
• Disable any in-game overlays, such as Discord or Steam.
• Set the graphics settings to a lower level if you are experiencing performance issues.

Things You Should Know Before Buying

Elden Ring is a fantasy action RPG that requires a powerful CPU to run smoothly and enjoyably. There are some factors to consider when buying the best CPU for Elden Ring, such as:

Performance: The performance of a CPU depends on its core count, clock speed, cache size, and architecture. The higher the performance, the better the gaming and productivity experience. The minimum CPU required to run Elden Ring is an Intel Core i5-8400 or an AMD Ryzen 3 3300X, but the recommended CPU is an Intel Core i7-8700K or an AMD Ryzen 5 3600X. However, if you want to play the game at ultra settings or 4K resolution, you will need a more powerful CPU, such as an Intel Core i9-9900K or an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X.

Features: The features of a CPU include its support for memory, storage, and graphics interfaces. The more advanced the features, the faster and smoother the data transfer and bandwidth. The CPUs for Elden Ring support either DDR4 or DDR5 memory, which offer different speeds and capacities. They also support either PCIe 3.0 or PCIe 4.0, which offer different data transfer rates and compatibility with graphics cards.

Power consumption and heat output: The power consumption and heat output of a CPU affect its energy efficiency and cooling requirements. The lower the power consumption and heat output, the less electricity and cooling needed. The CPUs for Elden Ring have different TDPs (thermal design power), which indicate how much power they consume and how much heat they generate. They also have different peak power draws, which indicate how much power they consume under heavy load. You will need a suitable power supply unit and cooler to keep your CPU running optimally.

Price: The price of a CPU affects its value and affordability. The lower the price, the more budget-friendly and cost-effective. The CPUs for Elden Ring have different prices, ranging from $299 to $799. You will need to balance your budget and requirements to find the best CPU for your needs.

These are some of the factors to consider when buying the best CPU for Elden Ring. You can check out our reviews of some of the best CPUs for Elden Ring here.

1. Intel Core i7-13700K Desktop

Pros:

• Excellent performance in gaming and productivity applications
• Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
• Competitive pricing
• Overclockable

Cons:

• High power consumption and heat output
• No bundled cooler
• Requires a new motherboard with LGA1700 socket

The Intel Core i7-13700K is one of the best CPUs for Elden Ring, as it offers a balanced combination of performance, features, and value. The processor has eight performance cores and eight efficient cores, resulting in a total of 16 cores and 24 threads.

It can boost up to 5.4 GHz on the performance cores and 4.2 GHz on the efficient cores, making it a formidable contender in both gaming and productivity workloads. The processor also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving you flexibility and future-proofing options.

Core i7-13700K processor has a competitive price of $409, making it a great alternative to the more expensive Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. The processor is also overclockable, allowing you to squeeze even more performance out of it.

However, the processor also has some drawbacks, such as its high power consumption and heat output. The processor has a TDP of 125W, but can draw up to 253W under heavy load. This means you will need a robust power supply unit and a high-end cooler to keep it running smoothly.

The processor does not come with a bundled cooler, so you will have to buy one separately. The processor also requires a new motherboard with the LGA1700 socket, which means you will have to upgrade your entire platform if you want to use it.

2. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Pros:

• Outstanding performance in gaming and productivity applications
• Supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory
• Low power consumption and heat output
• Overclockable

Cons:

• Expensive
• No bundled cooler
• Requires DDR5 memory for optimal performance

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is another excellent CPU for Elden Ring, as it offers outstanding performance in gaming and productivity applications. The processor has 16 cores and 32 threads, making it one of the most powerful processors on the market.

It can boost up to 4.9 GHz on all cores, delivering impressive performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks, supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory, giving you fast data transfer speeds and bandwidth.

It has a low power consumption and heat output, with a TDP of 105W and an average power draw of around 140W under load, also overclockable, allowing you to push it even further.

The Ryzen 9 5950X is a power-hungry processor, drawing up to 105 watts of power. This can make it difficult to cool, and it can also lead to higher electricity bills. The processor does not come with a bundled cooler, so you will have to buy one separately. Ryzen 9 5950X processor also requires DDR5 memory for optimal performance, which is more expensive and less available than DDR4 memory.

3. Intel Core i5-13600K

Pros:

• Good performance in gaming and productivity applications
• Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
• Affordable pricing
• Overclockable

Cons:

• Lower performance than higher-end processors
• High power consumption and heat output
• No bundled cooler
• Requires a new motherboard with LGA1700 socket

The Intel Core i5-13600K is a good CPU for Elden Ring, as it offers good performance in gaming and productivity applications at an affordable price. The processor has six performance cores and eight efficient cores, resulting in a total of 14 cores and 20 threads.

It can boost up to 5.1 GHz on the performance cores and 3.9 GHz on the efficient cores, making it a capable performer in both gaming and productivity workloads, also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving you flexibility and future-proofing options.

The processor has an affordable price, making it a great value proposition for budget-conscious gamers. The processor is also overclockable, allowing you to get more performance out of it.

However, the processor also has some drawbacks, such as its lower performance than higher-end processors. The processor has fewer cores and lower clock speeds than the Core i7-13700K or the Ryzen 9 5950X, which means it will lag behind in some demanding tasks.

The processor also has a high power consumption and heat output, with a TDP of 125W and a peak power draw of 181W under load. This means you will need a decent power supply unit and a good cooler to keep it running smoothly.

The processor does not come with a bundled cooler, so you will have to buy one separately. The processor also requires a new motherboard with the LGA1700 socket, which means you will have to upgrade your entire platform if you want to use it.

4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

Pros:

• Great performance in gaming and productivity applications
• Supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory
• Low power consumption and heat output
• Overclockable

Cons:

• Expensive
• No bundled cooler
• Requires DDR5 memory for optimal performance

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is a great CPU for Elden Ring, as it offers great performance in gaming and productivity applications. The processor has eight cores and 16 threads, making it a powerful performer in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.

It can boost up to 4.7 GHz on all cores, delivering impressive performance in both gaming and productivity workloads, supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory, giving you fast data transfer speeds and bandwidth.

The processor has a low power consumption and heat output, with a TDP of 105W and an average power draw of around 120W under load. The processor is also overclockable, allowing you to push it even further.

However, the processor also has some drawbacks, such as its high price tag. The processor does not come with a bundled cooler, so you will have to buy one separately. It also requires DDR5 memory for optimal performance, which is more expensive and less available than DDR4 memory.

5. Intel Core i7-12700K

Pros:

• Excellent performance in gaming and productivity applications
• Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
• Competitive pricing
• Overclockable

Cons:

• High power consumption and heat output
• No bundled cooler
• Requires a new motherboard with LGA1700 socket

The Intel Core i7-12700K is another excellent CPU for Elden Ring, as it offers excellent performance in gaming and productivity applications at a competitive price. The processor has eight performance cores and four efficient cores, resulting in a total of 12 cores and 20 threads.

It can boost up to 5.0 GHz on the performance cores and 3.8 GHz on the efficient cores, making it a formidable contender in both gaming and productivity workloads. The processor also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving you flexibility and future-proofing options.

It has a competitive price of $379, making it a great alternative to the Ryzen 7 5800X or the Ryzen 9 5950X. The processor is also overclockable, allowing you to squeeze even more performance out of it.

However, the processor also has some drawbacks, such as its high power consumption and heat output. The processor has a TDP of 125W, but can draw up to 228W under heavy load. This means you will need a robust power supply unit and a high-end cooler to keep it running smoothly.

The processor does not come with a bundled cooler, so you will have to buy one separately. The processor also requires a new motherboard with the LGA1700 socket, which means you will have to upgrade your entire platform if you want to use it.

6. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Pros:

• Good performance in gaming and productivity applications
• Supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory
• Low power consumption and heat output
• Overclockable
• Bundled cooler

Cons:

• Lower performance than higher-end processors
• Expensive
• Requires DDR5 memory for optimal performance

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a good CPU for Elden Ring, as it offers good performance in gaming and productivity applications at a reasonable price. The processor has six cores and 12 threads, making it a capable performer in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.

It can boost up to 4.6 GHz on all cores, delivering good performance in both gaming and productivity workloads. The processor also supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory, giving you fast data transfer speeds and bandwidth.

The processor has a low power consumption and heat output, with a TDP of 65W and an average power draw of around 80W under load. Ryzen 5 5600X processor is also overclockable, allowing you to get more performance out of it. The processor comes with a bundled cooler, the Wraith Stealth, which is adequate for cooling the chip at stock settings.

However, the processor also has some drawbacks, such as its lower performance than higher-end processors. The processor has fewer cores and lower clock speeds than the Ryzen 7 5800X or the Ryzen 9 5950X, which means it will lag behind in some demanding tasks.

Ryzen 5 5600X also has a high price tag, making it more expensive than the Core i5-13600K or the Core i7-12700K. The processor also requires DDR5 memory for optimal performance, which is more expensive and less available than DDR4 memory.

Conclusion

Selecting the best CPU for Elden Ring requires a careful analysis of the game’s demands and the strengths of the available CPUs. All the CPUs listed – Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, Intel Core i5-13600K, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, Intel Core i7-12700K, and AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – are strong contenders, each with their own unique advantages.

The Intel Core i7-13700K is a formidable choice with excellent single-core performance, vital for gaming. Similarly, the Intel Core i5-13600K delivers robust performance at a more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. The Intel Core i7-12700K, with its hybrid architecture and higher core count, ensures smooth gameplay and multitasking, catering to demanding users.

On the AMD side, the Ryzen 9 5950X, with its 16 cores and 32 threads, stands out for high-end gaming and multitasking. It offers fantastic performance, albeit at a higher price point. The Ryzen 7 5800X, with 8 cores and 16 threads, delivers strong gaming performance at a slightly lower price. Lastly, the Ryzen 5 5600X, offering 6 cores and 12 threads, provides excellent gaming performance for its price, making it an attractive option for gamers on a budget.

In conclusion, the best CPU for Elden Ring would largely depend on your specific needs and budget. If price is not a concern, the Intel Core i7-13700K or the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X would be excellent choices due to their high performance. On a tighter budget, the Intel Core i5-13600K and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X offer strong gaming performance. The important aspect is to choose a CPU that can handle Elden Ring’s intense graphical and computational requirements while fitting within your budget and overall system configuration.

People also ask

Does Elden Ring use a lot of CPU?”

Elden Ring, like many modern AAA games, can be quite CPU-intensive, particularly at higher settings and resolutions. The game’s performance can significantly depend on your CPU’s capabilities, particularly in terms of core count and clock speed.

“What is the best FPS for Elden Ring PC?”

For an optimal gaming experience, aiming for 60 FPS (frames per second) or higher is typically recommended. This helps ensure smooth gameplay and quick reaction times. However, the achievable FPS largely depends on your PC’s hardware, including the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Ensure your hardware meets or exceeds the game’s recommended system requirements for the best performance.

“How much GPU should Elden Ring use?”

The GPU usage while playing Elden Ring can vary depending on the game’s settings and the GPU’s capabilities. Higher settings and resolutions will generally require more GPU power. However, it’s advisable to have a modern, powerful GPU to play the game at higher settings and resolutions.

“Is Elden Ring PC demanding?”

As a AAA title with high-quality graphics and complex game mechanics, Elden Ring can be quite demanding on PC hardware. To run the game smoothly, particularly at higher settings and resolutions, you’ll likely need a fairly powerful PC with a capable CPU and GPU, as well as sufficient RAM. Always refer to the game’s system requirements for the most accurate information.