Choosing the best processor for streaming data is not just a matter of determining which processor has the best performance or clock speed. When streaming, especially at 1080p, a good processor is essential for stable streaming and gaming performance.
A typical gaming device doesn’t always need a powerful processor. But because streamers must simultaneously handle several demanding applications, the solid-state processor becomes the heart of any streaming assembly. We found the four main processors that maximize performance and support the best features streamers need.
Read the related article: 10 Best Processors for Video Editing – The Complete 2020 Guide.
Contents
- The best processors for streaming
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Specifications:
- Ryzen 9 3900X Specifications:
- Professionals
- Against:
- Intel i9-9900K Specifications:
- Professionals
- Against:
- Ryzen 7 3800X Specifications:
- Professionals
- Against:
- Ryzen 7 3700X Specifications:
- Professionals
- Against:
- Intel i7-9700K Specification:
- Professionals
- Against:
- Ryzen 5 3600X Specifications:
- Professionals
- Against:
- Raised 5 3600 Specifications:
- Professionals
- Against:
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Specifications:
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Specifications:
- Sources:
Contents
The best processors for streaming
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Processor
- Processor Ryzen 9 3900X
- 9th generation Intel Core i9-9900K processor. Revival
- Processor Ryzen 7 3800X
- Processor Ryzen 7 3700X
- 9th generation Intel Core i7-9700K processor. Revival
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor
With the release of the Ryzen 3000 (third-generation Ryzen processors), AMD improves upon the already great second-generation Ryzen processor. With Ryzen 3600, Ryzen 7 3700X, Ryzen 9 3900X and Ryzen 3950X, you have the best streaming and multitasking processors on the market.
However, Intel offers good streaming capabilities with the Core i7-9700K and i9-9900K processors. But Ryzen 3000 processors have further widened the gap when it comes to tasks that benefit from multiple cores and threads, such as streaming data.
Before the publication of the 3. The i9-9900k was the king of the second generation Ryzen processors, although the 2700X offered a much better price/performance ratio. That said, the Ryzen 3900X is now the best streaming processor. Although this may change with the release of the 3950X later this year.
So for streaming, photo and video editing, graphic design and other forms of content creation, the Ryzen 7 3950X is a better multitasking processor than Intel’s Core i9-9900k. The 3950X and 3900X also offer better value for money as they are equipped with decent standard coolers, while the 9900K is not. However, the 9900K is still the best processor in terms of gaming performance.
Below we have listed the top 10 processors for streaming on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, etc. These processors are also great for video editing, 3D rendering and other resource intensive tasks.
AMD has become the leader in streaming processors over Intel in recent years, and the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X only extends this advantage.
With 16 cores and 32 threads and a higher clock speed, the 3950X can handle anything you can imagine, including running all the programs you want and need to get a high-quality stream.
Speaking of streaming: Streamers need all the multi-threaded performance they can get, and the 3950X has that in abundance.
The only problem you may have with the 3950X is the price and the lack of a cooler with the package.
Considering that the third generation Ryzen processors are known to be slightly hotter than the previous generations, especially at higher resolutions and under load where the 3950X is mostly used, the total cost of the 3950X and a powerful CPU cooler will probably be over $850, or maybe $900 for a decent liquid cooler.
But again, we are talking about 16 cores and 32 wires.
If your goal is a full-time streaming career, or if you are considering upgrading your streaming system to better meet the needs of your audience, look no further than the 3950X.
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Specifications:
Architecture | Zen 2 |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 16 / 32 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.5 GHz / 4.7 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 73 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 105W |
The process | 7 nm |
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is part of the new Zen 2 architecture, which brings some improvements and puts some pressure on Intel. It is also one of the most expensive new AMD processors on the market, but with the performance it brings, it may be worth the price.
The first thing you need to know is that it is manufactured using TSMC’s 7nm FinFET process and uses the AMD AM4 connector. Yes, it’s the same plug that previous Ryzen generations used. So you can use an older X470 or B450 motherboard with it. However, with such a powerful processor, we recommend getting one of the new X570 motherboards.
What makes it one of the best processors for streaming is the high number of cores – 12 cores and 24 threads – which is good by anyone’s standards. With a 3.8 GHz base clock and a 4.6 GHz maximum gain clock, it can handle just about anything you send it, and it also has 64 MB of L3 cache.
Support for 3200 MHz dual channel memory and 105W PDT complete the package. Since this is an unlocked CPU, overclocking is definitely an option, but for that you may need something more powerful than the included Wraith Prisma cooler. The included cooler is also why the 3900X is better than the 9900K.
See related topic : The best CPU coolers for Intel Core i7 9700k processors for 2020 [Our comments and comparisons].
Ryzen 9 3900X Specifications:
Architecture | Zen 2 |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 12 / 24 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.8 GHz / 4.6 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 64 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 105W |
The process | 7 nm |
Professionals
Fantastically unique base performance
Fantastic Multitask
Knob Ideal for 1080p streaming
Button Ideal for 1440p and 4K games
Value greater than 9900K
Against:
key can be expensive for some people.
Intel Core i9-9900K is a great processor for streamers and gamers. It has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, which can be increased to 5 GHz, representing a huge increase in computing power.
While this processor has the same number of cores and threads as the Ryzen 2700X (8 cores/16 threads), it has significantly higher single-core speeds and, more importantly for streamers, higher multi-core speeds. This allows this processor to offer better streaming and gaming performance compared to the 2700X and 9700K processors.
In addition, the 9900k is manufactured with Thermal Solder Interface Material (STIM) for more efficient heat transfer from the processor to the cooler, reducing the temperature even under load. Simply put: It is the best streaming and gaming processor on the market.
Intel i9-9900K Specifications:
Architecture | Coffee-Lake |
Socket | LGA1151 |
Cores / Wires | 8 / 16 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.6 GHz / 5 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | DDR4-2666MHz / Dual Channel |
Cache | 16 MB |
Integrated Pictures | Yes |
Release of the gearbox | Yes |
TDP | 95W |
The process | 14 nm ++ |
Professionals
Fantastically unique base performance
Fantastic Multitask
Knob Ideal for 1080p streaming
Button Ideal for 1440p and 4K games
Against:
Price/performance ratio well below 3900X
If you don’t want to spend as much, but still want one of the best processors for streaming, the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X is the processor you should check out. It’s a real powerhouse that also has the advantage of not costing too much. It has a lot of cores for streaming and covers everything else pretty well too.
Part of the Zen 2 range, it is manufactured using TSMC’s 7nm FinFET process and is an unlocked processor with 32MB L3 cache. Although the base clock is 3.9 GHz (which is a lot), it can go up to 4.5 GHz, and you can also overclock. You get a Prism Wraith cooler, but given the TDP 105W, something more serious might be useful for overclocking. The 8-core, 16-thread configuration should work well for streaming.
The processor is based on the AMD AM4 socket, which has also been used in previous Ryzen generations. AMD keeps its word that you can buy a good first generation motherboard. Generation and can simply upgrade the processor later. If you need streaming performance, but aren’t ready to take full advantage of the most powerful models, the Ryzen 7 3800X is a good option.
Ryzen 7 3800X Specifications:
Architecture | Zen 2 |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 8 / 16 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.9 GHz / 4.5 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 32 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 105W |
The process | 7 nm |
Professionals
Fantastic Multitask
Knob Ideal for 1080p streaming
Button Ideal for 1440p and good for 4K games.
Against:
The 3700X model offers comparable performance with far less
3700X is a slightly less powerful Ryzen 7 processor that AMD released with the third generation Zen series, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, quite the opposite. It still has a high number of cores, high operating frequencies, and fairly high overclocking potential.
Compared to its more powerful brother, it also has eight cores and sixteen wires, but the frequencies it operates at are slightly lower. Here you have a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a maximum acceleration clock of 4.4 GHz. However, it only works with a 65W PET, which is a significant difference. It also has a 32 MB L3 cache and is manufactured using TSMC’s 7 nm FinFET process. Like other high-end models, this one also uses the AM4 socket and features dual-channel memory at 3200 MHz.
Depending on what you want to transfer, it doesn’t make sense to pay for a high-end model if you play something less demanding. The 3700X has enough cores and threads so you can run and stream most modern competitive games without sacrificing image quality. It’s definitely one of the best processors for streaming, especially if you don’t need too much.
Ryzen 7 3700X Specifications:
Architecture | Zen 2 |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 8 / 16 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.6 GHz / 4.4 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 32 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 65W |
The process | 7 nm |
Professionals
Fantastic Multitask
Knob Ideal for 1080p streaming
Button Ideal for 1440p and good for 4K games.
Better value than 3800X and 9700K
Against:
Not applicable.
Excellent in-game streaming performance is essential for streamers, so a processor like the Intel Core i7-9700K would be a good choice. The i7-9700K has a standard clock speed of 3.6 GHz, but this can be increased to 4.9 GHz for a significant increase in processing power.
Games that have a lot going on behind the scenes (busy physics, complex AI, large amounts of data, etc.) benefit the most from this type of processor. With Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, this processor can further increase processing speed during peak load times.
The Intel i7-9700K only has 8 threads, which means it’s less ideal for heavy media production or some streaming video codecs than the Ryzen 7 2700X described above. However, it is still an excellent processor for streaming and gaming, as it now has two additional cores, for a total of 8.
With this processor, you won’t have any problems with 4K in a game with a good GPU. Thanks to the chip’s impressive performance, you can also create smooth live streams at 1080p 60fps or better.
For streamers who need the high resolution and frame rate in games and are willing to sacrifice a little less multitasking than the Ryzen 7 2700X, the Intel i7-9700K is the best choice.
Intel i7-9700K Specification:
Architecture | Coffee-Lake |
Socket | LGA1151 |
Cores / Wires | 8 / 8 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.6 GHz / 4.9 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | DDR4-2666MHz / Dual Channel |
Cache | 12 MB/N (L2/N) |
Integrated Pictures | Yes |
Release of the gearbox | Yes |
TDP | 95W |
The process | 14 nm ++ |
Professionals
Fantastically unique base performance
Large Multi-Core Multitasker
Knob Ideal for 1080p streaming
Big 1440p and good for 4k game
Against:
Value less than 3800X and 3700X
Multi-core processor performance lower than Ryzen 7 3700X
Of all the new processors AMD has released, the Ryzen 5 3600X seems to have found the right place for a number of users, including streamers. It’s aimed at Intel’s i7-9700K and beats it in some scenarios, but it still costs much less. It is equipped with a large number of cores, an excellent clock speed and the well-known AMD plug. This is an excellent processor for streaming.
Manufactured on a FinFET 7nm TSMC, the 3600X processor is an unlocked processor that comes with six cores and twelve channels. That should be enough for streamers, especially since they run at 3.8 GHz – and that’s the base clock. If you need a little more power, you can expect a turbo up to 4.4 GHz, which is great. As for memory, 3200 MHz dual-channel memory is supported, and it should be fast if you want to use it. The standard TDP is 95W, and the included Wraith Spire Cooler will keep you cool.
All in all, at the expected price, the Ryzen 5 3600X is a processor whether you’re a streamer who doesn’t want to go broke or a gamer who finds a 6-core, 12-thread configuration is actually sufficient.
Ryzen 5 3600X Specifications:
Architecture | Zen 2 |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 6 / 12 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.8 GHz / 4.4 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 32 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 95W |
The process | 7 nm |
Professionals
Very good multi-tasking multi-core systems
Button Ideal for 720p streaming and Ideal for 1080p streaming.
Ideal for 1440p playback
Much cheaper than the above processors.
Against:
3600 key may be a better value for some
AMD Ryzen 5 is what many users need, both first and second generation. It seems that the situation is the same with the third generation architecture and the Zen 2 architecture: The Ryzen 5 3600 is a great value for everyone from gamers to creatives to streamers.
So, what’s he suggesting? The Ryzen 5 3600X is a slightly cheaper variant of the Ryzen 5 3600X, but has a slightly lower clock speed. The base clock has a frequency of 3.6 GHz, but if you find that the performance is not enough, it can work up to 4.2 GHz, which you should cover. In terms of streaming, the 3600, along with 6 cores and 12 wires, can be very efficient.
The processor is based on TSMC’s 7nm FinFET process and uses the famous AMD AM4 socket, for which a range of motherboards are available. Since this is an unlocked CPU, overclocking is certainly possible, but it might be a good idea to get a liquid cooler and replace the included Wraith Stealth. There is also support for 3200 MHz dual channel memory, but high performance requires fast memory, so keep that in mind. Overall, this could very well be the processor to consider for streamers on a budget.
Raised 5 3600 Specifications:
Architecture | Zen 2 |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 6 / 12 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.6 GHz / 4.2 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 32 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 65W |
The process | 7 nm |
Professionals
Large Multi-Core Multitasking
Ideal for 720p and 1080p streams.
Ideal for 1080p and 1440p games.
Much cheaper than 3,600 times more expensive.
Against:
Not applicable.
If you want to learn more about the latest third-generation Ryzen processors, we’re here to help. If you want to learn more about the third generation, check out the full AnandTech review. We’ve also tested the best processors for editing your videos.
The AMD Ryzen 72700 may not be the king of streaming processors, but it’s not that far off.
Normally sold at half price ($150 to $170 versus $300), the 2700’s value as a streaming and gaming processor has only increased. In fact, it is arguably a better entry point for banners than the 2600.
First, you get 8 cores and 16 strands (compared to 6 cores and 12 strands on the 2600). You also get the Wraith Spire LED Cooler, which looks and cools better with less noise than the Wraith Stealth 2600. You also get a much higher pulse rate of 4.1 GHz, which finally eliminates the base clock difference between 2600 and 2700.
Compared to the 3700, the 2700 is even more valuable because the two are essentially the same.
Combined with an addictive motherboard and even the original cooler, it’s not unrealistic to expect the 2700 to run at a stable 4.0 GHz on all cores, which only increases its value as a streaming CPU.
If you think you want more with the 2600 before, then the 2700 is a logical investment until you move on to something bigger and more powerful.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Specifications:
Architecture | Zen + |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 8 / 16 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.2 GHz / 4.1 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 2933 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 20 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 105W |
The process | 12nm |
The AMD Ryzen 52600 is not exactly the new 3950X. It’s not even 3,600. Nevertheless, it is the best budget processor for streaming.
The 2600 was presented as one of the best streaming processors when it was released in 2018. The lower price it now offers reinforces the value proposition.
This made the 2600 the best budget processor for streaming.
With 6 cores and 12 wires, the 2600 is capable of meeting the needs of an average streamer. Sure, it’s slower than the new 3600 and Intel’s relatively cheap gaming and video streaming offerings. But remember, we’re talking about a $100 processor.
If you have the desire and can spend more, you can do it.
But for those thinking about flow and wanting to test the waters without diving, the 2600 is the perfect choice, especially if you can handle a decent 4.0 GHz overclock on all cores with the same stock cooler.
As a bonus, it runs on the same AM4 architecture as the other Ryzen chips.
This means that if you’re considering upgrading your processor to a more powerful device, you don’t have to worry.
Talk about value, huh?
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Specifications:
Architecture | Zen + |
Socket | AM4 |
Cores / Wires | 6 / 12 |
Basic frequency / increased frequency | 3.4 GHz / 3.9 GHz |
Memory Speed / Controller | 2933 MHz / Two-channel |
Cache | 19 MB |
Integrated Pictures | No |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes |
TDP | 65W |
The process | 12nm |
Read another article : 9 Best System Operator Combination : AMD and Intel
Sources:
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