Question What's the best CPU for both gaming and ML model training that can last 3–4 years?

[x6gamer9]

I'm planning a new PC build and looking for a CPU that can handle both gaming and machine learning tasks (model training, multiprocessing, etc.). It should be powerful enough to last me at least 3–4 years — I won’t be upgrading the CPU for a while.

To clarify: I’m a beginner researcher in the deep learning field. I’ve noticed that after model training is done on the GPU, the CPU often plays a key role during testing and evaluation. So I want to avoid a CPU that's only optimized for gaming but weak in productivity or ML-related tasks. AGAIN GAMING is also very important.

Here are the CPUs I'm currently considering:

• AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Intel Core i7-14700
• Intel Core Ultra 7 265K

Gaming performance is very important to me, but I also multitask and occasionally run ML workloads locally. I'm not currently considering Ryzen 9 or Intel i9 due to budget limits — however, if there’s a good value option in that range (where the performance jump outweighs the price bump), I’m open to it.

These three CPUs aren’t the only ones I’m open to — if you have better suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
I’ll be pairing the CPU with something like a 5070 Ti, but the GPU isn’t final since I may upgrade it later. The CPU, however, must be solid for the long run — that’s my main focus.

My Budget is 1050 to 1100 dollars, just to be clear i am not from US so that's why i am asking all this prices in my country are more than US due to import and stuff anyways i will be buying parts from the market so keep that in mind when u suggest.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Misgar]

I'd probably cut back on the GPU and invest in a 9950X or a 285K, since you've already mentioned upgrading the GPU within the 3 to 4 year life time of the computer.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm planning a new PC build and

You don't select the CPU in isolation.
Rather, you build a whole system around your needs.

Start here, post in the Systems Forum...

*How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice*

How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[x6gamer9]

I'd probably cut back on the GPU and invest in a 9950X or a 285K, since you've already mentioned upgrading the GPU within the 3 to 4 year life time of the computer.

Thanks for the suggestion! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to upgrade the CPU for the next 3–4 years, so I need something solid from the start. I’m actually planning to build the system without a GPU for now and add one in a few months once I’ve saved up. That’s why I’m trying to find the best long-term CPU that balances both gaming and ML workloads well, even if it means waiting a bit for the GPU.

 

[x6gamer9]

You don't select the CPU in isolation.
Rather, you build a whole system around your needs.

Start here, post in the Systems Forum...

*How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice*

How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel...

forums.tomshardware.com

Thank you for replying.

i have around 1050 to 1100 dollars just for my pc without gpu don't need a monitor or anything just system

 

[Why_Me]

Thank you for replying.

i have around 1050 to 1100 dollars just for my pc without gpu don't need a monitor or anything just system

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor ($308.42 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Patriot Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Klevv CRAS C910 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: *Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $908.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-07-06 10:03 EDT-0400

 

[x6gamer9]

Hi all,
I’m planning a new PC build and need help choosing the best CPU that can handle both gaming and machine learning tasks (training, evaluation, multiprocessing, etc.). The CPU should be powerful enough to last me 3–4 years, as I don’t plan to upgrade it anytime soon.

My Background & Use Case:​

I’m a beginner in deep learning research, working on small-scale ML projects. While I know that most training is GPU-heavy, I’ve found that CPU performance matters a lot during testing, evaluation, and preprocessing. At the same time, gaming is very important to me, especially AAA.

CPUs I’m Currently Considering:​

• AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Intel Core i7-14700
• Intel Core Ultra 7 265K

System Usage (in order of priority):​

1. Gaming (AAA)
2. ML model training/evaluation (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Jupyter)
3. Multitasking/development (VS Code, Docker, scripting, etc.)
4. General use (web, media, editing)

Budget:​

My budget for the entire system (excluding GPU) — that is, CPU, motherboard, RAM, SSD, HDD, CPU cooler, and case — is $1050 to $1100 (USD equivalent).

I’m not based in the US, and prices in my country are higher due to taxes/imports, so please keep that in mind when suggesting options.
I’ll be buying everything from the local market, not importing from the US or elsewhere.

Important Notes:​

• I will not have a GPU initially. I plan to buy something like an RTX 5070 Ti in a few months.
  So if the CPU has integrated graphics, that’s a big plus — but not a strict requirement.
• I’m not currently considering Ryzen 9 or Intel i9 due to budget constraints — but:
  

  For example, if I can get the Intel Core i7-14700 for ~$350, and someone recommends the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9950X at ~$700, then that simply won’t be possible — no matter how good the performance increase is.

• I’m only open to higher-end alternatives if the price jump is relatively small and worth the performance gain.

If there are any better CPU options I should consider based on my needs, I’d love to hear your suggestions. Also happy to hear motherboard/RAM pairing recommendations if it helps fit everything into the budget.


Thanks in advance!

 

[Misgar]

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to upgrade the CPU for the next 3–4 years, so I need something solid from the start.

I know the X3D is a superior gaming chip, but have you considered the non-3D versions.

US $669.99 for a 9950X3D.
https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-9950X3D-16-Core-Processor/dp/B0DVZSG8D5

US $434.00 for a 9950X. A saving of $235.99 which you could spend elewhere.
https://www.amazon.com/AMD-RyzenTM-9950X-32-Thread-Processor/dp/B0D6NNRBGP

The apps I run love cores. The more the merrier. Check your non-gaming apps and see if they'd benefit from double the number of cores.

 

[x6gamer9]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor ($308.42 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Patriot Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Klevv CRAS C910 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: *Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $908.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-07-06 10:03 EDT-0400

Thank you so much boss

 

[x6gamer9]

I know the X3D is a superior gaming chip, but have you considered the non-3D versions.

US $669.99 for a 9950X3D.
https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-9950X3D-16-Core-Processor/dp/B0DVZSG8D5

US $434.00 for a 9950X. A saving of $235.99 which you could spend elewhere.
https://www.amazon.com/AMD-RyzenTM-9950X-32-Thread-Processor/dp/B0D6NNRBGP

The apps I run love cores. The more the merrier. Check your non-gaming apps and see if they'd benefit from double the number of cores.

Yes they will absolutely will benefit from more cores but let's say i take the chips which has more cores but gives less fps in games lets say 15 fps less but in 3 year time i would love those fps. I know i am being stupid.

 

[geofelt]

I don't know the prices where you live.
But, you will usually find that the price/performamce at every price level is comparable.

One metric is to look up the passmark performance numbers.
On your list: #processing threads
performance when all threads are loaded/single thread
Single thread performance is most important to games which is why the X3D versions are so popular on these forums from gamers.

R7-7800X3d 16 34392/3758
I7-14700 28 47163/4149
ultra 7-265K 20 58261/4812