Best Intel CPU for high-end gaming in 2024?

Question

So I finally saved up enough money from my summer job to build my first ever gaming PC! I have about 800 bucks set aside just for the processor and motherboard because I really want this thing to last a few years without needing an upgrade. I live in Ohio and my goal is to play games like Cyberpunk and the new COD at super high settings. Honestly, looking at all the numbers and letters on the Intel website is making my head spin. Like, what even is an i7 versus an i9? Do I really need the most expensive one or is that overkill for someone like me? I dont wanna waste money on stuff I wont actually use but I also dont want to be held back if I get into streaming or something later. My cousin said to just get whatever is latest but that seems kinda vague. Is there like a sweet spot right now for 2024 gaming that wont make me go broke? Im pretty lost here and probably sound like a total noob but I just want to make sure I dont buy something I regret later...

emtfydwkof · Accepted Answer

Building on the earlier suggestion, I would definitely be careful about the cooling situation if you decide to go with the higher end stuff. Honestly, the i9 chips run absurdly hot and are usually just a waste of money for pure gaming. You dont want to spend your entire budget on a heater that thermal throttles the second you launch Cyberpunk. If I were you, I would grab the Intel Core i7-13700K 16-Core 5.4GHz instead of the newest 14th gen, you can often find them on sale for way less and the performance difference is basically nothing. Just make sure you pair it with a solid board like the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX LGA1700 ATX Motherboard to keep everything stable. Dont overspend on the shiny new labels; put that extra cash into a better GPU.

E.sskp · Answer

Honestly, skip the i9. It runs way too hot and usually performs about the same as the i7 for gaming. I had issues with thermal throttling on my last build, so save your cash.

Intel Core i7-14700K 20-Core 5.6GHz

MSI Z790 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard This combo is the sweet spot. You get plenty of cores for streaming, but it wont break the bank like the top-tier chips. Just make sure you get a solid cooler.