[Hardware] Best CPU: Intel Core i7-14700K

[Angel of Death]

It’s been a quiet year for desktop CPU launches—more of a drizzle than rain for new silicon. Intel’s launch of its 14th-generation processors was particularly subdued, with two of its three new chips offering similar performance as their predecessors. And yet we still got an interesting showdown: the Intel’s Core i7-14700K versus AMD’s gaming-focused Ryzen 7 7800X3D. With its strong gaming performance, the 7800X3D was a top contender for being the best CPU to launch this year. And in fact, if that’s all you’re planning to do, it’s still an excellent choice, especially if power consumption is a concern. But Intel’s Core i7-14700K managed to nudge it aside to take our recommendation, thanks to getting four additional efficiency cores—it handles content creation tasks much more easily than the 7800X3D, while still posting similar numbers in many games. When you’re spending $400 for a CPU, a well-rounded option is always welcome. The fact that compatible motherboards and RAM are still a bit cheaper and more plentiful in options helps, too. — Alaina Yee

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2144388/the-best-pc-hardware-and-software-of-2023-2024.html