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Best CPU for New World – our top picks

We've cherry-picked a lineup of processors to enlist in your adventures in realms New World

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on May 10, 2024
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If you’ve found yourself here, you’re presumably looking for the ideal processor to guide you through your adventures across Aeternum – luckily, you’re in the right place, as we’ve dedicated this guide to finding some of the best CPUs for New World. This captivating MMORPG first came out in 2021, and since then has become popular for its varied mystical gameplay in which you can siege wars with up to 50 other players, engage in PvP battles, or simply forage the forests of Aeternum on your lonesome.

New World has captured the attention and interest of countless gamers with its expansive and intricate open-world design. Developed and published by Amazon Games, it swiftly rose to prominence in 2022’s MMO scene shortly after its release. As is typical with many open-world games, New World is notably CPU-intensive, placing significant demand on your system’s processor.

If you’ve been finding your gameplay falling short of your expectations, it’s worth taking into account that MMOs in general tend to be more CPU-heavy than single-player games as there’s a lot more computations and network packets to synchronise. So, in this article, we’ve cherry-picked a lineup of the best CPUs that should significantly enhance your gaming experience, allowing you to experience New World as it was intended to be enjoyed.

Products at a glance

How we picked

As dedicated gamers, we understand the kind of dedication required to build your PC specifically for your favorite title, so selecting the best processors for New World isn’t a task we take lightly. First off, we thoroughly examined the New World system requirements to get a feel for what the developers themselves recommend, and use this as a starting point for our own research. For reference, the recommended processors are either an Intel Core i7-10700K or an AMD Ryzen 5 3600X. As well as this, we drew on our in-depth topic knowledge of CPUs to deduce which ones are good for gaming – MMO gaming in particular – and our range of CPU reviews too, as we’d much rather advise you to buy a processor that we’ve approved first-hand.

In choosing the Best CPU for New World, we’ve thoroughly examined publicly available benchmarks and real-world performance metrics too. This extensive review allows us to ascertain how various processors perform under the specific demands of the New World, providing a clear and detailed perspective to guide our recommendations. Beyond benchmarks, user experience plays an integral role in our selection process. We pay careful attention to feedback from the gaming community across Steam and Reddit, and this helps to ensure our recommendations reflect the real-world demands and expectations of New World players.

Ultimately though, we aimed to provide CPUs from across the performance spectrum, as your requirements might change depending on what kind of content you’re looking to play on New World. For example, the game might be more demanding on your CPU if you’re into the War sieges and PvP combat where you’re playing with up to 50 players online at once. We make sure to take in the broader gaming landscape too, as while New World might be CPU-intensive, a processor upgrade will likely serve all the titles in your library. As such, our selections are not just tailored for this game alone but also ensure a future-proofing aspect, catering to upcoming titles and ensuring longevity. For an overview of other market-favorite CPUs, we’ve got guides on the best CPU for gaming, as well as other popular AAA titles such as CPUs for Cyberpunk 2077.

Our top picks

Best CPU for New World overall
01
  • An Intel Core i7-14700K processor displayed in front of its packaging box with an "unlocked" label, ready to go in a machine.
  • An Intel Core i7-14700K processor on a white background.
  • A computer processor chip, specifically the Intel Core i7-14700K, centered on a plain white background with the word "guide" in the corner.
  • Intel Core i7-14700K
Best in ClassExcellent
Specifications
  • Cores: 20
  • Threads: 28
  • Boost Speed: P-Core 5.5GHz / E-Core 4.3GHz
  • Base Speed: P-Core 3.4GHz / E-Core 2.5GHz
  • L3 Cache: 33 MB
  • TDP: 125 W
  • Platform: LGA 1700 (Raptor Lake)
Reasons to Buy
  • Excellent for gaming, but has enough cores and threads to chew through basically any workload
  • Priced identically to its previous gen model
  • Can breeze through the computations needed for large-scale MMO playing
Reasons to Avoid
  • Known to run hot under heavy loads, and doesn’t come with a cooler either
  • Overall, not a big leap from the 13700K
  • Near the top-end of performance, so pricey

It has to be said that the land of Aeternum is worthy of being explored in its full glory, and therefore having one of the premium gaming CPUs in your rig just makes sense. With an impressive amount of cores and threads at its disposal, there’s very little we can fault the i7-14700K for from a price-to-performance perspective, other than the fact that it’s not a huge step-up from its predecessor, the i7-13700K. It might not be the flagship, but it stands as one of the best gaming processors from Team Blue, and as mentioned above it should breeze through the computations needed for large-scale MMO playing in New World.

This CPU has a plethora of cores and threads at its disposal to chew through basically any workload you can throw at it.

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Diving into the specifics, this Raptor Lake refresh has been rebuilt on the LGA 1700 socket, and features eight P-cores and 12 E-cores, an increase on the 13700K’s 16 cores (8P+8E), and 24 threads for four extra E-cores and four extra threads. Speed-wise, you can get the boost clock up to 5.6 GHz with Turbo Boost enabled, offering you a stable 0.2 GHz gain over the 13700K – and creeping you gradually closer to the flagship i9-14900K’s 6 GHz. What’s more, these metrics aren’t just impressive on paper, but in our in-house benchmarks too: our i7-14700K review found the processor to reach 297 FPS in Monster Hunter: World, another fantasy multiplayer. This was when paired with the 4070 Ti too, which we consider to be one of the best GPUs for gaming.

What users say

Just as you would expect from one of the best from Intel, the i7-14700K is highly rated on Amazon for its performance, as well as its value proposition. One user even goes as far to say “gaming has been a breeze with crazy high fps that give me 99% GPU usage in every game” after upgrading from their 5800X3D. It’s future-proof nature is picked up on too, with one reviewer commenting that they’re “planning on keeping this for the next 4-5 years” – so it should take you through a few rig upgrades for sure.

Best AMD CPU for New World
02
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU in front of its packaging, featuring the "7000 series processor" label.
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7600X processor with visible pins on a white background.
Excellent
Specifications
  • Cores: 6
  • Threads : 12
  • Boost speed : 5.3 GHz
  • Base speed: 4.7 GHz
  • L3 Cache: 32 MB
  • TDP: 105W
  • Platform: AMD (AM5)
Reasons to Buy
  • Six cores and 12 threads pull their weight and deliver for gaming performance
  • Workable integrated graphics too
  • 32MB of L3 cache, and only a 105W TDP
Reasons to Avoid
  • According to some, it’s still overpriced even when on sale
  • Limited boost in performance
  • Hasn’t got that many cores for heavy workstation tasks

Armed with six cores, 12 threads, and a substantial 32MB of L3 cache, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X stands as a versatile choice for gaming enthusiasts. It operates at a base clock frequency of 4.7 GHz and can effortlessly boost up to 5.3 GHz, and so shouldn’t have any problems keeping up with the latest and greatest GPUs for New World.

The 5 nm lithography and a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 105 watts further reinforce its robust performance credentials: not only is it speedy, it’s easy to keep cool which is always an added bonus. Moreover, the integrated AMD Radeon graphics card, with a base clock of 2200 MHz, adds a layer of visual excellence to your gaming experience, further bringing the world of Aeternum to life. You can also slot in a purpose-made graphics card to your motherboard for upgradability purposes. How’s that for value?

The Ryzen 5 7600X is a powerful CPU and offers a fantastic price-to-performance ratio. The CPU is more than capable of gaming at the high end, with enough oomph to keep up with the latest GPUs.

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Of course, affordability was one of the main things we raved about in our Ryzen 5 7600X review, and we liked the performance enough to award it with a solid 4.5 star rating. We also found that difficult to run games were a breeze in our benchmarking too, with Cyberpunk 2077 getting a 295 FPS average at 1080p. This is a good indication that other CPU-heavy games such as New World shouldn’t present any problems.

This is AMD’s answer to diverse computing needs. It’s a CPU that adapts to high demand, promising you a seamless New World gaming experience when paired with a solid GPU. It’s especially ideal for those who prioritize adaptability and graphical excellence in their gameplay.

What users say

As we mentioned, we rated the Ryzen 5 7600X highly in our review – and so did users on Amazon by the looks of things. It’s a solid entry-point for AM5, and in particular people seemed to like its performance and versatility. One user commented that this CPU “delivers smooth and responsive performance”, and further described it as a “dream come true” for gamers. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that it can “get a little hot under load”, so keep your eyes peeled for a decent CPU cooler to keep temps down.

Best CPU for New World for the money
03
  • Close-up of a computer's motherboard featuring a mounted Intel Core i5-13600K processor with visible socket and screws on a detailed circuit background.
  • Close-up of an Intel Core i5-13600K processor in focus, with a blurred blue computer case in the background.
  • An Intel Core i5-13600K processor displayed in front of a blurred computer case.
  • Intel Core i5-13600K CPU against a plain white background.
Excellent
Reasons to Buy
  • Generous core count gives it strong performance for a mid-range CPU
  • Competitively priced, and can be found on sale regularly
  • Ideal for high-performance gaming on a budget
Reasons to Avoid
  • Power-hungrier than before, and has a price higher than equivalent last-gen chip
  • If you haven’t yet, you’ll need to upgrade to an LGA 1700 motherboard

The Intel core I5-13600K with its 14 cores and 20 threads brings robust performance, making it a top contender in the realm of CPUs. The base speed stands at P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz, but this can be boosted up to P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz. All in all, it’s designed for those who want stellar performance without breaking the bank, offering a generous core count and decent heat management under stress with a 240mm water cooler.

This is the little 14-core, 20-thread CPU that could, and has widely become one of the more popular CPUs on the market for those looking to get a great CPU on a reasonable budget.

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This CPU is a fantastic option for gamers and multitaskers looking for high performance at a moderate price. The Core i5-13600K offers strong performance for New World, ensuring smooth gameplay and excellent in-game details, at least that’s the impression we got from our i5-13600K review benchmarks. Demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring were seen reaching 179 and 162 FPS averages at 1080p Low respectively. That’s not all though, as synthetic benchmarks were equally as strong, further proving the 13600K as an excellent all-rounder. It’s competitively priced too, allowing more gamers to experience its power without the hefty price tag of high-end CPUs.

However, it’s not without its flaws, as for one the price is a bit higher than the last-gen equivalent. Furthermore, it is hungrier for power and runs hotter than the Core i5-12600K. Despite these, the i5-13600K stands as a reliable choice for New World gamers, delivering performance where it counts. If you’re more Team Blue than Team Red, this CPU is a great little alternative to the 7600X we listed above.

What users say

As we mentioned, the 13600K has become a well-established player in the mid-range market, and user reviews on Amazon are a testament to that. As you’d expect, value is one of its popular features, but people like its speed and performance too: it’s described by one as a “true powerhouse, delivering unparalleled performance with its 14 cores”. There’s a bit more of a mixed reception of its temperatures though, and you might find it running hot under heavy loads – but that’s not uncommon for high-performance CPUs.

Best X3D processor for New World
04
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 8-core processor retail box.
  • 5800X3D boxed on a table
  • 5800X3D out of the box on a table
  • 5800X3D showing contact pins out of box
  • 5800X3D uncovered inside a motherboard
Specifications
  • Cores: 8
  • Threads: 16
  • Boost speed : Up to 4.5 GHz
  • Base speed: 3.4 GHz
  • L3 Cache: 96 MB
  • TDP: 105W
  • Platform: AMD (AM4)
Reasons to Buy
  • Eight “Zen 3” CPU cores
  • Huge 96MB L3 cache
  • SMT support
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not unlocked for overclocking
  • Pricey compared to other options

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D packs a serious punch with its eight “Zen 3” CPU cores and a colossal 96MB of L3 cache based on AMD’s innovative 3D V-Cache technology. This significant cache reservoir, often an overlooked component, ensures that the CPU’s performance doesn’t bottleneck, allowing the processor to work at its optimal pace. The reason we’ve highlighted an X3D CPU variant in particular is that floods of users across Reddit claim that “New World LOVES 3D Cache, and it works amazing with it”, so clearly there’s a bit of CPU wizardry from AMD when it comes to 3D V-Cache on MMO platforms.

Operating with a base clock frequency of 3.4 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 4.5 GHz, it stands as a powerhouse for gamers who seek seamless and uninterrupted gaming sessions. Of course, upgrading to AM5 might take its toll on your bank account, but you should feel the benefit when it comes to in-game performance.

Although the 5800X3D is not unlocked for overclocking, its inherently high minimum capabilities make it a robust contender for handling the extensive and demanding world of New World

PCWer

This processor, however, is not just about the numbers. Its extensive cache ensures that your New World adventure is buttery smooth, reflecting the importance of a robust cache in bolstering gaming performance. Although the 5800X3D is not unlocked for overclocking, its inherently high minimum capabilities make it a robust contender for handling the extensive and demanding world of New World, ensuring that your gameplay is as immersive and real-time as it gets.

What users say

With 89% of users awarding the Ryzen 7 5800X3D 5 stars on Amazon, it’s clear AMD has achieved exactly what it set out to with this gaming processor. Across the board, users have commented on getting good frame rates, smoothness, and value out of their investment. One user mentions that the “increase in its 3rd level cache that can significantly boost the performance of many games”, while another commented that “each game I’ve tried feels insanely smooth now”.

Features and considerations

When delving into the world of Aeternum in New World, it’s crucial to prioritize a CPU that can adeptly handle multi-threaded tasks. A high-performing CPU with multiple cores and threads will efficiently manage the game’s extensive and detailed environment, ensuring that your in-game experience is fluid and responsive. We certainly kept this in mind while selecting our CPU lineup, and while the recommended New World specs include an Intel Core i7-10700K or Ryzen 5 3600X, we went for higher-end picks such as a 14700K or a 13600K that we’ve proved to handle multi-threading excellently in our reviews.

Additionally, compatibility and future-proofing are other vital considerations, as you want to make sure you’re spending money on hardware that will last you a good few years. Opt for a CPU that is compatible with your existing setup, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. So, you’ll want to carefully scan for compatibility blocks when upgrading, and stick to your guns when choosing AM4 or AM5. Look ahead and choose a processor that can withstand the demands of future game updates and new releases.

Is New World CPU or GPU intensive?

Overall, it’s a bit intensive on both components, but especially the CPU. Open-world games tend to have a lot of physics and calculations to keep things running smoothly across your maps in the first place, but and open-world MMO has even more to work with. In addition to the graphics card, the CPU is equally critical for managing the bustling activities of other online players, so overall there are a lot more objects, characters, and animations that the CPU needs to process compared to your average single-player games.

As a tech and AI writer for PCWer, Gloria is interested in what new technology means for the future of consumer electronics and digital and broadcast journalism.