Best CPU for Smite 2 – AMD, Intel, and budget picks

Fans have already been able to try out Smite 2 thanks to early alpha tests ahead of launch, but what is the best CPU for Smite 2? We’ve put together a list of the best based on what we know from the Smite system requirements so far, and it may be time to upgrade in time for the sequel if you’re only just getting by with outdated software on the original game.

This new iteration of the game has made the jump to Unreal Engine 5, lifting up the requirements. That being said, the game will still be optimized as a competitive title, so you shouldn’t need the very best out there for smooth performance. If you’re in need of a CPU upgrade, we recommend hand-picked selection from AMD and Intel within the past couple of generations.

What CPU do you need for Smite 2?

Right now, the system requirements on the Steam page only list the minimum requirements, mentioning the Intel Core i5-9400F and AMD Ryzen 7 3750H, which are pretty outdated and limited compared to today’s options. If you’re buying a new CPU, you’ll want to stick to something from the current or last generation for best value – unless you opt for the used market.

Our suggestions below allow you to future-proof your system as Smite 2 should only get more optimized as the game matures, especially as a MOBA title directed at a more competitive audience. Likewise, our best GPU for Smite 2 page will give you something that will last for years to come while working great for other games you wish to play.

If you’re after one of the best CPUs for gaming on the market, you generally don’t have to look any further than the 7800X3D. It belongs to AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series, the generation that first to made the jump to the AM5 platform. Thanks to that, you benefit from the peace of mind that you won’t need to upgrade your motherboard and RAM for a long time. However, the cost of upgrading will be higher, assuming you aren’t already on an AM5 motherboard.

The main selling point of the 7800X3D for gamers is the 3D-stacked V-Cache, which allows it to pack in a massive amount (96MB) of L3 Cache. This has been seen to help boost FPS, particularly in CPU-bound games – which the original Smite is. We expect Smite 2 to be a a little more balanced as far as CPU/GPU usage goes, but the faster access to memory is going to be beneficial either way. One thing this processor lacks is the same amount of cores and threads found in the flagship Ryzen 9 models, which does slightly limit its power for high-end workstation use.

What users say

There’s no doubt that the 7800X3D is a popular choice for gamers looking to maximize performance, as the Amazon user reviews reveal. Against more than 2,200 ratings, it holds a prestigious 4.8-star rating with most people praising its performance and stability. Some users also saw a large uptick in average FPS for CPU-intensive games.

• 
• 
• 
• 

Intel Core i5-13600K

Hands-on Review

4.5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

Specifications

• Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
• Threads: 20
• Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
• Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
• L3 Cache: 24MB
• TDP: 181W
• Platform: Intel (LGA 1700)

What We Think

For fans of Intel, we’d fully recommend the i5-13600K as a gaming CPU which delivers excellent performance without a premium price tag. Plus, it boasts impressive multi-core performance which makes it a powerhouse for productivity in the face of AMD’s Ryzen competition.

Reasons to Buy

• High amount of cores and threads for multitasking
• Amazing performance on a more modest budget
• Competitive priced now that 14th gen is here
• LGA 1700 socket supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM

Reasons to Avoid

• Runs hotter than AMD equivalent

• Shop on Amazon

The Intel Core i5-13600K is comparable to AMD’s Ryzen 7600X, while offering a large amount of cores and threads which boosts its proficiency in productivity workflows. This would be our go-to Intel pick for Smite 2, and as you’ll see in our i5-13600K review, it offers a suitable amount of power to support some of the best GPUs on the market. So, you aren’t going to run into any substantial bottlenecks with this great-value pick from Intel.

This CPU fits the LGA 1700 socket, which is well-supported – supporting the 12th gen through 14th gen Intel processors. As such, you can score a great deal on compatible hardware which makes the 13600K a solid choice on a more modest budget, especially since it is no longer the latest-gen option. One downside is that it does run pretty hot, from a base 125W TDP up to 181W based on our internal testing. However, fit in a suitable cooling solution and you can reap the benefits of this speedy Intel CPU.

What users say

Intel fans have voiced their opinion of this chip on the Amazon user reviews, where it holds a generous score. The high amount of cores is of course mentioned, with many calling it excellent value for money and a “sweet spot” for gaming. All in all, a positive response for Intel’s 13th gen mid-range pick.

• 
• 
• 

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Hands-on Review

4.5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

What We Think

Going back a generation to the 5600X is still a good option in 2024. It remains one of the most popular CPUs on the market and is a cheap upgrade – especially for anyone already using an AM4 board. Plus, it provides all the performance you need for Smite 2.

Reasons to Buy

• Budget-friendly; best value for money
• Easy to keep cool thanks to 65W TDP
• Includes boxed stock cooler
• Wide amount of support from AM4 motherboards

Reasons to Avoid

• Locked into AM4 which will eventually become outdated
• Limited multi-core performance & productivity due to 6 cores

• Shop on Amazon

As you’ll find in our AMD Ryzen 5 5600X review, this is still a relevant option to this day, despite being based on AMD’s older AM4 socket. It is certainly one of our favorite budget CPUs and it will offer more than enough power to play Smite 2 while supporting a wide range of powerful GPUs despite its mid-range tier. It boasts a fast 4.6GHz boost clock speed and 6 cores with 12 threads, which is suitable enough for gaming scenarios. This does mean it does lack a little as far as productivity goes – for example if you’re a video editor or professional streamer.

Despite some shortcomings, the 5600X won’t disappoint if you need a solid CPU upgrade in order to play any modern games. Pair it up with a suitable graphics card, and you’re well on your way for smooth performance in Smite 2. One big benefit it has over the newer equivalents is its impressively-efficient power usage. The TDP is just 65W, meaning you can easily keep it cool with a budget air cooler – not that you’ll have to, as it comes with AMD’s stock Wraith Stealth cooler.

What users say

Needless to say, the 5600X is very popular and the large amount of ratings (over 25,000) on Amazon showcases that. Many people comment on the performance to price ratio, noting that it was a solid upgrade over their older-gen Ryzen hardware. One thing to note is that the Wraith Stealth Cooler is sufficient, users recommend an aftermarket CPU cooler if you wish to overclock.

Like our top pick, the 7800X3D, it’s last-gen counterpart also uses the stacked V-Cache design to give it 96MB of L3 Cache. Again, this allows for performance boosts in many games to keep a steady framerate and even help combat stutters or frame drops. It boasts 8 cores and 16 threads which is sufficient for gaming and productivity, though the 4.5GHz boost clock speed is relatively modest given this X3D model can not be overclocked natively.

If you already have an AM4 motherboard, then the 5800X3D is the best option available to you without having to make a complete mobo upgrade. Thanks to its success, AMD has added that Ryzen X3D technology to a number of AM4 models recently, including the 5600X3D and 5700X3D, breathing more life into the platform.

What users say

This is another AM4 CPU which is a highly popular choice if you aren’t yet ready to make the leap to AM5. Looking at user reviews for the 5800X3D reveals that many people simply call it the best of AM4, or even the “last AM4 CPU you will ever need”. This makes a lot of sense to us and demonstrates what kind of power the previous generation still offers.

Things to consider for the best CPU for Smite 2

Any time you upgrade your CPU, there are a few things you’ll want to think about. We’ve highlighted some of the most important for gaming below, particularly for Smite 2.

Price

Smite 2 is much less demanding than many other modern games, and that reflects its more competitive nature. Generally speaking, games designed with the esports crowd in mind (such as MOBAs) are designed to work well on a much wider range of hardware, as high FPS is important. So, you can easily drop your budget and go for a cheaper option, particularly CPUs of an older (yet still relevant) generation. We use AMD’s AM4 platform as a shining example of this.

Cache

The best piece of CPU technology we’ve witnessed for gamers in recent years is the stacked V-Cache of the Ryzen X3D line-up, which allows for faster access to memory and generally more stable gaming performance, as well as higher FPS, in many titles. While not essential, thinking about the level of L3 Cache is nice if you want to maximize your performance in Smite 2.

Platform / socket

CPU and motherboard compatibility is something you always need to think about before you buy a new processor. For example, in this guide we’ve featured Intel’s LGA 1700 socket, and AMD’s AM5 and AM4 sockets. You’ll need to make sure that your motherboard (or the one you plan to buy) uses the same socket as your new CPU. If you’re upgrading from much older hardware, the chances are you’ll need to change your motherboard too.

Final word

Now that we’ve come to the end the guide, hopefully you can walk away with the best CPU for the job. Whether you have a laser focus on Smite 2, or want to unlock a new library of modern games to play, the whole selection above is up for the task. Furthermore, we try to test as many products as we can to conduct our CPU reviews, all of which takes place in our very own testing lab.