How many cores do you need for gaming in 2025? (and when 3D cache matters)
167In this video, I test how games scale when limiting the CPU to 2, 4, 6, and 8 cores. I compare configurations with and without 3D cache (3D V-Cache) to answer a practical question: how many cores do you need to play, and when is it better to prioritize cache over more cores? I take repeatable scenes and analyze minimums (1%/0.1%) and stability to understand the real impact on current titles like Black Myth: Wukong, Expedition 33, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy XVI, and Horizon Forbidden West. I also explain why I/O is prioritized and how that causes stuttering on configurations with very few threads, even if the average FPS seems "okay."
Key Takeaways:
A sensible minimum today: 6 cores / 12 threads for reliable gaming.
If you're torn between 8 standard cores and 6 cores with 3D cache, the option with 3D cache usually performs better for gaming.
Not all engines scale equally: some gain significantly from 4→6→8, while others barely improve.
If your goal is a stable 60 FPS (single-player/AAA), you can rely on Frame Generation to reach 120 Hz; in competitive play, you might prefer more "pure" FPS.
I also discuss platform choices (AM4/AM5/Intel) and practical examples to avoid overspending if you already have a compatible motherboard and RAM. If this analysis helps, subscribe and tell me in the comments your setup and what you're aiming for (60, 120, or 144 Hz).
Become a member of the Channel for unique benefits:
Secondary Channel in English: / @extremegraphicstech
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Hoytehablode
Channel Twitter: @hoytehablode
https://twitter.com/hoytehablode
Discord: https://discord.gg/W6vtHGQ
Buy your games through this link and you'll be helping me with the channel:
https://www.instant-gaming.com/igr/hoytehablode/
Paypal for Donations Angelonigro@outlook.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoytehablode/
#hoytehablode
Other Videos By Hoy te hablo de
Other Statistics
Final Fantasy VII Remake Statistics For Hoy te hablo de
Currently, Hoy te hablo de has 26,420 views for Final Fantasy VII Remake across 20 videos. About 9 hours worth of Final Fantasy VII Remake videos were uploaded to his channel, making up less than 0.94% of the total overall content on Hoy te hablo de's YouTube channel.