Best CPU for Cities Skylines 2 (Intel, AMD, Budget)

What CPU is best for cities skylines 2? With these top pick CPUs, you’ll be able to run Cities Skylines II at high settings and get excellent performance. You’ll be able to build large and detailed cities without any lag or slowdown.

Cities Skylines 2 is a city-building simulation game that requires a lot of CPU power to run smoothly, especially with mods and assets. The game is mainly single-core dependent, meaning that a CPU with strong single-core performance will give you better performance in the game. However, having more cores and threads can also help with multitasking and running other applications in the background.

In this article, I will compare some of the best CPUs for Cities Skylines 2 in 2023, based on their price, performance, features and compatibility. I will also give some recommendations for other components such as GPU, RAM and motherboard to build a balanced gaming PC.

Cities Skylines 2

Are you ready to unleash your creativity and build the city of your dreams? Cities: Skylines II, the highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling city-building game, is coming soon to let you do just that.

Developed by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive, Cities: Skylines II takes the simulation genre to the next level with realistic and dynamic city and population sizes, enhanced traffic AI and management schemes, and more. Whether you want to create a bustling metropolis, a cozy town, or a green utopia, Cities: Skylines II gives you the tools and the freedom to make it happen.

• Initial release date: October 24, 2023
• Engine: Unity
• Developer: Colossal Order
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
• Publisher: Paradox Interactive
• Mode: Single-player video game
• Genres: City-building game, Strategy game, Construction and management simulation, Simulation Game

Cities Skylines 2 CPU Requirements

Here are the Cities Skylines 2 CPU requirements:

Cities Skylines 2 CPU Requirements Minimum:

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-4790K / AMD® Ryzen™ 5 1600X
• RAM: 8 GB
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 780 (3GB) or AMD® Radeon™ RX 470 (4GB)
• Operating System: Windows® 10 Home 64 Bit

Cities Skylines 2 CPU Requirements Recommended:

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
• RAM: 16 GB
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ RTX 2080 Ti (11GB) or AMD® Radeon™ RX 6800 XT (16GB)
• Operating System: Windows® 10 Home 64 Bit or Windows® 11

As you can see, Cities Skylines 2 is a relatively demanding game in terms of CPU requirements. The minimum CPU requirement is an Intel Core i7-4790K or an AMD Ryzen 5 1600X, both of which are relatively powerful CPUs. The recommended CPU requirement is an Intel Core i7-9700K or an 5 5600X, which are even more powerful CPUs.

If you want to play Cities Skylines 2 at the highest settings and without any lag, then you will need to have a CPU that meets the recommended requirements. However, if you are happy to play at lower settings, then you may be able to get away with a CPU that meets the minimum requirements.

It is also worth noting that Cities Skylines 2 is a very CPU-intensive game. This means that the CPU will be the bottleneck in terms of performance. So, even if you have a powerful graphics card, you will still need a powerful CPU to get the best performance out of the game.

Here is the list of Recommended best CPU for Cities Skylines 2

1. Overall Best CPU For Cities Skylines 2: Intel Core i9-13900K
2. Best AMD CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
3. Value For the Money: Intel Core i5-13600K
4. Best Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
5. Best Budget: Intel Core i7-12700K
6. Cheapest : AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

Our Top Pick CPU for Cities Skylines 2

Based on the system requirements and some online benchmarks, we have selected six CPU models that we think are suitable for playing Cities Skylines 2 at different levels of quality and performance. These are:

1. Overall Best CPU For Cities Skylines 2: Intel Core i9-13900K

If you are looking for the ultimate CPU for Cities Skylines 2, look no further than the Intel Core i9-13900K. This is one of the newest and most powerful processors from Intel, based on the 12th generation Alder Lake architecture. It has 12 cores and 24 threads, which can boost up to an impressive 5.3 GHz when needed.

It also supports the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 technologies, which can provide faster data transfer and memory speeds for your PC. This CPU can handle Cities Skylines 2 at the highest settings with ease, and deliver smooth and stable frame rates even in the most demanding scenarios, such as large cities with many mods and assets.

However, this CPU also comes with a hefty price tag and high power consumption, so you will need a compatible motherboard and a powerful cooling system to make the most of it. If you have the budget and the desire to play Cities Skylines 2 at its best, this is the CPU for you.

2. Best AMD CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is undoubtedly one of the best CPUs for running Cities Skylines 2, offering impressive performance and capabilities. With its 16 cores and 32 threads, this CPU can handle the demanding tasks involved in running a complex city simulation game like Cities Skylines 2. The high core count allows for efficient multitasking, ensuring smooth gameplay even when dealing with numerous simultaneous processes within the game.

The Ryzen 9 7950X boasts a boost clock speed of up to 4.9 GHz, providing ample processing power to handle the game’s requirements. This clock speed ensures that the CPU can quickly and efficiently execute tasks, resulting in a seamless gaming experience with minimal lag or slowdowns.

Furthermore, the CPU supports PCIe 4.0, which offers faster data transfer rates and improved performance for graphics cards and other PCIe devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming, as it allows for smoother gameplay and reduced loading times when paired with compatible hardware.

In terms of memory, the Ryzen 9 7950X is compatible with DDR4 RAM. DDR4 memory is currently the standard for high-performance systems and provides fast data access for the CPU. By utilizing DDR4 memory, the CPU can quickly access and process game data, resulting in improved overall performance.

While the Ryzen 9 7950X offers exceptional performance, it is essential to consider its price and compatibility requirements. As a high-end CPU, it comes with a premium price tag, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize top-tier performance and are willing to invest in their gaming rig. Additionally, it requires a compatible motherboard with a compatible socket to ensure proper installation and functionality. It’s important to choose a motherboard that supports the Ryzen 9 7950X to maximize its capabilities.

Lastly, due to its high core count and powerful performance, the Ryzen 9 7950X can generate significant heat. To maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent thermal throttling, it’s crucial to pair the CPU with a suitable cooling solution. Investing in a high-quality cooling system, such as an all-in-one liquid cooler or a robust air cooler, will help dissipate the heat effectively and keep the CPU running at peak performance.

3. Value For the Money: Intel Core i5-13600K

If you are looking for a mid-range processor that can run Cities Skylines 2, a city-building simulation game that requires a lot of CPU resources, you may want to consider the Intel Core i5-13600K. This processor belongs to the 12th generation of Intel’s Core series, codenamed Alder Lake, and it features a hybrid architecture that combines high-performance and high-efficiency cores on the same chip. The i5-13600K has 6 cores and 12 threads, with 4 high-performance cores and 2 high-efficiency cores. It has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.8 GHz for the high-performance cores, and 3.4 GHz for the high-efficiency cores. It also has 12 MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 125 W.

The i5-13600K supports the latest technologies such as PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, which can offer faster data transfer and higher bandwidth than the previous generations. This can enhance the performance of the processor in various tasks, especially gaming and content creation. The i5-13600K also has an integrated graphics unit (Intel UHD Graphics 770) that supports DirectX 12 Ultimate and HDMI 2.0b.

The i5-13600K can run Cities Skylines 2 at high settings with smooth frame rates, and cope with moderate city sizes without much lag or stuttering. However, it may not be able to handle ultra settings or very large cities, as the game can become CPU-bound and demand more cores and threads than the i5-13600K can offer. In addition, the i5-13600K also needs a compatible motherboard (LGA 1700 socket) and a sufficient cooling system to prevent overheating and throttling.

4. Best Performance For Cities Skylines 2: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D stands out as the top CPU choice for Cities Skylines 2, delivering impressive performance that enhances gameplay experience. With 8 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz, this CPU offers substantial processing power to tackle the demands of the game. Its compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory ensures fast data transfer rates and readily available memory options, further optimizing performance.

One standout feature of the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is its “3D V-Cache,” a unique addition that introduces an extra layer of cache memory on top of the chip. This innovative feature boosts performance by up to 15%, enabling smoother gameplay and improved responsiveness.

When it comes to running Cities Skylines 2, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D handles high settings admirably, delivering good frame rates and handling moderate city sizes with minimal lag. However, users may experience difficulties with ultra settings or very large cities, as the CPU’s capabilities might be stretched to their limits. To maximize its potential, a compatible motherboard and cooling system are necessary components for seamless integration and efficient heat dissipation.

In summary, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an exceptional CPU choice for Cities Skylines 2, offering superior performance and features tailored for optimal gameplay. However, users should consider the potential limitations, along with the need for compatible components, when making their selection.

5. Best Budget: Intel Core i7-12700K

The Intel Core i7-12700K is a great budget CPU for Cities Skylines 2. It offers excellent performance for the price, and can handle even large cities without much lag.

This is a cool processor that gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, which means it can do a lot of things at once. It also has a fast boost clock speed of up to 5 GHz, which means it can speed up when you need it. Plus, it supports the newest technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, which means it can work well with other parts.

The Intel Core i7-12700K is a good pick for playing Cities Skylines 2 at high settings, as it can make the game look nice and run smoothly. It can also handle medium-sized cities without much trouble. However, it is not the best CPU out there, and it may not be able to handle ultra settings or huge cities very well. It may also need a compatible motherboard and cooling system, which can make your build more expensive and complicated. So, you should think carefully before buying this CPU.

The Intel Core i7-12700K is an awesome budget CPU for Cities Skylines 2, as it gives you a good mix of performance and price. It can run the game at high settings with good frame rates, and handle medium-sized cities without much lag. However, it may also have problems with ultra settings or huge cities, and it also needs a compatible motherboard and cooling system. If you are looking for a CPU that can run Cities Skylines 2 well without costing too much, you might want to check out the Intel Core i7-12700K.

6. Cheapest : AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is an awesome cheap CPU for Cities Skylines 2, as it gives you a good mix of performance and price. It can run the game at high settings with good frame rates, and handle medium-sized cities without much lag.

While it’s not the newest model from AMD, it still delivers impressive performance at a reasonable price point. With its 8 cores and 16 threads, this CPU can efficiently handle multiple tasks and applications simultaneously. Additionally, it boasts a high boost clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz, which provides an extra performance boost when needed. Furthermore, it supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory, both of which are fast and widely available.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is a suitable choice for playing Cities Skylines 2 at high settings, offering smooth and stable frame rates. It can handle moderate city sizes without experiencing significant lag or stuttering issues. However, it’s important to note that this CPU isn’t the most powerful option available and may struggle with ultra settings or very large cities. Additionally, it’s worth considering that it may require a compatible motherboard and cooling system, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of your computer setup. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of this CPU before making a purchasing decision.

Overall, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable CPU that can effectively run Cities Skylines 2. It strikes a balance between performance and price, enabling gameplay at high settings with satisfactory frame rates. It handles moderate city sizes smoothly, but users should be aware of its potential limitations with ultra settings or very large cities.

Important factors to consider when buying the best cpu for Cities Skylines 2

There are several factors to consider when buying the best CPU for Cities Skylines 2, such as:

Single-core performance: Cities Skylines 2 is mainly single-core dependent due to the limitations of the Unity engine being used for the game. This means that a CPU with strong single-core performance will give you better performance in the game. Two factors that determine a CPU’s single-core performance are IPC (instructions per cycle) and clock speed (how many cycles per second). Generally, higher IPC and clock speed mean better single-core performance.

Number of cores and threads: Cities Skylines 2 was originally optimized for 4 core/8 thread processors, meaning that anything at or above that level is ideal. However, having more cores and threads does not necessarily mean better performance in the game, as the game cannot take advantage of many cores. More cores and threads are useful for multitasking and running other applications that can benefit from them.

Price and value: Depending on your budget and needs, you may want to choose a CPU that offers the best performance for the money. Some CPUs may have higher single-core performance, but they may also be more expensive or have lower multi-core performance. You may also want to consider other factors such as power consumption, cooling requirements, motherboard compatibility, etc.

Turbo boost: Turbo boost is a feature that allows some CPUs to temporarily increase their clock speed when needed. This can be helpful for demanding games like Cities Skylines 2.

Cache: The cache is a small amount of high-speed memory that the CPU uses to store frequently accessed data. A larger cache can improve performance by reducing the need for the CPU to access slower main memory.

FAQs

Conclusion

When it comes to the best CPU for running Cities Skylines 2 smoothly, the Intel Core i9-13900K stands out as the overall top pick. With its powerful performance featuring 24 cores and 32 threads, this flagship 13th Gen Intel processor has the muscle to handle the complex simulations and calculations required by Cities Skylines 2 even with large and detailed city builds.

For AMD lovers, the Ryzen 9 7950X is an excellent alternative with its 16 cores and impressive speeds. It offers comparable performance to the Intel Core i9 at a bit lower price point.

Those looking for great value should consider the Intel Core i5-13600K. While not as powerful as the top-tier options, its 14 cores and 20 threads still provide fantastic performance for the money.

If blistering fast speeds are the priority, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D with its large cache and 5.4 GHz boost clock takes the cake as the best performance CPU for Cities Skylines 2.

On a budget, the Intel Core i7-12700K gives you 12 cores and solid performance at a reasonable price point. And for the cheapest option that can still run Cities Skylines 2 smoothly, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is a great 8 core choice.

So in summary, while the Intel i9-13900K is the best overall, AMD offers competitive alternatives, and lower core Intel/AMD chips can still work well depending on your budget and needs.