How to Decode CPU Performance with the 2023 Desktop CPU Ladder Chart

Choosing the right CPU is crucial for both gaming and productivity, and the CPU ladder chart provides a quick visual reference of multi‑core performance across generations.

What the ladder chart shows

The chart ranks desktop CPUs by multi‑core performance, not single‑core or gaming scores. Higher position means higher multi‑core capability, though results may vary with different benchmark suites.

Intel lineup

Intel generations 4‑13 are listed. For current builds, 12th‑gen CPUs are generally recommended, while 13th‑gen are newer but often pricier. Example: the i5‑13600K/F surpasses the previous‑gen i7‑12700K in both single‑ and multi‑core tests.

Entry‑level: Celeron G6900, Pentium G7400 paired with H610 motherboards.

Mid‑range: i3‑12100/F (H610), i5‑12400/F (B660), i5‑12600K/F (Z690 or B660), i7‑12700/F (B660), i9‑12900K/F (Z690).

High‑end: i9‑12900KS (Z690) and newer 13th‑gen models such as i9‑13900K/F.

AMD lineup

AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series (R3‑3200G to R9‑5950X) and early 7000 series are covered. The 5000 series offers the best price‑performance today; the 7000 series is newer but currently expensive.

Budget: Ryzen 3 3200G (A320).

Mid‑range: Ryzen 5 5600X (B550) for gaming, Ryzen 5 5600G with integrated graphics (B550).

High‑end: Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 9 7950X (X670) for productivity.

How to use the chart

Identify the CPU generation you plan to buy, locate its position on the chart, and compare it with alternatives. Remember the chart reflects multi‑core performance; for gaming‑focused decisions, check single‑core scores separately.

Reference: 装机之家 CPU 天梯图 2023‑03 edition.