Multi-core optimization has allowed modern processors to brute force their way through heavier workloads with parallelization. This hasn't always been the case and still to this day there are software and games that run better on processors with higher single-core performance than multi-core behemoths. Contemporary development will continue to improve multi-core support and performance, but even now it's still recommended to strongly factor in single-core clock speeds and performance when choosing a CPU for your PC. Here are a few reasons why.

3 Not all programs and games use multiple cores

Traditionally, most software and games worked with a single core (or thread) on the CPU through sequential processing. This created bottlenecks, especially with earlier processors with fewer cores, but now we're seeing consumer-grade CPUs hit shelves with as many as 24 cores. The most affordable AMD Ryzen 9000 processor you can buy has 6 alone. These 6 cores allow the CPU to handle varied workloads with different programs and background processes requiring cycles, but it's almost wasted on specific tasks such as gaming and most productivity software. Outside of some serious content creation apps, your CPU isn't doing a whole lot.

Now, on the flip side of this, more games and apps are making use of multiple cores through parallelization. It's when the OS can split the workload from an app or game across multiple cores or threads. Not everything can be split across highway lanes, which is why we're seeing clock speeds increase as well as core counts. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best gaming processor available, but this is down to its impressively large cache and excellent per-core performance.

2 CPUs struggle to maintain all-core boost speeds

It's great having a CPU that can boost up to 6.0 GHz or higher but this won't be an all-core speed at high loads. Due to thermal and architectural constraints, you'll be lucky to hit 90%. Perhaps only one or two cores sit at higher clock speeds when running single-core tasks. For instance, when running software or a game that only works through a single core, the CPU can handle the increased workflow at higher rates better since the rest of the chip is sitting idle. We've seen as much with modern chips like the Intel Core i9-14900KS. It's impressive how high this thing can boost, but you will see a considerably lower sustained speed.

Multi-core applications and games will take advantage of higher speeds across multiple cores, but this isn't the be-all and end-all since effectively parallelizing workloads already increases throughput massively. We're also seeing a heavier use of L3 cache, which will provide benefits across the board. Games are starting to do this to some degree but it's a slow adoption rate and you're still recommended to aim for higher single-core performance for the best results.

1 Single-core performance benefits everyone

And even if you have software or a game that can fully utilize your entire CPU for the best results, single-core performance will still provide a hefty improvement to overall performance. By allowing the system to handle more instructions per cycle, you're effectively increasing the throughput. Throwing more cores into the mix could run the risk of causing some inefficiencies, such as requiring synchronization between threads/cores, tasks not being distributed evenly, and increased power usage. Increasing cores will only benefit software and games with parallelization support or how many tasks can be run simultaneously.

Going with slightly fewer cores can also save your wallet since mid-range processors offer the best bang for your buck with headroom for overclocking, allowing you to enjoy more performance from the CPU so long as your cooler can manage the additional heat output.

Multi-core processing is the future

Just because single-core performance is still king today, it doesn't mean it always will be. Modern software and game development are taking advantage of more powerful and core-rich CPUs from AMD and Intel. Cyberpunk 2077 is a great PC game and one that can spread loads across multiple cores. The same goes for Valve's Source-powered games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (though Half-Life: Alyx is an outlier). CPU development won't likely neglect single-core performance any time soon and we'll continue to see advances in clock speeds and architecture to squeeze even more processing power with each CPU cycle.