The best CPUs for Call of Duty are the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D for maximum gaming focus, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for an excellent established AM5 route, and the Ryzen 5 7600X for a capable six-core AM5 build. Call of Duty can shift from GPU-limited to CPU-limited quickly, especially when a large Warzone lobby, background apps, and a high-refresh display all ask for work at once.
That distinction matters because a high average frame rate does not always feel smooth. Players in Warzone communities repeatedly flag frametime spikes, stutter, and input delay in 100-plus-player matches; a CPU with enough cache, cores, and platform bandwidth helps the rest of the system feed the graphics card more consistently.
I built this guide around real specifications and review data for eight available AMD processors, not made-up Call of Duty frame-rate charts. If a desktop replacement is not your plan, our guide to the best gaming laptops for Warzone is a useful parallel starting point, while players targeting a sharper display should also see these best gaming PCs for 1440p gaming.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks in 2026
Pick the 9800X3D when the goal is the strongest cache-led gaming hardware, the 7800X3D when you want eight cores and 96MB of L3 cache on AM5, and the 7600X when a straightforward six-core AM5 system fits your build. Each choice uses Socket AM5, so none is a drop-in replacement for an AM4 motherboard.
These eight Call of Duty CPU picks cover AM4 and AM5 builds in July 2026
The quick comparison below is deliberately a fit guide rather than a synthetic benchmark. It puts socket, core layout, cache, clocks, and supplied review sentiment in one place, which is more useful than presenting a precise Warzone result that the product data does not support.
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AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
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AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
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AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
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AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
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AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
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AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT
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AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
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For competitive play, cache capacity and frametime behavior deserve as much attention as a boost-clock figure. For streaming, recording, browser tabs, and editing, the extra core count on the Ryzen 9 choices makes the workload discussion different.
1. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best CPU for Call of Duty performance
Pros
- Zen 5 with 3D V-Cache
- 96MB L3 cache
- 8 cores and 16 threads
Cons
- Cooler not included
- 140W listed wattage
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is my first recommendation for a player building around Call of Duty rather than trying to split one processor across every kind of workstation task. It pairs eight cores and 16 threads with 96MB of L3 cache, AMD Zen 5 technology, and a listed clock of up to 5.2 GHz on Socket AM5.
The central reason is its Next Gen 3D V-Cache design. Call of Duty and Warzone have to keep a lot of changing game data close at hand during crowded matches, and extra L3 cache is the supplied feature most closely tied to the CPU behavior players seek when they describe smoother large-lobby play.
The supplied review record is also strong: it has a 4.8 rating from roughly 5.9k reviews, with 93 percent recorded as five-star. That is community-scale validation, not a substitute for a controlled benchmark, but it supports the processor’s position as the gaming-first pick in this group.
There are two practical checks before choosing it. The processor needs an AM5 motherboard and an external cooler, and its listed 140W wattage means I would not treat cooling as an afterthought when the system will run long sessions.
AM5 compatibility makes this the right choice for a new build
This chip is drop-in ready for the established Socket AM5 infrastructure, so it belongs in a build that is already committed to AM5 and DDR5 memory. It is not compatible with an AM4 board or DDR4 memory, which makes a platform switch necessary for owners of older Ryzen systems.
Use it with a graphics card that can actually expose a CPU limit at the resolution and settings you play. A very modest GPU can still run Call of Duty, but it will not show why a cache-heavy processor is different from the less expensive CPU tiers in this guide.
Long sessions need a separate cooler and airflow plan
No cooler is included, so factor in a capable external cooler and a case with usable airflow. The listed 140W figure does not predict game power draw by itself, but it is enough reason to avoid making a cooling decision from processor core count alone.
For players chasing stable input response in long Warzone matches, I would prioritize a clean installation, current platform firmware, and memory that is stable at its rated settings before treating overclocking as the first fix. Stability is more helpful than a marginal clock experiment when stutter is the complaint.
2. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the proven AM5 gaming pick
Pros
- 96MB L3 cache
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- AMD Radeon graphics
Cons
- Cooler not included
- 120W listed wattage
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains an easy recommendation for an AM5 Call of Duty system because its fundamentals line up so cleanly with gaming. It has eight cores, 16 threads, 96MB of L3 cache, and a 4.2 GHz listed processor speed, all on Socket AM5.
Forum discussions repeatedly bring up X3D processors when the concern is a Warzone system that feels uneven in busy matches. That community pattern fits the hardware data here: the 7800X3D puts a very large 96MB L3 cache beside an eight-core layout without moving to a higher-core Ryzen 9 class.
Its 4.8 rating across roughly 8k reviews gives it the broadest review base of the eight products here. Ninety-two percent of the supplied rating distribution is five-star, and that volume makes the 7800X3D a sensible choice for a buyer who values a mature, widely adopted gaming part.
Its limits are simple. The box does not include a cooler, it uses AM5 rather than an existing AM4 board, and its listed 120W wattage still calls for thoughtful cooling rather than the smallest possible heatsink.
Large L3 cache makes this a focused competitive-gaming option
The 8MB L2 plus 96MB L3 cache specification is the headline. It does not promise a fixed Call of Duty frame rate, because resolution, graphics card, map, settings, and background activity all matter, but it makes this processor especially relevant for players who care about frametime steadiness.
I would put it ahead of a conventional eight-core part when Call of Duty is the main game and the build is already AM5. It also leaves enough threads for voice chat, a browser, and common background tools without turning the CPU choice into a content-creation purchase.
AM5 memory planning decides whether this is an upgrade or a rebuild
Because the socket is AM5, this is a new-platform decision for AM4 owners. Plan the motherboard and DDR5 memory as part of the same build, rather than assuming an AM4 board and DDR4 kit can transfer over.
If you are keeping an AM4 setup, the Ryzen 7 5800XT later in this list is the compatible alternative. If you are assembling the rest of a new system, the 7800X3D’s cache-first gaming specification remains its strongest case.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is the best budget CPU for a new AM5 Call of Duty build
Pros
- Up to 5.3 GHz
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- AM5 compatibility
Cons
- Cooler not included
- 105W listed wattage
The Ryzen 5 7600X is the practical starting point for a new AM5 machine when the best budget CPU for gaming is the goal. It brings six cores, 12 threads, a listed maximum 5.3 GHz speed, 38MB of installed cache, and an unlocked design to the same AM5 family as the X3D recommendations.
For Call of Duty, six modern cores are enough for a focused gaming system, especially if the graphics card is doing most of the limiting at your usual settings. The key difference from the X3D parts is cache: this processor lists 6MB of L2 and 32MB of L3 rather than the 96MB L3 listed on both eight-core X3D options.
It carries a 4.8 rating from roughly 6.1k reviews, with 92 percent five-star feedback in the supplied distribution. That makes it a well-supported mainstream option, not merely the lowest-specification choice in an AM5 catalog.
I would be realistic about what the savings in core and cache resources mean. If the target is a competitive high-refresh Call of Duty setup with crowded-lobby consistency as the one priority, the 7800X3D and 9800X3D have a clearer hardware case; the 7600X instead creates an AM5 baseline with a strong clock figure.
Six cores fit a gaming-first system with sensible background tasks
Six cores and 12 threads can handle the game, communications software, and routine background tasks, but streaming and heavy recording at the same time can narrow that comfort margin. Close unnecessary applications first if you see uneven gameplay, since background load can resemble a CPU shortfall.
The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics controller is useful for setup and troubleshooting, even when a discrete graphics card is the plan for gaming. That can make first boot and fault isolation less stressful than a processor with no display output path.
An unlocked AM5 chip still needs cooling before tuning
The unlocked designation offers room for tuning, yet the 105W listed wattage and lack of an included cooler point back to cooling basics. Get the system stable at stock behavior before changing frequency or voltage settings.
This processor supports the AM5 path, so it makes sense for someone who wants the socket change now and may reassess the processor later. It is a less direct answer for an AM4 owner who needs a simple board-preserving upgrade.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is the balanced eight-core AM5 alternative
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- 5.4 GHz maximum boost
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- Cooler not included
- No included Prime shipping
The Ryzen 7 7700X is the middle-ground AM5 pick for a Call of Duty player who wants eight cores and a high listed boost clock without choosing an X3D model. It is based on AMD Zen 4, has eight cores and 16 threads, lists a 5.4 GHz maximum boost, and supports DDR5-5200.
The supplied feature set also names 80MB of total cache and PCIe 5.0 support on 600 Series motherboards. That is a well-rounded platform description for gaming, general use, and background workloads, although it does not duplicate the 96MB L3 cache specification that defines the X3D models above.
Its feedback profile is steady: a 4.8 rating from roughly 3.9k reviews and 90 percent five-star feedback in the provided distribution. The product information describes 100-plus FPS performance in popular games, but that is a general product claim, not a Call of Duty test result I would use to promise a particular outcome.
Choose the 7700X for breadth, not because it is secretly an X3D replacement. Its eight cores offer a comfortable base for gaming plus everyday multitasking, while the X3D alternatives have the clearer cache story for a Warzone-focused machine.
Eight cores help when Call of Duty shares the PC with other tasks
Eight cores and 16 threads offer more headroom than the six-core 7600X when you routinely record gameplay, keep a browser open, or run more background software. That does not make every background task free, but it gives the system more scheduling room.
I would look here when gaming is important but is not the only thing the desktop does. It is also a good fit for builders who want AM5 and PCIe 5.0 platform support without making 3D V-Cache the deciding feature.
DDR5-5200 support ties this CPU to the right memory platform
DDR5-5200 support belongs in the memory checklist, alongside motherboard compatibility and a stable memory profile. A mismatched or unstable memory configuration can produce the very stutter a player expects a CPU upgrade to cure.
As with the other AM5 desktop options, buy an external cooler. The 7700X is unlocked, but a stable system and reasonable thermals should come before experimentation with extra frequency.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is the newer high-clock AM5 all-rounder
Pros
- Zen 5 architecture
- 5.5 GHz maximum boost
- DDR5-5600 support
Cons
- Cooler not included
- External cooling required
The Ryzen 7 9700X is the newer conventional eight-core AM5 option, based on AMD Zen 5 and specified with a 5.5 GHz maximum boost. It provides eight cores, 16 threads, 40MB of cache, DDR5-5600 support, PCIe 5.0 support, and an unlocked multiplier.
That specification puts it in a good spot for a user who wants a responsive general-purpose desktop that plays Call of Duty well and also handles a varied workload. It is not an X3D processor in the supplied data, so I would not frame it as the cache-first answer to the forum concern about crowded-lobby frametimes.
The review record is positive: a 4.8 rating from roughly 2.6k reviews, with 92 percent five-star feedback listed. The manufacturer data also names a three-year warranty, which is a relevant piece of product support information for a new system build.
Compared with the 7700X, it raises the listed memory support from DDR5-5200 to DDR5-5600 and the maximum boost from 5.4 to 5.5 GHz. Those are real specification differences, but they do not remove the need to choose around your workload rather than just picking the highest clock number.
DDR5-5600 support suits a current AM5 memory plan
The DDR5-5600 support specification makes memory selection straightforward at the platform level. Check the motherboard memory list and apply a stable profile after testing, because a high-quality CPU cannot compensate for a system that crashes or stutters under an unstable memory setting.
Forum users often ask about memory speed for X3D CPUs, but the broader lesson applies here as well: compatible, stable memory is more useful than chasing a setting that looks impressive on paper. The CPU, board, and memory kit should be treated as one matched group.
Zen 5 and eight cores suit mixed gaming and desktop work
With eight cores and 16 threads, the 9700X gives more space than a six-core part for a game plus supporting apps. I would favor it over a gaming-only purchase when the desktop also has regular productivity use, while keeping the X3D models ahead for a player whose decision is almost entirely driven by Call of Duty consistency.
It requires an aftermarket cooler or external cooler. The listed 105W wattage is another reminder that compact cooling choices need care, particularly in a smaller case or a warm room.
6. AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT is the direct AM4 upgrade path
Pros
- AM4 compatibility
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Cooler included
Cons
- Previous-generation AM4 platform
- DDR4-3200 support
The Ryzen 7 5800XT is the right pick in this list for an existing AM4 owner who wants an eight-core upgrade without changing to AM5. Based on AMD Zen 3, it has eight cores, 16 threads, a 4.8 GHz maximum boost, 36MB of cache, DDR4-3200 support, and PCIe 4.0 support.
Its most practical difference is platform continuity. Community discussions show that AM4 players often feel stuck between a CPU upgrade and a full motherboard-and-memory change; this processor stays on Socket AM4 and comes with an AMD Wraith Prism cooler with RGB LED.
The supplied review profile is 4.7 from roughly 1.9k reviews, with 89 percent five-star feedback. It is a strong gaming-oriented CPU by its provided specifications, though the product data correctly describes AM4 as a previous-generation platform rather than a new AM5 foundation.
For the best cpus for call of duty shortlist, the 5800XT is about a sensible existing-platform route, not a claim that it matches the cache-heavy X3D parts. Keep expectations grounded: the 36MB cache figure, DDR4-3200 support, and 4.8 GHz boost belong to a different design and platform generation.
AM4 compatibility keeps the motherboard and DDR4 memory in play
If your current board supports the processor after the required firmware update, AM4 compatibility can simplify an upgrade far more than moving to AM5. Confirm CPU support on the motherboard maker’s list before installing anything, because socket matching alone does not prove firmware compatibility.
The Ryzen 7 5800XT supports DDR4-3200, and forum users often point to DDR4-3600 CL16 as a common X3D-oriented recommendation. That community observation is not a formal requirement for this processor; use the memory speed your board and kit support reliably.
The included Wraith Prism helps a complete AM4 refresh
Unlike the AM5 chips above, this package includes the AMD Wraith Prism cooler with RGB LED. That gives an AM4 upgrade a complete out-of-box cooling option, though case airflow and long gaming sessions still affect temperatures.
For more memory pairing context within this older Ryzen family, see our guide to the best RAM for Ryzen 7 5800X. It is especially relevant when a CPU replacement and a memory check happen at the same time.
7. AMD Ryzen 9 9900X is the Call of Duty and streaming workhorse
Pros
- 12 cores and 24 threads
- 5.6 GHz maximum boost
- DDR5-5600 support
Cons
- Cooler not included
- 120W listed wattage
The Ryzen 9 9900X is the strongest match here for a player who combines Call of Duty with demanding multi-threaded work. It has 12 cores and 24 processing threads based on AMD Zen 5, a maximum boost of 5.6 GHz, 76MB of cache, DDR5-5600 support, and Socket AM5 compatibility.
For the game alone, more cores do not automatically mean smoother play than a well-matched X3D processor. The case for the 9900X is that its 12-core layout has room for streaming, recording, editing, compiling, or other CPU work that can share the desktop with gaming.
The supplied feedback is a 4.8 rating from roughly 1.7k reviews, with 92 percent five-star feedback. That supports it as a well-received high-end desktop component, while its product specifications make its multi-use intent clearer than the review score alone could.
It needs an external cooler and lists 120W wattage. A buyer who picks this for a stream-and-play rig should put as much thought into cooling, board power delivery, memory configuration, and case airflow as they put into core count.
Twelve cores give streaming and gaming more scheduling room
Twelve cores and 24 threads provide a larger pool of resources than the eight-core chips for concurrent tasks. If you record gameplay, encode a stream, manage a busy browser, or do production work after a session, that headroom is the reason to consider the 9900X.
For a PC dedicated almost entirely to competitive Warzone, I would still compare it against the 9800X3D before deciding. The X3D processor has the more direct cache-led gaming specification, whereas the 9900X wins its place through broader multi-thread capacity.
AM5 and DDR5-5600 support need a balanced supporting build
The Socket AM5 and DDR5-5600 specifications place this CPU in a current desktop platform. Pair it with a board that provides the connections you need and memory that proves stable under long gaming and streaming sessions.
For players who would rather buy a complete premium machine than select components, compare the configurations in our coverage of the best high-end gaming PCs. That is also a good reality check on how the graphics card, cooling, and storage belong in the same performance conversation.
8. AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the flagship for gaming and heavy creation
Pros
- 16 cores
- 144MB cache
- Up to 5.7 GHz
Cons
- 170W listed wattage
- Warranty details unavailable
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the flagship selection for someone who wants Call of Duty capability alongside serious content-creation capacity. Its supplied specification lists 16 Zen 5 cores, 144MB of installed cache, a 4.3 GHz base clock, a maximum boost clock up to 5.7 GHz, and Socket AM5.
It is explicitly described as a gaming and content-creation processor, which is the right way to view it. The large cache is appealing for gaming workloads, while the 16-core layout creates much more room for heavily threaded tasks than any Ryzen 7 in this list.
The product has a 4.7 rating from roughly 1.8k reviews, with 91 percent five-star feedback in the supplied record. That is favorable feedback, although this is the most demanding processor here from a cooling perspective with a listed 170W wattage.
I would choose it only when the full workload justifies its scale. If Call of Duty is the focus and the rest of the time is ordinary desktop use, the 9800X3D’s eight-core, 96MB L3 configuration is the more concentrated gaming answer.
Sixteen cores suit creators who also play Call of Duty
The 16-core layout is the feature that separates the 9950X3D from the other choices. It gives a demanding creator more room for rendering, editing, or other parallel work, while its cache and 5.7 GHz maximum boost retain a high-end gaming profile.
That distinction matters because CPU choice should follow what happens when the match ends. A creator who regularly turns gameplay into videos may have a stronger reason to select this class than a player who only wants a competitive multiplayer desktop.
A 170W listing calls for serious external cooling
With 170W listed, cooling is central rather than optional, and no included cooler is specified. Choose an external cooler and case airflow arrangement built for sustained loads, then verify stable temperatures during your own gaming and creation sessions.
Warranty information is listed as unavailable in the supplied product record, so confirm current support terms with the retailer or manufacturer before purchase. That is a straightforward check worth making on any flagship component.
The right Call of Duty CPU comes from your platform, GPU, and workload
Start by separating a new build from an upgrade. New AM5 systems can consider the 7600X, 7700X, 7800X3D, 9700X, 9800X3D, 9900X, or 9950X3D; an existing AM4 system points naturally to the 5800XT in this collection, provided motherboard support is confirmed.
That platform distinction avoids the most common upgrade mistake: buying a processor that cannot fit the motherboard or memory already in the PC. Socket AM5 and AM4 are different, and the AM5 processors in this guide pair with DDR5 support while the 5800XT lists DDR4-3200 support.
3D V-Cache is most relevant when lobby consistency is the goal
AMD 3D V-Cache stacks additional L3 cache on the processor die, giving the CPU quicker local access to game data. In the supplied research, this is the feature associated most directly with Call of Duty and Warzone behavior because crowded lobbies create CPU work that can expose frametime spikes.
That does not mean every stutter is a CPU issue. Driver problems, overheating, unstable memory, storage activity, background processes, and server conditions can all affect how a match feels, so treat an X3D chip as a strong hardware response rather than a universal cure.
GPU pairing should match the display target rather than a label
At a high refresh rate, a capable graphics card makes it easier to reveal the difference between CPU classes because the processor has to prepare more frames. At higher resolutions or demanding visual settings, the graphics card often becomes the main limit, which can narrow the visible gap between CPUs.
A balanced GPU pairing therefore starts with your resolution, refresh rate, and graphics settings. If you are planning a complete lower-budget machine rather than a component-only upgrade, our best gaming PC under $1000 guide shows why the CPU cannot be picked in isolation from the graphics card and rest of the build.
Memory stability matters more than chasing a number
Use the memory generation your platform supports: DDR4 for the 5800XT’s listed support and DDR5 for the AM5 processors that list DDR5-5200 or DDR5-5600 support. Check the motherboard documentation, install matched modules, and test stability after enabling a memory profile.
Warzone forum users frequently mention DDR4-3600 CL16 with X3D chips, but that community recommendation should not overrule motherboard and memory compatibility. A stable kit running at a supported setting is a better starting point than a faster-looking setting that creates crashes or inconsistent frametimes.
Cooling affects sustained play more than a short specification list suggests
Every AM5 processor in this collection is listed without a cooler, while the AM4 Ryzen 7 5800XT includes the Wraith Prism. The 9800X3D, 7800X3D, 7600X, 7700X, 9700X, 9900X, and 9950X3D need a separate cooling plan.
Match the cooler to the processor’s listed wattage and your case dimensions, then leave room for graphics-card airflow. The 9950X3D’s 170W listing demands the most attention, followed by the 9800X3D at 140W; thermal headroom supports sustained performance and a quieter machine.
Storage and background tasks can imitate a processor problem
Call of Duty updates and large game files place routine pressure on storage, while launchers, overlays, browsers, and recording software add background activity. Keep adequate free storage space and close processes that do not need to run during a competitive match before assuming the CPU alone is responsible.
If average FPS looks good but the game feels inconsistent, watch system temperatures, memory stability, background CPU activity, and graphics-card use across several matches. That method addresses the forum pain point directly: the problem in a 100-plus-player lobby may be a whole-system bottleneck, not one number on a CPU box.
FAQs
Is Call of Duty CPU heavy?
Call of Duty can be CPU-heavy, particularly in large Warzone lobbies where multiplayer synchronization, game data, background tasks, and high-refresh targets put more work on the processor. A stronger CPU can improve consistency and reduce CPU-related frametime spikes, but the graphics card, settings, memory stability, cooling, and server conditions also affect play.
What CPU do most gamers use?
There is no single CPU that every gamer uses. For Call of Duty, the popular choices in this guide span the Ryzen 5 7600X for a six-core AM5 system, eight-core Ryzen 7 processors for gaming-focused builds, and Ryzen 9 processors for gaming combined with heavy multi-threaded work. X3D models stand out when cache-led gaming behavior is the main priority.
What processor is needed for COD?
A modern six-core processor such as the Ryzen 5 7600X is a practical starting point for a new AM5 Call of Duty desktop. Eight-core Ryzen 7 options add multitasking room, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and 9800X3D add 96MB of L3 cache for players focused on large-lobby consistency. Match the CPU to a compatible motherboard, memory generation, cooler, and graphics card.
What’s the best CPU for FPS?
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the strongest FPS-focused recommendation in this group because it combines eight cores and 16 threads with 96MB of L3 cache, Next Gen 3D V-Cache, and a listed maximum 5.2 GHz clock. Actual FPS still depends on the graphics card, resolution, visual settings, memory, cooling, and the game scenario.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the leading Call of Duty choice in 2026
For most competitive players, I would select the Ryzen 7 9800X3D because its AM5 design, eight-core layout, 96MB L3 cache, and Next Gen 3D V-Cache speak directly to the smooth large-lobby experience that Warzone players want. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains the proven eight-core alternative, the 7600X is the sensible AM5 starting point, and the 5800XT serves established AM4 builds.
The best cpus for call of duty are not chosen by a single clock number. Match the processor to your socket, stable memory, cooler, graphics card, resolution, and whether gaming shares the machine with streaming or creation work, then choose the product section above that fits that full picture.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.