Best CPU for Aces of Thunder (2026)
To get the most out of Aces of Thunder, pair your graphics card with a CPU at or above its recommended processor. A too-slow CPU caps your frame rate no matter how strong the GPU is. Below are our picks by budget, chosen from real benchmark data.
Recommended processors by budget
| Tier | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Intel Core i5-13600 Meets the recommended spec · 14 cores · ~$249.00 |
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| Sweet spot | Intel Core i5-9600 Processor High-FPS headroom at 1080p/1440p · 6 cores |
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The CPU sets your frame-rate ceiling. For high-refresh (144Hz+) or 1080p competitive play, lean toward the sweet-spot or high-end pick; at 4K the GPU does most of the work and a budget-tier CPU is usually enough.
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Aces of Thunder system requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core i7-8700 / Ryzen 5 3600, equivalent or better | Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 or better |
| GPU | Nvidia RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, equivalent or better | Nvidia RTX 3070 TI or higher / AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or better |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
Building the whole rig? See the best GPU for Aces of Thunder, check for a CPU/GPU bottleneck, or test your current PC with Can I Run It.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU do I need for Aces of Thunder?
A Intel Core i5-13600-class processor meets the recommended bar. For high frame rates a Intel Core i5-9600 Processor gives more headroom. Verify any chip with our free Can I Run It checker.
Does the CPU matter for Aces of Thunder, or just the GPU?
Gaming is GPU-bound, so the graphics card matters most for raw settings and resolution. But the CPU sets your frame-rate ceiling — it matters most at high refresh rates, at 1080p, and in CPU-heavy games (strategy, simulation, open-world). A weak CPU paired with a strong GPU causes a bottleneck.
Will my CPU bottleneck Aces of Thunder?
It can, if your CPU is much weaker than your GPU. Check the exact balance of your build with our free bottleneck calculator before buying either component.