Best CPU for Total War: PHARAOH (2026)
To get the most out of Total War: PHARAOH, 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 | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Meets the recommended spec · 4 cores · ~$69.00 |
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| Sweet spot | Intel Core i3-13100F High-FPS headroom at 1080p/1440p · 4 cores · ~$104.00 |
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| High-end | Intel Core i5-6300U Processor 1440p+, streaming & future-proofing · 2 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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Total War: PHARAOH system requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i3-2100 / AMD FX-4300 | Intel i5-6600/Ryzen 5 2600X |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 / AMD R9 270 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti / AMD RX 480 |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
Building the whole rig? See the best GPU for Total War: PHARAOH, 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 Total War: PHARAOH?
A AMD Ryzen 3 3300X-class processor meets the recommended bar. For high frame rates a Intel Core i3-13100F gives more headroom. For 1440p+ gaming while streaming, a Intel Core i5-6300U Processor or better is ideal. Verify any chip with our free Can I Run It checker.
Does the CPU matter for Total War: PHARAOH, 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 Total War: PHARAOH?
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.