Is AMD Ryzen 5 2600 a good CPU for Fortnite?
Is AMD Ryzen 5 2600 a good CPU for Fortnite?
Six cores / 12 threads
The number of cores and threads may not mean much, but think of them as a highway. A vehicle is a task assigned to the processor to handle. A core has two threads, which you can consider as highway lanes. Twelve lanes allow you to cram down more vehicles before bottlenecks occur.
Having 12 threads allows the processor to handle multiple tasks at once, ideal for games that support multi-core setups. Fortnite isn't the most multi-core supported game out there, but it doesn't hurt to have the available performance at hand, especially if you play other games and do some work on the side too.
An added bonus with this CPU is the inclusion of a stock cooler that's actually decent enough for keeping the processor within safe operating temperatures without sounding like a jet engine.
Dropping from the bus
Throw in a GTX 1060 or higher GPU with the Ryzen 5 2600 and you'll have an extremely capable gaming rig, all without overclocking. You'll surpass the recommended PC requirements for Fortnite, which include:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 2.8GHz or AMD equivalent.
- RAM: 8GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (DX11 GPU).
Using the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 with a GTX 1060 will allow you to play Fortnite in 1080p at 60 FPS easily. Step it up to a GTX 1070 and you can move to a 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz. And have a look at more best graphics card picks if you need more power.
Our pick
AMD's impressive mid-range processor
When you have a fair amount to spend on a new desktop processor, look no further than the AMD Ryzen 5 2600. It's a great mid-range processor with six cores, 12 threads, and it works with most AM4 motherboards out-the-box (some may require flashing).
GPU pick
Best GPU for PC gaming at 1080p
Need a GPU that will perform well connected to a 1080p monitor? The NVIDIA GTX 1060 is about as good as you can get without going overboard. It's also well-matched for an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 in a budget build.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.