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5 Best Mid-Range CPUs For Borderlands 4

By / Borderlands 4, Tech / September 12, 2025

These are the five best mid-range CPUs to play Borderlands 4 at the same time, avoiding being CPU-bound in most cases.

5 Best Mid-Range CPUs For Borderlands 4
An image showing two processors (image via Intel)

Borderlands 4 has significant performance issues on PC. The game requires you to have potent hardware; otherwise, the gameplay experience will be poor. Thanks to the reduction in prices, the CPUs we have mentioned below, most of which were in the high-end segment, are now mid-range and affordable.

Read More: Borderlands 4: Best Settings To Play at 1440p

1. Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF

An image of Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU
An image showing the Core Ultra 7 processor (Image via Intel)

Particularly in Borderlands 4, this is the fastest mid-range CPU you can pair. This is because Intel has made significant improvements within the E cores. Borderlands 4 greatly benefits from higher core counts on the CPU and allows you to pair higher-end GPUs with it. 

Specifications

  • Cores/Threads: 20/20 (8P + 12E)
  • Base/Boost Clock: 3.9 GHz / 5.5 GHz (P-cores); 3.3 GHz / 4.6 GHz (E-cores)
  • Cache: 30MB (L3) + 36MB (L2)
  • TDP: 125W (up to 250W max)
  • Price: $259 (Micro Center)

2. Intel Core Ultra 5 245K

An image showing the 245K processor (Image via Intel)
An image showing the 245K processor (Image via Intel)

The Ultra 5 245K is also an excellent buy for Borderlands 4 due to its high core count design alongside improved P and E core IPC. If you plan on a cheaper motherboard and are looking for a modern and powerful CPU to pair with, 245K is a great choice.

Specifications

  • Cores/Threads: 14/14 (6P + 8E)
  • Base/Boost Clock: 4.2 GHz / 5.7 GHz (P-cores)
  • Cache: 24MB (L3) + 26MB (L2)
  • TDP: 125W
  • Price: $239 (Micro Center)

3. Intel Core i9-12900K

An image showing the 12900K processor (Image via Intel)
An image showing the 12900K processor (Image via Intel)

The 12900K is Alder Lake’s flagship chip, now retailing for mid-range pricing in 2025. If you already have a 12th-generation system and are looking for a drop-in upgrade, this is a good choice.

Specifications

  • Cores/Threads: 16/24 (8P + 8E)
  • Base/Boost Clock: 3.2 GHz / 5.2 GHz (P-cores); 2.4 GHz / 3.9 GHz (E-cores)
  • Cache: 30MB (L3) + 14MB (L2)
  • TDP: 125W (up to 241W max)
  • Price: $269 (Micro Center)

4. Intel Core i7-14700K

AMD Ryzen 9 7900 vs Intel Core I7 14700K: Which Is the Better CPU?
An image showing the 14700K processor (Image via Amazon)

The 14700K is a potent CPU. However, with Borderlands 4, keeping it under check will be hard, and you will require a high-performance CPU cooler, whether an AIO or an Air cooler, to install alongside. This is due to the game’s heavy CPU usage during the shader compilation period, and when high counts of mobs show up on the screen. 

Specifications

  • Cores/Threads: 20/28 (8P + 12E)
  • Base/Boost Clock: 3.4 GHz / 5.6 GHz (P-cores); 2.5 GHz / 4.3 GHz (E-cores)
  • Cache: 33MB (L3) + 28MB (L2)
  • TDP: 125W (up to 253W max)
  • Price: $299 (Micro Center)

5. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

An image of AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
An image showing the 7900X processor (Image via AMD)

The Ryzen 9 7900X, with its 12 cores and 24 threads, is also an incredible choice for Borderlands 4. Unlike Intel, AMD employs a single-core design and features high boost clocks along with capable multi-threading capabilities. All of which are necessary for Borderlands 4.

Specifications

  • Cores/Threads: 12/24
  • Base/Boost Clock: 4.7 GHz / 5.6 GHz
  • Cache: 64MB (L3) + 12MB (L2)
  • TDP: 170W
  • Price: $299 (Micro Center)

Verdict

The CPUs we mentioned here will seamlessly get you around playing Borderlands 4. You can expect CPU usage of around 30-50% depending on the GPU you possess and what settings you have dialed in. We have given an estimated CPU usage based on pairing the RTX 4070 Super with either of these. The fastest leans towards the Ultra 7 265KF due to its better E-core design. 

The 14700K will also perform identically, but has some oxidation issues that you need to watch out for. You can limit the VID to 1.4volts within the BIOS, but that requires you to have a Z790 board with a good BIOS on it. A high-performance cooler is mandatory with all CPUs, and not just the 14700K; the game hammers the CPU and maxes out its TDP. Inadequate cooling will result in thermal throttling, crashes, and potentially damage your hardware. The prices stated here are accurate as of September 12, 2025, and are subject to change without notice.

Read More: Borderlands 4 PC: Potential Fixes for the “Infinite Loading Screen” Error

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