Whether you’re building a new desktop PC or thinking about upgrading the one you already have, picking the right CPU has been a very important (and sometimes difficult) choice for me. The central processing unit (CPU) is without a doubt the most important part of any computer, whether it’s running Windows or Linux. It’s in charge of the complicated math tasks that make almost everything you do on your computer possible. During my time with PCs, I’ve learned that a better CPU opens up a lot of options and makes things run faster.
CPU is an abbreviation for the Central Processing Unit. Also called a processor or microprocessor, the CPU is one of the most important piece of hardware in a digital computer system. Inside the CPU are thousands of microscopic transistors that run through integrated circuits as They are tiny switches that control the current flowing through them. Below, we have mentioned some of the best CPUs.
Best CPUs
Intel Core i9-10980XE
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Cascade Lake-X |
| Cores/Threads | 18 Cores / 36 Threads |
| Base Clock | 3.0 GHz |
| Max Turbo Clock | 4.6 GHz |
| Cache | 24.75 MB |
| TDP | 165W |
| Socket | LGA 2066 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2933 |
| Integrated GPU | No |
Although the Core i9-10980XE is a good choice, you will give up a significant amount of threaded horsepower if you choose it. Intel’s Cascade Lake-X flagship earns its niche for streamers and professionals who can utilize the additional I/O and quad-channel memory, but the Ryzen 5950X and 3950X are a better value for the majority of productivity workloads where the more robust HEDT platform is less important.
That leaves a vanishingly small market share where Intel benefits in this price range. If you have the money to spend, overclocking performance matters. If you’re prepared to give up a few PCIe lanes, you can install the -10980XE into an existing X299 board, but you should be aware that this marks the end of the X299 platform. Overall, this is one of the best CPUs that you can buy right now.
Intel Core i9-12900K
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake |
| Cores/Threads | 16 Cores / 24 Threads (8+8 hybrid architecture) |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz |
| Max Turbo Clock | 5.3 GHz (1 or 2 cores), 5.0 GHz (All cores) |
| Cache | 30 MB (24.75 MB L3 + 5.25 MB L2) |
| TDP | 125W |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR5-6400 / DDR4-3200 |
| Integrated GPU | Intel Xe Integrated Graphics (32 EUs) |
Previously, the fastest processor in the world was the Intel Core i9-12900K. Its $589 price tag makes it an outstanding value for high-end gaming streaming as well. It even outperforms AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X in tasks requiring a lot of threads, including creating content. Additionally, it dominates x86 single-threaded speed. The fact that you can use this chip with Intel’s workstation W680 chipset and that it supports ECC memory and CPU overclocking make it a powerful chip for entry-level workstations, which is maybe the most crucial feature. With DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 memory compatibility, 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0, and an additional four lanes of PCIe 4.0 from the chip for M.2 SSDs, the 12900K also provides cutting-edge connectivity. Overall, it is one of the best CPUs that you can buy.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 3 |
| Cores/Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz |
| Max Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz |
| Cache | 16 MB (8 MB L3 + 4 MB L2 + 4 MB L1) |
| TDP | 65W |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-3200 |
| Integrated GPU | AMD Radeon Graphics (7 CUs) |
Our selection for the best inexpensive CPU for gaming is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G. You will receive slower speeds with 4.4 GHz and only a 6 core processor using a 7nm “Zen 3” core due to the lower pricing. A CPU Socket AM4 has 19 MB of cache storage and 12 threads for 1080P graphics. Still, it is one of the best CPUs that you can consider.
It also comes unlocked for clocking with Precious Boost Overdrive to allow better clock speeds and power limits, just like the Ryzen 5 5600X. There is support for DDR4-3200. The AMD Ryzen Master is a useful addition that lets you tweak CPU performance for a totally unique experience, but in every other respect, this CPU falls short of competing models in terms of power, speed, and memory.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen+ |
| Cores/Threads | 16 Cores / 32 Threads |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz |
| Max Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz |
| Cache | 40 MB (32 MB L3 + 8 MB L2) |
| TDP | 105W |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2933 |
| Integrated GPU | No |
Easily one of the best CPUs available on the market, the Advanced PC gamers understand how crucial it is to have the ability to overclock your processor in order to receive the maximum amount of power. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is one of the fastest processors available outside of high-end workstation systems, with a base clock speed of 4.5GHz and the ability to push it to 5.7GHz. Additionally, the 7950X gives you lightning-fast speeds and loads of power to launch and run graphically demanding games as well as just about any program you need for video and photo editing, or even 3D modeling and animation, thanks to its total of 16 cores and 32 threads. You can play simple games without a separate GPU thanks to its integrated AMD Radeon graphics.
Intel Core i3-10100F
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Comet Lake |
| Cores/Threads | 4 Cores / 8 Threads |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz |
| Max Turbo Clock | 4.3 GHz |
| Cache | 6 MB |
| TDP | 65W |
| Socket | LGA 1200 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2666 |
| Integrated GPU | No |
The Intel Core i3-10100F is a choice to think about if you’re looking for a cost-effective gaming processor that will enable you to build a 1080P gaming PC. Any game you throw at the i3-10100F will run flawlessly because to its four cores and eight threads. Additionally, it will enable gamers on extremely tight budgets to incorporate a respectable graphics card into their build for little under $80. For instance, we were able to squeeze an Intel Core i3-10100F and an AMD RX 6500 XT into the part list for our $500 gaming PC build. Thus, this product is one of the best CPUs available right now.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen |
| Cores/Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz |
| Max Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz |
| Cache | 16 MB (8 MB L3 + 4 MB L2 + 4 MB L1) |
| TDP | 95W |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-3200 |
| Integrated GPU | No |
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is the company’s response to Intel’s Core i5-13600K processor. However, due to the 13600K’s marginally superior overall performance, we chose it (over the 7600X), just as we did with the 13900K and the 7950X. Currently, this is one of the best CPUs that you can buy right now.
The 7600X is still a fantastic processor, but as we’ve noted when contrasting various Intel and AMD CPU tiers, the primary factor to take into account in this comparison is current costs. The cost-of-entry for the 13600K and the 7600X is roughly equal, and since the 13600K performs better, it is the superior choice. It would absolutely be worth taking into account instead of the 13600K if the cost of entry for the 7600X were to drastically decrease.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 3 |
| Cores/Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz |
| Max Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz |
| Cache | 32 MB (16 MB L3 + 3 MB L2 + 3 MB L1) |
| TDP | 65W |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-3200 |
| Integrated GPU | No |
Although the AMD Ryzen 5600X’s raw power may not wow anyone, it is now the best value among the company’s AM4 current-generation chipsets. Additionally, the 5600X is routinely discounted from its already reasonable $260 MSRP.
The AMD Ryzen 5600X offers both single-core and multi-core performance in games, making it a reliable all-around performer. That’s partly because to its CPU’s faster-than-average clock speed as well as its prolonged quiet yet cool operation. The 5600X keeps acing every test if you’re looking for a CPU to keep your setup running smoothly. So, if you want one of the best CPUs, we highly recommend this product.
