Ultimate CPU Showdown: Maximize Productivity and Elevate Gaming!

Beginning with the most budget-friendly choice, our suggestion for the best value entry-level CPU hinges on whether you are upgrading your CPU, motherboard, and potentially memory, or assembling a brand-new PC. Each situation presents different budgetary considerations.

If you are upgrading your setup, the most economical choice right now is the Intel Core i5-12400F. This is the processor we endorse for those aiming to spend as little as possible, which also entails pairing it with DDR4 memory.

Previously, we suggested the Core i3-12100F, which is currently listed at just $75. However, this quad-core model is beginning to struggle with newer games. Consequently, we recommend allocating a bit more towards the 6-core 12400F, which can now be purchased for $110.

The 12400F has emerged as one of Intel’s most favored processors in recent times due to its affordability and adequate power. The primary drawback is that you’re investing in an obsolete platform with LGA1700, thus it only makes sense if you intend to stick with more affordable DDR4 memory.

In total, you can acquire the 12400F, a DDR4 LGA1700 motherboard, and a 32GB kit of DDR4-3600 memory for approximately $250 – an impressive value. The only genuine alternative here is AMD’s AM4 platform, often regarded as one of the best PC platforms ever designed. Nevertheless, the Ryzen 5 5600, which also retails for $110, is slower than the Core i5, making the 12400F our unequivocal recommendation.

It’s also crucial to point out that investing extra money into either Intel’s LGA1700 or AMD’s AM4 platforms is pointless, as they are effectively at the end of their lifecycle. If your budget allows, you should concentrate on a current platform instead. Now, let’s investigate that further.

For those on a tighter budget aiming to build an entry-level PC they wish to last for years, we suggest investing a bit more in the CPU, motherboard, and memory by selecting the Ryzen 5 7600.

The Ryzen 5 7600 is considerably quicker than the Core i5-12400F, even though both processors feature 6 cores. In gaming efficiency, the 7600 is nearly 20% faster, and this edge approaches almost 30% if the Core i5 is coupled with DDR4 memory instead of high-speed DDR5.

Of course, the Ryzen 5 processor has a higher cost – approximately 80% more when comparing just the CPU prices, and 60% more when considering motherboard and memory prices. However, when constructing an entire budget PC, the total cost disparity diminishes. A full Core i5 setup might amount to about $730, while the Ryzen 5 system could reach $890. This indicates that the Ryzen 5 is roughly 20% more expensive, and in a worst-case scenario, it provides the same cost per frame while offering significantly superior overall performance with the AMD platform.

Furthermore, the Ryzen 5 7600 provides a platform that will remain relevant longer, thanks in part to the enhanced bandwidth available with DDR5 memory. This platform is almost guaranteed to offer a reliable upgrade path in the future. While DDR5 memory can also be paired with the Core i5-12400F, doing so reduces the value of that CPU, rendering it a less financially sound option.

For individuals constructing a new setup or upgrading to a more contemporary platform, we recommend the Ryzen 5 7600 or its Chinese equivalent, the 7500F, available on AliExpress. If you are browsing on AliExpress, keep in mind that not only are Ryzen CPUs frequently more affordable, but the Core i5-12400F can currently be found for as low as $80.

Presently, the best value mid-range CPU is the Ryzen 7 7700 or 7700X, based on which one is cheaper in your area. They can currently be found for approximately $270. Regarding cost per frame, the Intel Core i5-14600K at $235 offers slightly improved value, and the 14600KF at $220 is an even better bargain.

Even though the Core i5 models…

are robust alternatives, we would still suggest the Ryzen 7 for multiple reasons. First and foremost, the LGA1700 platform represents a dead end, lacking any substantial upgrade possibilities for the 14600K beyond the 14900K, which does not provide a notable increase in gaming performance, is considerably pricier, and consumes more power.

Conversely, the Ryzen 7 presents a solid upgrade trajectory. We can foresee a scenario where the 9800X3D becomes widely accessible at low costs, and it is already established to offer over 30% enhanced performance. Furthermore, future Ryzen processors have the prospect of delivering even superior performance on the AM5 platform, rendering it a more attractive option.

When examining current capabilities, the gaming performance of the 14600K and Ryzen 7 7700 are quite similar. Nevertheless, the 7700 requires considerably less power, resulting in reduced heat production – an advantage that makes AMD’s choice the obvious victor in this respect.

As an aside, some may question why the Ryzen 5 7600X3D wasn’t highlighted as the top mid-range option. The explanation is straightforward: the 7600X3D is a Micro Center exclusive. Unless you can access it for purchase there, this CPU is not a viable option for the majority of consumers. That said, if you have the opportunity to buy from Micro Center, the 7600X3D merits consideration. It is currently listed at $300, which is a minor premium over the Ryzen 7 7700/7700X but delivers significantly superior gaming performance in most situations.

Finally, there are also the more recent Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X, but for gamers, both choices currently represent poor value. They are costlier than the Zen 4 counterparts while providing no significant performance advantage.

There’s no disagreement here: the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is undoubtedly the finest gaming CPU available for purchase at this moment. The only drawback with this processor is its scarcity. At $480, it’s not excessively priced considering it’s the absolute best, but the demand from gamers is exceptionally high. Consequently, weeks post-release, it remains extremely challenging to locate.

The next best option is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, though that too is largely out of stock and not worth paying a premium for. The best strategy is to remain patient and wait for the 9800X3D to become more easily accessible. This mirrors the existing situation in the PC hardware market: most products are undesirable due to their lackluster performance, and the few exceptional ones are nearly impossible to procure. Perhaps the industry should consider reducing the number of disappointing products – but surely it’s more complicated than that.

Nonetheless, the 9800X3D is incredibly sought after because it is undeniably the pinnacle of performance, and gamers are naturally compelled towards the top-tier hardware. That being said, while the 9800X3D is outstanding, it is not a necessity for everyone. For numerous gamers, the Ryzen 7 7700 will deliver comparable performance and provide significantly better value.

This is primarily because, in most instances, gaming performance is restricted by the GPU rather than the CPU. With a modern and powerful processor like the Ryzen 7 7700, your frame rates will almost always be limited by the GPU long before the CPU becomes a hindrance.

Of course, there are exceptions – competitive shooters, strategy games, city builders, and turn-based titles can occasionally be more CPU-intensive. However, for the vast majority of gamers, the GPU will remain the bottleneck. Keep this in consideration when determining whether the 9800X3D is truly essential for your configuration.

There are merely a few standout selections for premier productivity CPUs: the Ryzen 9 7950X, the Ryzen 9 9950X, and the Core Ultra 9 285K. All three excel in productivity tasks, and the optimal choice will significantly hinge on your particular workload, so it’s essential to explore how each CPU performs for your specific needs.

It’s difficult to ignore the Ryzen 9 7950X at this time, as it is readily accessible and priced at just under $500. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 9950X, which is only slightly superior in most use cases, is priced at $600 and is also available, offering you the flexibility to choose either.

On the Intel front, there’s the Core Ultra 9 285K, which technically exists but has been largely unavailable since its release. It moved only a limited number of units at its $630 MSRP. Currently, if you seek one but wish to avoid waiting for stock replenishment, you’ll need to fork over around $800, so please avoid doing that.

The 285K can outperform the Ryzen 9 9950X in specific workloads, so, as noted, it’s vital to examine benchmarks relevant to your applications. However, considering the availability challenges, the 9950X might be the more straightforward option to acquire. Do remember that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is anticipated to launch shortly as well, which might be worth the wait. Its debut could also lead to a reduction in prices for existing CPUs, making them an even more attractive option.