The Best Budget Gaming CPU – 2022 Rankings
There are several budget CPUs on the market, but the title of the best budget gaming CPU can’t be pinned to a single model. The rise of AMD in the past few years has had an incredible impact on budget and mid-range gaming when we talk about CPUs. Competition is great for everyone since it pushes both companies to produce better products at lower prices and in the end, the consumer is the one that benefits the most. This is what happened in 2017 when AMD launched their first generation of Ryzen CPUs. Not only did these CPUs increase the core count over their Intel counterparts, but they also came at cheaper prices when compared to Team Blue’s offerings at that time.
Fast forward to 2022 and that competition has blossomed even more and as a result, we have been spoiled with some amazing CPU choices from both sides. In this competition, both the companies have found their place as we now understand that Ryzen from AMD is an incredible value CPU line with big core counts and great gaming performance, while Intel has been the superior gaming CPU brand by a slight margin. This all changed with the introduction of the Ryzen 5000 series based on the Zen 3 architecture, but those CPUs are a bit out of our range as of the time of writing. AMD is yet to release the non-X variants of their Ryzen 5000 series CPUs which tend to be the better value processors among their lineup. Intel has also announced their Rocket Lake CPUs but those processors have not been released at the time of writing.
The Best Budget Gaming CPU – Our Picks
| # | Preview | Product Name | Award | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Best Value Option | 41,363 Reviews Check Price |
|
| 2 | Intel Core i5 10600K | Best Performance Option | 1,739 Reviews Check Price |
|
| 3 | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | Best Quad Core Option | 306 Reviews Check Price |
|
| 4 | Intel Core i5 10400F | Best All-Round Option | 2,236 Reviews Check Price |
|
| 5 | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | Best Last Gen Option | 23,557 Reviews Check Price |
| # | 1 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Award | Best Value Option |
| Details | 41,363 Reviews Check Price |
| # | 2 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Intel Core i5 10600K |
| Award | Best Performance Option |
| Details | 1,739 Reviews Check Price |
| # | 3 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X |
| Award | Best Quad Core Option |
| Details | 306 Reviews Check Price |
| # | 4 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Intel Core i5 10400F |
| Award | Best All-Round Option |
| Details | 2,236 Reviews Check Price |
| # | 5 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Award | Best Last Gen Option |
| Details | 23,557 Reviews Check Price |
Last Update on 2022-10-19 at 03:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The budget CPU market has been affected quite significantly due to the ongoing shortages in 2022.
Not only are these silicon shortages affecting the GPU market, but they are also putting pressure on Intel and AMD in terms of CPU silicon supply, leading to a less-than-ideal situation when it comes to CPU stock levels. Still, the best budget gaming CPU options can be found with a bit of research and flexibility. In this roundup, we will focus on the bang for buck or value gaming CPUs for mid-range PCs in 2022.
1. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Best Value Option
Pros
- Great Bang-for-the-Buck
- 6 Cores With 12 Threads
- Included Stock Cooler
- Decent Productivity Performance
- Frequent Sales
Cons
- Limited Overclocking Headroom
- Tendency For High Temperatures
41,363 Reviews
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.6GHz | Boost Clock: 4.2GHz | Overclocking: Yes | TDP: 65W | Architecture: Zen 2
Check Price
The Ryzen 5 3600 has an almost legendary reputation among PC gaming enthusiasts.
Ever since its launch in 2019, gamers have always adored the mid-range 6 Core chip from AMD, and for good reason. Not only is the Ryzen 5 3600 an incredible value for money, but it is also a decent productivity CPU that can perform moderately demanding tasks with relative ease in addition to gaming. It is also one of the best CPUs for gaming on a budget. Speaking of gaming, the gaming performance of the Ryzen 5 3600 is great as well, due to the incredible IPC leap of Zen 2 when compared to Zen+.
Under the hood, the Ryzen 5 3600 is packing 6 Cores and 12 Threads with a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.2 GHz. While these clock speed numbers might not sound that impressive, you should keep in mind that the Zen 2 architecture holds a big IPC (Instructions Per Clock) advantage over comparative Intel and older Ryzen processors. The Ryzen 5 3600 is also packing 32MB of L3 Cache which aids in single-threaded workloads such as games. You can also try your hand at CTR Overclocking for Zen 2 if you’re interested.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600
The main attraction of the Ryzen 5 3600 lies in its value proposition. In roughly $200 you are getting an incredible 6 Core chip based on the brilliant Zen 2 architecture that is not only great in gaming but also in moderate productivity tasks. Not only that but the Ryzen 5 3600 is also unlocked just like the rest of the Ryzen lineup. This means that this CPU can be overclocked to squeeze more performance out of it if the user wants it. Overclocking should be done with a good aftermarket CPU cooler though, as the included Wraith Stealth cooler might not be adequate for overclocking. You might be interested in our selection for the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 3000 series if you plan to overclock.
One of the strongest features of the Ryzen platform is its backward and forwards compatibility. If you previously own a Ryzen 5 1600 or Ryzen 5 2600 with a decent B450 or X470 motherboard, you can just drop in the Ryzen 5 3600 (or even the 5600X!) in the same motherboard for a massive upgrade without changing the motherboard.
This makes the Ryzen 5 3600 an attractive upgrade option for users of older Ryzen CPUs.
All in all, the Ryzen 5 3600 is an incredible value gaming CPU that will be right at home in a mid-range build that hopes to maximize the price-to-performance ratio. It is surely the best overall budget gaming CPU, even in 2022.
2. Intel Core i5 10600K
Best Performance Option
Pros
- Faster Than The Ryzen 5 3600 In Gaming
- Decent Overclocker
- Good for Casual Productivity
- Has a Good Upgrade Path
- Decent Future-proofing Potential
Cons
- Relatively Expensive
- No Cooler Included
1,739 Reviews
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.7GHz | Boost Clock: 4.8GHz | Overclocking: Yes | TDP: 125W | Architecture: Comet Lake
Check Price
The Core i5 10600K is Intel’s premium mid-range CPU from the Comet Lake series and it is also a pretty decent little gaming CPU.
Not only does the CPU contain 6 Cores and 12 Threads just like the Ryzen 5 3600, but it is also a little faster in gaming than the venerable Ryzen 5 due to Intel’s faster clock speeds and lower latency. The Core i5 10600K is also unlocked for CPU overclocking and it is one of the best overclocking CPUs on the market right now.
If we talk about pure gaming performance, the Core i5 10600K is quite a bit faster than the Ryzen 5 3600 or even the 3600X which is the faster-clocked variant of the Ryzen 5 3600. This is due to Intel’s blazing fast clock speeds of up to 4.8GHz on the 10600K, as well as lower latency between the cores. Intel’s 10600K is often seen on the top-end of gaming benchmark charts right alongside the i7s and i9s of the Comet Lake lineup.
Intel Core i5 10600K
But that extra performance does come at a price premium. The 10600K is usually around $50-70 more expensive than the Ryzen 5 3600 which can be a lot of money when you are shopping for a CPU on a fairly tight budget.
Moreover, the 10600K requires a more expensive Z-series motherboard in order to take advantage of the unlocked multiplier and RAM overclocking. This makes it really difficult to recommend the 10600K over the Ryzen 5 3600 even though the 10600K is technically faster in gaming. The productivity performance is decent, but it is not one of the best CPUs for productivity even at this budget.
It all comes down to the preference of the end-user. Most people will not notice the extra 4-5% FPS over the Ryzen 5 3600 but will notice the extra cost of the CPU and the motherboard when making their purchase decision. In addition to that, the 10600K does not come with a stock cooler unlike the Ryzen 5 3600 so you do have to splash more money on a decent aftermarket cooler, especially if you want to overclock. You should pair it with one of the best CPU coolers for 10th generation processors if you want the best results.
Speaking of overclocking, that is one of the strongest points of the 10600K since it can reach up to 5.
0GHz on all cores quite easily under a good cooler and when paired with a good motherboard. This puts its gaming performance right alongside the flagship Core i9 10900K. So if you are looking for the most possible FPS on a budget, the 10600K should be your CPU of choice.
3. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
Best Quad Core Option
Pros
- Great Gaming Performance
- Affordable Price
- Overclockable
- Cooler Included
Cons
- Only 4 Cores
- Availability Issues
- Unremarkable Productivity Performance
306 Reviews
Cores: 4 | Threads: 8 | Base Clock: 3.8GHz | Boost Clock: 4.3GHz | Overclocking: Yes | TDP: 65W | Architecture: Zen 2
Check Price
One of the most interesting CPU launches of the past few years is the Ryzen 3 3300X. This is AMD’s performance-focused Ryzen 3 CPU which is supposed to bring the goodness of the Zen 2 architecture to the entry-level CPU tier.
The Ryzen 3 3300X launched alongside the Ryzen 3 3100 and together these two CPUs are supposed to take on Intel’s i3 line head-to-head in the entry-level CPU market.
Related Roundup: Best APUs For Gaming
Under the hood, the Ryzen 3 3300X is packing 4 Cores and 8 Threads which is a configuration that is good enough for most games. What is interesting about the 3300X though was its unusually high gaming performance. The Ryzen 3 3300X is often seeing challenging the 6 Core 12 Thread Ryzen 5 3600 in gaming benchmarks, while flat out beating the previous generation Ryzen 5 2600. This improved gaming performance is due to the fact that the 4 Cores on the 3300X reside on a single Core Complex, which drastically reduces latency as compared to the 6 Core and the 8 Core models. This improves gaming performance significantly.
AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
The 3300X is not targeted at productivity-focused users due to its 4 Core design, rather it focuses solely on gaming performance on a tight budget.
As the 3300X can get pretty close to the Ryzen 5 3600 in terms of FPS even while lacking 2 Cores, the 3300X makes a compelling option for anyone looking to build an entry-level gaming machine in 2022. The Ryzen 3 3300X would make a decent pairing with one of our picks for the best budget AM4 motherboards under $100.
Just like the rest of AMD’s Ryzen lineup, the 3300X offers more features than just good gaming performance. It gets your foot in the door to PCIe 4.0 as the CPU is based on the Zen 2 architecture. There is a decent Wraith cooler included in the box and like all other Zen CPUs, the 3300X is also unlocked for a bit of overclocking. The 3300X can also take advantage of fairly cheap B450 boards due to the fact that it is just a 65W chip that can run easily on most budget A320 motherboards or B450 motherboards.
Although the 3300X seems like the perfect entry-level CPU for gaming, there is an issue that is quite prevalent with this processor. Soon after its release, the 3300X was out of stock everywhere and has not returned in a big quantity ever since.
So if you want to get your hands on this CPU, you better keep an eye on its stock levels. The 3300X might not be the best performance budget gaming CPU overall, but it is still an exciting option to look out for.
4. Intel Core i5 10400F
Best All-Round Option
Pros
- Great Value Option
- Good Gaming Performance
- Can be Paired with Cheaper Motherboards
- Cooler Included
Cons
- Locked Multiplier
- No Memory Overclocking
- Unremarkable Stock Heatsink
2,236 Reviews
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 2.9GHz | Boost Clock: 4.3GHz | Overclocking: No | TDP: 65W | Architecture: Comet Lake
Check Price
One of the best CPUs in Intel’s Comet Lake lineup in terms of value is the Core i5 10400f which is also a 6 Core 12 Thread midrange CPU.
The 10400F is slightly faster than the previous generation 9400F which was a very popular CPU among mid-range builders. Overall it’s also an excellent budget-friendly option that costs about the same as a Ryzen 5 3600.
Mega Roundup: The Best Motherboards For Gaming
In terms of gaming performance, the 10400F competes head-to-head with the Ryzen 5 3600 for about the same price. This is good news for people looking for good value options in the CPU market as now they have the option to select a CPU from either Intel or AMD. The 10400F does have some drawbacks though. As compared to the Ryzen 5 3600, the productivity performance of the 10400F is not as good as the Ryzen 5 3600, but that can be excused to some extent since these are value-focused options.
Intel Core i5 10400F
The 10400F is a locked CPU which means that there is no overclocking option with this chip, which is kind of a bummer if we look at the Ryzen lineup in which every CPU is unlocked. You do get a cooler in the box though, which is a nice touch.
The 10400F also has no integrated graphics (hence the “F” in the name) which is one of the cost-cutting measures applied here. All the “F” chips in Intel’s lineup have their integrated graphics fused off, which is a good cost-saving measure as most people want to pair a dedicated GPU with these CPUs anyway. The 10400F is also limited to 2666MHz in terms of RAM speed which is a limitation of this CPU and Intel’s cheaper B and H series chipsets.
Although it does come with a stock cooler, you can consider an affordable upgrade by taking a look at our list of the best budget CPU coolers. With that said, the 10400F is another option in the market that makes sense if the Ryzen 5 3600 is out of stock or really overpriced. It may not provide the highest FPS number out there, but it maximizes the value of your money when buying a CPU at this price point.
5. AMD Ryzen 5 2600
Best Last Gen Option
Pros
- Very Affordable
- Overclockable
- Decent Productivity Performance
Cons
- Older Zen+ Architecture
- Slightly Slower in Gaming
- Selective Memory Compatibility
- Slightly Lower Bang-For-The-Buck
23,557 Reviews
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.
4GHz | Boost Clock: 3.9GHz | Overclocking: Yes | TDP: 65W | Architecture: Zen+
Check Price
Another great value option from AMD’s now-legendary Ryzen lineup is the venerable Ryzen 5 2600. This CPU was also a really popular CPU a couple of years ago and it is still a viable option for a budget-oriented gaming machine. The Ryzen 5 2600 is based on the older Zen+ architecture which has slightly slower cores than any of the CPUs listed here, but it is still a good performer in most games that are out there today.
Related Roundup: Best Motherboards For Ryzen 5000 Series
The R5 2600 is also a 6 Core 12 Thread processor with a base clock of 3.4GHz and a boost clock of 3.9GHz. What is great about the R5 2600 is that it can handle most productivity tasks really well thanks to its 6 Cores and 12 Threads. Its gaming performance is a bit behind the Ryzen 5 3600 and even the 3300X, but in comparison, the R5 2600 can be found quite a bit cheaper.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600
You do get a decent Wraith stock cooler in the box which is a nice touch at this price point. Furthermore, the Ryzen 5 2600 is also unlocked which means that you can take advantage of its unlocked multiplier to squeeze some more performance out of it, provided that you have got the cooling for it. You will also need to pair it with a B450 or X470 motherboard to take advantage of the overclocking capabilities of the R5 2600. The Ryzen 5 2600 does not, however, support the B550 motherboards that have released later on.
The Ryzen 5 2600 makes a lot of sense for entry-level builds looking to take advantage of its cheaper price as the processor still holds up in modern gaming pretty well. Sure, we wouldn’t recommend it if you are looking for the highest framerate possible in your favorite eSports title, but for casual gaming with a mid-range graphics card, the Ryzen 5 2600 is more than enough. It also gets your foot in the door to AMD’s amazing AM4 platform which offers direct upgradability even to CPUs like the new Ryzen 5000 series.
All in all, the Ryzen 5 2600 is still a solid option for a budget gaming machine since it offers great value for the money even three years after its release. It may not be the best budget gaming CPU in 2022, but it is a versatile and robust CPU that maximizes your bang-for-the-buck.
How To Choose A Budget Gaming CPU
When buying a CPU, there are several factors that one should consider, especially in 2022. Intel and AMD have been the undisputed competitors in the CPU space for the last few years, particularly after the advent of AMD’s Ryzen lineup. For budget-oriented consumers and gamers, there are a host of options on the market that make a lot of sense, but you must be cautious about the following factors before making your final purchase decision.
Platform
The first factor is pretty obvious but still, it has a major impact on your CPU choice. The platform that you choose will basically dictate what CPUs you can and cannot pair with your motherboard.
For Intel, the latest motherboard chipsets include the Z590 motherboards, the B560 motherboards, and so on. For AMD, the latest chipset is still the X570 chipset, followed by the B550 motherboards and the B450 motherboards. Be sure to check the compatibility of your targeted CPU beforehand so you don’t run into any problems down the line.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is also a pretty significant factor in the purchasing decision for a CPU. Assuming you already have a graphics card or have decided on a particular model, the CPU that you get should be fast enough to handle the full potential of the graphics card without significant bottlenecks. While bottlenecking is less and less common with modern hardware due to the speed of modern processors, but it still exists.
Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule of bottlenecking, therefore you must judge the relative performance of your graphics card and CPU combo yourself. Common sense dictates that you shouldn’t pair a premium graphics card such as the RTX 3090 with a budget Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 3 CPU.
Regardless, considering this factor is extremely important if you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on a graphics card that you can’t take full advantage of.
While these are some of the more common factors that you should consider while purchasing a CPU, the list certainly does not end there. In order to get a more detailed idea of all the different angles and points that should be on your list, check out our comprehensive CPU buying guide that will help you make the perfect CPU purchase for your build.
FAQs
How many cores do I need for gaming?
Modern games are beginning to scale across multiple cores very well, and with the rise of the PS5 and Xbox Series X (both of which have 8-core CPUs), we can only expect this trend to become mainstream in the PC gaming scene as well. As of the time of writing, 6-core CPUs such as the Core i5 and Ryzen 5 parts are still more than enough for any modern game, while 8-core CPUs are considered ideal. Quad-Core CPUs are beginning to show signs of struggle, particularly in titles with huge open worlds and complex physics elements.
Is AMD better than Intel?
Declaring AMD as an outright better option than Intel is not a fair judgment. Although AMD still has the fastest desktop processors in the form of the Ryzen 5000 series, that is not the only factor when it comes to one company being better than the other. It is safe to say that both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, and you should always judge a particular product by itself, rather than the brand name.
How do I choose a processor?
Choosing a processor is fairly straightforward when it comes to gaming PCs, but it can seem complicated if you are a novice builder. The first step would be to decide which platform you want for your build. The motherboard is what decides the platform for PCs and what CPUs you can put into it. Selecting a CPU while considering your graphics card is also a good idea since that would save you from potential bottlenecking issues down the line.
How much RAM do I need for gaming?
Gaming is becoming more and more RAM-intensive over the past few years, but it is not quite as crucial yet.
16GB of RAM is still considered ideal for gaming and would remain comfortable for quite a few years to come yet. You can get away with 8GB as well if you only plan to play games on your PC, and don’t want to perform any multitasking whatsoever. 32GB of RAM is considered overkill, and rightly so.
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How To Shop For The Right Budget CPU
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Everett Zarnick
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Shopping for a budget CPU can be an overwhelming task for a PC builder. Luckily, narrowing down the options is easy, if one knows what to look for.
CPUs are arguably the most important component of a PC, but how do users know which one to pick if they’re on a budget? The central processing unit or the CPU is the brain of the PC and handles all of the data from programs, games, and servers, with a little help from various other components.
Most CPUs are produced by Intel or AMD. While graphics cards tend to get all the glory from the gaming community thanks to their noticeably large effect on FPS, the sometimes overlooked CPU still has a huge role to play in creating a consistent experience for gamers, streamers, and professionals alike.
This is doubly true in the current market climate when graphics cards are only just recovering from horrific price hikes due to shortages and high demand. The CPU, while in higher demand than it was a decade ago, has been largely untouched by the market shifts and remains the cheapest way to upgrade a PC for performance gains. For budget-conscious gamers, CPUs can come at a minimal cost, while giving users access to higher FPS, quicker loading times, and greater quality streaming setups.
Related: Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs Might Require You To Buy A New Motherboard
The only trouble, then, is figuring out how to shop for this component on a budget. As it happens, the budget CPU buying process can be mastered by answering the three big questions – price, purpose, and pairing.
If a PC builder knows the answers to these three questions for their CPU, they can easily narrow down the options and get a cost-effective solution that fits the bill in all categories, tailored to their specific needs. The main choice after that comes down to whether a user wants to buy an Intel or AMD CPU.
When it comes to pricing, understanding one’s limits will help narrow down the selection of CPUs right off the bat. Someone willing to drop $300 on a CPU should expect to get a mid-range product that can handle all common activities to a reasonable degree, barring anything related to 4K gaming (or greater). Since this is a budget-friendly guide, the assumption will be that anything above $200 is a no-go. For the purposes of gaming and streaming, this is a perfectly acceptable price point for any CPU that can pull its weight, such as the Ryzen 5 5600x. Although, this will bar builders from making use of the popular Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 lineups.
To help further narrow the options, it’s important to understand the purpose of the CPU for one’s requirements.
If streaming is a must, opting for a six-core CPU such as the aforementioned Ryzen 5 5600 is a wise choice. Alternatively, one could go for Intel’s i5-10600K, which sports a similar performance for those who prefer Intel over AMD. Remember, the brand of CPU will dictate the kind of motherboard required.
Lastly, and most difficult for the average user, is understanding the graphics card that will be paired with the CPU. Since graphics cards and CPUs are both essential for getting good PC performance, it only makes sense to pair one with another of similar quality. If the PC in mind is going to sport an RTX 30 series card, for example, a user should absolutely go for a contemporary six-core CPU. If, instead, a PC will sport a budget graphics card, such as the 1660 Super, going for full value with a CPU such as the Ryzen 3 3100 is by no means a poor choice to save money, and will still allow for quality 1080p gaming experiences. It’s worth mentioning that the best budget-friendly CPUs or «APUs», don’t require a graphics card at all.
So if a builder opts for an APU such as the Ryzen 5 5600G, the third question can be skipped altogether.
These days, budget CPUs are as numerous as they are cost-effective. With so many options on the table, it’s important to understand their price-to-performance ratio in relationship to a builder’s budget and associated graphics card. Luckily following the path of the big three questions before a CPU purchase makes this task far easier.
Next: Here’s What We Know About The First 16-Core Laptop CPUs From Intel
Source: Intel, AMD, Userbenchmark.com
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About The Author
Everett Zarnick
(18 Articles Published)
Everett Zarnick is a writer that specializes in PC hardware and gaming niches.
Most of his Screen Rant work revolves around news and guides related to processors and graphic cards as they pertain to the average consumer.
More From Everett Zarnick
Best CPUs right now: gaming, mid-range and budget options from Intel and AMD
Club386 only endorses products we've personally used or tested. If you purchase anything we mention using our referral links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2022 and has been updated to include current CPU releases.
No component elicits as much thought, bias and fervour as the humble desktop CPU. There’s good reason for this, too, as choice of processor further predicates motherboard and, potentially, memory. Once you place firm allegiance to AMD or Intel, the path to the other side may be closed for years to come.
Good news is both chip giants produce excellent processors across the financial stack. Without further ado, let’s get right into it and explain why we believe the following five processors deserve serious attention as the thundering heartbeat of your next PC build.
Best all-round CPU:
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Vital Specs – Cores/threads: 16/32 | Maximum power: 105W | Segment: Enthusiast/content creator | Street price: £530
Choosing the best all-rounder is a challenging task. Intel provides fierce competition with the latest Alder Lake-based Core i9 chips, and they could easily be substituted here, but we feel AMD Ryzen 9 5950X deserves this accolade a fraction more.
Performance is wonderfully consistent through 16 Zen 3 cores, actual power is approximately 100W less than premier Core i9s running at full maximum turbo mode, and the supporting X570 platform is mature and rich in features.
We don’t view a lack of integrated graphics as a non-starter at the premium end of the market.
Capable in equal measure for creators, gamers and everyday users, pricing is now attractive enough for Ryzen 9 5950X to be an excellent buy.
Available for a nudge over £500, do still factor in a decent cooler for that no-compromise build.
Pros
Brilliant performance
Restrained power
Great for gaming
Good value
Cons
No upgrade path
Buy
View At Amazon
Best gaming CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Vital Specs – Cores/threads: 8/16 | Maximum power: 105W | Segment: Gamer | Street price: £410
Usurping Core i9-12900K as our gaming chip of choice, AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D takes a forward-looking approach in the form of 3D V-Cache technology. Literally stacked with 96MB of L3 Cache, the eight-core, 16-thread chip is a specialised part purpose-built for gaming enthusiasts and a sign of what’s to come.
Club386 benchmarks reveal in-game performance uplifts of up to 18 per cent over regular Ryzen 7 5800X, and if gaming is your PC’s primary purpose, there’s no better CPU available today.
There is a caveat in that stock is hard to come by for this highly sought after chip, but if you can find one you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Better yet, Ryzen 7 5800X3D continues to reside on the long-standing AM4 platform, making it a drop-in upgrade for most.
Pros
Excellent gaming performance
Innovative L3 cache
Simple AM4 upgrade
Cons
No overclocking
Buy
View At Amazon
Best mid-range CPU:
Intel Core i5-12400
Vital Specs – Cores/threads: 6/12 | Maximum power: 117W | Segment: Mainstream | Street price: £175
Impressive and lustworthy as the very best CPUs are, not everyone has the means or inclination to spend oodles on chasing the last bit of performance.
Tremendous value is available further down the stack from both AMD and Intel, and any bad processors are firmly in the past, relegated to the dustbin of history.
Sparkling brightest is Intel Core i5-12400, winner of the Club386 Editor’s Choice award. Available for £175 and offering six cores and 12 threads of the very latest Alder Lake architecture, it puts up a solid showing everywhere. Good for gaming, good for productivity, good for efficiency, good for value, and sporting reasonable integrated graphics to boot, what more could you want?
Ideally paired with a B660 motherboard and ubiquitous DDR4 RAM, Intel nails it with Core i5-12400. A standout choice in a segment littered with impressive processors.
Pros
Decent performance
Top-notch value
Superb efficiency
Cooler in box
Integrated graphics
Cons
No overclocking
Buy
View At Amazon
Best efficient CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Vital Specs – Cores/threads: 8/16 | Maximum power: 65W | Segment: Mainstream/energy efficient | Street price: £270
With great power comes… higher electricity bills.
Rootin’ tootin’ Core i9s are fast and rather thirsty; AMD’s top-bin CPUs turn up the wick through necessity. What many want is a CPU which provides everyday excellence whilst sipping on power the same way one imbibes expensive whiskey.
AMD has tended to appreciate hard power limits more than Intel. Creating an ideal balance of power, price and performance – the alliterative holy trinity of computing – Ryzen 7 5700X, available starting April 20, is a prime choice.
Eight Zen 3 cores humming along north of 4GHz has performance covered, a 65W limit ensures power is tamed, and the £270 street fee is reasonable, all things considered.
Perfect for smaller systems where power budgets and thermals are more of a concern, Ryzen 7 5700X flies under the radar. Small-form-factor aficionados, ignore it at your peril.
Pros
Superbly efficient
Great performance
Free to overclock
Cooler in box
Attractive pricing
Cons
Ryzen 7000 looms
Buy
View At Amazon
Best budget CPU:
Intel Core i3-12100F
Vital Specs – Cores/threads: 4/8 | Maximum power: 89W | Segment: Entry level | Street price: £95
No other CPU offers quite the bang for buck as Intel Core i3-12100F.
Ably harnessing all the Alder Lake smarts baked into 12th Gen chips, this four-core, eight-thread rocket packs in a performance wallop for under £100.
Giving powerful CPUs like Core i9-10900K a good run for their money in applications used by millions every day, we’re clutching at straws for things we don’t like. Wouldn’t it be great if Intel, like AMD, opened up the entire Core gamut to unadulterated overclocking?
Paired with a low-cost B660 board and DDR4, you can build a capable system for less than the cost of Core i9-12900KS. Impressive, no matter how you look at it.
Core i3 really comes of age with Alder Lake. Want a cutting-edge PC on a shoestring budget? Look no further than Intel Core i3-12100F.
Pros
Astounding value
Great budget gaming
Capable everyday perf
Restrained on power
Cons
No IGP
Buy
View At Amazon
Best Budget CPUs for Gaming
If you’re building a gaming PC and on a tight budget, you might want to take a look at our selection of budget processors.
Read, compare, choose.
The choice of PC components is always a compromise. If you don’t have an infinite budget, you have to decide where to save.
And if in the case of a video card it is recommended to take the most powerful option «for all the money», then there are no such serious requirements for other components. Including processors: of course, the more powerful the CPU, the better, but in this category, using a cheaper model will not lead to a significant drop in frame rates.
In this article, we will tell you which budget processors you should buy in order to get the best value for money.
INTEL CORE I3-12100
- Architecture: Alder Lake | Socket: LGA1700 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.3 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3GHz | TDP: 60W
The Intel Core i3-12100 is one of the best value processors on the market, and it has virtually no competition from AMD in its price range. Especially if we talk about single-threaded performance, in which he confidently outperforms his opponents.
This processor operates at a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.3 GHz. The possibility of overclocking the CPU is blocked, but with this model you can count on efficient overclocking of the RAM.
When it comes to video games, here’s an example: at 1080p, the Intel Core i3-12100 provides 88% of the performance of almost twice the price of the Intel Core i3-12400! Thus, without overpaying, you will get an excellent processor for a budget gaming build.
INTEL CORE I3-12100F
- Architecture: Alder Lake | Socket: LGA1700 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.3 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3GHz | TDP: 60W
If you don’t need the integrated graphics core, then the Intel Core i3-12100F is the best choice among Intel CPUs.
The manufacturer disabled the integrated graphics processor in this model, which reduced the price of the processor by $25, while maintaining the same single and multi-threaded performance as in the version without the “F” prefix.
Considering that the graphics cores in Intel APUs usually don’t offer enough power to run modern games, we won’t consider this a significant loss.
You will find a cooler with the processor, which will allow you to save some more money. Although, you may still want to get a third-party cooling system to reduce noise levels.
INTEL CORE I5-10400F
- Architecture: Comet Lake | Socket: LGA1200 | Cores/threads: 6/12 | Base frequency: 2.9 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3GHz | TDP: 65W
The Intel Core i5-10400F offers enough performance to build not only a budget but also a mid-range PC. At the same time, the processor is very economical: TDP does not exceed 65 W, and the bundled cooler will successfully cope with heat dissipation, although we would recommend finding an alternative, less noisy cooling system.
Considering auto overclocking to 4.3 GHz, you can count on high fps even in CPU-intensive games. The disadvantages of this model include the lack of a built-in video core, but this is also its advantage, which made it possible to reduce the price of the processor.
INTEL CORE I3-10100F
- Architecture: Comet Lake | Socket: LGA1200 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.3GHz | TDP: 65W
Like other «F» processors, the Intel Core i3-10100F is suitable for users who have a discrete graphics card as this model does not have an integrated graphics core. You’re not missing much as the Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU used in the Intel Core i3-10100 is not designed for gaming.
The device combines four cores and eight threads, can overclock to 4.3 GHz, has 6 MB of L3 cache and supports DDR4 memory. You can even pair this processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 and it will show very decent results. And the remaining doubts will disappear when you look at the price tag of this processor: it is really very cheap.
INTEL CORE I3-9100
- Architecture: Coffee Lake | Socket: LGA1151 v2 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.2GHz | TDP: 65W
Although the Intel Core i3-9100 is already quite old, it is still a good processor for games.
Since the CPU, in principle, is less than all other components at risk of failure due to wear and tear (in other words, if you bought a non-defective processor, then with proper operation it can serve you for decades), you can pay attention to used options and save some more money.
The processor boasts good single- and multi-core performance with modest power consumption, as well as support for dual-channel memory up to 64 GB, which will make it the basis for a budget gaming PC. There is also an integrated video core, although its power is not as good as that of competitors from AMD.
INTEL CORE I3-8100
- Architecture: Coffee Lake | Socket: LGA 1151 v2 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.6GHz | TDP: 65W
The Intel Core i3-8100 is often pitted against the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X as its closest competitor, and it outperforms opponents in every way, even though both chips received the same number of cores/threads.
You can use this processor with entry-level and mid-range graphics cards to unlock their full potential.
If we talk about top-end graphics adapters, then it is better to consider more powerful CPUs, although the i3-8100 will show itself worthy, albeit with a greater load compared to expensive processors.
INTEL PENTIUM GOLD G7400
- Architecture: Alder Lake | Socket: LGA1700 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3.7 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7GHz | TDP: 46 W
One of the cheapest current processors, a good choice for an office PC or entry-level gaming PC. Yes, two cores and four threads is not what is suitable for modern AAA games, but the performance of the model is enough to comfortably play new and popular network titles.
At the same time, the Intel Pentium Gold G7400 supports DDR4-3200 memory and even DDR5 memory, also supports PCIe Gen 5, making it a promising option for the latest hardware. If you haven’t saved up enough money to buy a discrete graphics card yet, the built-in Intel UHD Graphics 710 will help you liven up the wait.
In terms of competition, this dual-core processor is breathing down the back of the quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 3200G, and it’s really surprising given half the price.
INTEL PENTIUM GOLD G5400
- Architecture: Coffee Lake | Socket: LGA1151 v2 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3.7 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7GHz | TDP: 58 W
Intel Pentium Gold G5400 can also be the basis for a budget gaming build. Its performance approaches Intel Core i3 processors, and support for Hyper-Threading technology will compensate for the presence of only two cores.
The processor’s integrated graphics can handle 4K video, but don’t expect great performance in games.
BEST PROCESSORS AMD
AMD ATHLON 200GE
- Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3.2 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.2GHz | TDP: 35W
The AMD Athlon 200GE is a budget processor that can be a great choice thanks to four processing threads and integrated Vega 3 graphics capable of playing light games at an acceptable frame rate.
Although this CPU loses to Intel’s competitors in multi-threaded performance, you can count on moderate overclocking, even if this feature is not officially declared by AMD.
AMD ATHLON 3000G
- Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 2/4 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.5GHz | TDP: 35W
The AMD Athlon 3000G is the first AMD Athlon processor based on the Zen architecture to be unlocked, which means you can overclock the processor by squeezing a little more performance out of it than it’s listed.
In addition to good overclocking potential, you’ll also get an integrated Vega 3 GPU, which will provide comfortable fps in less demanding games. This processor is faster than the competition from Intel in the budget segment, and its graphics card is more powerful than integrated Intel UHD solutions.
AMD RYZEN 5 3600
- Architecture: Zen 2 | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 6/12 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.2GHz | TDP: 65W
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is the «people’s» Zen 2 generation processor: it offers good value for money, with enough performance to handle any challenge, including AAA games and resource-demanding work applications.
It supports dual channel DDR4-3200 memory and you can get good overclocking results. There is also a modification of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, with higher frequencies and a more efficient bundled cooler; if you are willing to pay extra for these options, opt for the older version.
AMD RYZEN 5 2600
- Architecture: Zen+ | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 6/12 | Base frequency: 3.4 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.9GHz | TDP: 65 W
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is a rather outdated model, but due to its affordable price, you can pay attention to it now, especially given the large number of offers on the secondary market.
Six cores and twelve threads are enough for actual tasks, including games, but this processor loses to competitors in single-threaded performance. Questions also arise about the efficiency of the stock cooler, so we recommend taking the OEM version and purchasing a third-party cooling system.
AMD RYZEN 3 3200G
- Architecture: Zen 2 | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.
6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 4.0 GHz | TDP: 65W
The quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is an alternative to the more powerful but more expensive AMD Ryzen 3 3400G. This processor does not have Hyper-Threading support, and the integrated video core is not as powerful as in the older model, but it is still a pretty good chip.
The
CPU comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which is quiet and efficient enough to handle heat dissipation, but if you plan to use the processor for serious tasks, you should choose a different cooling system.
AMD RYZEN 3 3100
- Architecture: Zen 2 | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/8 | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.9GHz | TDP: 65W
The affordable AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor uses four cores and eight threads for excellent performance. It is unlocked for overclocking, automatically reaches 3.9 GHz in turbo boost, and also supports PCIe 4.0 to work with ultra-fast SSDs.
This model is great for a low cost build, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have an integrated GPU, so you’ll need to get a discrete graphics card.
AMD RYZEN 3 2200G
- Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7GHz | TDP: 65W
The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is the perfect choice if you need an APU, a processor with an integrated graphics card. Its Vega 8 graphics chip is twice as powerful as the Vega 3 integrated video adapter used in Athlon processors, and you can play AAA games at 1080p with minimum settings, as well as count on medium and high graphics settings in games of yesteryear.
The processor comes with a bundled cooler that will provide adequate cooling when running at stock frequencies, but if you plan on overclocking, it’s better to look for an additional cooler.
AMD RYZEN 3 1300X
- Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.5 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.7GHz | TDP: 65 W
Like its closest competitor, Intel Core i3-8100, AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has four cores and four threads, but this processor is slightly faster in auto overclocking, includes a stock cooler in the kit and is cheaper.
However, the 1300X does not have an integrated video core, while the i3-8100 does. However, if we talk about assembling a gaming PC, even a budget one, the presence of a discrete graphics card is assumed by default.
AMD RYZEN 3 1200
- Architecture: Zen | Socket: AM4 | Cores/threads: 4/4 | Base frequency: 3.1 GHz | Maximum frequency: 3.4GHz | TDP: 65 W
With proper overclocking, the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 comes close to the Ryzen 3 1300X, and this processor is much cheaper than its “big brother”.
It’s powerful and reliable, but the stock cooler can’t handle the power boost from overclocking. And there is also no integrated graphics, although for a gaming build this can be a weighty argument.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BUDGET PROCESSOR
A few quick tips to help you make the right decision.
- Intel or AMD — no difference. Both companies offer good budget solutions, and neither of them has an uncompromising option: for every decent processor there is an alternative from the opposite camp.
Intel chips usually have slightly better performance, while AMD offers efficient APUs. - Clock speed is more important than the number of cores, as it provides better performance in simple tasks like games.
- CPU overclocking still matters, especially when it comes to low cost options. With overclocking, you can squeeze a little more power out of your CPU. In this field, AMD chips have the upper hand, since the manufacturer usually does not block overclocking options in budget models.
rating of 2022 and which one to choose powerful for games
A socket is a processor socket that connects the crystal to a computer or any other device.
When choosing a processor, first of all, it is taken into account, and only then — all other characteristics.
What kind of processor parameters should be taken into account in 2022 and which crystals are best suited for socket 1151, we will describe further.
Top 15 best processors for socket 1151 for 2022
The rating includes the best processors for socket 1151 v1 for 2022. Here you can find both expensive and budget models.
| Seat | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TOP-5 best processors for socket 1151 by price/quality for 2022 |
||
| 1 | Intel Core i3-7100 | Ask for price |
| 2 | Intel Celeron G3930 | Ask for price |
| 3 | Intel Celeron G3900 | Ask for price |
| 4 | Intel Core i5-7500 | Ask for price |
| 5 | Intel Core i3-6100 | Ask for price |
| TOP 5 best gaming processors for socket 1151 | ||
| 1 | Intel Core i7-7700K | Ask for price |
| 2 | Intel Core i7-7700 | Ask for price |
| 3 | Intel Core i5-7400 | Ask for price |
| 4 | Intel Core i5-6400 | Ask for price |
| 5 | Intel Core i3-7320 | Ask for price |
| TOP-5 best budget processors for socket 1151 | ||
| 1 | Intel Pentium G4560 | Ask for price |
| 2 | Intel Pentium G4400 | Ask for price |
| 3 | Intel Core i3-7350K | Ask for price |
| 4 | Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 | Ask for price |
| 5 | Intel Core i5-7600K | Ask for price |
Contents
- TOP 15 best processors for socket 1151 for 2022
- How to choose a processor for socket 1151?
- TOP-5 best processors for socket 1151 by price/quality for 2022
- Intel Core i3-7100
- Intel Core i3-7350K
- Intel Xeon E3-1220 V6
- Intel Core i5-7600k
- Conclusion
- Consums of Buyers
- Useful video
How to choose a processor for the co-coat?
If the processor has a suitable socket, you should pay attention to its other characteristics so that it is completely satisfied in operation.
In 2022, there are at least 5 such characteristics, and here is a list of them:
- Nuclear indicators . The more cores and threads, the better.
- Process . The principle of inverse proportionality applies here: the smaller the technical process, the better.
- Clock frequency . This is the frequency of the processor in normal load mode. The higher the number, the better.
- The frequency in Turbo Boost is the maximum frequency of the processor during overclocking. The higher the indicator, the better the crystal performs in multitasking mode or at maximum load (for example, when running heavy games).
- Heat dissipation . The «golden mean» is considered to be TDP 65 watts.
You should also take into account compatibility with motherboards, cache size, bit depth and the presence of an integrated graphics core.
TOP 5 best processors for socket 1151 in price / quality for 2022
Crystals from this selection are suitable for universal computer systems for home or office, as well as for devices that will be used by different people for different tasks.
Intel Core i3-7100
Dual-core die with Hyper-Threading technology capable of processing up to 4 processing threads and
has a high clock speed. However, for the ability to maintain a frequency of 3900 MHz in normal mode, the manufacturer deprived the chip of a turbo boost.
But user reviews say that in combination with a powerful video card, this chip makes an excellent gaming system.
The crystal is designed according to the 14 nm process technology — reliable, fast, but losing ground in 2022. The core has a Kaby Lake microarchitecture. The cache volume of the third level is 3 MB.
In general, the processor is notable for its performance, good operating frequency and energy efficiency — even under heavy load it does not heat up and does not make noise, and in peak activity TDP does not exceed 51 watts.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3900 MHz;
- TDP: 51W.
Pros
- smart;
- inexpensive;
- integrated graphics;
- does not heat up and does not make noise;
- supports DDR4 memory.
Cons
- hard to find a driver;
- 2 cores.
Intel Celeron G3930
Budget processor with two cores and two processing threads for the LGA 1151 is well suited for a home computer system
not intended for gaming, complex computing tasks and professional multimedia work. It can be considered for office, light administrative tasks and mining.
The crystal has good performance at minimum load, a fixed clock speed of 2900 MHz, no turbo mode and a locked multiplier.
The model does not heat up, consumes a negligible amount of electricity, does not make noise, has a small amount of L3 (2 MB) and supports DDR4-2133 memory.
This processor is not compatible with Intel Optane Memory Technology and Intel vPro.
Specifications:
- nuclear indicators: 2/2;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 2900 MHz;
- TDP: 51W.
Pros
- productive;
- budget;
- integrated video core;
- memory controller.
Cons
- no cooler included;
- 2 cores.
Intel Celeron G3900
Budget entry-level platform good for tablets and home computers that don’t need a big
performance and even more so — multitasking.
The processor has 2 cores and 2 threads, 14 nm process technology and a clock frequency of 2800 MHz and is rightfully considered one of the most economical Intel chips.
Its strength is a good integrated video core that can replace a discrete graphics card.
In operation, the processor maintains a clock frequency of 2800 MHz, does not heat up, does not make noise and does not require powerful cooling. The desktop crystal has 2 MB of built-in L3 cache, supports DDR4 memory, and due to the improved video core, it is able to support 4K monitors with a frequency of 60 Hz.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/2;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 2800 MHz;
- TDP: 51W.
Pros
- speed;
- price;
- integrated graphics quality;
- does not heat up;
- energy efficiency.
Cons
- not found.
Intel Core i5-7500
An excellent all-round desktop CPU with four cores and the same number of processing threads, the
is considered one of the best gaming processors in terms of price and quality.
It does not support simultaneous multi-threading technology (hyper-threading), but it is quite good in speed with high energy efficiency, minimal heat and noiselessness.
The operating frequency of the cores on the Kaby Lake microarchitecture is 3400 MHz. In boost, the frequency rises to 3800 MHz. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 is very good: it is suitable for multimedia and gaming due to the frequency of 1.1 GHz and the maximum memory size of 64 GB.
The processor supports 64 bits.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3400 MHz;
- TDP: 65W.
Pros
- Intel vPro support;
- overclocking potential;
- clock frequency;
- cold;
- dual channel memory.
Cons
- thermal paste under the cover.
Intel Core i3-6100
Dual-core, 4-thread processor with Hyper-Threading Technology is a great alternative to
quad-core Intel Core i5 and i7 families at a lower price. The role of 4 cores is partially taken over by threads, so the CPU behaves in many ways no worse than its older counterparts.
The cores are based on the Skylake microarchitecture. The maximum heat dissipation is 51 TDP, so a simple cooler is presented as a cooling system in the BOX package.
L3 cache is 3MB for all cores. DDR4 and DDR3L are declared as supported memory. Both controllers operate in dual-channel mode, and the declared amount of memory is 64 GB.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3700 MHz;
- TDP: 51W.
Pros
- L3 cache size;
- quiet;
- cold;
- has its own graphics.
Cons
- not found.
TOP 5 best gaming processors for socket 1151
Gaming processors are valued primarily for their operating frequency and overclocking potential.
Intel Core i7-7700K
Quad-core CPU with 8 threads performs and runs as fast as six-core chips of the
Intel Core i7 family. The Intel Core i7-7700K is a great gaming hardware with an unlocked multiplier and for that reason good overclocking potential.
During active work in normal mode, the temperature does not rise above 41 degrees, and even when overclocked to the maximum 5 GHz, the processor does not heat up, does not make noise and does not require a more powerful cooling system than standard Intel coolers.
The crystal excels in gaming and video viewing, both in Full HD resolution and at 1440p.
It adapts well to top-end video cards and manifests itself in high load mode, however, for those who do not need modern games and maximum computer power, this processor will be useless: the potential of the crystal will simply not be used.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/8;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 4200 MHz;
- TDP: 91W.
Pros
- speed;
- overclocking potential;
- L3 cache size 8 MB;
- integrated graphics core.
Cons
- no cooler included;
- heat dissipation.
Intel Core i7-7700
CPU with four cores based on the Kaby Lake microarchitecture, which is not far removed from the usual Skylake cores. Compared
with its predecessors, this processor has a slightly higher clock speed (3600 versus 3400 MHz for the Core i7-6700).
When operating in auto boost mode, the frequency increases to a maximum of 4200 MHz. This chip’s multiplier is locked.
Despite the increased frequency, heat dissipation remains at a low level — this is the main advantage of the crystal. For cooling, a cooler with one fan with a diameter of 90 or 120 mm is enough. Tests have shown that even in stress mode, the temperature does not rise above 50 degrees.
Integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 630 can be a full replacement for a discrete graphics card. With integrated video cards, the processor combines very well, pulling resource-intensive games, heavy applications and high-quality video files.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/8;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3600 MHz;
- TDP: 65W.
Pros
- operating speed;
- overclocking potential;
- L3 cache size 8 MB;
- integrated graphics core;
- dual channel memory.
Cons
- is not compatible with 3xx series chipsets.
Intel Core i5-7400
One of the most affordable gaming processors in the Core i5 line with four kaby lake cores and 8 computational threads
comes both in the minimum configuration and in a box with a standard cooling system.
At maximum load, the clock frequency slightly falls short of the maximum and stays at about 3.3 GHz, but when the load decreases, the declared 3.6 GHz is achieved without any problems. At the same time, with increasing speeds, the operating voltage decreases, if we compare the chip with competitors.
L3 cache is 6 MB. The built-in memory controller works in dual-channel mode with DDR4-2400 MHz and DDR3L-1600 MHz modules with a maximum RAM of 64 GB.
The Intel HD Graphics 630 graphics core performs well and can work even when three monitors are connected, while using all the allowed amount of RAM.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/8;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3600 MHz;
- TDP: 65W.
Pros
- speed;
- overclocking potential;
- L3 cache size 8 MB;
- integrated graphics core;
- dual channel memory.
Cons
- is not compatible with 3xx series chipsets.
Intel Core i5-6400
Excellent value for money processor for gamers and professional multimedia players
. It is also suitable for powerful home systems, rendering, modeling, without requiring a first-class cooling system.
The CPU has 4 cores and the same number of allocation threads. This is a budget solution based on the SkyLake microarchitecture with integrated graphics that can replace a discrete graphics card. The model is compatible with dual-channel DDR4/DDR3L RAM.
To solve everyday user tasks, this crystal is enough even without Hyper-Threading technology, which is not in the chip. It has a large 6 MB cache, is very energy efficient and is equipped with an Intel HD Graphics 530 with a full driver.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 2700 MHz;
- TDP: 65W.
Pros
- performance;
- DDR4 memory support;
- integrated graphics;
- does not heat up;
- durable.
Cons
- poor overclocking potential.
Intel Core i3-7320
Inexpensive CPU capable of replacing more expensive chips of the
Core i5 family in terms of power and performance, especially in multimedia systems.
Despite having only two cores on the Kaby Lake microarchitecture, this processor is famous for its high clock speed of 4100 MHz and 4 MB cache, due to which it is considered the most powerful in the Core i3 family among locked multiplier crystals.
The processor is well suited for universal home computers, gaming systems with top motherboards and multimedia devices. The model has 4 computing threads and Hyper-Threading system.
There is no turbo boost mode, but at this clock speed it is not really needed, given that it has only 2 cores. The manufacturer suggests choosing DDR4-2133/2400 or DDR3L-1333/1600 as RAM.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 4100 MHz;
- TDP: 51W.
Pros
- does not heat up;
- silent;
- productive;
- integrated graphics core.
Cons
- poor overclocking potential.
TOP 5 best budget processors for socket 1151
Budget processors are distinguished by reliability, good performance and low TDP.
Intel Pentium G4560
Versatile, relatively low-cost Kaby Lake dual-core CPU with Hyper-Threading technology can
is considered as hardware for home, office, gaming and multimedia systems.
It can process 4 computational threads at the same time, practically does not heat up even under stress and works silently.
Chip specifications improved by 14 nm process technology, 3 MB L3 cache and 3500 MHz clock speed.
The chip is compatible with DDR4-2133/2400 and DDR3L-1333/1600 memory and has an integrated graphics core capable of playing high-resolution video, displaying an image on a screen or on multiple monitors. More difficult tasks are beyond the power of the video core.
If we consider the processor for gaming systems, then only for high-definition games. A nice bonus to the owner of this crystal will be energy efficiency.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3500 MHz;
- TDP: 54W.
Pros
- does not heat up;
- silent;
- productive;
- integrated graphics core;
- price;
- support DDR3L, DDR4 memory.
Cons
- 2 cores;
- is not compatible with 3xx series chipsets.
Intel Pentium G4400
Dual-core processor with 2 computational threads is one of the simplest, most affordable and versatile chips in the
Pentium line, which is supplied both in the minimum configuration and in a box with a standard cooler.
Hyper-Threading technology is not provided, as is the AVE instruction set. In general, the processor performs well in solving, say, office tasks, web surfing, simple work in graphic and text editors, but you should not bet on the integrated graphics core.
With multimedia playback, including 4K format, the CPU will cope, but heavy video games will not pull.
The crystal supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a frequency of 1333/1600/1866/2133 MHz and a maximum of 64 GB. The cache size is also modest — only 3 MB, and this is only enough for office tasks.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/2;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3300 MHz;
- TDP: 54W.
Pros
- works with Windows 7;
- smart;
- cold;
- DDR4 support.
Cons
- is not suitable for games.
Intel Core i3-7350K
A powerful and productive processor at an affordable price with an unlocked multiplier and a good operating frequency
4200 MHz is well suited for universal home systems, gaming computers, and local multimedia tasks.
14nm die with 2 cores on Kaby Lake microarchitecture with support for Hyper-Threading technology: the number of threads is twice the number of cores. Despite the declared heat dissipation of 60 W, the CPU heats up impressively in high load mode and under stress, so it is recommended to choose a powerful cooling system.
The processor is compatible with motherboards based on 100 and 200 chipsets, has a built-in HD Graphics 630 graphics core, which can only handle multimedia output to the screen.
The weak side is the temperature during overclocking, and the strong side is the same overclocking. Tests have shown that up to 5 GHz the processor can be overclocked almost when combined with any video card and motherboard.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 2/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 4200 MHz;
- TDP: 60W.
Pros
- good working frequency;
- excellent integrated graphics;
- is suitable for video editing and light gaming.
Cons
- you can pick up a 4-core counterpart for the same price.
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6
Excellent value for money all-in-one processor with four cores based on Kaby Lake microarchitecture.
It lacks
Hyper-Threading technology and has 4 computing threads. The multiplier for the user is also locked.
The crystal supports dual-channel DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866 memory with a total capacity of up to 64 GB. With a claimed TDP of 72W, the chip demonstrates excellent performance with high energy efficiency, minimal heat and near-silent operation.
Choosing a box package, you can forget about buying an additional cooling system: a standard fan will do its job.
The operating frequency is 3000 MHz, in boost the crystal accelerates to 3500 MHz. This is a good indicator even for 2022, but you should not count on the launch of ultra-modern demanding games.
The processor is powerful, cool, overclocks well and supports Intel vPro, however, experienced users recommend choosing newer chips at a similar price, at least with Hyper-Threading technology or integrated graphics.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3000 MHz;
- TDP: 72W.
Pros
- productive;
- Intel vPro support;
- cache size;
- supports ECC modules;
- does not heat up.
Cons
- not found.
Intel Core i5-7600K
Excellent quad-core processor with unlocked multiplier is versatile in use — it is suitable for
multifunctional home systems, for gaming computers and even for simple multimedia tasks (for example, video editing).
The performance of this CPU will be sufficient for most users. It will be useful even for multi-threaded applications due to the high clock speed and capacious 6 MB cache (a plus for demanding programs).
No Hyper-Threading technology: the number of cores corresponds to the number of computational threads.
The manufacturer claims a heat dissipation of 91 W, but any cooling tower system can handle this heat.
At maximum load in the test, the processor heated up only to 53 degrees.
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 is great for multimedia, including relatively young games. The crystal smoothly and quickly accelerates with only a small increase in voltage and does not heat up even at maximum load.
Specifications:
- core indicators: 4/4;
- manufacturing process: 14 nm;
- operating frequency: 3800 MHz;
- TDP: 91W.
Pros
- does not heat up even at high loads;
- good frequency even without overclocking;
- energy efficiency;
- integrated graphics.
Cons
- heat dissipation.
Conclusion and conclusions
For owners of a motherboard with socket 1151, there is a huge selection of processors: simple, budget, premium, gaming.
Knowing for what purpose the computer is going to be, you can choose the right crystal without much difficulty.
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How to Choose the Right CPU:
Best Budget Gaming CPU (Reviews) in 2021
It’s 2021 and you’re trying to find the best budget gaming CPU for your needs.
The problem is that the market is a bit tilted right now, and there is a chance it won’t improve anytime soon. So, for now, what are the best budget gaming processors you can get for your hard-earned money right now without spending $100 or more over the recommended retail price?
We’ll give you four basic options and then a buying guide in case you need help making your final decision. Leave a comment below if one of them is missing or if you have questions.
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Best budget gaming processor for 2021: our choice
Here is our list of the best budget gaming processors.
#1. Intel Pentium Gold G6400
Cores : 2 | Threads : 4 | Boost Clock : Up to 4 GHz | Accelerates? : None
With the Intel Pentium Gold G6400, we chose the best gaming processor under $100. It doesn’t have much more budget than a dual-core processor, even if dual-core processors have four threads these days.
With a boost clock of up to 4GHz, the single-core performance of this processor is undeniable and beats 60+ fps in older games. More advanced modern games, especially those with a lot of players (Battle Royales for example) can make this CPU much more difficult, especially if you have things running in the background.
If you just want the cheapest possible processor, it’s pretty hard to go wrong with the Intel Pentium 400 series. It should treat you well if you don’t expect it to play super hard games with it.
Verdict: Best gaming processor under $100
#2. AMD Athlon 3000G APU
cores: 2 | Threads : 4 | Boost Clock : Up to 3.5 GHz | Accelerates? : Yes
The AMD Athlon 3000G APU may not have all of the raw processing power of the Pentium Gold listed above, but it may not be necessary because it has integrated Vega graphics. The Vega graphics on the AMD Athlon 3000G APUs make it surprisingly capable — you can even squeeze Doom Eternal at 720p and 30 FPS with this baby.
It’s performance and graphics on par with the Nintendo Switch, if not better!
Obviously combining this with a real GPU would make it much better. In fact, if you’re looking to upgrade when the market stabilizes a bit, getting a ~$200 GPU with it should get you comfortable playing at 60+ FPS in most games without too much trouble, thanks to the Zen cores that work inside. Later on, you can choose the best Ryzen processor when you want to boost your frame rates to the next generation.
Verdict: Best Budget Gaming APU
#3. Intel Core i3-10100F
Cores : 4 | Threads : 8 | Boost Clock : Up to 3.6 GHz | Accelerates? : None
The Intel Core i3-10100F is the best budget gaming processor we would recommend to most people. It was well under $150 at the time of writing and offered the best gaming performance of any but the i5 in the sub-$200 price range. This is thanks to its 4 powerful cores, each of which runs two threads and is suitable for modern game engines that use multiple cores.
Even for older games that can’t take full advantage of this CPU, the game’s single-core performance should make it easy to play at 100+ FPS in all but the most demanding modern games.
Even outside of gaming, the Intel Core i3-10100F should be capable of some light productivity work — it’s an octa-core processor for a small price, after all.
Verdict: Best budget gaming processor
#4. Intel Core i5-9400F
Cores : 6 | Threads : 12 | Boost Clock : Up to 4.1 GHz | Accelerates? : No
If you want to spend as little money as possible while still getting the most performance per dollar, we’ve got you covered. If that describes you well, we recommend the Intel Core i5-9400F. It may be on the latest generation Intel 300 series chipset, but it offers most of the performance of the new 10400F at a much lower price. With six cores and twelve threads, this CPU is more than well-equipped for 120+ FPS in modern games and should even prove capable of some streaming and video workloads on the side.
However, this versatility comes at a higher price than any other option on this list, especially if you decide to opt for the newer 10400F instead, which you may have to when this one finally runs out.
Verdict: Best Budget Six-Core Gaming CPU / Best Gaming CPU Under $200
Is this unavailable, or do you prefer using an Intel 400 series chipset? Get the Intel Core i5-10400F instead — it’s a slightly better version of this processor.
Buying the best budget gaming processor FAQ
Not sure what’s right for you after reading all this, or just want more information? Keep reading, we will help you.
AMD vs. Intel: Platform, Compatibility, and Cost
While Intel dominates this list, there are a few more reasons to choose an AMD processor, especially if you plan on getting updates in the future.
This article introduces three main chipsets: 2 from Intel, 1 from AMD. 2 from Intel are the 300 and 400 series for 9th and 10th generation Core processors, respectively.
1 from AMD is a 3000 series chipset that matches socket AM4 and 3rd generation Ryzen processors.
Intel 300 Series and Intel 400 Series are on different sockets, which means there is no compatibility between them. And since this is Intel, in 2 years there will be another socket that will deprive you of the ability to upgrade. However, if you plan to upgrade your system with an Intel installation, we definitely recommend using an Intel 10th generation processor and 400 series motherboard. .
AMD’s 3000 series variant with AM4 socket offers an interesting alternative. The AM4 socket is likely to be replaced at some point in the next 2-4 years, but there are plenty of AMD chips on the market at excellent prices (especially used ones) and a 5th socket was recently released. Ryzen 5000 generation processors. While a BIOS update may be required, switching to AMD opens up your options for upgrading to a much wider range of CPUS at lower prices.
How many cores do I need?
For games? It depends.
Generally speaking, 4 cores is where you want to start modern games, especially modern multiplayer games. 6 is where you are doing well, especially if you have SMT to double the number of threads. Beyond 6-core processors, there are benefits, but they are out of this price range and thankfully quite minor, especially if you’re only aiming for 60+ FPS in modern games.
Gaming aside, having a quad-core processor or better can help with workloads like video rendering and real-time streaming with very light (read: old) games on the side.
The dual-core processors on this list are generally not suitable for gaming at all, but the addition of SMT/Hyperthreading on both chips allows them to handle background tasks better and focus most of the core power on actively running games.
How important is clock speed and should I overclock?
Luckily, clock speed will be a very good way to measure how processors compare to each other in this article. This is because the bulk of our choices are modern Intel Core processors, so their underlying core architecture is nearly identical.
Chips with higher boost frequencies will be able to achieve higher single-core speeds, which should result in a slight increase in gaming performance, although having more cores matters more.
As for overclocking, almost none of the processors we have chosen can be overclocked, with the exception of the AMD Athlon 3000G. This chip can be easily overclocked to ~4GHz, further improving its gaming performance, with or without integrated graphics. However, Intel chips are still the best option if you’re not using integrated graphics.
How does the processor affect gaming performance? Isn’t my GPU more important?
Interestingly, processors actually matter a lot more to gaming performance than most people realize. While it’s true that a great GPU is what allows you to push higher resolution and visual fidelity, higher frame rates can only be achieved through better processors. This is because the CPU determines the highest possible frame rate that you can achieve on your system, even if the graphics settings in the game are set to the minimum value.