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Best OverallAn eight core gaming-focused desktop processor for new builds on the newest AMD socket. It needs a separate cooler and a matching board, and the warranty term is not stated.
A sixteen core flagship desktop processor for heavy gaming and creator builds on the newest AMD socket. The listing is thin: no thread count, cooler or warranty is stated.
Popular PickA cache-heavy eight-core processor for existing AM4 gaming builds. The listing shows no cooler, so plan to buy one separately.
A top-tier unlocked desktop processor for enthusiast gaming and heavy creator work on the latest Intel platform. It needs a matching new board and DDR5 memory.
An unlocked desktop processor with a recent architecture for new builds focused on gaming and mixed work. It does not fit older boards, and a cooler is bought separately.
A twelve core unlocked desktop processor for new builds that mix gaming with content work. It needs a matching motherboard, and the listing does not mention a cooler.
A sixteen core unlocked flagship for heavy rendering, compiling and streaming. The rated power is high, so the cooler and power supply need to match.
An eight core desktop processor with a very large cache, built for gaming rigs on the current AMD socket. The listing does not mention a cooler, so plan to buy one.
A high core count desktop processor for gaming and heavy multitasking on the newest Intel socket. The listing has no description, so board support, memory type and cooler details are not stated.
A twenty core unlocked desktop chip for new gaming and creator builds on a new Intel socket. Graphics and cooling details are absent from the listing.
A six-core desktop processor for gaming and everyday work, with no built-in graphics output. It also needs a compatible motherboard.
A six core desktop processor for the current AMD socket, sold boxed without a cooler. A separate heatsink and a matching motherboard are needed, because neither comes with the chip.
A flagship-class AMD desktop processor aimed at top gaming and creator rigs. The listing is short on detail, so cooler, memory and warranty terms need confirming.
An eight core desktop processor with a cooler in the box, aimed at upgrading an existing platform on the older AMD socket. It will not fit newer sockets, and the listing shows no built-in graphics.
A very high core count unlocked processor for existing boards that need more multi-core power for rendering, streaming or compiling. It needs a separate cooler and a board that supports it.
A hybrid core desktop processor for gaming and productivity on the newest Intel socket. The listing states the core count two ways, and a cooler and motherboard are separate purchases.
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AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Desktop ProcessorAMD Ryzen 7 9700X Desktop ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 9900X Desktop ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 9950X Desktop ProcessorIntel Core i5-12400F Desktop ProcessorModel i5-12400FHelp me choose cpu processors: answer 3 questions
These 6 cpu processors are the most searched brands and models among the established products in this category (monthly searches for each brand and model); on a tie, the one with more owner ratings ranks first. Product data comes from public Amazon listings (updated 2 days ago). We do not test products ourselves.
AMD, Intel®, INTEL, Intel lead this category among the 4 brands that passed our curation checks.
A listing appears only when it has a recorded price, a minimum customer rating, and enough ratings or monthly sales. Generic and unbranded listings are left out, while every real brand stays, including brands sold only on Amazon. The ones that pass are ordered by how many people search for that brand and model each month; review counts only break ties.
CPU processors are the main chips of a desktop computer, and the first decision is the platform, because each processor fits only one socket and works only with motherboards built for it. Choosing a processor really means choosing a socket, a motherboard chipset and often a memory type together, so decide first whether you are upgrading an existing system or building a new one.
Core count and clock speed are the next questions. More cores and threads help with video editing, three dimensional rendering, compiling code and heavy multitasking, while many games depend more on fast individual cores and the graphics card. Newer generations usually do more work per clock, so compare benchmark results for your applications rather than only the number of cores.
Power and cooling come next. Among the 15 products that list wattage, most fall between 81 and 170 watts, and 125 watts is typical. Higher power processors need a stronger cooler, a motherboard with robust power delivery and a case with good airflow. Some processors ship with a cooler in the box and others do not; check before budgeting. Processors with built in graphics can run a computer without a separate graphics card, which is useful for office machines and troubleshooting.
Memory and features matter for the whole build. Check which memory type and speeds the processor supports, and whether the motherboard you want offers the ports and expansion slots you need. Overclocking is only possible on certain processors and chipsets.
Before buying, check the socket, the supported chipsets, whether a cooler is included, whether the processor has integrated graphics, the memory support and the warranty. Update the motherboard firmware if the maker recommends it before installing a newer processor, and handle the chip by its edges to protect the pins or contacts.
How we list products: every listing here has a recorded price, a minimum customer rating and enough ratings or monthly sales. Generic and unbranded listings are left out; every real brand stays, including brands sold only on Amazon. Products are ordered by monthly searches for their brand and model on every page.Editorial policy
