In 2024, the list of best CPUs is longer than ever.
AMD and Intel have been competing for dominance for decades, striving to produce the best processors you can buy. The competition is fierce, which is great for PC enthusiasts. In 2024, the list of best CPUs is longer than ever.
For Intel, the best value for money this generation is the 14600K, but its previous flagship, the 13900K, is still well worth considering. If you are a gamer, the 7800X3D should be your first choice. Below is an overview of these chips and more.
01
Intel Core i5 14600K: The Most Valuable Processor
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐✨
Advantages
✅Significant improvement in gaming performance
✅Priced the same as the previous generation
✅Compatible with LGA1700 socket
✅1490OKAl-assisted overclocking
Disadvantages
❌Slight increase in productivity
❌Still slower than AMD 3D V-Cache chips
❌Still power-hungry
Why you should buy it: It is one of the fastest CPUs you can get for around $300.
Ideal for: Consumers looking for high-cost-performance products.
Why we chose the Intel Core i5-14600K: Purely in terms of value, it’s hard to beat the Core i5-14600K. This slot was previously occupied by the Intel Core i5-13600K, and if you already own that processor, it’s best to stick with it. However, if you are upgrading from an older product, the Core i5-14600K is a viable purchase.
It has the same number of cores as the previous generation but has undergone additional optimization and has a slightly increased clock speed. The result is a slight improvement in productivity performance and a much better gaming performance. Most importantly, Intel has not increased the price of its Core i5 chips, so you can get better performance for about the same price. It has a fairly high overclocking capability, so if you don’t mind pushing power consumption and temperature higher, you can narrow the gap with high-end CPUs a bit.
As of publication, the Core i5-14600K is only about $30 more expensive than the Core i5-13600K. However, we recommend checking the price of the previous generation chip, as it still delivers most of the performance and might offer better value.
Detailed Spec from Intel: Click
02
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: The best gaming processor
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Advantages
✅Top-notch gaming performance
✅Huge value
✅Reliable multicore and productivity performance
✅AM5 is becoming more affordable
Disadvantages
❌Weaker single-core performance
Why you should buy it: In terms of value and performance, it is undoubtedly the best gaming processor.
Ideal for: Gamers who want top-notch performance without spending too much.
Why we chose the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: With the release of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the 5800X3D finally has a worthy successor. This CPU is currently the fastest gaming CPU, significantly outperforming Intel’s Core i9-13900K and even beating the 14900K in most games. In pure gaming scenarios, it can also compete with the pricier Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D benefits from AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, which once again demonstrates the power of adding a significant amount of L3 cache on top of the chip. It comes with a total of 104MB of cache, marking a significant upgrade from the Ryzen 7 7700X’s 40MB.
In terms of core count, AMD seems to stick to its previous approach. The processor has 8 cores and 16 threads. The boost clock speed is much lower than the Ryzen 7 7700X, with the 7800X3D topping out at 5GHz. However, it still leads by a significant margin in gaming tasks.
This chip is insane for gaming, but when compared to the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, its performance in productivity tasks drops significantly. However, for pure gamers, this should not be a problem. In our internal testing, the CPU’s frames per second (fps) were almost identical to more expensive components. If you’re just looking for a solid gaming processor, save some money and go for this one.
Detailed Spec from AMD: Click
03
Intel Core i9 13900K: The best Intel processor
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Advantages
✅Cheaper than AMD competitors
✅Supports 600 series motherboards and DDR4
✅Solid multicore improvements
✅Surprising generational improvements
Disadvantages
❌High power requirements
❌Slight improvement in gaming performance
Why you should buy it: It tops almost all benchmark tests and is cheaper than AMD competitors.
Ideal for: Enthusiasts who need high core counts and extremely fast clock speeds for accelerating demanding tasks like video editing, compression, and more.
Intel’s 13900K might no longer be the flagship it once was, but it’s essentially the same as the 14900K, only cheaper and with lower power consumption. Similar to the previous generation Core i9-12900K, the Core i9-13900K combines performance (P) cores with efficient (E) cores. However, this time there’s an increase in the number of cores. You get 8 P cores designed on the new Raptor Cove microarchitecture and 16 E cores using the previous generation’s Gracemont architecture.
These extra cores help speed up demanding multithreaded tasks, which is why the Core i9-13900K leads by 8% over the Ryzen 9 7950X in Cinebench R23. The redesigned P cores also help the Core i9-13900K score 12% higher than AMD’s best product in Cinebench’s single-core tests.
The Core i9-13900K leads in almost all benchmark tests, largely thanks to the additional L2 cache and higher clock speeds. It’s the fastest processor you can buy, but more importantly, it’s cheaper than AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X.
However, it can’t keep up with X3D CPUs in gaming, so if you choose this powerful Intel alternative, you’ll be a bit behind in that area, so keep that in mind. The upgrade path is also somewhat limited, as you only have the 14th-generation chips to upgrade to, and aside from the top-tier chip, there are no other chips that can compete with the 13900K.
Detailed Spec from Intel: Click
04
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X: The best AMD processor
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Advantages
✅Extraordinary CPU performance
✅Solid gaming improvements
✅Integrated graphics suitable for light gaming
✅Compatible with most AM4 coolers
Disadvantages
❌DDR5 may lead to cost inflation.
Why you should buy it: It’s incredibly fast, and its setup is designed to support the AMD platform.
Ideal for: AMD fans who want the best product and don’t mind spending a bit more.
While it may not surpass the 13900K or 14900K in gaming or productivity, the raw power of the Ryzen 9 7950X is undeniable, matching the Core i9-13900K in most tests almost identically.
The processor delivers on its promise, with a 31% increase in single-core performance and a 36% increase in multi-core performance compared to the previous generation. It’s slightly behind the Core i9-13900K in some tasks, but the gap is minuscule. In some games, like Far Cry 6, the Ryzen 9 7950X is faster.
Beyond the processor itself, the Ryzen 9 7950X also introduces AMD’s new AM5 platform. It used to be much more expensive, but thankfully, new motherboards and falling DDR5 prices make the upgrade more affordable. Additionally, AMD has pledged to support AM5 until at least 2025 (and possibly longer), meaning you can easily upgrade to future Ryzen generations without needing to buy a new motherboard.
Although the Ryzen 9 7950X hasn’t reached the pinnacle of performance, it’s just a step behind. With features like Smart Access Memory and Resizable BAR support, it remains a very attractive flagship CPU.
Detailed Spec from AMD: Click
05
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D: The latest generation processor best suited for gaming.
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Advantages
✅Fastest gaming CPU on the market
✅Solid thermal performance
✅Compatible with AM4 motherboards
✅Affordable
✅Low power consumption requirements
Disadvantages
❌Not overclockable
❌General CPU performance is mediocre
Why you should buy it: Even with current generation options available, it remains a surprise contender in gaming CPUs.
Ideal for: Gamers who don’t need a lot of CPU processing power for other tasks.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the fastest AM4 gaming processor ever and will remain so for the rest of its time, as no new AM4 chip will compete with it. It outperforms all other products in its generation and remains competitive in gaming with updated processors. Why? A peculiar technology called 3D V-Cache.
Spec-wise, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a slight step down from the base Ryzen 7 5800X. It has the same 8 Zen 3 cores but is clocked 200MHz slower and cannot overclock the 3D stacked section. The difference lies in the additional 64MB of L3 cache stacked on top of the processor.
It doesn’t sound like much, but the extra third-level cache makes a significant difference in games. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D outperforms everything in gaming, including the Core i9-12900KS, which is twice its price. It remains competitive against new CPUs from Intel and AMD.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is one of the best gaming CPUs, only trailing behind AMD’s new 3D V-Cache products, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, and Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Keep in mind, that this is a pure gaming CPU. If you plan to perform intensive video encoding or other productivity tasks, you’re better off with a higher-core-count AMD or Intel chip.
Detailed Spec from AMD: Click
06
Intel Core i3 12100: The best processor under $100
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐
Advantages
✅Priced under $100
✅Four performance cores
✅Includes a CPU cooler
Disadvantages
❌No integrated graphics card
Why you should buy this: It’s still a powerful quad-core processor and is very affordable.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious PC builders who want a reliable processor for gaming and work without overspending.
In 2024, finding a CPU under $100 is challenging, but the Core i3-12100F stands out among the few. It’s part of the Alder Lake series, and while there are newer generations like the 13100 and 14100, they are more expensive and not significantly better, making the 12100F a great bargain for budget gaming PCs.
The Core i3-12100F is a quad-core CPU and ranks among the best Intel processors you can buy. It doesn’t use a hybrid architecture, opting instead for four performance cores, which doesn’t significantly impact performance. It also lacks an onboard GPU, so you’ll need a dedicated graphics card.
Gaming is certainly viable, though it falls slightly behind the six-core Ryzen 5 5600X, and it performs very well for everyday use. Undoubtedly, it’s an entry-level processor, but the Core i3-12100F’s value is still above its suggested price.
Detailed Spec from Intel: Click
07
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G: The best processor with integrated graphics
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐
Advantages
✅Excellent integrated graphics
✅Includes a CPU cooler
✅Low power consumption
Disadvantages
❌iGPU is not powerful enough for AAA games
Why you should buy this: It’s one of the few good APUs available right now and is relatively inexpensive.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious PC builders who want a reliable processor for gaming and work without overspending.
Gaming without a GPU is possible but not an ideal experience. The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G is an exception because its onboard RDNA 3 GPU is strong enough to run most games at 1080p medium settings at 30 frames per second (fps) in AAA titles and at higher rates in casual games. It won’t replace a dedicated graphics card, and the CPU speed isn’t as fast as non-APU counterparts, but it’s an excellent choice for GPU-less gaming.
It has 6 Zen4+ cores, giving it solid CPU performance and supporting 12 threads. However, its boost clock frequency is limited to 5GHz, lower than comparable Ryzen 7000 products. Nonetheless, its lower TDP makes it a great pick if you’re building a budget gaming PC, want to save money for a bigger graphics card later, or are assembling a compact machine for light gaming.
If you want more power, you could opt for the 8700G, but it’s about twice the price of the 8500G and not much better in performance.
Detailed Spec from AMD: Click
08
AMD Ryzen 5 7600: The most value-for-money AMD processor
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐
Advantages
✅Suitable for gaming and productivity
✅Great value for money
✅High maximum clock speed
Disadvantages
❌Still only six cores
❌No support for DDR4
Why you should buy it: This is a well-rounded CPU at an affordable price.
Ideal for: Gamers and other users looking for a good deal.
AMD ensures with the Ryzen 5 7600 that you won’t be left far behind. It’s quite close to its predecessor in some aspects, with the same core count, but it does offer many generational upgrades, making it a good choice to keep your PC from becoming outdated.
The Ryzen 5 7600 comes with 6 cores and 12 threads. Its maximum clock speed is 5.2GHz. It’s a very well-rounded processor with stable gaming performance and plenty of productivity headroom. It won’t outdo some of the heavyweights in this generation for gaming, but it’s more than adequate for AAA titles.
Its downside is the extra expense over the previous generation chips, all thanks to AMD’s new AM5 platform. This means if you’re upgrading, you’ll need a new motherboard, and unfortunately, you must stick with DDR5 memory due to the lack of DDR4 support.
That’s why the previous generation chips are still a very attractive option—overall, sticking with the previous generation will see quite a substantial saving. On the other hand, switching to AM5 now means there’s a lot of room for future upgrades.
Detailed Spec from AMD: Click
09
Intel Core i5 13400F: The most valuable Intel CPU
Rate: ⭐⭐
Advantages
✅Fast gaming performance
✅Efficiency cores help it excel in productivity tasks
✅More energy-efficient than higher-end models
✅Compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5
✅Cheaper than newer models
Disadvantages
❌Limited upgrade path
❌Not as fast as 14th-generation equivalents
Reason to buy: It’s a high-performance, affordable CPU.
Ideal for: Gamers and other users looking for a good deal.
The Intel Core i5-13400F, possibly the last of its generation, might be slightly slower than the newer 14400, but opting for this slightly older model comes with a significant discount. It works on the same motherboard, supports the same DDR4 or DDR5 memory, and has the same (albeit limited) potential for upgrades.
It’s the cheapest Intel 13th or 14th generation CPU with efficiency cores, so its productivity performance is impressive, competing with older high-end CPUs and providing solid competition for high-end AMD CPUs. Paired with a mid-range graphics card, it’s a very capable chip for gaming.
As for upgrades, you can only switch to higher-end 13th or 14th-generation chips, which does give you an upgrade path, but that’s about it. Beyond this generation, you’ll need to change the motherboard to upgrade.
Detailed Spec from Intel: Click
10
Which processor is the fastest?
The fastest processor you can buy right now is the Intel Core i9-14900K. It features 24 cores and high clock speeds, enabling it to rapidly run games and intensive productivity applications. However, it faces stiff competition in gaming from the AMD 7800X3D and 7950X3D, both of which are significantly more efficient and consume much less power than the 14900K. They can’t compete in productivity, but the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is not far behind and is equally competent in gaming.
11
Is i7 better than i5?
Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors are both good choices. As the name suggests, the i7 processor is faster and more powerful than the i5 processor, and it is also more expensive. However, they may not be the best choice for everyone.
Over several generations, Intel has designated 6 cores for Core i5 processors and 8 cores for Core i7 processors. The two extra cores can improve performance, but they are less important if you are gaming or running basic applications on your computer.
12
Which type of processor is the best?
AMD and Intel are the main CPU manufacturers, and they often surpass each other every few years. Currently, Intel processors are the best choice for overall performance improvement, but they consume more power. However, in terms of absolute gaming performance, AMD’s X3D CPUs (such as the 7800X3D and 7950X3D) are the fastest.
Related:
- Exciting Update: i5 14450HX on Par with i5 13400 Scores
- Unveiling AMD Ryzen 7 5700: Full Specs Revealed
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