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CPU for Gaming

All processors

8 CPU for gaming from Intel and AMD. Most cost $290 to $599, and half cost less than $339.

Desktop processors whose title names a Ryzen 3, 5, 7 or 9, a Core i3, i5, i7 or i9, or a Core Ultra line. Threadripper, Celeron, Pentium and Athlon chips are left out.

We do not pick by hand: a processor is here because its listed specs pass the checks.

All filtersFilters (1)×
Cores: 12  ×Clear all
BrandAMD6Intel2
Cores636836101624121411161149128206183
Threads20 and up5
SocketAM53LGA17002AM41
TDP125W2
MakerAMD6Intel2
Processor lineRyzen 96Core i72
Integrated graphicsYes2No1
Boost clock5.0 to 5.4 GHz2
PriceUnder $3002Under $4003Under $6002Under $8001$150 & above8$300 & above6$400 & above3$500 & above3
Clear allShow 8 processors
Cores: 12  ×8 resultsSort byRecommendedSpec scorePrice: low to highPrice: high to low
AMDSpec score 8.5

12 Cores, AM5, AMD, Ryzen 9

+12 cores and 24 threads for multitasking workloads
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
+Uses the AM5 socket for current-generation platforms
$331.00-34%List: $499.00
as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details
AMDSpec score 8.5

12 Cores, AMD, Ryzen 9, Yes

+12 cores and 24 threads for heavy workloads
+Integrated graphics for systems without a discrete GPU
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
$314.98-12%List: $359.00
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
AMD

12 Cores, AMD, Ryzen 9

+12 cores for multitasking workloads
+X3D model with extra cache for gaming
+Part of the Ryzen 9 family of high-end processors
$526.00-12%List: $599.00
as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details
Intel

12 Cores, LGA1700, 125W, Intel

+12 cores for multitasking and heavy workloads
+Boosts from 5.0 to 5.4 GHz
+Integrated graphics included
−125 W thermal design power needs solid cooling
$289.71-8%Was: $314.31
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
Intel

12 Cores, LGA1700, 125W, Intel

+12 cores for multitasking and heavy workloads
+Boosts from 5.0 to 5.4 GHz
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
−No integrated graphics, a discrete GPU is required
−125 W thermal design power needs solid cooling
$264.50
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
AMDSpec score 8.5

12 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 9

+12 cores and 24 threads for heavy workloads
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
+AM4 socket uses an older platform
−AM4 socket is an older platform
$599.95
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
AMDSpec score 8.5

12 Cores, AM5, AMD, Ryzen 9

+Twelve cores and twenty-four threads for demanding workloads
+Unlocked desktop processor for manual overclocking
+Uses the AM5 socket for current motherboards
$346.70-9%Was: $380.00
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
AMDSpec score 8.5

12 Cores, AM5, AMD, Ryzen 9

+12 cores and 24 threads for multitasking workloads
+X3D model with extra cache for gaming
+Uses the AM5 socket for current-generation platforms
−Lacks integrated graphics, needs a discrete graphics card
$737.53
as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details

Compare specs

processorCoresSocketMakerProcessor lineSpec scorePrice
12AM5AMDRyzen 98.5$331.00
as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details
12AMDRyzen 98.5$314.98
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
12AMDRyzen 9n/a$526.00
as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details
12LGA1700IntelCore i7n/a$289.71
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
12LGA1700IntelCore i7n/a$264.50
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
12AM4AMDRyzen 98.5$599.95
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
12AM5AMDRyzen 98.5$346.70
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
12AM5AMDRyzen 98.5$737.53
as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details

Before you buy

Other uses

PC Cases264CPU Coolers393Data Center GPUs82Graphics Cards371Motherboards640Power Supplies237Memory374Storage Drives577Binoculars228Network Cables1,382Cameras2,556Chromebooks196

Popular filters

Intel Processors120AMD Processors79Processors under $20052Processors under $25050Processors without Integrated Graphics42Processors under $15041Processors with Integrated Graphics396-Core Processors37

Processors by use

AMD CPU for Gaming65Intel CPU for Gaming112

Spec scores, pros and cons, and prices are explained in the How it works section of the About page.