When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›
Wiki Shopping

CPU for Gaming

All processors

9 CPU for gaming from Intel and AMD. Most cost $93 to $163, and half cost less than $104.

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.

Intel

4 Cores, Intel, Core i3, Yes

+Integrated graphics included for use without a discrete card
+4 cores for everyday multitasking
+12th Gen Core i3 family
−Only 4 cores limits heavy multithreaded workloads
$163.16
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
AMDSpec score 7.5

4 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 3

+Unlocked for manual overclocking
+Includes Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
+Uses the AM4 socket
−No integrated graphics, a discrete GPU is needed
−Only 4 cores
$92.51
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.5

4 Cores, Intel, Core i3, Yes

+Integrated graphics included for use without a discrete card
+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz for quick single-threaded tasks
+4 cores and 8 threads for everyday multitasking
−Only 4 cores limits heavy multithreaded workloads
No current price. Check it at the store.
AMD

4 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 3

+4 cores for everyday computing
+Integrated Radeon graphics included
+Uses AM4 socket
$86.90-5%Was: $91.95
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.5

4 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz for quick single-threaded tasks
+4 cores and 8 threads for everyday multitasking
+Uses the LGA1200 socket
−Only 4 cores limits heavy multithreaded workloads
−Core i3 family is a lower tier than Core i5 and above
$166.95
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.5

4 Cores, Intel, Core i3, No

+Four performance cores for everyday desktop tasks
+Eight threads through simultaneous multithreading
+Reaches up to 4.7 GHz in the Core i3 family
−No integrated graphics requires a separate graphics card
$104.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.5

4 Cores, LGA1700, Intel, Core i3

+Boost clock up to 4.9 GHz
+Socket LGA1700 for 14th generation platforms
+8 threads from 4 cores
−No integrated graphics, needs a separate graphics card
$104.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.4

4 Cores, LGA1151, 65W, Intel

+Four cores and four threads for everyday computing
+Boost clock listed up to 4.9 GHz
+65W TDP for a standard cooling setup
No price recorded yet.
IntelSpec score 7.5

4 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz for quick single-threaded tasks
+4 cores and 8 threads for everyday multitasking
+Uses the LGA1200 socket
−Only 4 cores limits heavy multithreaded workloads
−Core i3 family is a lower tier than Core i5 and above
$120.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details

Compare specs

processorCoresSocketMakerProcessor lineSpec scorePrice
4IntelCore i3n/a$163.16
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
4AM4AMDRyzen 37.5$92.51
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
4IntelCore i37.5No current price
4AM4AMDRyzen 3n/a$86.90
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
4LGA1200IntelCore i37.5$166.95
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
4IntelCore i37.5$104.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
4LGA1700IntelCore i37.5$104.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
4LGA1151IntelCore i37.4No current price
4LGA1200IntelCore i37.5$120.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details

Before you buy

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