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CPU for Gaming

All processors

16 CPU for gaming from Intel and AMD. Most cost $130 to $419, and half cost less than $322.

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.

IntelSpec score 8.0

8 Cores, LGA1151, 95W, Intel

+8 cores and 16 threads for heavy multithreaded workloads
+Boost clock of 5.0 to 5.4 GHz for fast single-threaded performance
+Uses the LGA1151 socket
−No integrated graphics, so a discrete graphics card is required
$409.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

8 Cores, LGA1151, 65W, Intel

+8 cores and 8 threads
+Boosts from 4.0 to 4.9 GHz
+Lower 65 W thermal design power
−Older LGA1151 socket limits motherboard options
$388.88
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
Intel

LGA1151, Intel, Core i5

+Core i5 processor for LGA 1151 motherboards
+Boxed retail packaging from Intel
$326.09
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

8 Cores, LGA1151, 95W, Intel

+8 cores and 8 threads for multitasking
+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz
+Includes integrated graphics
−Higher 95W thermal design power than the F model
−Socket LGA1151 limits upgrades to older boards
$229.00-12%Was: $259.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

8 Cores, LGA1151, 65W, Intel

+8 cores and 8 threads for multitasking
+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz
+Low 65W thermal design power
−No integrated graphics, needs a separate graphics card
−Not unlocked, so overclocking is not supported
$219.99-11%Was: $247.30
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.5

6 Cores, LGA1151, 95W, Intel

+6 cores for everyday desktop computing
+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
−No integrated graphics, so a discrete graphics card is required
$240.70
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
Intel

LGA1151, Intel, Core i5, No

+6 cores and 6 threads for everyday desktop tasks
+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz
+65W TDP for a moderate power envelope
−No integrated graphics means a discrete graphics card is needed
$194.03
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
Intel

8 Cores, LGA1151, 127W, Intel

+8 cores for multithreaded work
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
+All-core turbo up to 5.0 GHz
−Uses the older LGA1151 socket
$1,956.52
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.5

6 Cores, LGA1151, 65W, Intel

+6 cores and 6 threads for everyday desktop tasks
+65W TDP for a moderate power envelope
+LGA1151 socket for 300 series motherboards
$129.57
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 8.0

8 Cores, LGA1151, 95W, Intel

+8 cores with 16 threads for multithreaded work
+Integrated graphics included for use without a discrete GPU
+Boost clock of 5.0 to 5.4 GHz
−Uses the older LGA1151 socket
$419.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 8.0

8 Cores, LGA1151, 95W, Intel

+8 cores with 16 threads for multithreaded work
+Unlocked for manual overclocking
+Boost clock of 5.0 to 5.4 GHz
−Uses the older LGA1151 socket
$419.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 8.0

8 Cores, LGA1151, 65W, Intel

+8 cores and 16 threads for multitasking
+Boost clock of 5.0 to 5.4 GHz for demanding tasks
+65W thermal design power for lower heat output
$322.02
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

6 Cores, LGA1151, 95W, Intel

+6 cores with 12 threads for multitasking
+Boost clock of 4.0 to 4.9 GHz
+Integrated graphics included
$245.83
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details

Compare specs

processorCoresSocketMakerProcessor lineSpec scorePrice
8LGA1151IntelCore i98.0$409.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i77.7$388.88
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
LGA1151IntelCore i5n/a$326.09
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i77.7$229.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i77.7$219.99
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
6LGA1151IntelCore i57.5$240.70
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
LGA1151IntelCore i5n/a$194.03
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i9n/a$1,956.52
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
6LGA1151IntelCore i57.5$129.57
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
4LGA1151IntelCore i37.4No current price

Before you buy

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