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CPU for Gaming

All processors

22 CPU for gaming from Intel and AMD. Most cost $130 to $391, and half cost less than $213.

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

6 Cores, LGA1700, 65W, Intel

+6 cores with 12 threads for everyday computing and gaming builds
+65 W thermal design power for moderate cooling requirements
+LGA1700 socket for compatible modern motherboards
−No integrated graphics, so a separate graphics card is needed
$149.99-9%Was: $165.65
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 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

6 Cores, LGA1700, 65W, Intel

+6 cores for multitasking and everyday desktop workloads
+Listed base clock of 3.0GHz
+65W TDP for a moderate power envelope
$391.94
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

6 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Six cores and twelve threads for multitasking
+65W TDP for a standard cooling setup
+Uses the LGA1200 socket on the 400 Series platform
−No integrated graphics requires a separate graphics card
$194.35-14%Was: $224.99
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
AMD

6 Cores, AM4, 65W, AMD

+Six cores for multitasking and everyday workloads
+AM4 socket for compatibility with AM4 motherboards
+65 W TDP for moderate power draw
−No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required
$104.99-12%Was: $118.90
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 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

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
Intel

65W, Intel, Core i5, No

+6 cores for everyday computing and gaming builds
+65 W thermal design power for moderate cooling requirements
+Sold as a tray processor for system builders
−No integrated graphics, so a separate graphics card is needed
$200.03
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 8.2

10 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+10 cores and 20 threads for heavy workloads
+Boost clock of 5.0 to 5.4 GHz
+Low 65W thermal design power
−Not unlocked, so overclocking is not supported
−Requires LGA1200 socket boards
No price recorded yet.
IntelSpec score 8.0

8 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Eight cores and sixteen threads for multitasking
+Boost clock up to 4.9 GHz
+Low 65W thermal design power
−No integrated graphics, requires a discrete GPU
No current price. Check it at the store.
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
IntelSpec score 8.2

10 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+10 cores and 20 threads for heavy workloads
+Boost clock of 5.0 to 5.4 GHz
+Low 65W thermal design power
−No integrated graphics, needs a separate graphics card
−Not unlocked, so overclocking is not supported
No price recorded yet.
AMDSpec score 7.7

6 Cores, AM4, 65W, AMD

+6 cores and 12 threads
+65W thermal design power for modest cooling needs
+Uses the AM4 socket
−Older Zen generation than current Ryzen 5 models
No current price. Check it at the store.
IntelSpec score 8.0

8 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Eight cores and sixteen threads for multitasking
+Boost clock up to 4.9 GHz
+Low 65W thermal design power
$379.99
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 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
AMDSpec score 7.7

6 Cores, AM5, 65W, AMD

+Six cores and twelve threads for multitasking
+AM5 socket for newer AM5 motherboards
+65 W TDP for moderate power draw
$206.99
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

6 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Six cores and twelve threads for multitasking
+65W TDP for a standard cooling setup
+Uses the LGA1200 socket on the 400 Series platform
$239.99
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelSpec score 7.7

6 Cores, LGA1200, 65W, Intel

+Six cores and twelve threads for multitasking
+65W TDP for a standard cooling setup
+Uses the LGA1200 socket on the 400 Series platform
$340.60
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 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
Intel

24 Cores, 65W, Intel, Core i9

+24 cores, with 8 performance and 16 efficiency cores
+Boost clock of 5.5 GHz and up
+Low 65 W TDP for a high-core-count chip
$600.57
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
AMDSpec score 8.0

8 Cores, AM4, 65W, AMD

+8 cores and 16 threads for multitasking
+Boost clock up to 4.9 GHz
+65W TDP for moderate power draw
No price recorded yet.
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.

Compare specs

processorCoresSocketMakerProcessor lineSpec scorePrice
6LGA1700IntelCore i5n/a$149.99
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i77.7$388.88
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
6LGA1700IntelCore i5n/a$391.94
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
6LGA1200IntelCore i57.7$194.35
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
6AM4AMDRyzen 5n/a$104.99
as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i77.7$219.99
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
4LGA1200IntelCore i37.5$166.95
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
IntelCore i5n/a$200.03
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
10LGA1200IntelCore i98.2No current price
8LGA1200IntelCore i78.0No current price

Before you buy

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