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CPU for Gaming

All processors

8 CPU for gaming from Intel and AMD. Most cost $241 to $443, and half cost less than $414.

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, 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 7.5

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

LGA1200, 95W, Intel, Core i7

+16MB cache for faster data access
+Sixteen threads for multitasking
+3.8 GHz base clock speed
$443.43
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
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 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
Intel

LGA1200, 95W, Intel, Core i7

+16MB cache for faster data access
+Boost clock up to 5.1 GHz
+Sixteen threads for multitasking
$741.00
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$229.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
6LGA1151IntelCore i57.5$240.70
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
LGA1200IntelCore i7n/a$443.43
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i98.0$419.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
8LGA1151IntelCore i98.0$419.00
as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
6LGA1151IntelCore i57.7$245.83
as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
LGA1200IntelCore i7n/a$741.00
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.