Processors under $150

4 processors under $150 from Intel and AMD. Prices run $85 to $149.

IntelSpec score 8.3

6 Cores, LGA1200, Intel, Core i5

+6 cores and 12 threads for solid multitasking

+Uses the LGA1200 socket

+Core i5 family sits in the middle of Intel's desktop lineup

−No integrated graphics data is provided, so graphics support is unclear

$149.00

as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details

IntelSpec score 7.8

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 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details

IntelSpec score 7.4

2 Cores, LGA1200, 58W, Intel

+2 cores with 4 threads for basic desktop tasks

+4.0 GHz clock speed for responsive light computing

+58 W thermal design power for moderate cooling requirements

−Only 2 cores limits performance in heavily threaded workloads

$109.99

as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details

Intel

LGA1200, Intel, Core i3, No

+Core i3 family with 4 cores and 8 threads

+3.6 GHz base clock

+Uses the LGA1200 socket

−No integrated graphics, a discrete GPU is required

$85.05

as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details

Compare specs

Socket	Maker	Spec score	Price
LGA1200	Intel	8.3	$149.00 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details
LGA1200	Intel	7.8	$120.00 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details
LGA1200	Intel	7.4	$109.99 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details
LGA1200	Intel	n/a	$85.05 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details

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