Processors under $250

4 processors under $250 from Intel and AMD. Prices run $170 to $219.

AMDSpec score 8.2

6 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 5

+Six cores and twelve threads for multitasking

+Includes Wraith Stealth cooler in the box

+AM4 socket for compatibility with AM4 motherboards

−No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required

$169.50-5%Was: ~~$176.00~~

as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details

AMDSpec score 8.6

8 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 7

+8 cores and 16 threads for multitasking

+Unlocked for manual overclocking

+Uses the AM4 socket

−No integrated graphics, so a separate graphics card is needed

$194.86

as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details

AMDSpec score 8.2

6 Cores, AM4, 105W, AMD

+Six cores and twelve threads for multitasking

+Includes 3D V-Cache technology

+Boost clock up to 4.9 GHz

−Heatsink not included with the boxed processor

$219.99

as of 11/04/2026 00:11 PST - Details

AMDSpec score 8.2

6 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 5

+6 cores and 12 threads

+Unlocked for manual overclocking

+Uses the AM4 socket

−Older Zen generation than current Ryzen 5 models

$180.00

as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details

Compare specs

Cores	Socket	Maker	Processor line	Spec score	Price
6	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 5	8.2	$169.50 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
8	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 7	8.6	$194.86 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
6	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 5	8.2	$219.99 as of 11/04/2026 00:11 PST - Details
6	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 5	8.2	$180.00 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details

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