Processors under $300

3 processors under $300 from Intel and AMD. Prices run $230 to $234.

IntelSpec score 8.7

10 Cores, Intel, Core i5, No

+10 cores and 16 threads for multitasking

+Boost clock up to 4.9 GHz

+20 MB cache

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

$234.29

as of 11/04/2026 13:08 PST - Details

IntelSpec score 8.7

10 Cores, LGA1700, Intel, Core i5

+10 cores and 16 threads for multitasking

+Turbo boost up to 4.6 GHz

+LGA1700 socket for compatible motherboards

−No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required

$234.59

as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details

AMDSpec score 8.6

8 Cores, AMD, Ryzen Threadripper

+16 threads: 9 of the 16 here have fewer threads

−8 cores: 12 of the 23 here have more cores

$230.00

as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details

Compare specs

Cores	Socket	Maker	Processor line	Spec score	Price
10		Intel	Core i5	8.7	$234.29 as of 11/04/2026 13:08 PST - Details
10	LGA1700	Intel	Core i5	8.7	$234.59 as of 11/04/2026 16:08 PST - Details
8		AMD	Ryzen Threadripper	8.6	$230.00 as of 11/04/2026 12:08 PST - Details

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