Processors under $500

4 processors under $500 from Intel and AMD. Prices run $419 to $479.

IntelSpec score 8.8

16 Cores, Intel, Core i7, Yes

+16 cores with 24 threads

+Integrated graphics included

+Unlocked for manual overclocking

$479.99

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

IntelSpec score 9.5

24 Cores, Intel, Core i9, Yes

+24 cores: the most cores of the 14 here

+32 threads: the most threads of the 13 here

$449.00

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

IntelSpec score 8.1

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 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details

Intel

LGA1200, 125W, Intel, Core i7

+Integrated graphics included

+3.8 GHz base clock speed

+Socket LGA 1200 compatibility

−High 125W thermal design power needs robust cooling

$438.97

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

Compare specs

Cores	Socket	TDP	Maker	Processor line	Spec score	Price
16			Intel	Core i7	8.8	$479.99 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details
24			Intel	Core i9	9.5	$449.00 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details
8	LGA1151	95W	Intel	Core i9	8.1	$419.00 as of 11/03/2026 23:36 PST - Details
	LGA1200	125W	Intel	Core i7	n/a	$438.97 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.