Processors under $500

5 processors under $500 from Intel and AMD. Most cost $405 to $484, and half cost less than $445.

AMDSpec score 8.1

8 Cores, AM5, AMD, Ryzen 7

+X3D model with extra cache for gaming

+8 cores and 16 threads for multitasking

+AM5 socket supports the newer platform

$444.00-7%List: ~~$479.00~~

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

AMD

AMD, Ryzen 7

+Includes AMD 3D V-Cache technology for larger cache

+Made by AMD in the Ryzen 7 family

+Designed as a desktop processor

$484.00

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

AMDSpec score 9.1

16 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 9

+16 cores and 32 threads for heavy workloads

+Unlocked for manual overclocking

+AM4 socket uses an older platform

−AM4 socket is an older platform

$404.95

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

AMDSpec score 8.1

8 Cores, AM4, AMD, Ryzen 7

+3D V-Cache technology for larger cache

+8 cores and 16 threads for multitasking

+Uses the AM4 socket

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

$469.99

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

AMD

AMD, Ryzen 7

+Made by AMD in the Ryzen 7 family

$445.00

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

Compare specs

Cores	Socket	Maker	Processor line	Spec score	Price
8	AM5	AMD	Ryzen 7	8.1	$444.00 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
		AMD	Ryzen 7	n/a	$484.00 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
16	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 9	9.1	$404.95 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
8	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 7	8.1	$469.99 as of 11/04/2026 12:07 PST - Details
		AMD	Ryzen 7	n/a	$445.00 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.