Processors under $500

3 processors under $500 from Intel and AMD. Prices run $405 to $499.

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 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details

IntelSpec score 9.5

24 Cores, Intel, Core i9, No

+24 cores with 8 performance and 16 efficiency cores

+32 threads for multithreaded workloads

+Boost clock of 5.5 GHz and up

−No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required

−Locked multiplier limits overclocking

$499.99

as of 11/04/2026 16:09 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

Compare specs

Cores	Socket	Maker	Processor line	Spec score	Price
24		Intel	Core i9	9.5	$449.00 as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
24		Intel	Core i9	9.5	$499.99 as of 11/04/2026 16:09 PST - Details
16	AM4	AMD	Ryzen 9	9.1	$404.95 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.