If you’re thinking of building a new PC, then you’ve probably also considered which processor to go with. After all, not every single component needs to be as equal or as important as each other. They key word here is “PC” and “build” specifically. That is because the best CPUs for the money don’t necessarily make the best parts for your build. You need to take everything into account first, which includes the kind of games you plan on playing most often, how much graphics-intensive they are, and whether or not you have room in your budget for it all. This article will outline some of the top processors that fall into this category and why they deserve a place in your PC build.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
AMD’s Ryzen processors have earned a reputation for being one of the best CPU deals out there. These chips are incredibly affordable, with the Ryzen 7 2700X selling for just $329. This processor is designed for gamers and content creators who need a lot of power for their rigs. It has eight cores and 16 threads, which is more than enough for modern tasks like gaming and content creation. It also has a lot of headroom for overclocking, which means you can make it perform even better without breaking the bank. This chip is a great fit for those looking to upgrade their rig without breaking the bank. It has great performance, as well as a lot of future-proofing with its support for Zen 2 and beyond. For example, Zen 2 is set to launch at some point in the next year and a bit. Meanwhile, Zen 3 is expected to be available at some point in 2020.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X is one of the best CPUs for the money right now. It’s an incredible deal at $180, making it one of the top-performing chips you can buy for your money. It runs on a 6-core/12-thread design, which is more than enough for most users. The biggest drawback is that it only has a base clock speed of 3.4GHz. This means it won’t be able to overclock at all, but it will still perform exceptionally well. The 2600X is an excellent choice for casual gamers who don’t need the extra oomph of a more expensive chip. It can also be a good choice for those who have a small apartment or don’t have a lot of space for a big rig. With the money required for a 2600X, you can get a great console instead, like the PlayStation 4 or the Xbox One X.
Intel Core i7-8700K
Intel’s 8th-generation Core chips offer the best value for money. Similar to AMD, Intel’s goal with these processors is to target gamers and content creators. They do this by offering top performance and compatibility at a price that won’t break the bank for most users. The Core i7-8700K is one such CPU. It’s Intel’s current flagship processor, boasting incredible performance and compatibility. It also has a 6-core design and 12 threads that can tackle the most demanding tasks with ease. The only drawback is that it only has a 3.2GHz base clock speed, which means it won’t be able to be overclocked at all. It’s a fantastic choice for gaming and content creation. It can also be a good option for those who have a small amount of money to spend on a powerful system. This chip will easily last you a few years while providing great value for money at the same time.
Intel Core i5-8600K
The Intel Core i5-8600K is a great option for those who want to build a rig for gaming and content creation. It has a 6-core design and 12 threads, making it a great choice for multitasking and handling multiple applications at once. It also has a great deal of headroom for overclocking and can be pushed to higher speeds if you want. The only drawbacks are the fact that it has a base clock speed of 3.3GHz and a maximum turbo speed of 4GHz. This means that you’ll have to be careful about pushing it too hard, otherwise, it could throttle and become less efficient. It’s a great upgrade from some lower-end processors. Additionally, it has the potential to last you a few years, which is great for saving money in the long run.
Intel Core i3-9000
If you’re looking for an inexpensive CPU that can still get you some great performance, then the Intel Core i3-9000 is the one to go for. It costs just $110 and is a 6-core/6-thread part that can still be overclocked to run at higher speeds. It has a base clock speed of 3.60GHz, which can be pushed to 4.20GHz with simple speed tweaks. Meanwhile, the 3.90GHz turbo speed is the same as many other $200 chips. It’s a great option for gamers who want to save some money but still get a powerful processor without breaking the bank. It’s also a great option for those who want a chip that can last them a few years before they need to upgrade. It has a lot of future-proofing thanks to its support for Intel’s Coffee Lake architecture, which is expected to launch next year.
AMD Ryzen 3 2300X
AMD’s Ryzen 3 lineup is designed for budget-conscious users who want to build a PC but don’t want to compromise on the components. AMD has done a great job at creating a lineup of chips that are powerful enough for most tasks, while also being affordable. The Ryzen 3 2300X is one such CPU. It’s part of AMD’s new Ryzen 3 lineup, which is designed to be the best bang for the buck. It has two CPU designs, one for gamers, and the other for content creators. The gaming-focused model has six cores and 12 threads and an unlocked design that can be overclocked. It also has a base clock speed of 3.5GHz and a maximum turbo speed of 4GHz. The content-creating version has four cores and eight threads, as well as a locked design that can’t be overclocked. This is ideal for those who spend most of their time making content and don’t need a lot of oomph.
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
AMD’s latest GPU, the Radeon RX 5, is a fantastic card that you can also use for building a PC. It has a GPU with 4GB of VRAM that can handle the latest games at decent framerates. It’s also extremely affordable, selling for just $50. The Ryzen 5 2400G is AMD’s latest Ryzen 5 chip designed for this GPU. It has a mobile GPU with 2GB of VRAM, making it a great choice for those who don’t need the best graphics performance. It also has a great deal of headroom for overclocking, thanks to its base clock speed of 2GHz and a maximum turbo speed of 3GHz. This means that it can be overclocked quite a bit without breaking a sweat.