CPU Buying Guide
Everything you need to pick the right processor for gaming, budget builds, or high-end performance. Updated with current pricing and benchmarks
QUICK PICKS
Best CPU for…
THE BASICS
What actually matters when buying a CPU
CORES & THREADS
How many you need
6 cores is plenty for gaming. Streaming or heavy multitasking wants 8+.
CLOCK SPEED
Why higher isn't always better
Single-core boost clock matters more for gaming FPS than core count alone.
SOCKET & PLATFORM
Future upgrade path
AM5 (AMD) has a longer upgrade runway than Intel's LGA1700.
TDP & COOLING
What it costs to run
Higher TDP chips need beefier coolers — factor that into your budget.
CPU Reviews
FULL COMPARISON
CPU Comparison Table
| CPU | Price | Cores/Threads | Boost Clock | TDP | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5600 | $119 | 6 / 12 | 4.4GHz | 65W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 5 7600 — Best Value | $189 | 6 / 12 | 5.1GHz | 65W | AM5 |
| Core i5-14400F | $179 | 10 / 16 | 4.7GHz | 65W | LGA1700 |
| Core i7-14700K | $389 | 20 / 28 | 5.6GHz | 125W | LGA1700 |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | $349 | 8 / 16 | 5.0GHz | 120W | AM5 |