AMD and Intelhave fought for domination for decade , duking it out in a bid to make the best processors you may buy . The competition is boisterous , and that ’s a slap-up thing for PC enthusiasts . In 2025 , the list of the good CPUs is large than ever and pack with options from Team Red and Team Blue .
The smasher - for - buck king is the Ryzen 9600X , but its last - gen 7600 counterpart is still worth considering . At the top final stage , for gaming we have the unbelievable new 9800X3D and the 9950X for productiveness , while Intel ’s young 285 K has find its own limited niche for fans of Team Blue .
You knowwhat a CPU is , and you know why your PC needs one . Here are the best CPUs you may purchase in 2025 .
The best processor
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
Why you should buy this : The Ryzen 7 9700X is the sleeper hit of this generation , with plenty of carrying out and a scummy price tag to kick .
Who it ’s for : Gamers and mainstream users who want the good residuum of power and damage .
Why we opt the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X :
This is a controversial pickax , there ’s no doubtfulness about that . The Ryzen 7 9700X was n’t a great mainframe at launching , and in fact , most reviewers agreed that it was the weak of AMD ’s young card . That ’s not the pillow slip anymore , due to a combination of price swing and performance updates . The Ryzen 7 9700X is truly the sleeper smash of this generation , and it makes a hatful of sense for most PC builders .
At a high grade , the Ryzen 7 9700X is an gentle CPU to commend . It ’s an eight - gist part , delivering a good balance of gambling and productivity performance , and it ’s reasonably price at around $ 320 . The big upgrade arrived after the central processor launched , however . AMD not only delivered carrying out improvements but also a fresh power mode that runs the central processing unit at 105 Watt . And this combination makes theRyzen 7 9700X much faster .
It ’s able to put up productivity performance alongside much more expensive CPUs like Intel ’s Core Ultra 7 265 K and AMD ’s own Ryzen 7 9800X3D , and it can concord its own in game . Although it misses the extra succus tender by AMD ’s 3D V - Cache , the Ryzen 7 9700X is still a speedy gambling CPU , especially if you ’re planning at mellow graphics mount and resolution .
The best gaming processor
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Why you should buy this : The Ryzen 7 9800X3D top out gaming charts , and it ’s not even close .
Who it ’s for : Gamers who want maximal performance out of their PC no matter the cost .
Why we opt the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D :
At this point , it should n’t be surprising that AMD ’s leading 3D V - Cache CPU is the good processor for gaming . We ’ve figure the technical school at employment over the row of three generation now , and even from the first release , AMD cemented itself as the gaming drawing card . The Ryzen 7 9800X3D did n’t need to do much , and even then , it exceeded our expectation .
It ’s not just firm gaming performance . The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a decent 5 % to 10 % uplift over its last - gen counterpart , but more importantly , it comes with AMD ’s next - gen 3D V - Cache . This places the hoard exit under the processor cores instead of on top of them , giving the cores more lineal access to cooling . That take into account AMD to push the cores hard , unlock the power tooverclock the CPUand delivering productivity gains above 20 % in most applications .
The upshot speak for themselves . With previous 3D V - Cache CPUs , you ’d have to give up productiveness performance for better gaming performance , but the Ryzen 7 9800X3D does n’t force you to choose . It ’s an first-class all - around central processing unit that just materialize to blow away the competition when it come time to play some games .
The best Intel processor for gaming
Intel Core i9-13900K
Why you should buy this : It exceed functioning chart in nearly every benchmark , and it ’s gaudy than the competition from AMD .
Who it ’s for : Enthusiasts who require high kernel count and blistering clock swiftness to speed video redaction , compaction , and other demanding task .
Why we chose the Intel Core i9 - 13900 jet :
Intel ’s 13900 K might not be the flagship it once was , but it ’s basically the same as the 14900 kibibyte , it ’s cheap , and it uses less mogul . It ’s no way nigh as efficient as the newer 285 K , either , but it ’s faster for play , so if you ’re take care for an Intel platform for workandplay , then the 13900 K is the best of the near . And it ’s look major fresh price drops , too .
Similar to the premature - coevals ’s Core i9 - 12900 K , the Core i9 - 13900 K combines performance ( atomic number 15 ) cores and efficient ( E ) cores . core group counting are up this time around , though . You ’re pay back eight phosphorus - cores plan on the new Raptor Cove microarchitecture , as well as 16 vitamin E - kernel using the Gracemont architecture from the previous generation .
Those extra cores help accelerate demanding multithreaded tasks , which is why the Core i9 - 13900 K wangle an 8 % lead over the Ryzen 9 7950X in Cinebench R23 . The redesign atomic number 15 - core also help the Core i9 - 13900 K outpace AMD ’s best by 12 % in Cinebench ’s single - core exam .
Across nearly all benchmark , the Core i9 - 13900 K top the charts , aided in no little part by additional L2 cache and boosted clock speeds . It ’s the fast mainframe you could buy , but more significantly , it comes in bum than AMD ’s Ryzen 9 7950X.
However , it ca n’t enamour up with the X3D CPUs in gaming , so you will be falling behind a little there if you choose for this powerful Intel option , so bear that in mind . The upgrade path is a little limited , too , as you only really have the fourteenth gen to move to and nothing there beyond the very top chip can vie with the 13900K.
The best value processor
AMD Ryzen 9600X
Why you should buy this : It ’s one of the fastest CPUs you could buy for around $ 250 .
Who it ’s for : Builders attend for the sound bash for their buck .
Why we chose the AMD Ryzen 9600X :
AMD ’s Ryzen 9600X did n’t blow the doors off when it launch in August 2024 , but with recent toll reduction and a few software improvements , it ’s become a tangible bang - for - long horse contender for the best CPU around . With six cores , 12 threads , and a high boost - clock speeding , it ’s a powerful midrange central processing unit that perforate well above its weight . It is n’t a huge rising slope over the last - generation 7600 in gaming , but it is quicker , and its productivity performance has ameliorate by leaps and bounds , all while maintaining excellent efficiency .
It also function on any exist AM5 motherboard , mean you do n’t need to promote your whole organization if you ’re coming from Ryzen 7000 . It supports fast memory than older mainframe , too , and it ’s full overclockable , so if you care to tweak your arrangement for supply performance , this chip is a great choice .
If you need more than six nucleus , the 7700X is around $ 20 more and can declare oneself slightly better gaming carrying into action . perfect gamers should also debate the Ryzen 9000X3D central processing unit , as they ’re the best if you do n’t do any work on your motorcar . But for an low-cost , all - libertine processor with the up-to-the-minute features at a swell Mary Leontyne Price , you ca n’t find much better than the 9600X.
The best AMD processor
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
Why you should buy this : It ’s dementedly fast , and it ’s set up to patronise AMD ’s next platforms for many days .
Who it ’s for : AMD fans who want the upright of the sound and do n’t mind spending a little extra .
Why we take the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X :
While it ’s not quite as tight as the 13900 K or 14900 K in gaming or productiveness , and falls a few steps behind the newer 9950X , there ’s no deny the naked as a jaybird king of the Ryzen 9 7950X – especially at near to $ 200 less than its replacement .
The central processing unit delivers on its promises , offering a 31 % jump in single - core functioning and a 36 % advance in multi - core public presentation compare to the previous generation . It takes a slight back tail in some tasks compare to the Core i9 - 13900 K , but only by razor - thin margins . And in some games , likeFar Cry 6,the Ryzen 9 7950X is actually a morsel faster . This puts it top among the verybest AMD processors .
Beyond the C.P.U. itself , the Ryzen 9 7950X introduces AMD ’s AM5 platform . It used to be much more expensive , but gratefully , new motherboards and falling prices for even thebest DDR5 RAMmake the upgrade a slight more affordable . In increase , AMD says it will support AM5 until at least 2027 ( and maybe beyond ) . That means you may upgrade to the 9000 series or future CPU generations down the line , without changing your motherboard .
Although the Ryzen 9 7950X is n’t at the peak of performance , it ’s just a step behind . And with features likeSmart Access Memoryand remote political program support on offer , it ’s still a very attractive flagship CPU , at a more low-cost price .
The best Intel CPU
Intel Core i9-14900K
Why you should corrupt this : Intel ’s late flagship is still a monstrosity performing artist , and it ’s much cheaper now than it was at spill .
Who it ’s for : microcomputer builder looking for a flagship alternative to Intel ’s new Arrow Lake CPUs .
Why we pick out the Intel Core i9 - 14900 K :
The Core i9 - 14900 K is mar in controversy , but if you may look pastits late instability takings , you ’ll find an extremely powerful CPU useable for a bargain ABA transit number price . Intel has plow the job with the Core i9 - 14900 K , so as long as you have the latest update for the CPU , you should n’t run into issues .
Unlike Intel ’s new Arrow Lake CPUs , the Core i9 - 14900 K is a fairly tame release for Intel . It ’s a 24 - core microchip with 32 threads , and it features Intel ’s typical raiment of eight public presentation core and 16 efficient cores based on its Raptor Lake design . It ’s basically just the Core i9 - 13900 K , but with all of the yellow-bellied terrapin cranked to their maximum .
There are some seemly productiveness profit , but the Core i9 - 14900 K ’s lastingness really lie in gambling . It ’s one of the few mainframe that can stand up to AMD ’s 3D V - Cache options , and in most game , it offer a well-off uplift over the Core i9 - 13900K. You ’ll have to fence with gamey big businessman tie and temperature , however — for as muscular as the Core i9 - 14900 K is , it consumes hundreds of watts and runs hot .
The best last-gen processor for gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Why you should buy this : It ’s easily the best gaming mainframe in terms of value and operation .
Who ’s it for : Gamers who want top - mountain pass carrying into action without spending more than necessary .
Why we choose the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D :
With the launch of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D , the 5800X3D finally has a worthy successor . This CPU is the fast gaming CPU out there , beating Intel ’s Core i9 - 13900 KiB by miles and even occult the 14900 K in most games . In pure gaming scenario , it also keeps up with the pricey Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D benefit from AMD ’s 3D V - Cache technology , and once again , it shows off the power of add plentiful sum of L3 memory cache on top of the micro chip . It sports a total of 104 MB cache , which brand a drastic upgrade from the Ryzen 7 7700X , which only comes with 40 M .
In terms of core counts , AMD seems to have stick with what make for well for it before . The C.P.U. has eight cores and 16 ribbon . The boost clock speed is substantially lower than in the Ryzen 7 7700X – the 7800X3D maxes out at 5GHz . However , it still remain far superior in gaming undertaking .
This chip is insane for gaming , but it neglect off a drop-off in productivity tasks when you compare it to the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. However , for saturated gamers , this should not be a job . In our internal testing , the central processor hit almost the same build per 2d ( Federal Protective Service ) as the more expensive part – 239.3 versus 239.5 . If you just desire a solid processor for gaming , store your money and go with this one . We ’ve also determined that this is thebest CPU for the RTX 4070 and 4070 Tigraphics cards .
The best processor under $100
Intel Core i3-12100F
Why you should buy this : It ’s still a competent quad - core mainframe that ’s very inexpensive .
Who it ’s for : personal computer builders on a tight budget who want a solid processor for gaming and workplace without overspending .
Why we pick out the Intel Core i3 - 12100F :
It ’s tough determination central processor under $ 100 in 2024 , but the Core i3 - 12100F is a standout . It ’s part of the Alder Lake family , and though it does have newer - propagation counterparts in the 13100 and 14100 , they are more expensive and do n’t do much better , making the 12100F agreat budget CPUand an absolute bargain for a budget play PC .
The Core i3 - 12100F is a quad - core C.P.U. that ranks among thebest Intel processorsyou can buy . It does n’t follow with a hybrid computer architecture , alternatively opt for four performance cores , but that does n’t hurt functioning too much . It lacks onboard art , too , so you will need a dedicated computer graphic placard with it .
Gaming is for certain potential , even if it ’s a bit behind the six - core Ryzen 5 5600X , and day - to - solar day use is first-class . This is an incoming - level CPU , no doubt , but the Core i3 - 12100F still punches above what its price would suggest .
The only caution here is that the Core i3 - 14100F has been on sale at around $ 90 recently . If it ’s still there when you attend it up , get that alternatively . It has a slightly high clock speed and will give you a slight performance blow over the 12100 .
The best processor with integrated graphics
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
Why you should purchase this : It ’s one of the few good APUs that you could buy right on now , and it ’s relatively chinchy .
Why we select the AMD Ryzen 5 8500 gravitational constant :
Gaming without a GPU is possible , but it ’s not an ideal experience . The AMD Ryzen 5 8500 G is an exception , because its onboard RDNA 3 GPU is more than open of play most games at 1080p medium options at 30 underframe per 2d ( fps ) in AAA games , and a far higher pace in more chance title . It ’s not going to replace a consecrate artwork bit , and the CPU is n’t as tight as its non - APU counterpart , but it ’s a groovy pick for GPU - gratis play .
It has six Zen4 + cores , chip in it square CPU performance , with support for 12 threads . It is limited to a 5GHz boost clock , though , which is scurvy than its Ryzen 7000 counterpart . Still , it has a low TDP , and if you ’re building a budget play car , desire to save money to buy a bigger nontextual matter card subsequently , or are putting together a compact machine that will only do light gaming , the 8500 deoxyguanosine monophosphate is a capital pick .
If you need more king , the 8700 G is usable , but it ’s around twice the price and its performance isn’tthat muchbetter .
Best CPU for productivity
AMD Ryzen 9950X
Why you should buy this : It ’s the degraded processor for multi - threaded workloads .
Who ’s it for : developer , video editor program , or anyone performing labored , postulate tasks with their microcomputer .
Why we picked the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X :
AMD ’s 9000 - serial did n’t make any major saltation in gambling public presentation ( attend out for the X3D variant for that ) but it did make some excellent gains in productivity , making the full - fertile , AMD Ryzen 9950X , 16 - core Zen 5 CPU the absolute pinnacle of consumer PC hardware when it comes to get work done . With effective Zen 5 cores , sky - gamey clock hurrying , and boatloads of cache , the 9950X is an absolute animate being for roil through heavy workloads .
The Intel 285 K does give it a foot race for its money in a few places and choice apps , but the 9950X is by far the more logical CPU , with its single core computer architecture removing a lot of the headaches of Intel ’s Big . niggling design philosophy .
The 9950X is expensive , but if you’re able to make more money or get your work done quicker by using a more sinewy CPU , it ’s well deserving the raise . And , though it ’s not marketed for play , it ’s still faster than most CPUs for that , too . It ’s evengetting patches and updatesthat give it a real wooden leg up there , so watch this space for succeeding updates and improvements .
Best Intel CPU for productivity
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Why you should buy this : It ’s the fastest Intel CPU for employment .
Why we picked the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 K :
If you want a really hefty productiveness CPU , then get the Ryzen 9950X , but if you need a really powerfulIntelCPU for productivity , get the 285K. It ’s not as ripe at gaming as its predecessors , but it ’s still plenty fast for that too . Where it really shines is in productivity , where despite have few threads , it often beat or gives the AMD 9950X a political campaign for its money .
However , that performance is currently quite discrepant , and though this CPU is much more effective , it ’s notthatefficient . Certainly not enough to warrant the problems . As Digital Trends ' Jacob Roach signal out in his limited review , it ’s a very telling piece of outfit , and does bode well for the future , but it ’s just not as good as it should be .
That said , if you really want the summit of Intel carrying out in 2025 , this is it . This is the best you could do . Pair it up with riotous computer storage , and you wo n’t be disappointed — you just might be leaving some carrying into action on the table .
Best value Intel CPU
Intel Core i5-13400F
Why you should corrupt this : It ’s a CPU that punches above its weight at an low-cost cost tag .
Who ’s it for : Gamers and other drug user in search of a ripe slew .
Why we picked the Intel Core i5 - 13400F :
The Intel Core i5 - 13400F might be a last - generation chip , and it might be a little slower than the new - gen 14400 , but there ’s a sizeable discount to be had for opting for this slightly honest-to-god model . It work on the same motherboards , supports the same DDR4 or DDR5 retention , and it has the same ( albeit limited ) promote potential .
It ’s the cheapest Intel 13th- or 14th - generation CPU with efficiency cores , so its productivity functioning is seriously impressive , rivaling much more high-pitched - destruction CPUs from older coevals and proffer believable contender for eminent - remnant AMD CPUs . Pair it with a midrange graphics card , and this is a seriously adequate to chip for gaming .
As for upgrade , you ’ll only be able to switch it out for higher - last 13th and 14th gen chips , which does give you an upgrade path , but that ’s the end of it . After this generation , you ’ll require to switch out the motherboard for something new .
Frequently Asked Questions
The fast processor you could purchase right now is the Intel Core i9 - 14900K. It come with 24 burden and high clock speeds , allowing it to rip through game and intense productivity applications . However , it has serious competition in gaming from the AMD 7800X3D and 7950X3D , both of which are far more efficient and draw far less power than the 14900K. They ca n’t vie on productivity , but the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X , is n’t far behind and is no slouch in gaming either .
Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processor are both fantabulous options . As the names suggest , i7 CPU are firm and more hefty than i5 processors , and they ’re more expensive . They may not be the best choice for everyone , though .
For several generations , Intel has segmented six core to its Core i5 processor and eight cores to its Core i7 processors . The two extra cores provide a performance encouragement , but they ’re not as crucial if you ’re gaming or scarper basic software on your PC .
AMD and Intel are the main CPU manufacturers , and they incline to leapfrog each other every couple of year . presently , Intel processors are the best alternative for raw carrying out all rotund , but that comes at a high power draw . For downright play performance , though , AMD ’s X3D CPUs , like the 7800X3D and 7950X3D as the fastest out there .
See ourCPU buying guideto help you make the right option . Do n’t make any alteration until youcheck what CPU your reckoner has .
In short , yes . The more high - carrying into action Aries the Ram you have ( currently , you should be looking at DDR5 ) , the good your C.P.U. will seem . If you understandwhat RAM isand how it sour with the CPU , you should be able to configure a system that works perfectly .
contribute RAM can meliorate your PC ’s public presentation , as can managing how it runs . Spend some timechecking CPU usageto expect for high usage , and solve on reducing this . Any problems you ’re having could be due to rogue software system , outdated drivers , or misfortunate internal flow of air . So , take some fourth dimension tocheck your CPU ’s temperature .
