Lately, budget CPUs seem to be rocking the stage, and for good reason. Their low price bracket, remarkable price-to-performance ratio, and formidable performance have made them the go-to option for most gamers. That said, given the sheer number of options available, finding the right CPU that meets your requirements can be challenging. Well, I tested all the top budget CPUs in the market to bring you the best options
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Here are my top selections, all compared to each other:
Building a PC on a limited budget? Here are our other tested round-upson other components:
Best Budget CPUs
Here are my picks for the Best Budget CPUs.
- Best AMD Budget CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600
- Best Budget Intel CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F
- Budget CPU For Gaming And Streaming: Intel Core i5-13400F
- Best Budget Gaming CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
- Best Budget CPU For Video Editing: Ryzen 7 5700X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Best AMD Budget CPU
Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W
Pros
Cons
Performance: At its core, the Ryzen 5 5600 is a 6-core, 12-threaded chip with a modest base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, boosting up to an impressive 4.4 GHz. Plus, we have 2 MB of L2 and 32 MB of L3 cache; all of this meant that the Ryzen 5 5600 managed 60+ FPS in most titles I threw at it (1080P) while paired with the GTX 1660 Super.
Cooling: Despite dialed-back speeds compared to the 5600X, the chip has the same 65W TDP. The included Wraith Stealth cooler is rated to handle this 65W of heat, but if you plan on overclocking, I recommend a decent air cooler. I tested it with the Deepcool AS500, and the Ryzen 5 5600 barely pushed 60°C during my gaming session.
Future Proofing: The Ryzen offers a decent package of 6 cores and 12 threads, and for most users’ needs, it should be good for a few years. You have the option of upgrading to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, or say, the 5950X, but you’ll miss out on the latest I/O (PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory) until you upgrade the platform.
Buy It If
✅ You want a power-efficient CPU: With a TDP of 65W, the Ryzen 5 5600’s power consumption is definitely on the lower side.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ An iGPU is important: Much like most other 5000 series CPUs, the Ryzen 5600 does not come with integrated graphics.
❌ You want better future-proofing: AMD’s shift to the AM5 architecture limits upgrade options from the Ryzen 5 5600, especially considering its incompatibility with DDR5 memory modules.
What Makes It The Best AMD Budget CPU?
The Ryzen 5 5600 is bundled with an attractive price tag and decent performance that makes it a standout budget product in all prospects. Furthermore, its lower TDP of 65W and impressive boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz also contribute to making it the Best AMD Budget CPU.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 7.5/10 | Future Proofing: 7.5/10 |
Intel Core i5-12400F
Best Budget Intel CPU
Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 7.5MB | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W
Pros
Cons
Performance: The Core i5-12400F arrives with 6 cores and 12 threads, along with a rather underwhelming base clock speed of 2.5 GHz that pushes up to 4.4 GHz at boost. It showed an average FPS of 100+ in almost every title in my 1080P gaming tests, paired with the 3060 Ti, which just speaks of its fantastic value.
Cooling: While its base TDP is a modest 65 watts, the maximum turbo power shoots up to 117 watts, which is no joke. If you want to run it at limited speeds, the stock cooler will do. But, if you want to unlock its full potential, I recommend a good air cooler, such as the Arctic Freezer eSports Duo I used to test it.
Future Proofing: The Core i5-12400F runs on the LGA1700 platform which supports the best I/O available today, and you can get a supporting motherboard as cheap as $80. Upgrade pathway up to 14th generation is possible; but even so, you’ll be good with the i5-12400F for a few years before the need to upgrade arises.
Despite the absence of E-cores, the Core i5-12400F holds up quite well and didn’t break a sweat in any title during my 1080P gaming benchmarking.
– Nauman Siddique
Buy It If
✅ You prioritize DDR5 Compatibility: Unlike the Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, the Core i5-12400 boasts compatibility with DDR5 memory modules, making it slightly more future-proof.
✅ You plan to upgrade later: The Core i5-12400F is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, which means upgrades up to the 14th generation will be possible.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You aim for extensive overclocking: As evident by the lack of the K-suffix on the Core i5-12400F, no CPU overclocking is possible.
What Makes It The Best Budget Intel CPU?
Intel’s implementation of the Golden Cove architecture, in conjunction with the remarkable multi-core performance, gives the Core i5-12400F the lead it needs over most other budget processors in the market. That, combined with its competitive price tag, prompted me to choose it as the Best Budget Intel CPU.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 9.5/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Future Proofing: 9/10 |
Intel Core i5-13400F
Budget CPU For Gaming And Streaming
Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 10 (6P + 4E) | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 9.5MB | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz (P-cores) | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz (P-cores) | TDP: 65W
Pros
Cons
Performance: The i5-12400F’s successor is my choice here, as its added E-cores leads to an 11.1% performance boost, and make it a great choice for streaming at the same time. I streamed various titles at 1080P resolution with OBS while using the CPU, and FPS remained in the 120s, or more, in most titles I tested.
Cooling: While it maintains the same impressive 65W TDP, the maximum boost power climbs to 148 watts. For the base speeds, the included stock cooler will do, but to squeeze the most performance, get an air cooler with at least 4 heatpipes, or a 120mm AIO cooler such as the Enermax Liqmax III 120 I used in my testing.
Future Proofing: The Core i5-13400F offers a good set of specifications to last you for a good few years before an upgrade becomes necessary. It comes with the latest I/O that was introduced with the Alder Lake lineup, and you can upgrade to the 14th generation down the line.
Buy It If
✅ You need plenty of cores on a budget: The i5-13400F boasts an impressive 10 cores, setting a new standard for Intel’s Core i5 series.
✅ You want exceptional gaming performance: Thanks to its specification upgrades, it showcases a generational leap in performance, toppling over its predecessor i5 by a huge margin.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You’re concerned about power consumption: All of that added performance has resulted in an inevitable increase in the CPU’s maximum power draw, which now comes in at 148W.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For Gaming and Streaming?
All in all, the Core i5-13400F surpasses its predecessors in every scenario possible. Between high boost frequencies to a hybrid core architecture comprising 10 cores, the Core i5-13400 prevails in every aspect, making it the Best Budget CPU For Gaming and Streaming.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Future Proofing: 10/10 |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Best Budget Gaming CPU
Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | Base Clock: 3.9 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W
Pros
Cons
Performance: Built on a 7 nm process, it houses 6 cores and 12 threads, with 16MB of L3 cache and 3MB of L2 cache. It features respectable clock speeds, with 3.9 GHz at base. It houses a fairly capable iGPU, which did well in some light 720P gaming in my tests. For serious gaming though, I recommend a dedicated GPU.
Cooling: Same as the 5600, we get a 65W TDP rating with this APU. So, again, I would recommend you just use the included stock cooler, or invest in a low-to-mid range air cooler if you want to push the clocks on it.
Future Proofing: For a value-oriented CPU, its 6 core-12 thread configuration is decent as its still capable of handling most titles. What concerns me is that you don’t even get PCIe 4.0 support in an era where PCIe 5.0 is being popularized. Moreover, you’ll need to spend a considerable amount if you want to shift to AM5.
Buy It If
✅ You want an iGPU: If you’re aiming for light gaming, or just want to boot up your PC as you wait for your dedicated graphics card, you’ll be happy with its decent integrated graphics.
✅ You want to overclock: It also offers overclocking abilities to push the CPU further, which makes it an even better package.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You need PCIe 4.0 support: Compared to the non-APU Ryzen 5000 lineup, there’s no PCIe 4.0 support, and any PCIe 4.0 devices you have will run at 3.0 speeds.
What Makes It The Best Budget Gaming CPU?
Packing integrated graphics, compelling clock speeds, and remarkable overclocking potential under its belt, the 6 core 12 threaded Ryzen 5 5600G doesn’t disappoint in any category. It made the Best Budget Gaming CPU for its incredible value and previously mentioned attributes.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Future Proofing: 7.5/10 |
Ryzen 5 5700X
Best Budget CPU For Video Editing
Socket: AM4 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 4MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W
Pros
Cons
Performance: The Ryzen 7 5700X emerges as another excellent budget-friendly offering from AMD’s side. Coming in with a total of 8 cores, its excellent for rendering workloads. Moreover, with the RTX 3080, it delivered an average of 90-100 FPS in my 1080P gaming tests (including an average of 80+ in Cyberpunk 2077).
Cooling: Despite its 8-core design, its power rating is just 65 watts. And, as with the other Ryzen chips that come with stock coolers, the CPU will run fine at stock setting with them. For overclocking, consider a good air cooler; I used the Noctua NH-U12A, and, running the CPU at boost, the cooler kept it in the 50°Cs during my gaming tests.
Future Proofing: With 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 5700X should keep your gaming and video editing tasks running smoothly for years. But, the I/O capabilities are outdated (including no DDR5 support), and your best bet is to upgrade to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D if performance starts becoming a concern.
Buy It If
✅ You want overclocking potential: The Ryzen 7 5700X has been left with a lot of headroom for overclocking, allowing users to push it past its stock frequencies.
✅ You want a power-friendly CPU: It runs cool as a cucumber with a 65W TDP rating.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You’re looking for the latest I/O: The Ryzen 7 5700X is limited to PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory, compared to Intel’s LGA1700 CPUs offering PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For Video Editing?
The Ryzen 7 5700X rocks a power-efficient 8-core design which works in favor of delivering a moderate experience, making it the Best Budget CPU For Video Editing from my side.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 8.5/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Future Proofing: 7.5/10 |
Comparison Table
Here is how my selections compare against each other:
| Best Budget CPUs | No. of cores | No. of threads | Base frequency (GHz)(Full-power cores) | Boost frequency (Full-power cores) | Total L2 cache (MB) | Total L3 cache (MB) | Base TDP (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 6 | 12 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 3 | 32 | 65 |
| Core i5-12400F | 6 | 12 | 2.5 | 4.4 | 7.5 | 18 | 65 |
| Core i5-13400F | 10 | 16 | 2.5 | 4.6 | 9.5 | 20 | 65 |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 6 | 12 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 3 | 16 | 65 |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 8 | 16 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 4 | 32 | 65 |
Gaming Benchmarks Of The Best Budget CPUs
Important CPU Key Terms
- Cores: A single CPU core represents a processing unit that is responsible for executing instructions at a particular speed. The number of CPU cores directly affects the processor’s performance and price.
- Threads: Often referred to as virtual cores, threads are instructions assigned to a CPU core for execution. Modern CPUs make use of features such as multi-threading to properly utilize these threads in order to gain substantial performance.
- Multi-Threading: Multi-threading refers to the process of using cores to execute two or more threads simultaneously. Intel and AMD use separate terms for this process: Hyper-threading for Intel and Simultaneous Multi-Threading for AMD.
- Cache: CPU Cache is high-speed storage that effectively reduces the time required to access data from the main memory. L1, L2, and L3 Cache are all variations of CPU Cache, each differing in speed. The access speed progressively decreases with each Cache level, resulting in lower speeds.
- Clock Speed: The clock speed of your processor represents the number of executions it is capable of executing within a second. A processor’s boost clock speed refers to the maximum speed it is capable of reaching.
- TDP: Measured in Watts, the TDP of your system is an accurate representation of the heat your CPU generates. The Thermal Design Power or TDP of your system allows users to gauge the type of cooler your processor needs to maintain adequate temperatures.
- Overclocking: The process of giving more power to the CPU in order to achieve higher clock speeds is known as overclocking. Overclocking your CPU might increase performance; however, you need to have a compatible CPU and a cooler that can withstand the higher power draw.
Tips To Buy Best Budget CPUs
Here are some of the most important aspects I took into consideration when coming up with my list of the Best Budget CPUs.
- Intel vs AMD: When choosing the Best Budget CPUs, both Intel and AMD prevail in their respective categories. AMD’s non-x 5000 series GPUs compete directly against the 12th-generation ones from Intel, which means choosing between the two will mostly come down to personal preference and availability in your region.
- Overclocking: The overclocking capabilities of your processor play a considerable part in influencing the overall buying decision. Processors that come with an unlocked multiplier allow users to go beyond the stock speeds of the processor, which results in a performance increase. Some of the budget CPUs in our list come with an unlocked multiplier, providing users with decent overclocking headroom.
- Frequency: Simply put, your CPU’s clock speeds determine its capability to process instructions. Faster frequencies allow your processor to interpret instructions quickly, resulting in a faster overall experience as a result. Thankfully, all of the CPUs in my list boast adequate clock speeds that allow them to perform flawlessly in most cases.
- Supported Chipsets: When choosing the best Budget CPUs, it is important to ensure that the CPU you end up going with is compatible with your selected motherboard. For instance, Intel’s latest 13th-generation processors utilize the LGA 1700 socket, meaning they are compatible with motherboards based on the 700-series and 600-series chipsets.
Community Poll
The Ryzen 5 5600 takes the crown as the best Budget CPU from AMD. Over at the Intel side of things, the Core i5-12400F is an equally capable budget processor. Around 10-30 percent should be allotted to the CPU alone; however, most of your budget allocation will boil down to personal requirements. Both Intel and AMD have budget offerings that compete in the same price category; however, Intel might have a slight advantage thanks to their i3 series of processors. Investing in a good CPU will always pay off when it comes to video editing. Between lower render times and faster editing speeds, a capable processor gives users a smooth experience that enhances the video editing experience. Frequently Asked Questions
Recent Updates
- March 24, 2024: Further text changes to improve readability. Core i5-12600KF was replaced by AMD’s Ryzen 7 5700X as it offers better performance for video-editing applications, with 8 full-power cores, at a similar price-point.
- August 30, 2023: A few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]
Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.
As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.
- 15+ years of PC Building Experience
- 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
- 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
- A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
- I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
- Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
- Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech
Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com
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