Unveiling Excellence: The Top 6 CPUs of 2024

Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the world of CPUs to bring you the top 6 picks for every imaginable usage scenario. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a multitasking enthusiast, we’ve got you covered. In our blog posts, we not only explain the key features and specifications of each CPU but also provide insights into their performance and value for money. And to make your shopping experience even easier, we always include an Amazon link to each product.
It’s worth nothing that we may earn a small commission if you purchase through the provided Amazon links. However, please rest assured that you’re under no obligation to buy from Amazon. We simply aim to offer convenient options, and ultimately, the choice of where to make your purchase is entirely up to you.
Thank you for choosing to explore our blog, and we hope you find the perfect CPU for your needs!

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Introducing the Ryzen 7 7800X3D: The Game-Changer in CPU Performance
Packed with groundbreaking technology and unrivaled gaming prowess, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D emerges as the ultimate gaming chip, leaving its competitors in the dust. At a competitive price point of $449, which is bound to drop further in the future, this eight-core powerhouse is set to revolutionize gaming on desktop PCs.
Surpassing even pricier rivals from both Intel and AMD’s own lineup, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D boasts a staggering 12% average gaming performance increase over Intel’s $580 Core i9-13900K and up to a remarkable 40% boost in certain titles compared to AMD’s $699 Ryzen 9 7950X3D. What sets the Ryzen 7 7800X3D apart is its cutting-edge second-gen 3D V-Cache technology, which elevates the chip’s L3 cache capacity to an impressive 96MB through a 3D-stacked chiplet. This innovation propels the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to the forefront of our list of top CPUs for gaming.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, this latest iteration harnesses the power of Zen 4 architecture and a peak boost clock of 5.0 GHz, ensuring a seamless blend of performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. Additionally, AMD has unlocked the 7800X3D for basic overclocking and undervolting, further enhancing its versatility. With simplicity at its core, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers a plug-and-play experience unlike any other. Unlike its heftier counterparts in the X3D family, the 7800X3D features a single compute chiplet, eliminating the need for additional thread-targeting or software adjustments.

In terms of gaming performance, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D reigns supreme, leaving little room for competition. However, Intel’s Raptor Lake alternatives are also making waves, each with its own unique strengths. Our comprehensive gaming benchmarks will shed light on how these chips stack up against each other. At the end of the day, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D stands as a testament to AMD’s commitment to simplicity, speed, and efficiency. While our Amazon links provide convenience and support, you’re free to choose where to make your purchase, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
~350-450$

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of CPU technology can be akin to a high-stakes game of leapfrog, with each new release bringing fresh challenges for chipmakers. Case in point: AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors initially turned heads with their stellar performance, only to face stiff competition from Intel’s 13th Gen “Raptor Lake” chips. This intense rivalry has cast a shadow over chips like the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X ($289.99), which now finds itself in a tough spot against more cost-effective alternatives like the previous-gen Intel Core i5-12600K.
The Ryzen 5 7600X adheres to AMD’s tried-and-true chiplet design, featuring a single Core Complex (CCX) built on a cutting-edge 5nm TSMC process. Complementing this is an I/O die crafted on a 6nm TSMC process, housing essential components like the integrated graphics and memory controller. While boasting eight physical processor cores based on the “Zen 4” microarchitecture, only six of these cores are actively utilized, all supporting simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) for enhanced efficiency and throughput. With clock speeds reaching up to 4.7GHz and a boost clock hitting 5.3GHz, the Ryzen 5 7600X packs a punch in the midrange segment.

However, in a crowded field of midrange and high-end contenders, the Ryzen 5 7600X faces formidable competition. Priced at $289, it’s notably more expensive than alternatives like the Intel Core i5-12600K, which offers comparable performance at a lower cost. Additionally, the availability of discounted options like the Intel Core i7-12700K further intensifies the competition, leaving prospective buyers with a wealth of choices to consider.

Ultimately, while the Ryzen 5 7600X delivers excellent performance, its position in the market has become increasingly precarious amidst fierce competition. As we continue to explore the dynamic world of CPUs, we aim to provide you with insightful recommendations and guidance to help you make informed decisions for your computing needs.
~250-300$

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Priced at $699, is a powerhouse designed to cater to gamers seeking unrivaled performance in CPU-limited games while also tackling demanding productivity tasks with ease. Featuring sixteen Zen 4 cores and AMD’s groundbreaking second-gen 3D V-Cache technology, this chip delivers unmatched gaming performance by unlocking an impressive 128MB of L3 cache. In our extensive testing, the 7950X3D outpaces Intel’s flagship Core i9-13900KS by an average of 13% and up to 40% in select titles, earning it the top spot on our list of the best CPUs for gaming.
Utilizing AMD’s innovative 3D chip-stacking technology, known as 3D V-Cache, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D elevates gaming performance to new heights with its expanded L3 cache capacity. Similar to its predecessor, the Zen 3 Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the additional cache is achieved through a 3D-stacked SRAM chiplet integrated onto the processor, delivering substantial gains in gaming performance across various titles. Additionally, AMD has implemented a new thread-targeting technique to ensure these performance benefits are distributed evenly across a wide range of games.
Unlike its predecessor, which was limited to eight cores and a relatively low boost frequency, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D marks a significant improvement with its 16-core configuration and a peak boost frequency of 5.7 GHz. This boost in core count and frequency enhances productivity applications and further solidifies its position as a formidable gaming processor.
With the release of Intel’s Raptor Lake CPUs, AMD faced stiff competition in the gaming performance arena. However, AMD’s response comes in the form of the X3D lineup, comprising 8-, 12-, and 16-core variants priced from $449 to $699. Built on the Zen 4 architecture and utilizing the 5nm process, these chips promise to deliver exceptional gaming performance while addressing previous limitations and supporting the latest connectivity technologies like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
While the Ryzen 9 7950X3D commands a premium price, its superior gaming performance, lower power consumption, and advanced features make it an attractive option for high-end gaming systems. AMD’s innovative 3D V-Cache technology sets it apart from Intel’s offerings, solidifying its position as the ultimate choice for gaming enthusiasts. As we delve deeper into the details of AMD’s second-gen 3D V-Cache technology, we invite you to explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of gaming CPUs.
~500-700$

Intel Core i5-13600K

The Intel Core i5-13600K emerges as a pleasant surprise, defying previous perceptions of mid-range processors by offering exceptional performance across a spectrum of demanding workloads. In discussions with my brother regarding my recent PC build, the i5-13600K sparked curiosity, prompting inquiries typically reserved for higher-tier i7 or i9 CPUs. It’s a testament to the newfound prowess of Intel’s i5 lineup, which has evolved into a formidable contender in the CPU landscape.
Priced at around £289.99 / $300, the i5-13600K presents a compelling value proposition, especially considering its impressive performance capabilities. With PC component costs soaring and the demand for cutting-edge technologies like DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 steadily rising, the i5-13600K offers a compelling alternative to pricier CPUs. Its sleek design, reminiscent of previous Intel chips, ensures seamless integration into existing setups, while compatibility with the LGA1700 socket streamlines the upgrade process.
Featuring 14 cores – 6 performance and 8 efficiency – along with 20 threads, the i5-13600K harnesses the power of Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture to deliver unparalleled efficiency and multitasking capabilities. While it may lack certain features like Raptor Lake’s Turbo Max 3.0, the i5-13600K compensates with its robust performance and overclocking potential, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking optimal value.
In terms of specifications, the i5-13600K closely rivals its 12th Gen predecessor, the Core i7-12700K, boasting a slightly faster boost clock and enhanced efficiency. During extensive testing, the i5-13600K demonstrated superior efficiency and thermal performance compared to its predecessor, offering a compelling blend of power and affordability.
Overall, the Intel Core i5-13600K stands as a testament to Intel’s commitment to delivering high-performance CPUs at accessible price points. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or a productivity-focused user, the i5-13600K offers a compelling solution that balances performance, affordability, and overclocking potential. As we await the arrival of future CPU generations, the i5-13600K remains a standout option for budget-conscious consumers seeking uncompromising performance.
~250-300$

Intel Core i3-12100F

A month ago, we delved into the world of CPUs with the purchase of a Core i5-12400, an investment that quickly proved its worth. Priced at $180 for the 12400F variant, this CPU emerged as a beacon of value, particularly for gamers seeking top-notch performance without breaking the bank. However, at the time, our excitement was tempered by the unavailability of compatible motherboards, with the newly launched Intel B660 chipset yet to hit the shelves.
Fast forward three weeks, and the landscape has shifted. B660 motherboards are now making their debut, albeit in limited quantities and with slightly inflated pricing. Nevertheless, budget-conscious consumers can still snag a sleek B660 board like the Gigabyte B660M DS3H AX or Asus Prime B660 Plus D4 for around $140, offering a promising glimpse into the future of affordability. It’s a familiar tale, reminiscent of the initial struggles faced by B560 and AMD’s B550 chipsets, which eventually saw a decline in pricing over time.
Before we dive into the benchmarks, let’s acquaint ourselves with the specifications of the Core i3-12100F. This entry-level Core i3 chip packs a punch with 4 P-cores clocked at up to 4.3 GHz, boasting Hyper-Threading technology for a total of 8 threads. Featuring a 12 MB L3 cache and UHD 730 graphics for the non-F SKU version, the i3-12100F shines with a max turbo rating of 89 watts.
For our testing purposes, we’ve paired the Core i3-12100F with the MSI B660M Mortar Wi-Fi DDR4, complemented by 32GB of dual-rank, dual-channel DDR4-3200 CL14 memory. This configuration, a mainstay in our DDR4 testing arsenal, consistently outperforms single-rank DDR4-3800 CL18 memory in terms of performance.
In our pursuit of comprehensive testing, the Alder Lake K-SKU CPUs underwent rigorous evaluation on the MSI Z690 Tomahawk Wi-Fi DDR4, with memory configurations identical to those used across all platforms. Additionally, we ensured that all boards were updated to the latest BIOS revision, maintaining parity and accuracy in our assessments. As we continue to expand our data repository, we’ve incorporated updated Ryzen data, leveraging the MSI X570S Tomahawk Wi-Fi for our AMD CPU evaluations.
~100-150$

Ryzen 5 8600G

The Ryzen 5 8600G emerges as a compelling alternative within AMD’s arsenal of powerful APUs, delivering robust integrated GPU performance tailored for specific use cases such as SFF and passive builds. While considerations like memory pricing and the affordability of AM5 motherboards, coupled with competition from CPU+GPU combinations, may complicate the decision-making process, the 8600G undoubtedly presents a superior value proposition compared to its pricier sibling, the Ryzen 7 8700G.
AMD’s Ryzen 5 8600G, priced at $229, aptly nicknamed “Phoenix,” integrates the latest Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architectures into a streamlined and cost-efficient package when compared to its pricier counterpart, the Ryzen 7 8700G. Boasting six cores and twelve threads, the 8600G delivers up to double the gaming performance of its predecessors, offering viable 1080p gaming experiences and impressive 720p performance ideal for budget-oriented PC builds devoid of a discrete GPU.
While AMD touts the 8000G series’ ability to handle most AAA titles at 1080p, albeit at reduced graphical settings, our testing corroborates these claims in several instances. However, it’s worth noting that these chips are not positioned to directly compete with or replace discrete GPUs. Instead, they excel in delivering unparalleled integrated GPU performance for desktop PCs.
The Ryzen 5 8600G marks a significant leap forward, transitioning from Vega to AMD’s RDNA 3-powered Radeon 760M graphics, featuring eight GPU cores. Additionally, it introduces support for innovative features such as AMD’s Hyper-RX suite, encompassing Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) upscaling and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) frame generation, poised to revolutionize the budget gaming landscape.
In essence, the Ryzen 8000G series comprises two performance tiers with distinct architectures. The flagship Ryzen 7 8700G and Ryzen 5 8600G, equipped with full-featured Zen 4 cores and the Ryzen AI engine, cater to high-performance computing needs. Conversely, the Ryzen 5 8500G and Ryzen 3 8300G, positioned at the lower end, feature a blend of standard Zen 4 cores and slower density-optimized Zen 4c cores, sans the Ryzen AI engine.
Distinguishing itself as the world’s first desktop CPU with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) engine, dubbed Ryzen AI, the Ryzen 5 8600G prioritizes power efficiency over raw compute horsepower, making it a viable option for AI workloads in laptops. While its graphical prowess may not rival that of discrete GPUs, the 8600G’s competitive pricing, coupled with notable performance enhancements, underscores its value proposition within the APU landscape.
~200-300$
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