Review the top Budget CPUs with features, pricing, and comparison to help you select the best budget CPU for an enhanced gaming experience:
Are you willing to assemble your PC?
Updating your computer with the latest hardware components will make it perform better. The central processing unit is one of the most important components of your computer. It allows your PC to perform better and with no lag.
The best budget CPU comes with affordable prices and also every specification that you need. A decent performance from the CPU allows you to play games, perform video editing, or multiple other works from home and the office. It is the main reason your PC is performing.
Table of Contents:
- Budget CPU Review
- List of the Top Budget CPUs
- Comparison of Best Budget CPU for Gaming
- #1) AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor
- #2) AMD Athlon 3000G Processor
- #3) AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor
- #4) Intel Core i5-9600K Processor
- #5) AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE
- #6) Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor
- #7) Intel Pentium Gold G5400 Desktop Processor
- #8) AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor
- #9) Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor
- #10) Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Budget CPU Review
There are thousands of CPUs available from multiple manufacturers. Interestingly, most of them do come with different specifications. We’ve made a list for you to save time and help you figure out the best Budget CPU.
The next thing to consider is the CPU speed. When you are doing any work with your PC, the clock speed of your CPU determines your PC performance. With a slow clock speed, you will experience a heavy lag. It is thus better to pick out a CPU that has at least 1 GHz speed.
Features like heatsink design, low wattage consumption, and decent cache size are key factors when opting for the best budget CPU cooler. Ensure that you pick the right CPU, even if it is for gaming or just for performing office work.
According to most research, the ideal temperature for any CPU should be around 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Suggested Reading =>> Best Computer Temperature Monitor Software
List of the Top Budget CPUs
Here is the list of popular and best budget CPUs for gaming below:
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor
- AMD Athlon 3000G Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor
- Intel Core i5-9600K Processor
- AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE
- Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400 Desktop Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor
- Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor
- Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor
Comparison of Best Budget CPU for Gaming
| Tool Name | Best For | Clock Speed | Price | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor | Fast FPS Performance | 4.2 GHz | $209.99 | 5.0/5 (33,468 ratings) |
| AMD Athlon 3000G Processor | HD Gaming | 3.5 GHz | $115.94 | 4.9/5 (1,313 ratings) |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor | Max Boost Performance | 4.4 GHz | $308.99 | 4.8/5 (20,696 ratings) |
| Intel Core i5-9600K Processor | Multi-tasking | 3.7 GHz | $245.98 | 4.7/5 (6,945 ratings) |
| AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE | Video Editing | 3.2 GHz | $114.95 | 4.6/5 (1,183 ratings) |
Top Budget CPU review:
#1) AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor
Best for fast FPS performance.
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor is one of the best devices if you require an expressive performance from a processor. This product comes with a DDR4 3200 support that allows you to get decent overclocking support. The option of having an AMD wraith stealth cooler always helps to limit the maximum temperature. It allows you to get decent support from the heat sink design for the PC to perform better.
Features:
- Ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance
- 6 cores and 12 processing threads
- 2 GHz max boost unlocked
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 4.2 GHz |
| Processor Count | 6 |
| Cache Size | 35 MB |
| Wattage | 65 Watts |
Verdict: Most consumers claim that the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor is an advanced CPU. When this device was launched, the Ryzen 5 became one of the most preferred core processors to purchase for most gamers. It provides a fast FPS performance which seemed to be the key factor. Having a 3 MB game cache helps to boot up much faster than most other processors available.
Price: $209.99
Company website: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor
#2) AMD Athlon 3000G Processor
Best for HD gaming.
The AMD Athlon 3000G Processor is a great choice if you are looking for a dual-core processor and a decent Zen processor architecture to help play games for the highest performance. It comes with 2 cores and multiple processing threads that make this device perform better. The silent cooler included with this product makes it a better choice for any processor.
Features:
- Cutting-edge Zen processor architecture
- 2 cores and 4 processing threads
- Advanced AMD Radeon graphics
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 3.5 GHz |
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Cache Size | 5 MB |
| Wattage | 35 Watts |
Verdict: According to consumers, the AMD Athlon 3000G Processor is a powerful processor with overclocking option. It includes the Athlon 3000G manufactured to provide a brilliant cover for overclocking needs. Most people find this device to be a great choice for playing games with dynamic GPU support. It can easily support the 1080p gaming requirements even while reducing the lag time.
Price: $115.94
Company website: AMD Athlon 3000G Processor
#3) AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor
Best for max boost performance.
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor consumes a max boost performance that is ready to provide you with the best results. This product comes with 8 cores and 16 processing threads that are capable of multi-tasking requirements. The involvement of the AMD Wraith Prism cooler allows the processor to stay cool even when you are going through extreme pressure. It supports Razer Chroma as well.
Features:
- 4 GHz max boost unlocked
- 8 cores and 16 processing threads
- AMD Wraith Prism cooler
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 4 4 GHz |
| Processor Count | 8 |
| Cache Size | 36 MB |
| Wattage | 65 Watts |
Verdict: As per customer reviews, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor comes along with advanced socket support. It can easily configure with an AM4 platform that can support almost any PCIe board. This product consumes meager power, which makes it much efficient for performance with instant cooling. The product comes with an ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance for the best result.
Price: $308.99
Company website: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor
#4) Intel Core i5-9600K Processor
Best for multi-tasking.
The Intel Core i5-9600K Processor can successfully run on the Windows 10 platform to get decent accessibility. This product comes with 6 cores supported by 6 threads to support overclocking. For performance, the base clock speed of the Intel Core i5-9600K Processor is around 3.70 GHz. It can easily rise above 4.60 GHz to provide decent max boost support available to them.
Features:
- Intel Optane memory supported
- 70 GHz up to 4.60 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 300 series Chipsets
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 3.7 GHz |
| Processor Count | 6 |
| Cache Size | 9 MB |
| Wattage | 95 Watts |
Verdict: According to reviews, the Intel Core i5-9600K Processor is a bit highly-priced in nature compared to the features that it provides. However, most people feel that having 6 cores allows the product to support a better multi-tasking option. This product comes with the support of Intel UHD Graphics which can be a decent choice for watching movies or some videos.
Price: $245.98
Company website: Intel Core i5-9600K Processor
#5) AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE
Best for video editing.
The major benefit of having the AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE is the 3.2 GHz Clock Frequency. It makes video editing much easier with this central processing unit. Also, the option of having a 5MB cache along with DDR4 2667 support, gives an amazing result for your PC requirements as well. This product features multiple boosters that allow you to get immediate boost results without even an upgrade.
Features:
- 2 Cores/4 Processing threads
- 2 GHz clock frequency
- Platform upgradable to Ryzen
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 3.2 GHz |
|---|---|
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Cache Size | 5 MB |
| Wattage | 35 Watts |
Verdict: People often consider the AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE as an ultimate budget-friendly model with a decent platform and a significant result that gives amazing performance. Professional video editors might fancy this device as one of the best tools for their regular usage.
With the option of having Vega 3 graphics inbuilt with the processor, the AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE is a decent choice for professionals.
Price: $114.95
Company website: AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE
#6) Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor
Best for gaming.
The Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop processor is the best budget CPU for gaming available in the market today. It comes with 6 cores that give an amazing display for games. This product comes with an LGA 1200 socket type, which is also quite power-saving. Since the boost clock speed is around 4.8 GHz, you can expect an amazing performance as well.
Features:
- Socket Type LGA 1200
- Up to 4.8 GHz unlocked
- Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 4.1 GHz |
| Processor Count | 6 |
| Cache Size | 12 MB |
| Wattage | 125 Watts |
Verdict: As per consumers, the Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor is a brilliant choice if you want to set up an Intel-based PC. This device comes with the latest generation of Core i5 processors bound to deliver an impressive performance. The product has an Intel 400 series chipset compatibility which is suitable for most of the PC. You can experience a thrilling game experience as well.
Price: $214.90
Company website: Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor
#7) Intel Pentium Gold G5400 Desktop Processor
Best for an entertainment experience.
The Intel Pentium Gold G5400 Desktop Processor comes with an amazing set of specifications and features that can support the two channels DDR4. This will help in increasing the PC RAM if you wish to update it later.
The smart cache technology included with the PC sets up a defining performance. It can easily escalate with your PC providing the right type of clock boost when you need it. The product also operates at a low wattage need.
Features:
- 2 Cores/4 threads
- Base frequency 3.7 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 300 Series chipset
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 3.7 GHz |
|---|---|
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Cache Size | 4 MB |
| Wattage | 58 Watts |
Verdict: According to reviews, the Intel Pentium Gold G5400 Desktop Processor comes with Hyper-threading technology. It is completely developed to perform with multi-tasking abilities. The processor can be a good purchase if you are using it for office work. It comes with Intel UHD graphics support which is decent enough for any low-budget processor that is available.
Price: $64.00
Company website: Intel Pentium Gold G5400 Desktop Processor
#8) AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor
Best for first-person shooter games.
The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor includes a base clock of 3.2 GHz, which is great for any professional gamer. It also comes with overclocking protection that keeps the device safe. The product includes a Wraith Stealth cooler to make it more comfortable, which keeps the base much cooler than expected. The maximum temperature support is around 95°C, and it comes with a PCIe 16 support.
Features:
- 6GHz precision boost
- 6 cores/12 threads unlocked
- The cache is 3MB/16MB
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 1600 GHz |
|---|---|
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Cache Size | 16 MB |
| Wattage | 65 Watts |
Verdict: As per reviews, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor is a dedicated gaming core processor that is suited to the most highly efficient PC available. This product comes with a 3.6 GHz precision boost frequency that is suitable for gaming performance. People mostly enjoy the first-person shooter games with the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor.
Price: $152.99
Company website: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor
#9) Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor
Best for HD videos.
For performance, the Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor may not be the best one of all, but the features definitely make this product an amazing choice. It comes with 4 cores which are supported by 4 threads as well. The max TDP is around 65 watts, which makes a very low-profile sound. Since it comes with the i3 platform, the support of 4.2 GHz clock speed is another amazing feature you can get.
Features:
- Up to 4.2 GHz
- Discrete graphics required
- Compatible with Intel 300 Series chipset
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 4.2 GHz |
| Processor Count | 4 |
| Cache Size | 6 MB |
| Wattage | 65 Watts |
Verdict: The Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor is another top-notch product from Intel that comes with a low-budget profile. This processor is manufactured with features that allow the device to attain a power boost.
If you do not have a high-level gaming requirement, the Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor is a great product to purchase and keep using. The CPU comes with Intel 300 Series chipset support as well.
Price: $97.00
Company website: Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor
#10) Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor
Best for mainstream gaming.
The Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor is one of the newly launched models from Intel that has set up a significant response from mainstream gamers.
This product comes with a 9 MB cache memory and a high Bus speed as well. It supports most Intel-compatible motherboards, making it better for the Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor to perform. The option of having 2 RAM slots and memory channels will always make it an efficient purchase.
Features:
- 6 Cores/ 6 threads
- Intel Optane memory supported
- Max Memory bandwidth – 41.6 GB/s
Technical Specifications:
| CPU Speed | 2.9 GHz |
|---|---|
| Processor Count | 6 |
| Cache Size | 9 MB |
| Wattage | 65 Watts |
Verdict: Many consumers did like the Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor right from the first time it was launched. Earlier, some 9th-generation models from i5 came up with a lag in clock speed. But Intel might have updated this feature on the Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor. It now comes with a max turbo frequency of 4.1 GHz.
However, there is no integrated graphics support included.
Price: $194.99
Company website: Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best and cheapest CPU?
Ensure that the CPU you choose meets all the essential requirements. If you are confused about this, you can simply select any of the CPUs mentioned below:
1. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor
2. AMD Athlon 3000G Processor
3. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Processor
4. Intel Core i5-9600K Processor
5. AMD YD200GC6FBBOX Athlon 200GE
Why is the CPU so expensive?
The CPU is the heart of a computer. The core clock speed with GPU supports the processing unit to perform better. However, most manufacturers use a silicon wafer to create the IC. This is quite expensive than regular ICs available.
What is the best budget CPU for gaming?
For gaming, several factors come into play when choosing a CPU. The clock speed and the processor count are also other factors that rank up any processing unit. However, there are still many gaming CPUs available that will help you get an amazing result. You can always choose from the processors mentioned below to get the best results.
1. AMD Athlon 3000G Processor
2. Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor
3. AMD Ryzen 5 1600 65W AM4 Processor
4. Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor
Should I buy a CPU now or wait?
This will depend on the purpose of your purchase. If you are a gamer or a professional video editor, you will require a better core processor. Sometimes, you might find the price high for the newly launched models. In this case, you might want to wait for a few months till a newer version is launched for the product you plan to purchase.
If you do not have such high specification requirements, you may not have to wait for a price drop as well.
What is a good CPU temp?
While using a computer for some work or playing games for a long time, the CPU temperature rises. Even if you have a proper heat sink, the rising temperature might damage your motherboard or the processor itself. It is thus recommended to run your CPU at a comfortable temperature range.
Conclusion
A decent CPU will allow your PC to perform multi-tasking. While you are playing games, the processor takes extreme pressure where the clock speed and the number of cores play a big factor. Having a decent performance from your core processor will always reduce the lag time in games and make it eventually better for performance.
Also, Read=>> Top Computer Stress Test Software
Our reviews found that the AMD Athlon 3000G Processor is the best budget gaming CPU available in the market today. You can get a 3.5 GHz clock speed along with a dual-core processor. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor can be another great choice if you are looking for the best budget CPU for overall performance.
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