AMD and Intel are fighting to make the best processors you can buy, giving PC enthusiasts a larger list of options than ever in 2024.
Intel's bang-for-the-buck king of this generation is the 14600K, but its previous-gen flagship the 13900K is still worth considering.
For gamers, the 7800X3D by AMD is the top choice in 2024, with chart-topping gaming performance, great value, and solid multi-core and productivity performance.
The Ryzen 9 7950X by AMD is the best processor for those not afraid of spending extra. It's almost as fast as the Intel 13900K and 14900K in most tests.
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, with a significantly upgraded cache from its standard version, is still the fastest AM4 processor for gaming.
The Intel Core i3-12100F is one of the few CPUs under $100 and is a competent quad-core processor that ranks among the best you can buy.
The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G is a great pick as an APU for GPU-free gaming on a budget.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is a well-rounded budget CPU that doesn't cost much.
For those looking for value, the Intel Core i5-13400F punches above its weight and is a solid pick.
The fastest CPU you can buy in 2024 is the Intel Core i9-14900K, but the AMD X3D CPUs are far more efficient at drawing power and are no slouch in gaming either.