The Best Computer CPU Processors under $220
Intel Core i5-7500
★ Top Choice
BUY NOW
From $188
Features
- Intel UHD Graphics 630. Bus speed: 8 GT/s DMI3.
- 6 Cores / 6 Threads.
- Max Memory Bandwidth 41.6 GB/s.
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.
- 2.80 GHz up to 4.00 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 9 MB Cache.
- Intel Optane Memory Supported.
Pros
- ⊕ 7GHz.
- ⊕ Solid speeds.
- ⊕ Will give you 3.
- ⊕ Competent for gaming.
- ⊕ Great for multitasking.
Cons
- ⊖ Somewhat pricey.
- ⊖ Price point is a little high.
- ⊖ Not unlocked for overclocking.
Specs
- Core Count: 6.
- Unlocked Multiplier?: no.
- L3 Cache Amount: 9 MB.
- Maximum Boost Clock: 4 GHz.
- Lithography: 14 nm.
- Base Clock Frequency: 2.8 GHz.
- Integrated Graphics Base Clock: 350 MHz.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP) Rating: 65 watts.
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1151.
- Bundled Cooler: Intel Stock Cooler.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630.
Best for Mainstream Gamers
The Best CPUs for Gaming in 2019 - pcmag.com
Best for Mainstream Gaming Rigs on LGA 1151
The Best CPUs for 2020 - pcmag.com
Best for Multitasking
The 8 Best i5 Processors of 2020 - lifewire.com
Best for Gaming
The 9 Best Processors of 2020 - lifewire.com
Mentioned
Best CPU Processors - bestreviews.com
AMD Ryzen 5
♥ Runner Up
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From $191.18
Features
- Extended frequency range (xfr); Max temperature: 95°celsius.
- Frequency: 4.0 ghz precision boost.
- Requires a thermal solution sold separately.
- Cache: 3 mb/16 mb (l2/l3); Maximum system memory speed: 2667mhz.
- 6 cores/12 threads unlocked.
- Socket type: am4; System memory type: DDR4.
Pros
- ⊕ Cool running chip.
- ⊕ Multi-core performance.
- ⊕ Advanced Zen architecture.
- ⊕ Impressive processing power.
- ⊕ Awesome multi-core performance.
Cons
- ⊖ Tricky overclocking.
- ⊖ No heat sink is included.
- ⊖ No stock cooler included.
Specs
- Cores: 6.
- Threads: 12.
- TDP: 95W.
- L3 cache: 16MB.
- Base clock: 3.6GHz.
- Boost clock: 4.0GHz.
Reviewed
AMD Ryzen 5 1600X Review - pcmag.com
Best Mid-Range
The 9 Best Processors of 2020 - lifewire.com
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Best for Mainstream PCs and Gaming Rigs on AM4
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From $198.99
Features
- 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, bundled with the powerful AMD Wraith Spire cooler.
- Can deliver ultra fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games; System Memory Specification 3200MHz.
- For the advanced socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on x570 motherboards.
- 4.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 35 MB of game Cache, ddr 3200 support.
- The world's most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment.
Pros
- ⊕ PCIe 4.0.
- ⊕ Affordable.
- ⊕ Overclockable.
- ⊕ Bundled cooler.
- ⊕ Includes a cooler.
Cons
- ⊖ Still 6-cores.
- ⊖ No integrated graphics.
Specs
- Cores: 6.
- Threads: 12.
- TDP: 95W.
- L3 cache: 32MB.
- Base clock: 3.8GHz.
- Boost clock: 4.4GHz.
Reviewed
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Review - pcmag.com
Best for Mainstream PCs and Gaming Rigs on AM4
The Best CPUs for 2020 - pcmag.com
Intel Core i5-9600K
Best Mid-Range
BUY NOW
From $219.95
Features
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.
- 3.70 GHz up to 4.60 GHz / 9 MB Cache.
- Intel UHD Graphics 630.
- Intel Optane Memory Supported.
- 6 Cores / 6 Threads.
Pros
- ⊕ Affordable.
- ⊕ Overclocking.
- ⊕ Fast clock speeds.
- ⊕ Awesome for gaming.
- ⊕ Great single-core performance.
Cons
- ⊖ High price.
- ⊖ Only 6-cores.
Specs
- Cores: 6.
- L3 cache: 9MB.
- TDP: 95W.
- Base clock: 3.7GHz.
- Boost clock: 4.6GHz.