Best Pick

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5

79.3 Servers Score
6C/12T5.4GHz32MB L3AM565W
Why we recommend this

The 4nm Zen 5 architecture delivers a 5.4GHz boost clock and strong single-core performance at a 65W TDP, making it exceptionally power-efficient. Its unlocked multiplier on the AM5 socket provides a clear upgrade path and overclocking headroom, backed by integrated Radeon Graphics for basic display output. This processor is best for mainstream gamers and productivity users who prioritize cool, efficient operation without needing a discrete GPU for setup.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

AMD Ryzen 7 9000 Series 9700X 8-core AM5

75.9 Servers Score
8C/16T5.5GHz32MB L3AM565W
Why we recommend this ▼

Built on the 4nm "Zen 5" architecture with a 5.5 GHz boost clock, this 8-core, 16-thread processor delivers 100+ FPS gaming while operating at a remarkably efficient 65W TDP. Its unlocked multiplier on the Socket AM5 platform provides headroom for overclocking, and the integrated Radeon Graphics enables basic display output without a discrete GPU. This chip is best for gamers and mainstream builders who prioritize high frame rates and power efficiency over heavy multi-threaded workstation tasks.

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AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X 12-core sTR4

75.6 Servers Score
12C/24T4.0GHz32MB L3sTR4180W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 12-core, 24-thread design with 64 PCIe 3.0 lanes delivers strong parallel throughput for multi-threaded workloads, backed by a 4.0GHz boost clock. Its unlocked multiplier and quad-channel DDR4 ECC support offer accessible overclocking and memory flexibility on the sTR4 platform. This processor suits budget-conscious workstation users running virtual machines or heavy batch rendering who need high core counts more than single-thread speed.

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AMD Ryzen 5 9000 Series 9600X 6-core AM5

72 Servers Score
6C/12T5.4GHz32MB L3AM565W
Why we recommend this ▼

Built on the 4nm Zen 5 architecture, its 65W TDP delivers a 5.4 GHz boost clock and strong single-core performance without excessive power draw. The integrated Radeon Graphics and unlocked multiplier on the AM5 socket provide a capable foundation for systems without a discrete GPU. This processor is best for efficiency-focused builders and home office users who prioritize cool, quiet operation over peak gaming frame rates.

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AMD Ryzen 5 5000 Series 5600T 6-core AM4

65.9 Servers Score
6C/12T4.5GHz32MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7nm Zen 3 architecture delivers strong efficiency with a 65W TDP and a 4.5GHz boost clock, making it a cool-running option for existing AM4 systems. Its 32MB of L3 cache and bundled Wraith Stealth cooler provide solid out-of-the-box value for a drop-in upgrade. This processor is best for budget-conscious PC builders seeking a capable 6-core, 12-thread chip for productivity workloads without needing a discrete GPU.

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AMD Ryzen 7 5000 Series 5700X3D 8-core AM4

64.3 Servers Score
8C/16T4.1GHz96MB L3AM4105W
Why we recommend this ▼

The massive 96MB of L3 cache via 3D V-Cache technology delivers top-tier gaming performance on the proven AM4 platform. Its 8-core, 16-thread design with unlocked memory overclocking provides a substantial drop-in upgrade for aging systems without requiring a new motherboard or DDR5 memory. This processor is best for AM4 gamers seeking to maximize frame rates in cache-sensitive titles without a full platform rebuild.

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AMD EPYC 7551 64-core Socket FT1

52.6 Servers Score
64C/128T3.0GHz64MB L3Socket FT1180W
Why we recommend this ▼

A 64-core, 128-thread design with integrated 128 lanes of PCIe 3.0 eliminates the need for a separate chipset, simplifying dense server builds. Its 8-channel memory architecture supports up to 2TB of DDR4 ECC RAM, providing massive capacity for memory-bound virtualization tasks. This processor is best for data center operators running highly parallel, legacy workloads who need maximum core density and I/O connectivity on a single socket.

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AMD Ryzen 3 3100 4-core AM4

50.7 Servers Score
4C/8T3.9GHz16MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7nm Zen 2 architecture and unlocked multiplier on this 4-core, 8-thread chip deliver strong budget overclocking potential with a 3.9GHz boost and 16MB of L3 cache. Its 65W TDP and included Wraith Stealth cooler keep platform costs low on the mature AM4 socket with PCIe 4.0 support. This processor is best for entry-level PC builders who want a responsive, overclockable foundation for light gaming and everyday productivity.

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AMD FX 8370 8-core AM3+

39.9 Servers Score
8C/8T4.3GHz8MB L3AM3+125W
Why we recommend this ▼

An unlocked 8-core design with a 4.3GHz boost clock and bundled Wraith cooler offers straightforward overclocking on the legacy AM3+ platform. Its 125W TDP and 32nm Vishera architecture deliver dated multi-threaded throughput for budget-conscious builders with existing DDR3 systems. This processor suits users maintaining older AM3+ rigs for basic productivity tasks, not modern gaming or efficiency-focused workloads.

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AMD FX 8370 8-core AM3+ cpu
Price CA$561
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Also available open box & refurbished:

AMD FX-Series FX-9590 8-core AMD Socket AM3+

38.8 Servers Score
8C/8T5.0GHz8MB L3Socket AM3+220W
Why we recommend this ▼

The FX-9590 pushes eight Piledriver cores to a 5.0GHz boost clock on the 32nm Vishera architecture, making it one of the highest-clocked desktop CPUs of its era. Its unlocked multiplier and 220W TDP demand serious cooling and a high-end AM3+ motherboard, but AES instruction support adds a niche security workload benefit. This chip suits overclocking enthusiasts running legacy AM3+ systems who prioritize raw clock speed over power efficiency.

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AMD B960966

36.7 Servers Score
8C/8T4.2GHz8MB L3Socket AM3+125W
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AMD HDT90ZFBGRBOX

31.1 Servers Score
6C/6T3.6GHz6MB L3AM3125W
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