Best CPUs under €500 for server

Best Pick

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12-core AM5

80.7 Servers Score
12C/24T5.6GHz64MB L3AM5170W
Why we recommend this

The 12-core, 24-thread Zen 4 architecture on TSMC 5nm delivers a 5.6 GHz boost clock and a massive 64MB L3 cache for dominant multi-threaded throughput. Its unlocked multiplier on the AM5 socket provides a clear upgrade path with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, though you must supply your own cooling solution for the 170W TDP. This processor is best for 3D rendering artists and software compilers who need high core counts without stepping up to the flagship 7950X’s price.

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8C/16T5.2GHz96MB L3AMD Socket AM5120W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 5.2GHz boost clock and 96MB L3 cache, powered by 2nd-gen 3D V-Cache on Zen 5, deliver low-latency gaming performance that earned a CES 2025 Innovation Award. With 8 cores, 16 threads, and an unlocked multiplier on the AM5 platform, it also handles productivity tasks well, scoring 95.6/100. Best for gamers who want top-tier frame rates and also do occasional content creation, pairing it with a PCIe 5.0 motherboard and DDR5-5600 memory.

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AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5

79.1 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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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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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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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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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

50.6 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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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 Athlon 3000G 2-core AM4

39.2 Servers Score
2C/4T4MB L3AM435W
Why we recommend this ▼

The unlocked 35W Athlon 3000G stands out by integrating usable Radeon Vega 3 graphics onto a dual-core, four-thread Zen+ chip, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. Its 3.5GHz base clock and full AM4 socket compatibility offer a straightforward upgrade path for aging motherboards at a minimal power draw. This processor is best for office PC builders or home theater enthusiasts who need silent, low-cost 1080p video playback and light multitasking.

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8C/8T4.2GHz8MB L3Socket AM3+125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 32nm Vishera-based FX-8350 stands out with its eight integer cores and unlocked multiplier for aggressive overclocking, bundled with the notably quiet Wraith Cooler. Its 8MB of L3 cache and high 4.2GHz boost clock provide a straightforward upgrade path on legacy AM3+ motherboards. This processor is best for budget-conscious builders maintaining older systems for basic mega-tasking and entry-level 3D modeling.

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4C/4T4.3GHz8MB L3Socket FM265W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 4.3GHz boost clock on this quad-core Richland APU pairs with an integrated Radeon HD 8670D GPU, making it a capable budget processor for light gaming and everyday tasks. Its 65W TDP and Socket FM2 compatibility offer an affordable upgrade path for older AM2/AM3 boards, with 8MB L3 cache and dual-channel DDR3 support. This refurbished chip suits budget builders who need a drop-in CPU with decent integrated graphics for office work, web browsing, and casual gaming without a dedicated GPU.

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Best CPUs under €1,500 for server

Best Pick

AMD EPYC 4564P 16-core AM5

94.9 Servers Score
16C/32T5.7GHz64MB L3AM5200W
Why we recommend this

The 16-core, 32-thread AMD EPYC 4564P boosts to 5.7GHz with 64MB L3 cache, delivering a PassMark multi-core score of 64357 for heavy server workloads. It supports up to 2048GB of DDR5 ECC memory and PCIe 5.0, while the AM5 socket and 200W TDP keep power efficiency in check. Best for small businesses or homelab users needing a single-socket server CPU for virtualization, database handling, or AI inference tasks.

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24C/48T4.5GHz128MB L3sWRX8280W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 24-core Zen 3 architecture and massive 128MB of L3 cache deliver a 66,644 PassMark multi-thread score, making it a powerhouse for heavily parallelized workstation tasks. Eight-channel DDR4 ECC memory support and 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes provide the bandwidth needed for multi-GPU and high-speed storage configurations. This processor is best for engineers and data scientists running complex simulations or rendering workloads where memory integrity and core count outweigh single-threaded speed.

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24C/48T5.3GHz128MB L3sTR5350W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 24-core Zen 4 architecture on TSMC 5nm delivers a massive 128MB of L3 cache and 5.3GHz boost speeds for heavily threaded workloads. Its quad-channel DDR5 memory support with ECC and 48 PCIe 5.0 lanes provides a robust platform for multi-GPU and high-speed storage configurations. This processor is best for workstation users running parallel simulations, 3D rendering, or local AI inference who need high core counts without stepping up to the Pro series.

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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16-core AM5

83.8 Servers Score
16C/32T5.7GHz128MB L3AM5170W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen 9 9950X3D reaches a 5.7GHz boost with 128MB L3 cache, delivering top-tier gaming and productivity scores on the AM5 platform. Its 170W TDP and unlocked multiplier make it a strong choice for overclockers, while the integrated Radeon GPU adds flexibility. Best for gamers and creators who need maximum multi-threaded performance in a single desktop CPU.

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Best CPUs under €3,000 for server

Best Pick

AMD EPYC 9554 64-core SP5

100 Servers Score
64C/128T3.8GHz384MB L3SP5360W
Why we recommend this

The 64-core EPYC Genoa chip with 128 threads and a 3.8GHz boost delivers top-tier multi-threaded performance, backed by 384MB L3 cache and 12-channel DDR5-4800 ECC memory. Its PCIe 5.0 support and SP5 socket make it a strong fit for dense server builds, though the 360W TDP and tray packaging require a capable cooling solution. Best for server administrators running virtualization, database, or AI workloads that scale across many cores.

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32C/64T5.3GHz128MB L3sTR5350W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 32-core, 64-thread Ryzen Threadripper 7970X hits a 5.3 GHz boost with 160MB of combined cache, delivering top-tier multi-threaded performance for heavy workloads. Its quad-channel DDR5 support up to 1TB and 80 usable PCIe 5.0 lanes provide serious bandwidth for data-intensive tasks. Best for prosumers and workstation builders who need maximum core counts for rendering, simulation, or AI workloads, though its 350W TDP requires robust cooling.

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16C/32T5.4GHz64MB L3sTR5350W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 16-core, 32-thread Shimada Peak chip boosts to 5.4GHz and pairs with 8-channel DDR5 ECC memory, supporting up to 2048GB, making it a heavy-duty workstation CPU. Its 350W TDP and unlocked sTR5 socket allow full customization, while the 64MB L3 cache and PCIe 5.0 handle demanding workloads like local AI development and complex simulations. Best for professionals such as architects, engineers, and AI developers who need maximum multi-threaded performance in a desktop workstation, though its efficiency score of 37/100 means power draw is high.

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Premium CPUs for server

Best Pick
64C/128T5.1GHz256MB L3sTR5350W
Why we recommend this

The 64-core, 128-thread design with a 5.1GHz boost clock and massive 320MB L3 cache delivers dominant multi-threaded throughput for heavily parallelized workloads. Its platform offers unmatched expandability through 128 usable PCIe 5.0 lanes and eight-channel DDR5 memory support up to 2TB. This processor is best for workstation users running 24/7 rendering, complex simulations, or multi-GPU compute tasks where I/O bandwidth and core density are non-negotiable.

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

64C/128T5.4GHz256MB L3sTR5350W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 64-core, 128-thread Shimada Peak chip with a 5.4GHz boost and 256MB L3 cache delivers top-tier multi-threaded performance, scoring 143,309 in PassMark. Its unlocked sTR5 socket and PCIe 5.0 support make it a flexible choice for heavy workloads, though the 350W TDP and no integrated graphics require a dedicated GPU. Best for professionals running AI models, rendering, or server tasks that demand maximum core count and memory bandwidth.

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AMD EPYC 9355P 32-core SP5

90.8 Servers Score
32C/64T4.4GHz256MB L3SP5280W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 32-core, 64-thread EPYC 9355P with a 4.4GHz boost and 256MB L3 cache delivers top-tier multi-threaded performance, scoring 96,603 on PassMark. Its PCIe 5.0 support and DDR5 ECC memory make it a strong fit for dense server workloads, though its 280W TDP limits efficiency. Best for server administrators and data center operators running virtualization, database, or AI inference tasks that prioritize raw throughput over power savings.

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