Best CPUs under €500 for server

Best Pick

Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24-core LGA1851

84 Servers Score
24C/24T5.5GHz36MB L3LGA1851125W
Why we recommend this

The 24-core Arrow Lake Refresh architecture on a 3nm process delivers a 64,360 PassMark multi-core score, making it a standout for heavily threaded workloads. Its unlocked multiplier and support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory on the new LGA1851 socket provide a strong foundation for future upgrades. This processor is best for AI/LLM developers and productivity users who need high parallel processing power but don't prioritize top-tier gaming frame rates.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Intel Core i9 13900K 24-core LGA1700

81.1 Servers Score
24C/32T5.7GHz36MB L3LGA 1700125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The hybrid architecture combining 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores delivers a 5.8GHz boost clock and a 58,323 PassMark multi-core score, making it a top-tier performer for heavily threaded workloads. Its unlocked multiplier and support for both DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 provide a clear upgrade path and overclocking flexibility on the LGA 1700 socket. This processor is best for 3D rendering artists and video editors who need maximum multi-threaded throughput and are less concerned with power efficiency.

View Details & Prices

Intel Core i7 14700K 20-core LGA1700

81.1 Servers Score
20C/28T5.6GHz33MB L3LGA1700125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 20-core hybrid architecture with 8 P-cores boosting to 5.6GHz delivers a 51,966 PassMark multi-core score, making it a strong upgrade for mixed workloads on the LGA1700 platform. Its unlocked multiplier and broad DDR5/DDR4 support offer flexible overclocking and platform compatibility across 600 and 700 series chipsets. This processor is best for gamers and streamers who need high frame rates alongside multi-threaded productivity like video rendering.

View Details & Prices

Intel ULTRA 5 250K

80.9 Servers Score
18C/18T5.3GHz30MB L3LGA 1851125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 3nm Arrow Lake Refresh architecture and 18-core hybrid design deliver a 37,558 PassMark multi-core score, making it a strong productivity engine with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support. Its unlocked multiplier on the LGA 1851 socket provides straightforward overclocking headroom, while the 30MB L2 cache reduces latency in cache-sensitive workloads. This processor is best for AI developers and multitasking professionals who need high parallel throughput but do not rely on discrete-level integrated graphics.

View Details & Prices

Intel LE80537GF0534M

71.4 Servers Score
2C/2T5.1GHz32MB L3LGA 206665W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 5.1GHz boost clock on this 5nm mobile chip delivers strong single-thread performance for everyday tasks, backed by 32MB L3 cache and Radeon Graphics. Its 65W TDP and unlocked multiplier make it a flexible option for budget builds, though the LGA 2066 socket limits motherboard choices. Best for hobbyists upgrading older systems who prioritize efficiency and productivity over server workloads.

View Details & Prices

Intel Xeon Gold 6150 18-core LGA3647

69.2 Servers Score
18C/36T3.7GHz24.75MB L3LGA 3647165W
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering 18 cores and 36 threads with a 3.7GHz boost, this Skylake-era Xeon handles dense virtualization and multi-threaded server tasks via its 24.75MB L3 cache and 165W TDP. It supports ECC DDR4 memory and Intel vPro for reliable, remotely managed enterprise deployments. This processor is best for IT administrators refreshing legacy LGA 3647 servers for consolidated workloads and moderate AI inference.

View Details & Prices

Intel 6821889

67.2 Servers Score
6C/12T4.8GHz12MB L3LGA1465W
View Details & Prices

Intel Xeon W 2225 4-core LGA2066

55.7 Servers Score
4C/8T4.6GHz8.25MB L3LGA 2066105W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 4-core, 8-thread Xeon W-2225 delivers a 4.6GHz boost clock and ECC memory support on the LGA 2066 socket, making it a stable entry-level workstation chip. Its 105W TDP and 14nm architecture provide reliable, validated performance for single-socket server boards. This processor is best for IT administrators building a basic file server or running light, mission-critical applications that require error-correcting memory.

View Details & Prices

Intel CD8067303561900

45.9 Servers Score
8C/8T3.4GHz11MB L3LGA 364785W
View Details & Prices

LF80537GG0564M

43.2 Servers Score
2C/8T4.2GHz8MB L3LGA 77565W
View Details & Prices

Intel INTBX80715G6900

41.1 Servers Score
2C/2T3.4GHz4MB L3LGA170046W
View Details & Prices

Intel BX80684G5400

36.1 Servers Score
2C/4T3.7GHz4MB L3LGA 1151 (300 Series)58W
View Details & Prices

Best CPUs under €1,500 for server

Best Pick

Intel Core i9 14900KS 24-core Intel Socket 1700

81.2 Servers Score
24C/32T6.2GHz36MB L3LGA 1700150W
Why we recommend this

A 5.9GHz boost clock across 24 cores and Thermal Velocity Boost deliver the highest single-threaded speed available on the LGA 1700 socket for latency-sensitive tasks. Its unlocked multiplier and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory offer flexible overclocking headroom without forcing a full platform rebuild. This processor is best for extreme overclockers and single-threaded application users who prioritize peak frequency over multi-core efficiency.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Intel Xeon E5-2699 v3 18-core LGA2011

66.7 Servers Score
18C/36T3.6GHz45MB L3LGA 2011-v3145W
Why we recommend this ▼

With 18 cores and 36 threads, this 22nm Xeon E5 v3 processor delivers strong parallel throughput for virtualized environments, supported by a massive 45MB L3 cache and up to 768GB of DDR4 memory. Its 145W TDP and single-socket LGA 2011-v3 design make it a cost-effective drop-in upgrade for aging workstation or server infrastructure. This chip is best for homelab operators and IT admins running multiple VMs or threaded server applications who don’t require high single-core speed.

View Details & Prices

Intel Xeon W-2235 6-core LGA2066

61 Servers Score
6C/12T4.6GHz8.25MB L3LGA 206695W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 6-core, 12-thread Xeon W-2235 delivers a 4.6GHz boost clock and ECC memory support on the LGA 2066 socket, making it a stable foundation for entry-level workstations. Its 95W TDP and 8.25MB of L3 cache provide a balanced profile for sustained multi-threaded productivity tasks, though it lacks integrated graphics. This processor is best for users building a single-socket server or workstation for data integrity-sensitive applications like financial modeling or light rendering.

View Details & Prices

Intel BX80673I99900X

56.2 Servers Score
10C/20T4.4GHz19.25MB L3LGA 2066165W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 10-core, 20-thread Skylake X chip hits a 4.4 GHz boost and 19.25 MB cache, with quad-channel DDR4-2666 support and a 165W TDP on LGA 2066. It is unlocked for overclocking and supports Intel Optane Memory, but only works with X299 motherboards. Best for enthusiasts building a high-core-count workstation for rendering or video editing who already own or plan to buy an X299 platform.

View Details & Prices

Intel Core i5 11600K 6-core LGA1200

55.9 Servers Score
6C/12T4.9GHz12MB L3LGA 1200125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The unlocked 6-core, 12-thread design with a 4.9GHz boost clock and PCIe 4.0 support delivers strong single-core performance for its class. Its integrated UHD Graphics 750 provides a capable display output without a dedicated GPU, making it a practical foundation for a cost-effective build. This processor is best for budget-conscious gamers and general productivity users who need responsive desktop performance without overspending.

View Details & Prices

Intel Xeon Silver 4208 8-core LGA3647

50.9 Servers Score
8C/16T3.2GHz11MB L3LGA 364785W
Why we recommend this ▼

An 85W TDP and 8-core, 16-thread design on the LGA 3647 socket provides a balance of multi-threaded throughput and power efficiency for dual-socket configurations. Its 11MB L3 cache and 3.2GHz boost clock deliver consistent performance in entry-level data center tasks without exceeding thermal budgets. This processor is best for IT administrators deploying lightweight virtualization, file serving, or basic cloud workloads where cost-effective scalability matters more than raw clock speed.

View Details & Prices

Intel BX80619I73960X

43.9 Servers Score
6C/12T3.9GHz15MB L3LGA 2011130W
View Details & Prices

BX80646I34350

32.5 Servers Score
2C/4T3.6GHz4MB L3LGA 115054W
View Details & Prices

Best CPUs under €3,000 for server

Best Pick

Intel Xeon Gold 6526Y 16-core LGA4677

85 Servers Score
16C/32T3.9GHz37.5MB L3LGA 4677195W
Why we recommend this

With 16 cores and 32 threads reaching a 3.9GHz boost, this Xeon Gold processor delivers consistent throughput for multi-threaded server tasks, backed by a substantial 37.5MB L3 cache. Support for up to 4TB of DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity ensures it can handle dense virtualization and memory-intensive workloads without bottlenecking. This chip is best for data center operators running large-scale database and containerized application servers.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Intel Xeon Silver 4514Y 16-core LGA4677

75.3 Servers Score
16C/32T3.4GHz30MB L3LGA4677150W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 16-core, 2.0GHz Xeon Silver 4514Y provides hardware-enhanced performance for entry-level data center computing with a 150W TDP on the LGA4677 socket. Its 30MB of L3 cache and improved memory speed deliver essential power efficiency for network and storage tasks. This processor is best for IT administrators deploying single-socket servers handling light virtualization and file services.

View Details & Prices

No CPUs found in this category. See our top picks under €3,000