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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Intel HH80563QH0368M

76.8 Servers Score
4C/52T3.4GHz39MB L3LGA 6185W
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Intel Xeon Gold 6132

74.8 Servers Score
16C/32T3.4GHz64MB L3LGA 3647140W
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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.

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Intel A10-5800B

58.7 Servers Score
4C/4T4.2GHz32MB L3Socket FM265W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 4.2GHz boost clock and 4 cores with 4 threads deliver solid desktop performance for everyday tasks, backed by a 65W TDP and unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Its Socket FM2 compatibility and OEM tray packaging make it a budget-friendly upgrade for older AMD systems, though it lacks L3 cache and PCIe 4.0 support. Best for hobbyists building or upgrading a legacy FM2 desktop for light productivity and general use, not for server workloads.

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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.

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Intel BX80634E52470V2

47.7 Servers Score
10C/20T3.2GHz25MB L3LGA 135695W
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Intel CD8067303561900

45.9 Servers Score
8C/8T3.4GHz11MB L3LGA 364785W
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Intel BX80619I73960X

43.9 Servers Score
6C/12T3.9GHz15MB L3LGA 2011130W
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LF80537GG0564M

43.2 Servers Score
2C/8T4.2GHz8MB L3LGA 77565W
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Intel INTBX80715G6900

41.1 Servers Score
2C/2T3.4GHz4MB L3LGA170046W
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Intel BX80684G5400

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

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Intel BX8071513700

76.8 Servers Score
16C/24T5.2GHz30MB L3LGA170065W
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Intel 6821889

67.2 Servers Score
6C/12T4.8GHz12MB L3LGA1465W
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Intel CD8069504393600

66 Servers Score
10C/20T4.7GHz19.25MB L3LGA 2066165W
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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.

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Intel BX8070811600

54 Servers Score
6C/12T4.8GHz12MB L3LGA120065W
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Intel Xeon Silver 4215R 8-core LGA1156

50.1 Servers Score
8C/16T4.0GHz11MB L3LGA 1156130W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 8-core Cascade Lake architecture delivers a 3.2GHz base clock and 130W TDP, providing stable multi-threaded throughput for entry-level server deployments. Its 11MB L3 cache and dual-socket scalability offer a cost-effective path for memory-intensive virtualization tasks. This processor is best for IT administrators building basic file servers or running lightweight virtualized environments on a budget.

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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.

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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.

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