Best Pick

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851

84.2 Servers Score
24C/24T5.7GHz36MB L3LGA 1851125W
Why we recommend this

The 24-core, 5.7GHz Intel Core Ultra 9 285K combines eight performance and sixteen efficiency cores on the 3nm Arrow Lake-S architecture with a dedicated 13 TOPS NPU for local AI acceleration. Its unlocked multiplier, PCIe 5.0 support, and 125W base power target enthusiast overclocking and high-bandwidth workflows on the new LGA 1851 platform. This processor is best for content creators and gamers who need top-tier multi-threaded productivity and AI-enhanced tasks without stepping up to a workstation-class chip.

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Great Alternatives

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

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 Core i7 13700K 16-core LGA1700

79.3 Servers Score
16C/24T5.4GHz30MB L3LGA 1700125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The hybrid 8 P-core and 8 E-core design with a 5.4GHz boost clock delivers strong multi-threaded throughput, evidenced by a 45,759 PassMark score, while the unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking. Its 30MB of L3 and 24MB of L2 cache significantly reduce latency in complex workloads, and the integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides display functionality without a discrete GPU. This processor is best for content creators and productivity users who need high core counts for rendering and multitasking but can accept mid-range gaming performance.

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Intel 6821889

67.2 Servers Score
6C/12T4.8GHz12MB L3LGA1465W
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Intel Core i5 12600 6-core LGA1700

67 Servers Score
6C/12T4.8GHz18MB L3LGA170065W
Why we recommend this ▼

The hybrid 6-core, 12-thread Alder Lake architecture delivers strong productivity at a 65W base power, with a 4.8GHz boost and 18MB of L3 cache driving a 21,382 PassMark score. It includes a capable Intel UHD Graphics 770 iGPU and a boxed Laminar RM1 cooler, offering a complete, cost-effective platform with PCIe 5.0 support. This processor is best for budget-conscious PC builders needing reliable performance for office multitasking, light content creation, and home server duties.

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Intel CM8068403654221

55.9 Servers Score
4C/8T4.7GHz8MB L3LGA 115171W
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Intel Core i7 X-Series 7820X 8-core LGA2066

53.6 Servers Score
8C/16T4.3GHz11MB L3LGA 2066140W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 8-core, 16-thread design with a 4.3GHz boost clock and quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory support provides strong multi-threaded throughput for its era. Its unlocked multiplier on the LGA 2066 socket allows for overclocking headroom, paired with a high 4.7-star refurbished rating that signals reliable used availability. This processor is best for budget-conscious builders upgrading an X299 system for moderate 1080p gaming and threaded productivity tasks.

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Intel CM8067702870650

52.9 Servers Score
4C/8T3.9GHz8MB L3LGA115172W
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Intel BX80619I73960X

43.9 Servers Score
6C/12T3.9GHz15MB L3LGA 2011130W
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BX80646I34350

32.5 Servers Score
2C/4T3.6GHz4MB L3LGA 115054W
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