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 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 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.

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