Best Pick

Intel Core i5 8500 6-core LGA1151

64.1 Best Value Score
6C/6T4.1GHz9MB L3LGA115165W
Why we recommend this

The six-core, six-thread design with a 4.1GHz boost clock delivers reliable performance for mainstream productivity, reflected in its 9507 PassMark score. Its 65W TDP and compatibility with affordable Intel 300 Series motherboards make it a cost-effective foundation for a budget desktop build. This processor is best for office users and home PC builders who need dependable multi-tasking without discrete graphics, given its integrated UHD Graphics 630.

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Great Alternatives

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

Intel Core i3 3220 2-core LGA1155

63.4 Best Value Score
2C/4T3.6GHz3MB L3LGA 115555W
Why we recommend this ▼

The dual-core 3.3GHz chip with Hyper-Threading Technology enables basic multitasking on the legacy LGA 1155 socket. It integrates Clear Video HD Technology for hardware-accelerated media playback and includes anti-theft features for small business deployments. This processor suits office workers or students needing a minimal-cost upgrade for aging desktop systems handling web browsing and document editing.

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Intel Pentium E6500 2-core LGA775

57 Best Value Score
2C/4T3.6GHz6MB L3LGA 77565W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45nm Wolfdale architecture delivers a 65W TDP and a 1066 MHz FSB, making it a cool-running option for legacy LGA 775 systems. Its 2MB L2 cache and 2.93 GHz clock speed provide adequate responsiveness for basic tasks on aging platforms. This processor is best for users maintaining vintage Windows XP or 7 machines for retro computing and simple office work.

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Intel BX80701G5900

51.7 Best Value Score
2C/2T3.4GHz2MB L3LGA 120058W
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Intel 12th/13th Generation Contact Frame LGA1700

51 Best Value Score
8C/16T3.7GHz16MB L3LGA170065W
Why we recommend this ▼

This CNC-machined aluminum frame directly addresses the LGA 1700 socket's CPU bending issue, improving cooler contact for lower temperatures. Its anodized finish and insulated base pad provide a precise, short-circuit-proof fit that avoids motherboard capacitors. This kit is best for PC builders using 12th or 13th Gen Intel processors who want to optimize thermal performance and prevent long-term warping.

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Intel Core i7 3820 4-core LGA2011

41.3 Best Value Score
4C/8T3.8GHz10MB L3LGA 2011130W
Why we recommend this ▼

The quad-channel DDR3 memory controller and 10MB L3 cache on the 32nm Sandy Bridge-E architecture provide strong memory bandwidth for its era, despite the high 130W TDP. It offers Hyper-Threading across 4 cores with a 3.8GHz boost clock on the LGA 2011 platform, which was once a cost-effective entry into high-end desktop computing. This processor is best for users maintaining legacy LGA 2011 workstations for basic productivity tasks, not modern efficiency-sensitive workloads.

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Intel SR3HQ

31.7 Best Value Score
12C/24T3.0GHz16.5MB L3LGA 364785W
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