Best Pick

Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24-core LGA1851

94.9 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 i7 14700 20-core LGA1700

92.3 Score
20C/28T5.4GHz33MB L3LGA 170065W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 20-core hybrid architecture with 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores delivers a 40,845 PassMark multi-threaded score, making it a standout for heavy productivity at a 65W base power. Its generous 33MB of L3 cache and support for both DDR5 and DDR4 memory provide flexible platform compatibility and strong data throughput. This processor is best for content creators and workstation users who prioritize rendering and multitasking efficiency over peak gaming frame rates.

View Details & Prices

Intel Core i5 13600K 14-core LGA1700

91.4 Score
14C/20T5.1GHz24MB L3LGA 1700125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The hybrid 14-core architecture with 6 P-cores boosting to 5.1GHz delivers a PassMark multi-core score of 37,580, rivaling previous-generation high-end chips for productivity. Its unlocked multiplier and PCIe 5.0 support provide a clear upgrade path and overclocking flexibility on existing LGA1700 motherboards. This processor is best for budget-conscious gamers and streamers who need high frame rates and strong multi-tasking without stepping up to a Core i7.

View Details & Prices

Intel ULTRA 5 250K

90.7 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 Core i9 12900KF 16-core LGA1700

85.6 Score
16C/24T5.2GHz30MB L3LGA1700125W
Why we recommend this ▼

The hybrid architecture with 8 performance and 8 efficiency cores pushes a 5.2GHz boost clock, delivering a 40,766 PassMark multi-core score for heavy multitasking and gaming. Its unlocked multiplier on the LGA1700 socket allows for extensive overclocking headroom when paired with a robust cooling solution. This processor is best for PC builders and gamers who already own a discrete GPU and want maximum frame rates without paying for integrated graphics.

View Details & Prices

Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 2-core LGA775

69.8 Score
2C/2T4.3GHz3MB L3LGA77565W
Why we recommend this ▼

The provided specs are contradictory, listing modern features like DDR5 memory and a 4.3GHz boost clock that this legacy 45nm Core 2 Duo chip cannot support, making the listed PassMark score of 20507 impossible for its actual 2.8GHz base frequency. Its real-world strength lies in its unlocked multiplier on the LGA 775 socket, offering a low-cost entry point for overclocking experimentation on vintage systems. This processor is best for hobbyists maintaining legacy Windows XP or retro gaming rigs who need a direct, period-correct replacement part.

View Details & Prices

Intel BX80673I99900X

65 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 i7 X-Series 7820X 8-core LGA2066

62.5 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.

View Details & Prices

Intel Xeon Gold 6132

60.5 Score
16C/32T3.4GHz64MB L3LGA 3647140W
View Details & Prices

Intel XEON E5-2696v4

55.1 Score
22C/44T3.6GHz55MB L3LGA2011-3150W
View Details & Prices

Intel BX80619I73960X

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

Intel Xeon W 2225 4-core LGA2066

49.8 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