Best Pick

Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24-core LGA1851

99.5 Productivity 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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Great Alternatives

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

Intel Core i7 14700K 20-core LGA1700

96.1 Productivity 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

95.2 Productivity 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 Core i5 13600K 14-core LGA1700

91.8 Productivity 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.

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Intel Core i9 12900KF 16-core LGA1700

88.9 Productivity 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.

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Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 2-core LGA775

73.7 Productivity 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.

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Intel Xeon Gold 6132

72.9 Productivity Score
16C/32T3.4GHz64MB L3LGA 3647140W
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Intel BX80673I99900X

69.3 Productivity 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 E5-2696v4

67.3 Productivity Score
22C/44T3.6GHz55MB L3LGA2011-3150W
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Intel Core i7 X-Series 7820X 8-core LGA2066

66.3 Productivity 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 Xeon W 2225 4-core LGA2066

58.9 Productivity 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 BX80619I73960X

53.4 Productivity Score
6C/12T3.9GHz15MB L3LGA 2011130W
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