Best Pick

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5

96.4 Best Value Score
6C/12T5.4GHz32MB L3AM565W
Why we recommend this

The 4nm Zen 5 architecture delivers a 5.4GHz boost clock and strong single-core performance at a 65W TDP, making it exceptionally power-efficient. Its unlocked multiplier on the AM5 socket provides a clear upgrade path and overclocking headroom, backed by integrated Radeon Graphics for basic display output. This processor is best for mainstream gamers and productivity users who prioritize cool, efficient operation without needing a discrete GPU for setup.

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Great Alternatives

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

AMD Ryzen 5 5000 G-Series 5600G 6-core AM4

81.5 Best Value Score
6C/12T4.4GHz16MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7nm Zen 3 architecture and integrated Radeon Graphics deliver capable 1080p gaming without a discrete GPU, all within a 65W TDP. Its unlocked multiplier on the AM4 socket provides a straightforward upgrade path for budget-conscious builders, backed by a 4.8-star rating from over 20,000 reviews. This processor is best for home theater PC builders and office users who need reliable multi-threaded productivity and light gaming from a single chip.

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AMD Ryzen 5 5000 G-Series 5600G 6-core AM4 cpu
Price $166
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AMD Ryzen 5 9000 Series 9600X 6-core AM5

80.7 Best Value Score
6C/12T5.4GHz32MB L3AM565W
Why we recommend this ▼

Built on the 4nm Zen 5 architecture, its 65W TDP delivers a 5.4 GHz boost clock and strong single-core performance without excessive power draw. The integrated Radeon Graphics and unlocked multiplier on the AM5 socket provide a capable foundation for systems without a discrete GPU. This processor is best for efficiency-focused builders and home office users who prioritize cool, quiet operation over peak gaming frame rates.

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AMD Ryzen 5 5000 Series 5600 6-core AM4

78 Best Value Score
6C/12T4.4GHz32MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7nm Zen 3 architecture delivers strong efficiency with a 65W TDP and a 4.4GHz boost clock, backed by a sizable 32MB L3 cache. This tray processor offers a budget-friendly entry to the mature AM4 platform, though it ships without a cooler or US/Canada warranty. It is best for system builders upgrading older AM4 rigs for solid 1080p gaming and general productivity.

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AMD Ryzen 7 5000 G-Series 5700G 8-core AM4

77.7 Best Value Score
8C/16T4.6GHz16MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 8-core, 16-thread Zen 3 architecture delivers strong integrated Radeon Graphics, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in a compact 65W TDP package. Its unlocked multiplier on the AM4 socket provides accessible overclocking headroom, while the included boxed cooler adds immediate value for budget-conscious builds. This processor is best for home office users and light esports gamers building a small-form-factor PC without a dedicated graphics card.

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AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core AM4

73 Best Value Score
12C/24T4.6GHz64MB L3AM4105W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 12-core, 24-thread Ryzen 9 3900X delivers a 4.6 GHz boost and 64MB of L3 cache on the 7nm Zen 2 architecture, providing strong multi-threaded performance for its 105W TDP. Its unlocked multiplier and Socket AM4 compatibility with PCIe 4.0 offer a straightforward upgrade path and generous platform longevity. This processor is best for budget-conscious content creators and streamers who need high core counts for rendering and multitasking without moving to a more expensive HEDT platform.

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AMD Ryzen 5 4600G

68.8 Best Value Score
6C/12T4.2GHz8MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7nm Zen 2 architecture delivers 6 cores and 12 threads with a 4.2 GHz boost, plus integrated Radeon graphics that eliminate the need for a separate GPU in basic builds. Its 65W TDP and unlocked multiplier make it a power-efficient choice for compact systems, while the bundled Wraith Stealth cooler keeps setup costs low. Best for budget-conscious builders assembling entry-level gaming or office PCs who want solid integrated graphics and upgrade headroom on the AM4 platform.

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AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4000 Series 4650G 6-core AM4

59.9 Best Value Score
6C/12T4.2GHz8MB L3AM465W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7nm Zen 2 architecture and integrated Radeon Graphics in a 65W TDP make this a standout APU for compact, efficient builds without a discrete GPU. Its 6-core, 12-thread design with ECC memory support offers a rare combination of professional-grade reliability and capable integrated graphics on the AM4 platform. This processor is best for small form factor office PCs and home servers where low power draw and dependable 1080p display output are priorities over 3D gaming performance.

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AMD A10 9700E 4-core AM4

41.4 Best Value Score
4C/4T3.5GHzAM435W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 35W TDP and integrated Radeon R7 Graphics on the AM4 socket provide a capable foundation for basic displays without a discrete GPU. Its low power draw and passive cooling potential make it a practical choice for always-on home servers or silent office PCs. This processor is best for users building a simple media center or a basic productivity machine on a strict power budget.

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AMD AD785KXBJABOX

39.7 Best Value Score
4 cores4.0GHzFM2+95W
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AMD FX 9370 8-core AM3+

38.2 Best Value Score
8C/8T4.7GHz8MB L3AM3+220W
Why we recommend this ▼

An unlocked 8-core design with a 4.7GHz boost clock and massive 8MB L2 cache defines this processor, but its 32nm Vishera architecture demands a 220W TDP and robust cooling. The Black Edition multiplier is fully unlocked for overclocking on the legacy AM3+ socket, offering a budget entry into high-thread-count tinkering. This chip is best for enthusiasts building a used AM3+ system for basic multi-threaded productivity, not modern gaming or efficiency-focused tasks.

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AMD FX 9370 8-core AM3+ cpu
Price $198
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AMD EPYC 7401P 24-core SP3

36.9 Best Value Score
24C/48T3.0GHz64MB L3SP3170W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 24-core, 48-thread EPYC 7401P delivers strong multi-threaded throughput with a 27,836 PassMark score, supported by 64MB of L3 cache and support for up to 2TB of ECC DDR4 memory. Its single-socket configuration provides a cost-effective entry into the SP3 platform for dense compute tasks without the licensing costs of a dual-socket board. This processor is best for budget-conscious server administrators running virtualized environments or threaded productivity workloads that don't require high single-core speeds.

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AMD AD9500AGABBOX

33.4 Best Value Score
2C/2T3.8GHz1MB L3AM465W
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AMD A Series A12-9800E 4-core AM4

31.7 Best Value Score
4 cores3.8GHz2MB L3AM4
Why we recommend this ▼

The integrated Radeon R7 graphics on this 35W Bristol Ridge APU provide basic DirectX 12 and FreeSync support without a discrete GPU. Its 3.8GHz quad-core design and included boxed cooler make it a simple, low-cost drop-in upgrade for AM4 motherboards. This processor is best for users building a basic home theater PC or a budget desktop strictly for undemanding e-sports titles and web browsing.

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