Second-Best entry-level CPU: Intel Core i5-11400.Best entry-level CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G.Best high-performance CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X.Best CPU overall for gaming: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.Second-Best CPU overall: Intel Core i5-11600K.To make it easier for you to choose, we’ve decided to make a compressive collection of the best CPUs to buy right now. Your options will also vary depending on whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading an existing one. Additionally, there are other factors to consider like the CPU’s overclocking potential, your primary workload, etc. Even though it boils down to only two manufacturers - Intel or AMD - you still have to comb through dozens of SKUs. You may even snag a discount if the timing is right, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should pick up anything on sale.Ĭhoosing the right processor is the most crucial step of the PC building process. Almost all models from both AMD and Intel are readily available on the market, that too for the MSRP.
But unlike graphics cards, you can easily buy the best CPUs right now. Sometimes choosing the right CPU can be just as hard as picking the other core components of a PC.
