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The Best Computer CPU Processors under $220

★ Top Choice

Intel

Core i5-7500

BUY NOW

From $188

More info
♥ Runner Up
Best for Mainstream PCs and Gaming Rigs on AM4
Best for Gaming

Intel

Core i5-9600K

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From $219.95

More info

Intel Core i5-7500

★ Top Choice
BUY NOW From $188

Features

  • Intel UHD Graphics 630. Bus speed: 8 GT/s DMI3.
  • 6 Cores / 6 Threads.
  • Max Memory Bandwidth 41.6 GB/s.
  • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.
  • 2.80 GHz up to 4.00 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 9 MB Cache.
  • Intel Optane Memory Supported.

Pros

  • ⊕ 7GHz.
  • ⊕ Solid speeds.
  • ⊕ Will give you 3.
  • ⊕ Competent for gaming.
  • ⊕ Great for multitasking.

Cons

  • ⊖ Somewhat pricey.
  • ⊖ Price point is a little high.
  • ⊖ Not unlocked for overclocking.

Specs

  • Core Count: 6.
  • Unlocked Multiplier?: no.
  • L3 Cache Amount: 9 MB.
  • Maximum Boost Clock: 4 GHz.
  • Lithography: 14 nm.
  • Base Clock Frequency: 2.8 GHz.
  • Integrated Graphics Base Clock: 350 MHz.
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP) Rating: 65 watts.
  • Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1151.
  • Bundled Cooler: Intel Stock Cooler.
  • Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630.

AMD Ryzen 5

♥ Runner Up
BUY NOW From $191.18

Features

  • Extended frequency range (xfr); Max temperature: 95°celsius.
  • Frequency: 4.0 ghz precision boost.
  • Requires a thermal solution sold separately.
  • Cache: 3 mb/16 mb (l2/l3); Maximum system memory speed: 2667mhz.
  • 6 cores/12 threads unlocked.
  • Socket type: am4; System memory type: DDR4.

Pros

  • ⊕ Cool running chip.
  • ⊕ Multi-core performance.
  • ⊕ Advanced Zen architecture.
  • ⊕ Impressive processing power.
  • ⊕ Awesome multi-core performance.

Cons

  • ⊖ Tricky overclocking.
  • ⊖ No heat sink is included.
  • ⊖ No stock cooler included.

Specs

  • Cores: 6.
  • Threads: 12.
  • TDP: 95W.
  • L3 cache: 16MB.
  • Base clock: 3.6GHz.
  • Boost clock: 4.0GHz.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Best for Mainstream PCs and Gaming Rigs on AM4
BUY NOW From $198.99

Features

  • 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, bundled with the powerful AMD Wraith Spire cooler.
  • Can deliver ultra fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games; System Memory Specification 3200MHz.
  • For the advanced socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on x570 motherboards.
  • 4.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 35 MB of game Cache, ddr 3200 support.
  • The world's most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment.

Pros

  • ⊕ PCIe 4.0.
  • ⊕ Affordable.
  • ⊕ Overclockable.
  • ⊕ Bundled cooler.
  • ⊕ Includes a cooler.

Cons

  • ⊖ Still 6-cores.
  • ⊖ No integrated graphics.

Specs

  • Cores: 6.
  • Threads: 12.
  • TDP: 95W.
  • L3 cache: 32MB.
  • Base clock: 3.8GHz.
  • Boost clock: 4.4GHz.

Intel Core i5-9600K

Best Mid-Range
BUY NOW From $219.95

Features

  • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.
  • 3.70 GHz up to 4.60 GHz / 9 MB Cache.
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630.
  • Intel Optane Memory Supported.
  • 6 Cores / 6 Threads.

Pros

  • ⊕ Affordable.
  • ⊕ Overclocking.
  • ⊕ Fast clock speeds.
  • ⊕ Awesome for gaming.
  • ⊕ Great single-core performance.

Cons

  • ⊖ High price.
  • ⊖ Only 6-cores.

Specs

  • Cores: 6.
  • L3 cache: 9MB.
  • TDP: 95W.
  • Base clock: 3.7GHz.
  • Boost clock: 4.6GHz.