Top CPUs 2023

Unleash the power of your computer with our meticulously curated selection of top-rated CPUs. We analyze reviews and ratings to bring you the best CPU options available in the market. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or a professional in need of high-performance computing, our collection includes CPUs to suit your specific requirements. From multi-core processors for intensive tasks to energy-efficient options for everyday computing, our Top Picks ensure exceptional speed and reliability. Explore our selection and find the perfect CPU to optimize your computing experience and unlock new levels of performance.

80
At $799, AMD's 12-core Threadripper chip skips along ahead of Intel's competing $999 Core i9 on core-happy computing tasks, while costing a couple of hundred bucks less. Just factor in the high cost of motherboards and cooling into your build budget.
-- As reviewed by PCMag
80
The 1700 performs well in heavily threaded workloads, but lags behind Intel's quad cores in most gaming scenarios. However, the Ryzen 7 1700 also offers the lowest entry-level price point for a modern eight-core processor and features enough overclocking headroom to trade blows with the more expensive Ryzen models.
-- As reviewed by Tom's Hardware
80
Though limited to four cores/four threads, the Core i5-6600K is a strong pick for price-conscious performance hounds and future-looking gamers seeking a powerful CPU at a reasonable price.
-- As reviewed by PCMag
77
The Intel Core i5-10600K is an undeniably fast midrange gaming CPU, but at its launch price, it needs more daylight between it and Ryzen 7 chips above, and less between it and the Ryzen 5 ones below.
-- As reviewed by PCMag
77
Intel finally expanded the core count of its mainstream processors, facilitating solid all-around performance from the Core i7-8700K. Aggressive Turbo Boost bins ensure great performance in lightly-threaded workloads, while six cores cut through demanding tasks much more adeptly than Core i7-7700K. Intel’s Core i7 line-up is still expensive, but you'll pay a lot less per core than in prior generations.
-- As reviewed by Tom's Hardware
76
AMD's Ryzen 5 7600X is simply beat out in many tests by lower-priced competition, making this a difficult processor to recommend at current pricing.
-- As reviewed by PCMag
75
The Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 5 5500 bring a new level of value to the Zen 3 lineup and could make a great value-centric update if you're updating a first-gen Ryzen system, but competing Intel Alder Lake processors are a better deal for new builds.
-- As reviewed by Tom's Hardware
75
It's undeniably a muscle chip, but on price, content-creation power, and gaming results, AMD's Ryzen 7 3800XT can't quite escape the shadow of the too-good, too-cheap Ryzen 7 3700X.
-- As reviewed by PCMag
75
The Ryzen 5 3400G is a great niche part for low-cost systems built around integrated graphics, like budget gaming rigs, HTPCs, and basic computers. But keep your eye out for deals on cheaper previous-gen competitors.
-- As reviewed by Tom's Hardware
75
The Core i5-9600K is an iterative update over the previous-gen model. But if you're shopping for a new processor, it does provide enough of a performance improvement to merit attention. The processor clearly provides the best performance for gaming at its price point, though AMD alternatives are enticing if you're more interested in productivity applications.
-- As reviewed by Tom's Hardware