A computer’s CPU is arguably the most important component inside of any computer. It has the biggest impact on a system’s overall performance, and it’s typically one of the most expensive parts as well. Thanks to the stiff ongoing competition between AMD and Intel, however, you can take advantage of sales and price cuts to save on these critically important parts.
Featured Deals
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.5GHz 12-Core Processor for $377.95 at Amazon (list price $649.00).
- This processor has exceptional multitasking capabilities thanks to its 12 SMT enabled CPU cores that permit the processor to operate a staggering 24 threads simultaneously.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.6GHz Hexa-Core Processor w/ Wraith Spire Cooler for $146.40 at Amazon (list price $259.55).
- With six SMT enabled cores clocked at 3.6GHz, this processors well suited for high-performance gaming and heavy multitasking.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400G 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ Radeon RX Vega 11 Graphics and Wraith Stealth Cooler for $124.99 at Walmart (list price $162.99).
- AMD’s Ryzen 5 2400G is best suited for gamers on a tight budget. The processor has a built-in graphics processor based on AMD’s Vega technology with 704 cores that enable it to run games with medium to low graphics settings.
- Intel Core i7-9700K 9th Gen Coffee Lake 3.6GHz Octa-Core Processor w/ UHD Graphics 630 for $339.99 at Amazon (list price $409.99).
- The i7-9700K is one of the fastest processors sold by Intel. It features eight CPU cores with a turbo frequency of 4.9GHz that enable to it to run multiple applications with exceptional speed.
- Intel Core i5-9600K 9th Gen Coffee Lake 3.7GHz Hexa-Core Processor w/ UHD Graphics 630 for $247.00 at Walmart (list price $299.99).
- With six CPU cores able to boost up to 4.6GHz, this processor offers excellent performance for gaming. It’s also unlocked and can be overclocked to further increase its performance.
AMD CPU Deals
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.5GHz 12-Core Processor for $377.95 at Amazon (list price $649.00).
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.6GHz Hexa-Core Processor w/ Wraith Spire Cooler for $146.40 at Amazon (list price $259.55).
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400G 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ Radeon RX Vega 11 Graphics and Wraith Stealth Cooler for $124.99 at Walmart (list price $162.99).
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.5GHz 16-Core Processor for $549.00 at Amazon (list price $899.00).
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700X 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.7GHz Octa-Core Processor w/ Wraith Prism Cooler for $199.99 at Walmart (list price $329.00).
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.4GHz Hexa-Core Processor w/ Wraith Stealth Cooler for $129.30 at Amazon (list price $199.00).
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200G 2nd Gen Ryzen 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ Radeon RX Vega 8 Graphics and Wraith Stealth Cooler for $79.99 at Amazon (list price $100.00).
- AMD Ryzen 3 1200 1st Gen Ryzen 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ Wraith Stealth Cooler for $59.99 at Amazon (list price $109.00).
Intel CPU Deals
- Intel Core i7-9700K 9th Gen Coffee Lake 3.6GHz Octa-Core Processor w/ UHD Graphics 630 for $339.99 at Amazon (list price $409.99).
- Intel Core i5-9600K 9th Gen Coffee Lake 3.7GHz Hexa-Core Processor w/ UHD Graphics 630 for $247.00 at Walmart (list price $299.99).
- Intel Core i5-9400F 9th Gen Coffee Lake 2.9GHz Hexa-Core Processor for $149.99 at Walmart (list price $203.99).
- Intel Core i3-8350K 8th Gen Coffee Lake 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ UHD Graphics 630 for $169.00 at Walmart (list price $199.99).
Important Considerations When Buying A CPU
Before purchasing a processor, it’s imperative that you first research the parts performance and compatibility. In general the more cores and a higher clock speed a processor has the better it will perform, but this is far from the only important factors. For more information on how specific CPUs perform, I suggest you check out the PCMag’s processor reviews.
As for compatibility, is designed to fit inside of a specific socket and to work with specific motherboard chipsets. All modern Intel processors use the LGA1151 socket. If you are buying an 8000 or 9000 series processor, you will specifically want to purchase an LGA1151 socket motherboard with a 300-series chipset. LGA1151 socket motherboards that use the old 100 and 200 series chipsets were designed to work with Intel’s 6000 and 7000 series processors respectively and will not work with newer CPUs.
AMD customers will want to purchase a motherboard with an AM4 CPU socket. If you purchase an AMD Ryzen 1000-series processor, you will be able to use it with any 300 or 400 series chipset motherboards, but 1000-series processors are incompatible with AMD’s new X570 chipset. Similarly, you cannot use the new Ryzen 3000-series processors on any of the old 300-series chipsets. Instead, you will need to purchase either a 400 or 500 series chipset. Last but not least AMD’s Ryzen 2000-series processors are a bit easier to work with as they are compatible with all AM4 motherboards currently on the market regardless of which chipset is used.
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