Best CPU Under $300

Intel Core i5-12600K

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 12th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: Intel 7nm | Cores: 10 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 20MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Socket: LGA1700 | Base clock: Efficient core: 2.8GHz, Performance core: 3.7GHz  | Boost clock: Efficient core: 3.6GHz, Performance core: 4.9GHz, Maximum Boost: 4.9GHz | Rated TDP: 150W maximum | Bundled cooler: No

Intel Core i5-12600k compared to the Ryzen 5 5600x offers 38% more threaded efficiency and 7% more performance than the Ryzen 7 5800x. Remarkably, it’s cheaper than both. Intel’s hard work on the 12th-generation Alder Lake processors clearly shows.

With 10 cores and 16 threads, split into six performance and four efficiency cores, the P-cores operate at 3.7 / 4.9 GHz and the E-cores at 2.8 / 3.6 GHz. It also features 9.5MB L2 cache and 20MB L3 cache. This makes it ideal for gamers, developers, and content creators. It’s quite similar to its big brother, the i9-12900k.

The i5-12600k offers leading-edge connectivity with 16 lines PCIe 5.0 and four PCIe 4.0 lanes for a fast M.2 SSD port. It supports DDR4 or DDR5 memory modules and fits LGA 1700 sockets, compatible with air or water-based coolers and the latest 600-series motherboards, particularly the Z690 models. With a 150W power rating, it is also power-efficient compared to its counterparts.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 5000 G-Series Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 3MB L2, 16MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Radeon Graphics | Graphics cores: 7 | Graphics frequency: 1900MHz | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.4GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth cooling solution

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is an affordable yet powerful processor, outperforming many pricier chips. It uses the Zen 3 architecture, providing a 19% IPC boost over Zen 2. This ensures efficiency in running games and applications. The chip is unlocked for overclocking, enhancing its speeds and power input adjustments.

It features six cores, twelve threads, a 16MB L3 cache, and a 3MB L2 cache. Though the overclocking headroom between 3.9GHz base and 4.4GHz boost clocks is just 0.5GHz, it supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 3200MHz. Unlike Ryzen 5000 models with PCIe 4.0, this chip supports 24 lanes of PCIe 3.0.

The 5600G includes a Wraith Stealth cooler, maintaining temperatures below 95°C, and has a 65W TDP. It fits AM4 sockets, accommodating 400-series and 500-series motherboards. Its built-in Radeon Graphics provides excellent performance, making it the best integrated graphics CPU under $300. Paired with a quality motherboard and graphics card, it ensures smooth performance.

Intel Core i5-10500

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 3.1GHz | Boost clock: 4.5GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

The Intel Core i5-10500, based on 10th generation Comet Lake microarchitecture, is a standout choice for those on a budget. It offers six cores, twelve threads, and a 3.1GHz base clock, boosting to 4.5GHz.

Its 12MB Intel Smart Cache and integrated graphics set it apart from Ryzen 5 3600 and 3600X. Hyper Threading technology enhances core efficiency, making it excellent for multi-threading tasks, gaming, and video editing.

With a 65W TDP, it’s power-efficient. The retail boxed CPU cooler adds extra value without additional cost. For budget-conscious gamers seeking solid performance, the Intel Core i5-10500 is an ideal choice.

Intel Core i5-9400F

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Cache: 9MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: No | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1151 | Base clock: 2.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.1GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

The Intel Core i5-9400F stands out as a mid-range processor offering high-end multitasking performance similar to its non-F variant, but at a better value. Although it’s locked and cannot be overclocked, its 3D inbuilt graphics support good gaming and content creation.

From Intel’s 9th generation Coffee Lake family, built on 14nm lithography, it features six cores, six threads, and a 9 MB Intel Smart Cache. Its base clock speed is 2.9 GHz, boosting up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. Despite lacking PCIe 4.0, it supports PCIe 3.0 with sixteen lanes. It accommodates up to 128GB DDR4 memory at 2666MHz and 41.6 GB/s bandwidth.

With a 65W TDP, it’s power-efficient and provides great value for high-end multitasking without breaking the bank. The Intel Core i5-9400F is a solid choice for those seeking efficiency and affordability.

Intel Core i5-11600K

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 750 | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 3.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.9GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No

The Intel Core i5-11600k is a top-tier 11th generation Rocket Lake processor, known for HyperThreading, impressive clock speeds, and overclocking capabilities. Despite a price gap with the Ryzen 5 5600x, the performance difference is minimal. Significant improvements over its 10th generation predecessor include better clock speed, memory bandwidth, and graphics frequency.

Key specifications are six cores, twelve threads, and a 12MB Intel Smart Cache. The base clock speed is 3.9GHz, boosting to 4.6GHz in multithreading and single-core forms. It includes Intel UHD Graphics 630 and supports DDR4 memory with 50 GB/s bandwidth.

While it has PCIe 4.0 support, its efficiency with new Z590 motherboards is limited, even compared to the higher-end Core i9 chip. The i5-11600k’s power efficiency lags behind the Ryzen 5 5600x, with a rated TDP of 125W that often exceeds limits during intensive multithreading. Effective cooling is essential to manage heat. If willing to overlook these aspects, the i5-11600k remains a compelling choice for its price-to-performance ratio.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 3MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth cooling solution

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a standout in the economic chip category, outperforming even the pricier Intel Core i9-10900k. Powered by the Zen 3 Core architecture, it offers six cores, twelve threads, a 3MB L2 cache, and a 32MB L3 cache.

With a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and a boost of 4.6GHz, the 5600X delivers excellent performance, especially when paired with the right motherboard and cooling system. It requires a minimum TDP of 65W and operates below 95°C.

Supporting PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz, it fits AM4 sockets and works well with 400-series and 500-series motherboards. The Ryzen 5 5600X offers impressive performance and value under $300, making it an excellent choice for gamers and daily users.

Intel Core i5-11400F

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 2.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.3GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

The Intel Core i5-11400F is a fantastic 11th-generation processor with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. While it’s nearly half the price of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, it offers comparable single-core performance for gaming, though it may lag in overclocking due to being a locked chip.

It features six cores, twelve threads, and a 12MB Intel Smart Cache. The base clock speed is 2.6 GHz, boosting to 4.4 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost technology 2.0. It supports up to 128GB DDR4 memory at 3200MHz with 50 GB/s bandwidth. It includes integrated UHD Graphics 750 Xe engine with 32 EUs.

The i5-11400F supports 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0, although the chipset remains PCIe 3.0. With a 65W TDP, it reaches up to 154W during peak performance. The included stock cooler might suffice, but a good-quality third-party cooler could enhance cooling efficiency.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 384KB L1, 3MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.2GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a top pick for mid-to-high-end performance at an affordable price. Built on Zen 2 architecture, it offers one-click overclocking for effortless performance boosts. While Zen 3 is faster at core access, the 3600 still delivers similar performance in most games.

Compared to the Ryzen 5 3600X, it shares six cores, twelve threads, 32MB L3 cache, and 3MB L2 cache. Its base clock speed is 3.6GHz, boosting up to 4.2GHz. It offers great value with easy overclocking.

For connectivity, it supports PCIe 4.0 with 16 lanes and dual-channel DDR4 memory at 3200MHz. The Wraith Stealth cooler maintains temperatures below 95°C. Though not a top-tier CPU, the Ryzen 5 3600 shines for its price and gaming performance.

Quick shopping tips

Usage: Identify your specific needs. Developers handling extensive coding and data sets need a chip with high single-core performance and a higher core count. Gamers can opt for a chip with 6-8 cores, depending on game complexity.

Budget: Budget is crucial. Ensure you finalize your budget and seek a chip with good performance at an affordable price. A lower budget shouldn’t mean compromising essential features.

Base Clock and Overclocking: Clock speed, measured in MHz or GHz, is the processor’s speed. Overclockable chips can boost their base clock speed to enhance performance. Look for a chip with at least 2.7GHz or higher overclocking headroom.

Cores and Threads: More cores and threads improve performance. Think of cores as pipes; more pipes mean faster water flow. Choose a chip with more cores and threads for better performance.

CPU Socket: Ensure compatibility between the processor and motherboard socket. AMD typically uses AM4 sockets, while Intel uses LGA sockets. Match the processor’s socket with your motherboard for proper accommodation.