Top 5 Best Budget CPUs for 2024: Performance Meets Affordability

Top 5 Best Budget CPUs for 2024 In the competitive world of computing where performance meets affordability, finding the best budget CPUs for 2024 is crucial for tech enthusiasts and builders. Amidst the vast market, this article sheds light on processors that offer the best blend of pricing and performance, including notable mentions like the Intel Core i5 13400F and AMD Ryzen 5 5600, which stand out for their exceptional blend of efficiency and cost-effectiveness [1]. The industry’s current oversupply has made it an opportune time to secure deals on some of the best budget processor options, making it a key time for consumers looking to upgrade without breaking the bank [1].

Focusing on providing thorough insights, this guide navigates through the top choices for the year, including both Intel’s 13th-Gen Raptor Lake processors and AMD’s Ryzen 7000 lineup. These selections cater to a range of needs from the best budget CPU for gaming to the best budget CPU cooler, ensuring options for those prioritizing integrated graphics or seeking the lowest CPU prices for their builds. Whether you’re assembling a rig for gaming, streaming, or general use, the coming pages detail each processor’s strengths, from their compatibility with DDR4 memory to their prowess in leveraging the latest DDR5 memory, thereby guiding readers toward the best budget CPU for their specific requirements [1].

AMD Ryzen 5 5600

Introduction and Overview

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600, launched in 2022, is a six-core, twelve-thread processor based on the Zen 3 architecture. It was introduced as a cost-effective alternative to the more powerful 5600X, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious gamers and productivity users [9].

Best Features

• Core Configuration: The Ryzen 5 5600 features 6 cores and 12 threads, which enables efficient multitasking and gaming performance [15].
• Clock Speeds: It boasts a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and can boost up to 4.4 GHz, providing robust performance across various applications [17].
• Cache Size: The processor is equipped with 32 MB of total cache, enhancing the speed and responsiveness of the system [18].
• Power Efficiency: With a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65W, it offers a balance between performance and energy efficiency, suitable for long gaming sessions without overheating [9].
• Motherboard Compatibility: Supports AM4 CPU socket and is compatible with cost-effective B450 and B550 motherboards, making it a versatile choice for various system builds [10].

Limitations or Cons

• Graphics Support: Unlike its counterpart, the Ryzen 5 5600G, the Ryzen 5 5600 does not come with integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU for any graphical output [2].
• Future Proofing: As newer CPUs shift towards supporting DDR5 memory and AM5 sockets, the Ryzen 5 5600’s compatibility with only DDR4 and AM4 might limit future upgrade paths [15].

Pricing

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is priced competitively at $146.89 on platforms like Amazon, which includes free delivery, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to build or upgrade their PC without compromising on performance [19].

Ratings and Reviews

In performance comparisons, the Ryzen 5 5600 outperforms its competitors in similar price ranges. It delivers 8% faster performance than the Intel Core i3-13100 and offers significant improvements over older Ryzen models like the Ryzen 5 3600, especially in single-core tasks which are crucial for gaming [5][12]. Moreover, it holds its ground against higher-priced CPUs like the Intel Core i5 12400, providing stiff competition at a lower cost [14].

Intel Core i3-13100F

Introduction and Overview

The Intel Core i3-13100F, part of Intel’s 13th Gen Core series, is a quad-core processor designed for the entry-level market [4]. It is built on the Golden Cove microarchitecture, which is also used in Intel’s 12th Gen core series performance cores [4].

Best Features

• Core and Speed: This CPU boasts 4 Performance (P) cores with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.5GHz, enhancing its processing capabilities [4].
• Cache Size: Comes with 12 MB of L3 cache, facilitating quick data access and improving overall system responsiveness [4].
• Memory Support: It supports both DDR5-4800 and DDR4-3200 memory, offering flexibility for budget-conscious users to choose from [4].
• PCIe Support: The Core i3-13100F supports PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, which is a step up from some competitors that only support older versions [3].

Limitations or Cons

• Lack of Integrated Graphics: Requires a discrete graphics card as it does not include integrated graphics, which might increase the total cost for users who do not already own a GPU [4].
• Marginal Performance Gains: While it offers a 200 MHz increase in turbo frequency over its predecessor, the gaming performance improvement is only marginal [3][4].

Pricing

With a base MSRP of $109, the Intel Core i3-13100F presents itself as a cost-effective solution for users, especially when compared to higher-priced alternatives in the market [4].

Ratings and Reviews

The processor is noted for delivering excellent gaming performance and is sufficient for productivity tasks, making it a strong contender for the title of the best budget CPU [1]. Its performance in GPU scaling benchmarks shows it to be approximately 2% faster than the i3-12100, providing a slight edge in newer games [5].

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Introduction and Overview

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, introduced as a top contender in the gaming CPU market for 2024, is renowned for its exceptional performance in gaming due to its advanced 3D-stacked V-Cache technology. Priced at approximately $399, it stands as the best CPU for gaming, offering significant enhancements in speed and efficiency [2].

Best Features

• Core and Thread Count: Equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads, this CPU handles multitasking and high-performance gaming with ease [6].
• Clock Speeds: Features a base clock of 4.2 GHz and can boost up to 5 GHz, catering to demanding applications and gaming needs [6].
• Cache Configuration: Includes 512KB L1 cache, 8MB L2 cache, and a substantial 96MB L3 cache, which significantly speeds up data processing [6].
• Power and Architecture: The 120W TDP and the use of TSMC’s 5NM architecture ensure a balance of power and thermal efficiency [6].
• Memory and PCIe Support: Supports the latest DDR5 memory and is PCIe 5.0 ready, offering broad compatibility and future-proofing benefits [6].

Performance Metrics

• Cinebench R23: Scores an impressive 17,290, highlighting its robust processing power [6].
• Geekbench Scores: Achieves 1,432 in multi-core and 262 in single-core performance, demonstrating strong general and gaming capabilities [6].
• Blender Benchmark: With a score of 267, it confirms its suitability for intensive graphical tasks and 3D rendering [6].

Limitations or Cons

• Reduced Productivity Performance: While it excels in gaming, the specialized 3D V-Cache may lead to lower performance in some productivity applications compared to other CPUs in its class [2].

Pricing and Value

Marketed at around $400, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D provides excellent value, especially considering its gaming performance and energy efficiency, which surpass many of Intel’s equivalents [7][8].

Compatibility and Efficiency

• Motherboard Compatibility: Fully compatible with AM5 motherboards, it is a versatile choice for users looking to build a future-ready PC [8].
• Energy Efficiency: Consumes less power than many competing models, making it an economical option in the long run [7].

Market Position

Identified as the best CPU for gaming in 2024, its competitive price of $385 ensures that it is not only a leader in performance but also in affordability [2].

Intel Core i5 13400F

Introduction and Overview

The Intel Core i5 13400F emerges as a mid-range powerhouse in Intel’s lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance and affordability. This processor features a dynamic configuration of 6 Performance-cores (P-cores) and 4 Efficient-cores (E-cores), totaling 16 threads, which positions it as a versatile choice for both gamers and content creators [13].

Best Features

• Core Configuration: The i5 13400F boasts 10 cores, including 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores, enhancing its multitasking and processing capabilities [13].
• Clock Speeds: With a base clock of 2.5 GHz for P-cores and 1.8 GHz for E-cores, and boost clocks reaching up to 4.6 GHz for P-cores and 3.3 GHz for E-cores, it ensures robust performance across various applications [9].
• Memory Support: Compatible with both DDR4-3200 and the faster DDR5-4800 memory types, the i5 13400F offers flexibility for users to optimize their system based on budget and performance needs [9].
• Cache Size: It is equipped with a 20MB L3 cache, facilitating efficient data retrieval and processing speeds [9].

Performance and Efficiency

• Gaming Performance: Known for its strong gaming capabilities, the i5 13400F outperforms its predecessor, the Core i5 12600K, across most gaming benchmarks, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for high performance at a reasonable price [9].
• Power Consumption: While it is more power-efficient than previous generations, it does consume slightly more power than the Core i5 12400, yet offers significant improvements in performance, marking a good balance between power usage and output [9].

Pricing and Availability

• Market Price: The processor is priced at $196, providing a cost-effective solution for users aiming for high performance without a steep price tag [9].
• Retail Prices:
  • $174.03: Available from third-party sellers on Amazon [9]
  • $185.99: Directly from Amazon [9]
  • $231.99: Offered by other sellers on Amazon [9]
  • $285.98: Listed on Newegg [9]

Competitive Analysis

• Market Positioning: The i5 13400F competes closely with AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X and Ryzen 5 7600, which are priced higher at approximately $250 and $229 respectively, making the i5 13400F a more budget-friendly option with competitive performance [9].
• Content Creation and Productivity: In synthetic benchmarks and content creation tasks, this CPU holds its own but slightly trails behind the Ryzen 5 7600X, positioning it as a strong contender, especially for users prioritizing gaming over pure productivity tasks [9].

Technical Specifications

• Architecture: Utilizes a hybrid architecture combining Raptor Lake and Alder Lake dies, which may vary in cache size among different units, thus affecting performance slightly [10].

This section highlights the Intel Core i5 13400F’s capabilities and offerings, making it a standout option in the budget CPU category for 2024.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

Introduction and Overview

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, a notable member of the Ryzen 5000 series, leverages the advanced Zen 3 architecture to deliver impressive performance for budget-conscious users [2]. This processor is equipped with 6 cores and 12 threads, providing a solid foundation for multitasking and gaming [2].

Key Specifications

• Core Count: 6 cores
• Thread Count: 12 threads
• Base Clock Speed: 3.9 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: Up to 4.4 GHz
• Integrated Graphics: Radeon Graphics [2]

Best Features

• Integrated Graphics: The inclusion of Radeon graphics within the Ryzen 5 5600G makes it an ideal choice for budget gaming setups, eliminating the need for an additional GPU [2].
• Performance: With a base clock of 3.9 GHz and the ability to boost up to 4.4 GHz, it handles various applications and games efficiently [2].

Performance in Gaming

The Ryzen 5 5600G is expected to maintain commendable gaming performance into 2024, thanks to its robust CPU capabilities coupled with integrated graphics [2]. This makes it a suitable option for gamers who are looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on visual quality and processing power [2].

AMD Ryzen 3 4100

Introduction and Overview

The AMD Ryzen 3 4100, based on the efficient Zen 2 architecture, offers a budget-friendly solution for users seeking a capable CPU without a hefty price tag ¹⁴. This processor features four cores and eight threads, providing a solid foundation for multitasking and light gaming ¹⁴.

Key Specifications and Performance

• Core Count: 4 cores
• Thread Count: 8 threads
• Base Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: Up to 4.0 GHz
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 65W, configurable down to 45W for improved energy efficiency ¹⁵
• Cooling Solution: Includes a Wraith Stealth cooler, which effectively manages the CPU’s temperature even under load ¹⁵

Gaming and Rendering Performance

The Ryzen 3 4100 is tailored for gamers who need an affordable entry point into the gaming world, with specific performance metrics in popular titles like Warzone, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PUBG. However, it is important to note that this CPU is about 27% slower in rendering tasks and up to 37% slower in gaming at 1080p resolution compared to more powerful CPUs like the Intel 12100F ¹⁵.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance

One of the standout features of the Ryzen 3 4100 is its power efficiency. The CPU peaks at approximately 56-57W during intensive tasks and remains below 50W in games such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, showcasing its ability to deliver performance without excessive power consumption ¹⁵. The included Wraith Stealth cooler also performs admirably, maintaining low temperatures and ensuring stable operation during extended use ¹⁵.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to its direct competitors, the Ryzen 3 4100 offers a compelling mix of features for its price point. It is significantly more affordable and energy-efficient, although it trades off some performance in high-demand scenarios like gaming at higher resolutions and rendering tasks ¹⁵.

Intel Core i3-10100F

Introduction and Overview

The Intel Core i3-10100F serves as an entry-level processor, particularly aimed at modern gaming setups. It features 4 hyper-threaded cores, providing a solid foundation for handling various computing tasks ¹.

Key Specifications

• Core Count: 4 cores
• Thread Count: 8 threads
• Base Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.3 GHz ¹

Performance Analysis

The Intel Core i3-10100F, when paired with an RTX 3060 Ti GPU, has been tested at both 1080p and 1440p resolutions, offering a detailed insight into its gaming capabilities across various settings ¹.

Gaming Performance

• CS:GO: Delivers over 200 FPS at 1080p, though it shows a 22% decrease in performance compared to the Intel Core i5-12400F ¹.
• Overwatch 2: Achieves above the 144 FPS mark, which is considered ideal for competitive gaming, albeit with a 33 FPS lower average than the i5 ¹.
• Dota 2: Falls behind the i5 in terms of average FPS at both tested resolutions ¹.
• Forza Horizon 5: Struggles to reach 100 FPS at 1080p, a significant drop compared to the i5’s performance above 180 FPS ¹.
• Spider-Man Remastered: Fails to hit an average of 100 FPS at 1080p, whereas the i5 manages this with ease ¹.
• Halo Infinite: Performs comparably to the i5, maintaining a close average at 1080p ¹.

Pricing and Market Position

The processor is available on the used market for around $60 and new for approximately $80, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious gamers ¹.

Upgrade Path and Longevity

The i3-10100F is limited to upgrades within Intel’s 11th gen processors due to the Z590 motherboard compatibility, which may restrict future expansion options ¹. For those considering future upgrades, the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 paired with an ap450 motherboard is recommended as it outperforms Intel’s 11th gen offerings ¹.

Value Proposition

For users with lower-end GPUs (below RTX 3050), the i3-10100F offers good value for performance, making it a viable option for budget builds aiming for decent gaming capabilities ¹.

AMD Athlon 200GE

Introduction and Overview

The AMD Athlon 200GE, introduced in 2018, is designed as a budget-friendly CPU for cost-conscious PC builders. It operates on Zen architecture, featuring 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base frequency of 3.2 GHz ¹.

Key Specifications

• Core Count: 2 cores
• Thread Count: 4 threads
• Base Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz
• TDP: 35W
• Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 3 ¹

Best Features

• Integrated Graphics: Equipped with Radeon Vega 3 graphics, the Athlon 200GE supports light gaming at lower resolutions and settings, making it suitable for budget gaming PCs ¹.
• Value for Money: Priced competitively, this CPU provides a good all-around value with its four computing threads and integrated graphics for basic tasks and light gaming ¹.

Performance Analysis

• Benchmarks: In Cinema benchmarks, the Athlon 200GE performs better than the AMD X4 950 but does not match the performance levels of Intel’s 4th Gen i3 processors in both single and multi-core tests ¹⁶.
• Gaming Capability: While capable of handling light gaming, the Athlon 200GE may not be suitable for more demanding games or tasks due to its limited core and thread count ¹⁶.

Market Availability

• Pricing: As of 2023, the Athlon 200GE is available on the used market for around $15, offering an extremely budget-friendly option for basic computing needs ¹⁶.

Limitations

• Performance Limitations: Not recommended for intensive tasks or modern gaming, this CPU is best suited for basic computing and light gaming scenarios ¹⁶.
• Future Performance: Looking ahead to 2024, the Athlon 200GE is expected to lag behind more current CPUs due to its limited cores and threads, suggesting that better alternatives might be available for those needing more robust performance ¹⁶.

GPU Compatibility

• Bottleneck Information: The Athlon 200GE may bottleneck with GPUs stronger than the GTX 1650 Super, GTX 1060, RX 580, or RX 5500 XT, except in scenarios involving professional 3D GPU-based rendering software or games with minimal CPU demands ¹⁷.

Conclusion

Throughout the exploration of budget CPUs for 2024, the article has illuminated an array of processors that strike a harmonious balance between cost and capability, catering to gamers, content creators, and general users alike. From the impactful performance of the AMD Ryzen models like the Ryzen 5 5600 and 5600G to the competitive offerings of Intel’s Core i3-13100F and Core i5 13400F, the selections presented underscore the industry’s commitment to offering value without sacrificing performance. These CPUs not only serve as the backbone for budget-friendly builds but also highlight the advancements in technology that make high-quality computing accessible to a broader audience.

The implications of choosing the right CPU extend beyond mere budget constraints, influencing future upgrade paths, system compatibility, and overall user experience. As such, the suggestions for further research and careful consideration of individual needs and preferences underscore the importance of making an informed decision. Ultimately, whether for gaming, productivity tasks, or everyday computing, the CPUs reviewed in this article provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to build or upgrade their system without breaking the bank, paving the way for innovation and efficiency in the realm of budget computing.

FAQs

1. Which CPU is considered the best in the world as of 2024? As of 2024, the leading processors are from AMD and Intel. The Intel Core i7-14700K is regarded as the best overall processor. For those looking for a blend of performance and value, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is highly recommended. The Intel Core i9-14900K tops the charts for performance, while the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best AMD processor for gaming. For users with AM4 motherboards, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the best choice, and the Intel Core i5-11600K is also notable.

2. What are the top budget CPUs available? The best budget CPUs include the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G, which is the top overall budget CPU from AMD, and the Intel Core i5-10400, the best overall budget CPU from Intel. Other notable budget processors are the AMD Ryzen 5 5500, which pairs well with a graphics card, the Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, AMD Athlon 200GE, Intel Pentium Gold G6400, and the Intel Celeron G5920.

3. What is the ultimate CPU for gaming, regardless of cost? For gaming without budget constraints, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best overall gaming CPU. The Intel Core i9-14900K is the fastest gaming CPU available. For budget-conscious gamers, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is an excellent choice. The AMD Ryzen 5800X3D is the most efficient, while the AMD Ryzen 7950X3D is the best for gaming and streaming. The most affordable option for high performance is the Core i3-12100F.

4. Between AMD and Intel, which is better for budget gaming? Both AMD and Intel are competitive options for budget gaming. Recently, Intel has been noted to offer the best all-around CPUs for mainstream gaming PCs. However, both brands provide compelling performance at various price points, making them both viable choices depending on specific needs and budget constraints.

References

[1] – https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-cheap-cpus,5668.html
[2] – https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-cpus,3986.html
[3] – https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-core-i3-13100f-cpu-review/3
[4] – https://www.anandtech.com/show/18740/the-intel-core-i3-13100f-review-finding-value-in-intels-cheapest-chip
[5] – https://www.techspot.com/review/2610-intel-core-i3-13100-vs-amd-ryzen-5600/
[6] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3SPQgC06_M
[7] – https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/5/23668320/amd-ryzen-7-7800x3d-review-cpu-processor-benchmark-test
[8] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anqPpbHALRw
[9] – https://www.pcgamer.com/intel-core-i5-13400f-review-benchmarks/
[10] – https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-core-i5-13400-core-i5-13400f-cpu-review
[11] – https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-budget-cpus
[12] – https://www.pcgamer.com/best-cpu-for-gaming/
[13] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMXDHZbanx0
[14] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-AZtgTLWVY
[15] – https://cultists.network/7149/amd-ryzen-4100-review/
[16] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK0uQ3juH5k
[17] – https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-recommended-GPU-for-an-Athlon-200GE
[18] – https://www.anandtech.com/show/9793/best-cpus