Best Processor of 2021
One of the important components that makes a powerful PC is choosing the best processor for it. The faster and more powerful your processor is, the better your computer will perform.
Whether you are looking to build a PC for gaming or to simply browse the web and stream movies, or to perform real processor-hungry tasks like animations, heavy gaming, editing and the likes, you’ll still get to appreciate the power of a good processor.
In this post, I will be sharing with you 10 best processors in the market that you can put money on.
There are various types of processors in the market with different specs. Knowing the tasks your PC will be carrying out will help in knowing the specs you look out for in your processor, so as to get good value for your purchase. These are the basic features to consider when purchasing a new processor.
- Cores- the amount of cores your processor has determines the amount of tasks it will be able to perform at a given time. Thus, more cores determines how fast and effiecient your PC would perform. However, in choosing the amount of cores your processor should have, you must consider the existing software running it.
- Socket Compactiblity- this is a main concern and a big deal when purchasing a processor. You must be sure that the socket of your processor is compactible to your motherboard. If a motherboard has already been acquired, you must make sure that the processor you purchase is going to be compactible with the motherboard’s socket. Or, if you’re really bent on buying a particular processor, then you have to think of changing your motherboard.
- Threads- while cores determine how many threads of information your CPU can handle, threading technology determines how much of those data the CPU can process at a given time.
- Cache- the cache of a processor is just like the memory of a computer. The larger a processor’s cache, the more files it would be able to store, and the quicker it would be able to retrieve files that are stored.
- Frequency- the frequency of a CPU is measured in Hertz (Hz). It helps in the speed at which the CPU operates (although it is not the sole determinant for a processor’s speed as the CPU’s ‘instruction per clock’ also plays a role).
- Thermal Design Power (TDP)- generally, processors generate heat and your thermal design power specification assigned to a CPU explains how much heat a CPU is going to be giving off. This would now affect the type of cooling device that you would need for your CPU. Sometimes, CPUs come with cooling devices, but the TDP will to determine if you are cool with the cooling device, or if you would have to buy a serious cooling device for your CPU. But you must be sure to get a cooling device because over-heating is a primary danger to computerss’ components.
- Another thing to consider is purchasing a CPU with integrated GPU. This would enable you to save time and money neede in purchasing a separate GPU.
- If you are a gamer, do not tradeoff TDP and frequency if you don’t want to experience lag while gaming.
- If your PC is for simple home or office use, then pay attention to ccompactibility, cores and memory when purchasing a CPU.
Best Processor Buying Guide
Name | Features | Where to Buy |
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.7 GHz Socket: AM4 Processor Count: 16 |
Get it on Amazon |
Brand: INTEL Speed: 3 GHz Socket: LGA 2066 Processor Count:12 |
Get it on Amazon | |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.5 GHz Socket: AMD Socket sTRX4 Processor Count: 24 |
Get it on Amazon | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-Core, 128-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.3 GHz Socket: AMD Socket sTRX4 Processor count:64 |
Get it on Amazon |
Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W |
Brand: INTEL Speed: 5 GHz Socket: LGA1151 Processor Count: 8 |
Get it on Amazon |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.6 GHz Socket: AM4 Processor Count: 8 |
Get it on Amazon | |
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.6 GHz Socket: AM4 Processor Count: 12
|
Get it on Amazon |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.0 GHz Socket: AM4 Processor Count: 8 |
Get it on Amazon | |
Brand: INTEL Speed: 4.8 GHz Socket: LGA1200 Processor Count: 6 |
Get it on Amazon | |
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.4 GHz Socket: TR4 Processor Count: 16 |
Get it on Amazon |
1. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Brand: AMD Speed: 4.7 GHz Socket: AM4 Processor Count: 16
Dimensions: 1.57x 1.57x 0.24
The processor’s 4.7 GHz max boost and 72MB game cache, plus ddr-3200 gives support for great performance. This 16-core, 32-thread is just the most processing power you get in mainstream desktop. It delivers fast ultra fast 100+ fps performance in the world’s most popular games.
Pros | Cons |
Great cache to boost performance | It overheats, and definitely requires a liquid cooler |
Very fast | |
Great value for your money |
2.Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor
Price: $7 Core/Thread: 12/24 Max Boost: 3.5 GHz Total Cache: 19.25 MB TDP: 165W PCIe Version: 3.0 Socket: LGA2066
The Core i9 10920X is a processor that is good for gaming as its overclocking feature is capable of hitting 5 GHz. this feature has kept the Intel ahead for now.
Pros | Cons |
For gamers | Tend to overheat |
Has overclocking potential | You will have to invest in X299 chipset-based motherboards |
Only 19.25MB |
3.AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X Unlocked Desktop Processor
Core/Threads 24/48 4.5GHz 140MB 280W QuadChannel Unlocked for overclocking AMD Socket sTRX4
The 3960X comes in an astonishing 24 cores and 48 processing threads for serious designers and artists. You can do everything all at the same time- render, stream, compile, encode, work and play. It is the ultimate desktop platform for creators.
Pros | Cons |
For unprecedented multitasking | No cooler |
Super fast | Expensive (but this particular one comes with a motherboard) |
Incredible performance with 140MB of o-chip memory for great gaming experience | You need serious cooler |
4.AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-Core, 128-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Core/Thread- 64/128 Up to 4.3 GHz 288MB QuadChannel PCIe4.0 Unlocked for overclocking AMD Socket sTRX4 AMD TRX40 chipset
The 3rd Gen Ryzen “Threadripper” 3990X is the most powerful desktop processoer with the most cores, the highest bandwidth, the most memory and best for visual effects and video editing. Its amazing 64 cores and 128 threads is great for unprecedented multitasking power to edit footage, animate characters, and fine tune a design without sacrificing vision. Also, the processor delivers next gen bleeding edge efficiency due to the new AMD TRX40 desktop platform. If you have your heart on excellence and willing to pay for it, this is the best pick.
Pros | Cons |
Great performance | Expensive |
Best desktop processor | No cooler included |
Ecellent for video professionals and designers |
5. Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
LGA socket 5GHz $419.99 dimension: 2.91×4.41×4.61
This 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K processor is set to make you reach a max of 5 GHz frequency. It is also built with Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) to help maximize efficient heat transfer from the processor to the cooler. This will allow overclockers to push their systems further, and gamers to experience lower temperature under load.
Pros | Cons |
Great performance for gaming | Still gets hot with use |
No fan |
6. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Prism LED Cooler with Corsair A500 High Performance Dual Fan CPU Cooler, CT-9010003-WW
8/16 AMD Wraith prism cooler with color controlled LED support $390.98
The 3700X 8-core 16-thread is an advanced processor for gamers that comes with wraith prism cooler and fairly affordable.
Pros | Cons |
Performs more for less $ | Very hot, and a pain to cool of it reaches 4.3 |
PCIe 4.0 drive speed |
7. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Core-12 Thread-24 Max Boost-4.6 GHz TDP-105W PCIe 4.0 Socket-AM4 with Wraith Prism Cooler
The processor’s 70MB Game Cache memory-chip enhances game performance. Its PCIe 4.0 delivers double graphics and storage bandwidth. The 390X may not be the fastest when it comes to games, but it is close enough at the settings and resolutions gamers use, and without fail, very powerful outside of games. It also comes with AMD Wraith Prism cooler with color-controlled LED support.
Pros | Cons |
Great non-gamers and even gamers | Still gets hot and may need better cooler than the wraith prism color |
8. AMD YD180XBCAEWOF Ryzen 7 1800X Processor
$629 4GHz AM4 with XFR 95Watts
If you are building a PC that can handle your video editing, then go for this processor. Also, its AMD chip offers impressive performance and at an affordable price.
Pros | Cons |
Multi-core performance | No cooler |
Good for video editing | Not that great for gaming |
9. Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.8 GHz Unlocked LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series Chipset) 125W
This 10th Gen Core i5-1000K is for gamers who are looking for the edge of performance, and for enthusiasts who like to tune their processors without expensive supporting components. It is a good processor for a lesser price.
Pros | Cons |
Relatively easy to cool | PCIe 3.0 |
Lower per-thread pricing | No cooler |
Great overclocking | Requires new motherboard |
Strong in single and multi- thread workload |
10. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X Processor (YD295XA8AFWOF)
4.4GHz TR4 socket 16/32Core/Thread 40MB $839.99
This 16/32 cores/threads processor with 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen technology advancement delivers lightning-fast creative workloads. It was built for creators who game, and gamers who create. The quad channel DDR4, ECC support and unlocked overclocking make this processor a lock for users that depen on serious computing. The X399 also features AMD StoreMI storage acceleration technology. This is the sauce for video editing and color grading. It is a good bargain for your money.
Pros | Cons |
Astonishing performance | A little expensive |
Great for modeling/rendering, 4K/8K editing, gaming, streaming and virtual machines | You will need a fast RAM for it, as well as a motherboard |
You need a serious cooler for it |
In Conclusion, thank you for reading to the end, and I hope you get good value for your buck.