Best CPUs (2026)

We analyzed 53 critics across 95 models to find the best cpus.

#1Also Great

3 critics reviewed this$94

Outstanding

Great value

Superb price/performance

Leading gaming and single-thread performance

Limited features

#2Also Great

$446

Exceptional gaming performance

Excellent multi-threaded performance

High price

Upgrade pick

$600

Excellent gaming performance

Good value for gaming-focused users

Still very expensive

Best for most

$185

Ddr5 memory support

Exceptional gaming performance

High power consumption

Quick Comparison

#	Product	Score	Price	Top Pro	Top Con
1	Intel i3-12100F	92	$94	Great value	Limited features
2	AMD Ryzen 9 5900X	92	$446	Exceptional gaming performance	High price
3	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D	91	$600	Excellent gaming performance	Still very expensive
4	Intel Core i5-12600K	89	$185	Ddr5 memory support	High power consumption