Best CPUs (2026)

We analyzed 64 experts across 140 models to find the best cpus.

#1Also Great

Intel i3-12100F

Intel i3-12100F

3 expert reviews$94

92

Outstanding

Great value

Superb price/performance

Leading gaming and single-thread performance

Limited features

See full review

#2Also Great

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

$446

Exceptional gaming performance

Excellent multi-threaded performance

High price

92

#3

Upgrade pick

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

$990

Excellent gaming performance

Full overclocking support

9800x3d is better value for gaming

90

#4

Best for most

Intel Core i5-12600K

$185

Ddr5 memory support

Exceptional gaming performance

High power consumption

89

#5

Low cost

Intel Core i5-12400F

$123

Strong gaming performance

Good value for price

No e-cores

88

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 9 9950X3D	90	$990	Excellent gaming performance	9800x3d is better value for gaming
4	Intel Core i5-12600K	89	$185	Ddr5 memory support	High power consumption
5	Intel Core i5-12400F	88	$123	Strong gaming performance	No e-cores

See all 140 cpus →