Best CPUs According to 80 Publications

Updated Sep 7, 2026

Best for most

AMD

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

$325

critic score

91

based on 8
critic reviews

Upgrade pick

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

$3,290

critic score

87

based on 9
critic reviews

Low cost

Intel

Core i3-12100F

$75

critic score

89

based on 5
critic reviews