Buying Guide
The Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
Six low-cost processors for a budget gaming PC, weighed on platform cost, boxed coolers and integrated graphics as much as the chip itself.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A budget gaming PC works best when the processor is cheap enough to leave money for the graphics card. Board and memory costs count too, which is why AM4 and DDR4 still appear here, and two chips with integrated graphics let you play lighter games before buying a card.
We compared cores, boost clock, L3 cache, rated power and platform from manufacturer specifications. Gaming results depend on the graphics card, resolution and game, so we make no frame-rate claims.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Budget Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Six cores and 32MB of L3 with a cooler on cheap AM4 boards.
Best for: Most budget builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Most Cores for the Money
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform.
Best for: Gaming plus multitasking.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab)
Best Without a Graphics Card
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
Radeon 760M integrated graphics on AM5.
Best for: Starting before buying a GPU.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Intel
Intel Core i5-12400F
Six performance cores with DDR4 and DDR5 support.
Best for: Cheap Intel builds.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Clock Speed
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
A 4.6GHz boost on six cores with a boxed cooler.
Best for: Older AM4 boards.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest With Graphics
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Integrated Radeon graphics on AM4 with a boxed cooler.
Best for: Very tight budgets.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Budget Pick1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Most budget builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Core i5-12400F and the Ryzen 5 5600G on boost clock (4.4GHz).
It also comes with DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i5-12400F the next step up. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 8600G; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 8600G has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Most Cores for the Money2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700X gives AM4 builds eight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Gaming plus multitasking.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It suits players who also stream or edit on a DDR4 platform. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600X on boost clock (4.6GHz).
Its 8 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 5 5600 comes next at 6 cores. You also get PCIe 4.0 support. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 8600G and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 5600G cost more. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform
- PCIe 4.0 support
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Best Without a Graphics Card3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8600G pairs six cores with Radeon 760M graphics.
Best for
- Starting before buying a GPU.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It can run a PC without a graphics card until you buy one. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600G at 16MB. Nothing else here matches its 5GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 7 5700X comes closest at 4.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600, the Core i5-12400F, the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 cores). An AM5 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core i5-12400F uses an LGA1700 socket. You get DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 5600X and its DDR4 memory.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5600X and the pricier Ryzen 7 5700X, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon 760M integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600 at the time of writing
Best Budget Intel4 of 6
Intel Core i5-12400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-12400F is a six-core LGA1700 chip at a low price.
Best for
- Cheap Intel builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
This is the OEM pack, so budget for a cooler; it suits a low-cost gaming build with DDR4. Its 18MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600G (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600G on boost clock (4.4GHz).
On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 65W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Ryzen 5 5600X, which has an AM4 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR4 or DDR5 memory; the Ryzen 5 5600 has DDR4 memory instead.
It also comes with six performance cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and 600- and 700-series chipset support. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 5600 and below the Ryzen 5 5600X at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 18MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- Six performance cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 600- and 700-series chipset support
- L3 cache of 18MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 8600G
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Best AM4 Clock Speed5 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600X is for AM4 owners: it drops into existing boards after a BIOS update and keeps your DDR4.
Best for
- Older AM4 boards.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It includes a Wraith Stealth cooler but has no integrated graphics. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 7 5700X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X at 4.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 8600G, the Core i5-12400F and the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 cores). It also offers PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
Its price falls between the Core i5-12400F and the Ryzen 5 8600G, based on our last check. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 8600G. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 8600G has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Cheapest With Graphics6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600G pairs six Zen 3 cores with Radeon integrated graphics and a boxed cooler.
Best for
- Very tight budgets.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game is a problem.
Why we like it
It runs lighter games without a graphics card on cheap AM4 boards and DDR4 memory, and a card can be added later. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 8600G at 16MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Core i5-12400F at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 7 5700X, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 5600X on rated power (65W). It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most budget builds | Ryzen 5 5600 | Six cores and 32MB of L3 with a cooler on cheap AM4 boards |
| Gaming plus multitasking | Ryzen 7 5700X | Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform |
| Starting before buying a GPU | Ryzen 5 8600G | Radeon 760M integrated graphics on AM5 |
| Cheap Intel builds | Core i5-12400F | Six performance cores with DDR4 and DDR5 support |
| Older AM4 boards | Ryzen 5 5600X | A 4.6GHz boost on six cores with a boxed cooler |
| Very tight budgets | Ryzen 5 5600G | Integrated Radeon graphics on AM4 with a boxed cooler |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 8600G | 16MB | 5GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the default budget pick on inexpensive AM4 boards. The 5700X adds cores, the 8600G and 5600G run without a graphics card, the i5-12400F covers Intel, and the 5600X suits older AM4 boards.