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Buying Guide

The Best Budget Intel CPUs for Gaming

Five Intel processors under about $250 compared on cores, boost clock, socket and memory support for a budget gaming PC.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

PC components laid out on a workbench ready for a build
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

Intel's budget gaming chips sit on two sockets. LGA1700 boards are cheap and can use DDR4, while LGA1851 is newer and DDR5-only.

We compared five chips on cores, boost clock, socket and included cooler, using Intel's specifications and the retail listings.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Value

    Intel Core i5-14400F

    Ten cores on LGA1700 with DDR4 or DDR5 support.

    Best for: Budget gaming builds with a mid-range graphics card.

    Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Proven Budget Pick

    Intel Core i5-12400F

    Six performance cores with DDR4 support.

    Best for: Entry gaming PCs.

    Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best on LGA1851

    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F

    A current-socket locked chip at a budget price.

    Best for: New B860 builds.

    Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth Considering

    Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF

    The Core Ultra 5 245KF gives LGA1851 builds fourteen cores without integrated graphics.

    Best for: Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work.

    Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Unlocked Pick

    Intel Core i5-14600KF

    Fourteen cores with an unlocked multiplier.

    Best for: Players who want to tune clocks.

    Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Value1 of 5

Intel Core i5-14400F

The Core i5-14400F is a locked ten-core LGA1700 chip with no integrated graphics.

Best for

Budget gaming builds with a mid-range graphics card.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
Intel Core i5-14400F

Why we like it

It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 20MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Core i5-14600KF offers 5.3GHz, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 4.4GHz.

It matches the Core Ultra 5 225F on core count (10 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-12400F and Core i5-14600KF; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with an LGA1851 socket. You also get 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support.

It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-12400F and the pricier Core Ultra 5 245KF, at the time of writing.

Key specs

L3 cache
20MB
Max boost
4.7GHz
Cores / threads
10 cores
Rated power
125W
Threads
16
Socket
LGA1700
Memory
DDR4 or DDR5
Cooler in box
No
Integrated graphics
No

Pros

  • 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
  • DDR4 and DDR5 support
  • PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support
  • L3 cache of 20MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F

Cons

  • No cooler in the box
  • No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
  • Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)

Best Proven Budget Pick2 of 5

Intel Core i5-12400F

The Core i5-12400F is a six-core LGA1700 chip at a low price.

Best for

Entry gaming PCs.

Skip if

Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
Intel Core i5-12400F

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 is the smallest in this group; the Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 24MB. Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i5-14600KF leads at 5.3GHz.

On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores. Like the Core i5-14400F and Core i5-14600KF, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. It also comes with six performance cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and 600- and 700-series chipset support.

It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included.

Key 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

Cons

  • 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
  • No cooler in the box
  • No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required

The catch

L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF covers it better at 24MB.

Check price on Amazon for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)

Best on LGA18513 of 5

Intel Core Ultra 5 225F

The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.

Best for

New B860 builds.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F

Why we like it

It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 20MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.9GHz: the Core i5-14600KF offers 5.3GHz, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 4.4GHz.

It matches the Core i5-14400F on core count (10 cores). It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Core Ultra 5 245KF; the Core i5-14400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. It shares DDR5 memory with the Core Ultra 5 245KF; the Core i5-12400F goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory.

You also get 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, PCIe 5.0 support and Intel 800-series chipset support. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Core i5-12400F was the next step up.

Key specs

L3 cache
20MB
Max boost
4.9GHz
Cores / threads
10 cores
Rated power
125W
Threads
10
Socket
LGA1851
Memory
DDR5
Cooler in box
No
Integrated graphics
No

Pros

  • 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
  • PCIe 5.0 support
  • Intel 800-series chipset support
  • L3 cache of 20MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F

Cons

  • No cooler in the box
  • No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
  • L3 cache of 20MB, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB)

The catch

The main gap: L3 cache of 20MB, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB). If that matters, the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 24MB.

Check price on Amazon for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)

Worth Considering4 of 5

Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF

The Core Ultra 5 245KF gives LGA1851 builds fourteen cores without integrated graphics.

Best for

Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF

Why we like it

It is the entry point to Intel's current unlocked chips. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Core i5-14600KF offers 5.3GHz, and the Core i5-12400F comes in at 4.4GHz.

It matches the Core i5-14600KF on core count (14 cores). It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Core Ultra 5 225F; the Core i5-14600KF goes with an LGA1700 socket. It shares DDR5 memory with the Core Ultra 5 225F; the Core i5-12400F goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory.

It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-14400F and the pricier Core i5-14600KF, at the time of writing.

Key specs

L3 cache
24MB
Max boost
5.2GHz
Cores / threads
14 cores
Rated power
125W
Threads
14
Socket
LGA1851
Memory
DDR5
Cooler in box
No
Integrated graphics
No

Pros

  • 14 cores for encoding and background work
  • 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
  • Intel 800-series chipset support
  • PCIe 5.0 support

Cons

  • No cooler in the box
  • No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
  • Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)

Best Unlocked Pick5 of 5

Intel Core i5-14600KF

The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.

Best for

Players who want to tune clocks.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Check price on Amazon for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)
Intel Core i5-14600KF

Why we like it

It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 24MB. Nothing else here matches its 5.3GHz boost clock; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes closest at 5.2GHz.

It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14400F and Core i5-12400F; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with an LGA1851 socket. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.

Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the rest.

Key specs

L3 cache
24MB
Max boost
5.3GHz
Cores / threads
14 cores
Rated power
125W
Threads
20
Socket
LGA1700
Memory
DDR4 or DDR5
Cooler in box
No
Integrated graphics
No

Pros

  • 14 cores for encoding and background work
  • 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
  • Unlocked multiplier
  • L3 cache of 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F

Cons

  • No cooler in the box
  • No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
  • Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing

The catch

The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Core i5-14400F offers 125W.

Check price on Amazon for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC
How these picks were ranked
We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the Core i5-14400F to the Core i5-14600KF, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
Who each pick suits
The Core i5-14400F for ten cores on LGA1700 with DDR4 or DDR5 support; the Core i5-12400F for six performance cores with DDR4 support; the Core Ultra 5 225F for a current-socket locked chip at a budget price.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Core i5-14600KF ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in a Budget Intel Gaming CPUs

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. L3 cache

    The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops L3 cache at 24MB and the Core i5-12400F sits lowest at 18MB; 2 picks share the top figure. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Core Ultra 5 245KF sets the ceiling at 24MB.

  2. How much boost clock you need

    Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.4GHz (the Core i5-12400F) to 5.3GHz (the Core i5-14600KF). The Core Ultra 5 245KF comes second at 5.2GHz, in the same price tier as the Core i5-14600KF.

    A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open
    A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open

  3. How much core count you need

    Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Core i5-12400F to 14 cores on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, a 133% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 5 245KF if core count decides it.

  4. Memory

    The Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-12400F and the Core i5-14600KF list DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core Ultra 5 245KF list DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3 and 2.

  5. Cooler in box

    The Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-12400F, the Core Ultra 5 225F, the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14600KF go without.

How to Choose a Budget Intel Gaming CPUs

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Budget gaming builds with a mid-range graphics cardCore i5-14400FTen cores on LGA1700 with DDR4 or DDR5 support
Entry gaming PCsCore i5-12400FSix performance cores with DDR4 support
New B860 buildsCore Ultra 5 225FA current-socket locked chip at a budget price
Players who want to tune clocksCore i5-14600KFFourteen cores with an unlocked multiplier

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads on L3 cache at 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB.

ProcessorL3 cacheMax boostCores / threadsRated power
Core i5-14400F20MB4.7GHz10 cores125W
Core i5-12400F18MB4.4GHz6 cores125W
Core Ultra 5 225F20MB4.9GHz10 cores125W
Core Ultra 5 245KF24MB5.2GHz14 cores125W
Core i5-14600KF24MB5.3GHz14 cores125W

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the Core Ultra 5 225F, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Core i5-14600KF at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierProcessors
About $100 to $150Core Ultra 5 225F
About $150 to $250Core i5-12400F, Core i5-14400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Core i5-14600KF

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Core Ultra 5 245KF compare with the Core i5-14600KF on boost clock?

The Core i5-14600KF leads at 5.3GHz, with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 5.2GHz. The Core i5-12400F closes the ranking at 4.4GHz.

Is the Core i5-14600KF worth paying more than the Core Ultra 5 225F?

On paper it adds L3 cache (24MB against 20MB), boost clock (5.3GHz against 4.9GHz) and core count (14 cores against 10 cores). The Core Ultra 5 225F sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Core i5-14600KF in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.

What makes the Core i5-14400F the Best Value?

It earns the label for ten cores on LGA1700 with DDR4 or DDR5 support. It gives up boost clock (4.7GHz against 4.9GHz) to the Core Ultra 5 225F, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for budget gaming builds with a mid-range graphics card.

Do the Core i5-14400F and the Core Ultra 5 225F differ on socket?

The Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-12400F and the Core i5-14600KF use LGA1700; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Core Ultra 5 245KF use LGA1851.

Beyond the specs, what sets the Core i5-14400F and the Core i5-12400F apart?

The Core i5-14400F: 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. The Core i5-12400F: six performance cores. The Core Ultra 5 225F: 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.

Bottom Line

The Core i5-14400F is the balanced pick for most budget Intel builds. The i5-12400F is a proven six-core option, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the cheapest and suits a new LGA1851 build, and the i5-14600KF adds headroom for tuning.

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About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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