Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Hyper Demon
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 5 9600X has the highest boost clock, and the Ryzen 5 5500 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Hyper Demon is a light PC game, which makes price and socket support the main buying points for a processor. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and a missing L3 cache is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F
A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab)
Highest Core Count
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The highest core count here (10 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest core count here (10 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500 is the cheapest six-core chip here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
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 has a smaller 16MB L3 cache and runs PCIe 3.0, which matters little for a budget graphics card. Its 16MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 5 5600 leads at 32MB. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F on boost clock (4.2GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 9600X at 6 cores. Like the Ryzen 5 5500F and Ryzen 5 5600, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. It also offers a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 5 5500F the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- 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
- One of the cheapest six-core desktop chips
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F
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
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500F is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500 on boost clock (4.2GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 9600X at 6 cores.
Like the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5600, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. 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 was priced above the Ryzen 5 5500 and below the Core Ultra 5 225F at the time of writing. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- 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
- DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache
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
Highest Core Count3 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. Its 22MB L3 cache ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). Its 4.9GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500F (4.2GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 10 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores). It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Ryzen 5 5500 has an AM4 socket instead. It also comes with 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards.
When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 5500F and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 5600 cost more. If you want a confirmed rated power, look to the Ryzen 5 5500 instead: it offers 65W, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 22MB
- Max boost: 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads: 10 cores
- Socket: LGA1851
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards
- L3 cache of 22MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
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
- Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.4GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500F comes in at 4.2GHz.
It shares DDR4 memory with the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5500F; the Ryzen 5 9600X goes with DDR5 memory. It also offers 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.
Its price falls between the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 5 9600X, based on our last check. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 9600X. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 9600X 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 Ultra 5 225F
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
Highest Boost Clock5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes next at 4.9GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 at 6 cores. It is the only pick here with an AM5 socket; the Ryzen 5 5500 has an AM4 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 5500, which has DDR4 memory.
You also get the Zen 5 architecture. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 5 5600 the nearest cheaper option. Core count is its weakest area, and the Core Ultra 5 225F covers it better at 10 cores.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Ryzen 5 9600X, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500F gives no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Hyper Demon
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
The Ryzen 5 9600X tops boost clock at 5.4GHz and the Ryzen 5 5500F sits lowest at 4.2GHz. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 4.9GHz, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Ryzen 5 9600X.
Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 9600X to 10 cores on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 67% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 5 225F if core count decides it.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5500 to 32MB on the Ryzen 5 5600, a 100% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 5600 sets the ceiling at 32MB. The Ryzen 5 5500F gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 list DDR4; the Ryzen 5 9600X lists DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 have it; the Ryzen 5 9600X goes without.
How to Choose a CPUs for Hyper Demon
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5500F | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
| Buyers who put core count first | Core Ultra 5 225F | The highest core count here (10 cores) |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5600 | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads on boost clock at 5.4GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500F leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500F | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 5500 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Ryzen 5 9600X the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 5500F, Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 9600X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core Ultra 5 225F compare with the Ryzen 5 9600X on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X against 4.9GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 10% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Core Ultra 5 225F or the Ryzen 5 5500?
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops core count at 10 cores; the Ryzen 5 5500 follows at 6 cores, 67% apart.
What does the Ryzen 5 9600X add over the Ryzen 5 5500?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.4GHz against 4.2GHz) and L3 cache (32MB against 16MB). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 5500 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Ryzen 5 9600X in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and L3 cache decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 5 9600X our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). On boost clock it leads the Core Ultra 5 225F, 5.4GHz against 4.9GHz, a 10% margin. The Ryzen 5 5500, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Core Ultra 5 225F differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 use AM4; the Core Ultra 5 225F uses LGA1851; the Ryzen 5 9600X uses AM5.
What extras do the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F include?
The Ryzen 5 5500: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 5500F: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Core Ultra 5 225F: 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 5500, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. Look at the Ryzen 5 5500F for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, the Core Ultra 5 225F for the highest core count here (10 cores) and the Ryzen 5 5600 for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box if those matter more to you.
Match the memory type (DDR4 or DDR5) to the board you choose.