Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for POD Gold
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Core Ultra 5 245KF has the largest L3 cache, and the Core Ultra 5 225F costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
POD Gold does not push current hardware, so this guide is about the lowest-cost processor that suits a wider library. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered by core count.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; we did not test these processors ourselves, and if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The largest L3 cache here (24MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-14400F
6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT
Integrated Radeon graphics.
Best for: Buyers who want integrated Radeon graphics.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (24MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F (opens in a new tab) |
| Integrated Radeon graphics. | Buyers who want integrated Radeon graphics. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. Nothing else here matches its 24MB L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes closest at 22MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.2GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 125W. Like the Core Ultra 5 225F, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5600G uses an AM4 socket. No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 5600G, which has DDR4 memory.
It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. When we checked, only the Core i5-14400F and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 5600GT cost more. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600GT; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600GT has it.
Key dimensions & 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
Lowest Price Here2 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 would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 second of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600G (16MB). On core count it ties with the Core i5-14400F at 10 cores.
Like the Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5600G uses an AM4 socket. It also offers 6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards. 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i5-14400F the next step up. There is no published rated power figure, whereas the Ryzen 5 5600G offers 65W.
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 Core i5-14400F
- Boost clock of 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- No published rated power
Also Consider3 of 5
Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14400F is a locked ten-core LGA1700 chip with no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache ranks third of 4 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600G (16MB). On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 10 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 125W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Core Ultra 5 245KF has an LGA1851 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 5600GT, which has DDR4 memory.
You also get 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 225F cost less, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF cost more. Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 5 5600G covers it better at 65W.
Key dimensions & 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 Ryzen 5 5600G
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 5600G (65W)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600GT is built around integrated Radeon graphics, with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want integrated Radeon graphics.
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 4.6GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 5.2GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600G comes in at 4.4GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 cores).
It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5600G; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core Ultra 5 245KF and the pricier Ryzen 5 5600G, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 24MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated Radeon graphics
- Boost clock of 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600G
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published L3 cache
Lowest Rated Power5 of 5
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
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
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. Its 16MB 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 Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600GT at 6 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF (125W). Like the Ryzen 5 5600GT, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 5 5600GT the nearest cheaper option.
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 Core Ultra 5 245KF (24MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while L3 cache and rated power have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core Ultra 5 245KF to the Ryzen 5 5600G, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5600GT gives no L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 225F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 225F ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 5 5600G ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for POD Gold
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.4GHz (the Ryzen 5 5600G) to 5.2GHz (the Core Ultra 5 245KF). The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 4.9GHz, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF.
Core count
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops core count at 14 cores and the Ryzen 5 5600G sits lowest at 6 cores. For less, the Core Ultra 5 225F is the runner-up at 10 cores ($100 to $150 tier).
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5600G to 24MB on the Core Ultra 5 245KF, a 50% spread. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 22MB, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. The Ryzen 5 5600GT gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core Ultra 5 245KF lists DDR5; the Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5600GT and the Ryzen 5 5600G list DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F go without; the Ryzen 5 5600GT and the Ryzen 5 5600G have it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 2.
How to Choose a CPUs for POD Gold
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Core Ultra 5 245KF | The largest L3 cache here (24MB) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-14400F | Core Ultra 5 225F | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 4 efficient cores | Core i5-14400F | 6 performance and 4 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want integrated Radeon graphics | Ryzen 5 5600GT | Integrated Radeon graphics |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 5 5600G | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads on boost clock at 5.2GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5600GT leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 22MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | Not listed |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 5600GT | Not listed | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 5 225F was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ryzen 5 5600G the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 5 5600GT, Ryzen 5 5600G |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core Ultra 5 225F compare with the Core Ultra 5 245KF on boost clock?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 5.2GHz, with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 4.9GHz. The Ryzen 5 5600G is at the other end of this group with 4.4GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Core Ultra 5 245KF or the Core Ultra 5 225F?
Between the top two, it is 14 cores on the Core Ultra 5 245KF against 10 cores on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 40% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5600G at 6 cores.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF tops L3 cache at 24MB; the Core Ultra 5 225F follows at 22MB, 9% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5600G at 16MB. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 5 5600GT, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Ryzen 5 5600G add over the Core Ultra 5 225F?
The Ryzen 5 5600G matches or trails the Core Ultra 5 225F on boost clock, core count and L3 cache, so the extra spend buys only what the spec sheet doesn't show. It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 5 225F still leads on boost clock (4.9GHz) and core count (10 cores). On our last price check the Core Ultra 5 225F was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 5 5600G in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them.
Why is the Ryzen 5 5600G our Lowest Rated Power pick?
It earns the label for the lowest rated power here (65W). On rated power it leads the Core Ultra 5 245KF, 65W against 125W, a 48% margin. The price of that: the Core Ultra 5 225F, the cheapest pick, still beats it on boost clock (4.9GHz against 4.4GHz) and core count (10 cores against 6 cores). It is aimed at anyone who puts rated power first.
Do the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-14400F differ on socket?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core Ultra 5 225F use LGA1851; the Core i5-14400F uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 5 5600GT and the Ryzen 5 5600G use AM4.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core Ultra 5 245KF. Look at the Core Ultra 5 225F for the lowest price among these processors at the time of writing, the Core i5-14400F for 6 performance and 4 efficient cores and the Ryzen 5 5600GT for integrated Radeon graphics if those matter more to you.
Confirm the cooler you plan to use fits the socket; some boxed processors include one.