Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 5060
Five processors compared, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Core i3-12100, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
The RTX 5060 is a 1080p card, so a mid-range six- or eight-core CPU is enough. Every pick cost $240 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads; where a maker leaves out L3 cache, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500The 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.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 5500FA Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core Ultra 5 225FThe largest L3 cache here (22MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i3-141004 performance cores and no E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 performance cores and no E-cores.
Check price for Intel Core i3-14100 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i3-12100UHD Graphics 730 at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less.
Check price for Intel Core i3-12100 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check 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 on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (22MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 4 performance cores and no E-cores. | Buyers who want 4 performance cores and no E-cores. | Check price for Intel Core i3-14100 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| UHD Graphics 730 at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less. | Check price for Intel Core i3-12100 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
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
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
It has a smaller 16MB L3 cache and runs PCIe 3.0, which matters little for a budget graphics card. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 16MB: the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 22MB, and the Core i3-12100 comes in at 12MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F on core count (6 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500F; the Core i3-14100 goes with an LGA1700 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 5500F was the next step up.
Key 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
- L3 cache of 16MB, ahead of the Core i3-14100
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
The catch
The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Core i3-12100. If that matters, the Core i3-12100 has it.
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F
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. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 4.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500 on core count (6 cores).
It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500; the Core i3-12100 goes with an LGA1700 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Core Ultra 5 225F, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Core Ultra 5 225F, which offers 22MB.
Key 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
- Core count of 6 cores, ahead of the Core i3-14100
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
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
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 is the largest here; the Ryzen 5 5500 comes next at 16MB. Its 4.9GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core i3-14100 comes next at 4.7GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 10 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 5500F uses an AM4 socket. It also comes with 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5500F and the pricier Core i3-14100, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (22MB)
- Highest boost clock of the picks (4.9GHz)
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its rated power; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 5 5500 offers 65W.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Intel Core i3-14100
The Core i3-14100 stands out for 4 performance cores and no E-cores, and it adds an Intel Laminar RM1 cooler in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 performance cores and no E-cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12MB L3 cache and offers a 4.7GHz boost clock. It matches the Core i3-12100 on L3 cache (12MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500F (4.2GHz).
Like the Core i3-12100, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. 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. It was priced above the Core Ultra 5 225F and below the Core i3-12100 at the time of writing. There is no published rated power figure, whereas the Ryzen 5 5500 offers 65W.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 12MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 4 cores
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Cooler in box
- Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 4 performance cores and no E-cores
- Intel Laminar RM1 cooler in the box
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Core i3-12100
Cons
- 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Intel Core i3-12100
What the Core i3-12100 brings to the table is UHD Graphics 730, plus a 4-core part for entry-level builds.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12MB L3 cache and offers a 4.3GHz boost clock. It matches the Core i3-14100 on L3 cache (12MB). Its 4.3GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 225F (4.9GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500F (4.2GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i3-14100 at 4 cores. Like the Core i3-14100, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i3-14100 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 12MB
- Max boost
- 4.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 4 cores
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- UHD Graphics 730
- 4-core part for entry-level builds
- Boost clock of 4.3GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- 4 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- L3 cache trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (22MB)
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores)
The catch
L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Core Ultra 5 225F covers it better at 22MB.
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Core i3-12100, 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, the Core i3-14100 and the Core i3-12100 give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Core i3-12100 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for the RTX 5060
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 4.2GHz on the Ryzen 5 5500F to 4.9GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 17% spread. Start with the Core Ultra 5 225F if boost clock decides it.
Core count across these picks
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops core count at 10 cores and the Core i3-12100 sits lowest at 4 cores. The Ryzen 5 5500 comes second at 6 cores, in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 for the Core Ultra 5 225F.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open L3 cache
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops L3 cache at 22MB and the Core i3-12100 sits lowest at 12MB. For less, the Ryzen 5 5500 is the runner-up at 16MB ($50 to $100 tier). The Ryzen 5 5500F gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Core i3-14100 have it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 3 picks to 3.
Features beyond the spec table
The Core Ultra 5 225F: PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support on Intel 800-series boards. The Core i3-14100: an Intel Laminar RM1 cooler in the box. The Core i3-12100: a 4-core part for entry-level builds.
How to Choose a CPUs for the RTX 5060
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 |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Core Ultra 5 225F | The largest L3 cache here (22MB) |
| Buyers who want 4 performance cores and no E-cores | Core i3-14100 | 4 performance cores and no E-cores |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 5500 costs less | Core i3-12100 | UHD Graphics 730 at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads on boost clock at 4.9GHz, ahead of the Core i3-14100 at 4.7GHz. "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 |
| Core i3-14100 | 12MB | 4.7GHz | 4 cores | Not listed |
| Core i3-12100 | 12MB | 4.3GHz | 4 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 5500, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Core i3-12100 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 5500F, Core Ultra 5 225F, Core i3-14100 |
| About $150 to $250 | Core i3-12100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core i3-14100 compare with the Core Ultra 5 225F on boost clock?
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads at 4.9GHz, with the Core i3-14100 at 4.7GHz. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 225F ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops core count at 10 cores; the Ryzen 5 5500 follows at 6 cores, 67% apart. The Core i3-12100 is at the other end of this group with 4 cores.
Is the Core Ultra 5 225F ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 on L3 cache?
The Core Ultra 5 225F tops L3 cache at 22MB; the Ryzen 5 5500 follows at 16MB, 38% apart. The Core i3-12100 closes the ranking at 12MB. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 5 5500F, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the Core i3-12100 worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5500?
What it brings is boost clock (4.3GHz against 4.2GHz). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 5500 still leads on core count (6 cores) and L3 cache (16MB). The Ryzen 5 5500 sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Core i3-12100 in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 5500 the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. It suits anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Do the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Core Ultra 5 225F differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F use AM4; the Core Ultra 5 225F uses LGA1851; the Core i3-14100 and the Core i3-12100 use LGA1700.
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 i3-14100 for 4 performance cores and no E-cores and the Core i3-12100 for UHD Graphics 730 at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
The RTX 5060 runs on PCIe 5.0 x8; on an older PCIe 3.0 board it loses some bandwidth.
Related Guides
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- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
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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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