Buying Guide
The Best CPUs Under $300
Seven processors priced under $300 at the time of writing, compared on cores, L3 cache, rated power and bundled coolers.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
Around $300 you can buy a cache-heavy gaming chip, an eight-core all-rounder or a twelve-core chip for work.
We compared seven processors on cores, cache, rated power and bundled coolers, using manufacturer specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3DThe largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Eight-Core Value
AMD Ryzen 7 7700XEight cores at a 5.4GHz boost.
Best for: Gaming plus streaming.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best With a Cooler
AMD Ryzen 7 7700Eight cores with a Wraith Prism included.
Best for: Builds without a cooler budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pick
Intel Core i5-14600KFFourteen cores with DDR4 support.
Best for: Intel builds reusing memory.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Intel Core i5-14600KThe Core i5-14600K is an unlocked fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for: Buyers who want 14 cores for encoding and background work.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
AMD Ryzen 5 7600The Ryzen 5 7600 is the six-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Stealth cooler included.
Best for: Buyers who want 65w rating suits a modest air cooler.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Work
AMD Ryzen 9 7900Twelve cores at 65W with a cooler.
Best for: Editing and rendering on a budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 7
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
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
It is the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. Nothing else here matches its 96MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 7900 comes closest at 64MB. Its 4.7GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 7700X leads at 5.4GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600 at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 9 7900 at 65W. 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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7700X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-14600KF cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 7 7700X (5.4GHz)
The catch
Boost clock is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 7700X covers it better at 5.4GHz.
Best Eight-Core Value2 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The Ryzen 7 7700X offers eight Zen 4 cores at a 105W rating and a 5.4GHz boost clock.
Best for
- Gaming plus streaming.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its price has fallen well below its launch level. It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 5 7600 on L3 cache (32MB). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 at 8 cores.
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W, and the Core i5-14600K comes in at 125W. It also offers the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. 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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7700 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
- 5nm process
- PCIe 5.0 support on AM5
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600 at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Best With a Cooler3 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Builds without a cooler budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Ryzen 5 7600 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on core count (8 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 9 7900 on rated power (65W). 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 second of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 7600 and the pricier Ryzen 7 7700X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- 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
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600 at the time of writing
Best Intel Pick4 of 7
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel builds reusing memory.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600K at 24MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Core i5-14600K at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Core i5-14600K on core count (14 cores). It matches the Core i5-14600K on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14600K; the Ryzen 7 7700X goes with an AM5 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.
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
- Boost clock of 5.3GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600 at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Solid Alternative5 of 7
Intel Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K is an unlocked fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
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.
Why we like it
It works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards, which keeps older memory useful. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB.
On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Core i5-14600KF at 5.3GHz. It matches the Core i5-14600KF on core count (14 cores). It matches the Core i5-14600KF on rated power (125W).
It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i5-14600KF; the Ryzen 7 7700X goes with an AM5 socket. It shares DDR4 or DDR5 memory with the Core i5-14600KF; the Ryzen 9 7900 goes with DDR5 memory. It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. Its price falls between the Core i5-14600KF and the Ryzen 9 7900, based on our last check.
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
- Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB)
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB) is the stronger choice.
Worth Considering6 of 7
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the six-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Stealth cooler included.
Best for
- Buyers who want 65w rating suits a modest air cooler.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
The cooler saves money on a first AM5 build. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.1GHz: the Ryzen 7 7700X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes in at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 9 7900 on rated power (65W). It also offers the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 7 7700 was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- 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
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores)
The catch
If core count is your priority, the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores) is the stronger choice.
Best for Work7 of 7
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Editing and rendering on a budget.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Ryzen 5 7600 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. Its 64MB L3 cache ranks second of 7 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-14600K (24MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on boost clock (5.4GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 12 cores: the Core i5-14600KF offers 14 cores, and the Ryzen 5 7600 comes in at 6 cores. It also comes with 12 cores at a 65W rating. 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. Only the Core i5-14600K came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 7 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600 at the time of writing
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared seven processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 7 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 7, from the Ryzen 5 7600X3D to the Ryzen 9 7900, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 5 7600X3D for the largest L3 cache here (96MB); the Ryzen 7 7700X for eight cores at a 5.4GHz boost; the Ryzen 7 7700 for eight cores with a Wraith Prism included.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 7600 ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 7900 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs Under $300
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Core i5-14600K sits lowest at 24MB. Start with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D if L3 cache decides it.
How much boost clock you need
Across these 7 picks boost clock spans 4.7GHz (the Ryzen 5 7600X3D) to 5.4GHz (the Ryzen 7 7700X). The Ryzen 7 7700X is the pick for boost clock.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 7600 to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600KF, a 133% spread. The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for core count.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 9 7900 list DDR5; the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K list DDR4 or DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K go without; the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 9 7900 have it. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 7 stated picks into groups of 4 and 3.
How to Choose a CPUs Under $300
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
| Gaming plus streaming | Ryzen 7 7700X | Eight cores at a 5.4GHz boost |
| Builds without a cooler budget | Ryzen 7 7700 | Eight cores with a Wraith Prism included |
| Intel builds reusing memory | Core i5-14600KF | Fourteen cores with DDR4 support |
| Editing and rendering on a budget | Ryzen 9 7900 | Twelve cores at 65W with a cooler |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900 at 64MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 32MB | 5.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 7600, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 9 7900 at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600, Ryzen 7 7700, Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 5 7600X3D, Core i5-14600KF, Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 9 7900 compare with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 96MB, with the Ryzen 9 7900 at 64MB. The Core i5-14600K closes the ranking at 24MB.
Is the Ryzen 9 7900 worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 7600?
What it brings is L3 cache (64MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.4GHz against 5.1GHz) and core count (12 cores against 6 cores). The Ryzen 5 7600 sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 7900 in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600X3D the Largest Game Cache?
It earns the label for the largest L3 cache here (96MB). The Ryzen 9 7900 is next on L3 cache at 64MB, so this pick's 96MB is 50% further out. It gives up boost clock (4.7GHz against 5.1GHz) to the Ryzen 5 7600, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Do the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Core i5-14600KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 9 7900 use AM5; the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K use LGA1700.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 7700X apart?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip. The Ryzen 7 7700X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 7 7700: a Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is the gaming pick under $300. The 7700X and 7700 are eight-core all-rounders, the i5-14600KF is the Intel option, and the Ryzen 9 7900 is the choice for work.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs Under $200
- Related guideThe Best CPUs Under $400
- Related guideThe Best Mid-Range Ryzen CPUs
- Lower budgetThe Best CPUs Under $250
- Higher budgetThe Best CPUs Under $350
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsHow to Choose a Motherboard for Your PC Build
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- Topic hubAll processors guides
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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