Buying Guide
The Best CPUs Under $800
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Core i9-9900K has the lowest rated power, and it also costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between about $330 and $800 you reach the fastest desktop chips for gaming and work. Every pick sits in that range at the time of writing, from the top down.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out L3 cache, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core i9-9900K costs less.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work.
Best for: Buyers who want 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 9 9950XAMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
Intel Core i9-9900KThe lowest rated power here (95W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Check price for Intel Core i9-9900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core i9-9900K costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work. | Buyers who want 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. | Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (95W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for Intel Core i9-9900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D
The Ryzen 9 7900X3D is built around 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work, with a liquid cooler recommended by AMD on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core i9-9900K costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5.5GHz boost clock and offers a 12 cores core count. Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Core i9-9900K (5GHz). On core count it sits mid-pack at 12 cores: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 16 cores, and the Core i9-9900K comes in at 8 cores.
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. Only the Ryzen 9 9950X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work
- Liquid cooler recommended by AMD
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core i9-9900K at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB.
Largest Game Cache2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D adds a second eight-core die to the X3D formula, giving 16 cores for work while keeping 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X at 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X on rated power (170W).
It also offers a design aimed at both games and content creation. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the pricier Ryzen 9 7900X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 128MB
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i9-9900K at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
What the Ryzen 9 7950X3D brings to the table is 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work, plus a liquid cooler recommended by AMD.
Best for
- Buyers who want 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.7GHz boost clock and offers a 16 cores core count. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X at 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X on core count (16 cores).
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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 9 9950X and the pricier Ryzen 9 9950X3D, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work
- Liquid cooler recommended by AMD
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core i9-9900K at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
The Ryzen 9 9950X gives 16 cores and 32 threads without the X3D premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It is the better buy when CPU encoding and editing matter more than the last few frames per second. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D at 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on rated power (170W).
You also get AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Core i9-9900K and the pricier Ryzen 9 7950X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Core i9-9900K (95W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Core i9-9900K offers 95W.
Lowest Rated Power5 of 5
Intel Core i9-9900K
The Core i9-9900K is the top of Intel's 9th generation, with eight cores, sixteen threads and a 5.0GHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs a capable cooler and a board with solid power delivery. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz. On core count it trails the group at 8 cores, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 16 cores.
Its 95W rated power is the lowest here; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D comes next at 170W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1151 socket; compare the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which has an AM5 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR4 memory; the Ryzen 9 7900X3D has DDR5 memory instead.
You also get 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform and an unlocked multiplier. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 9 9950X the next step up.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 95W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- LGA1151
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform
- Unlocked multiplier
- Lowest rated power of the picks (95W)
- LGA1151 socket, the only one here
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
- Core count trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores)
The catch
There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB.
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 set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 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 Ryzen 9 7900X3D to the Core i9-9900K, state boost clock, core count and threads.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Core i9-9900K give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i9-9900K ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 7900X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs Under $800
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 5GHz (the Core i9-9900K) to 5.7GHz (the Ryzen 9 9950X3D). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D comes second at 5.7GHz, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
How much core count you need
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops core count at 16 cores and the Core i9-9900K sits lowest at 8 cores; 3 picks share the top figure. For less, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the runner-up at 16 cores.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Rated power
The Core i9-9900K tops rated power at 95W and the Ryzen 9 9950X sits lowest at 170W. Start with the Core i9-9900K if rated power decides it. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D give no rated power figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X list DDR5; the Core i9-9900K lists DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Core i9-9900K go without.
How to Choose a CPUs Under $800
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Core i9-9900K costs less | Ryzen 9 7900X3D | 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Buyers who want 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work |
| Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler | Ryzen 9 9950X | AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Core i9-9900K | The lowest rated power here (95W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on boost clock at 5.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D at 5.7GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Core i9-9900K leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 7900X3D | Not listed | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Not listed | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 64MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Core i9-9900K | Not listed | 5GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core i9-9900K was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the Ryzen 9 7900X3D the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Core i9-9900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Ryzen 9 7900X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D compare with the Core i9-9900K on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 95W on the Core i9-9900K against 170W on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 44% difference. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D don't state a rated power figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 9 9950X?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB; the Ryzen 9 9950X follows at 64MB, 100% apart. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Core i9-9900K are left out of this ranking because their L3 cache isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 9 7900X3D add over the Core i9-9900K?
The spec sheets show boost clock (5.5GHz against 5GHz) and core count (12 cores against 8 cores) in its favour. On our last price check the Core i9-9900K was in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 7900X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Core i9-9900K our Lowest Rated Power pick?
The label rests on the lowest rated power here (95W). On rated power it leads the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, 95W against 170W, a 44% margin. It is aimed at anyone who puts rated power first.
Do the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Core i9-9900K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X use AM5; the Core i9-9900K uses LGA1151.
What extras do the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D include?
The Ryzen 9 7900X3D: 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D: 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 7900X3D, chosen for 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work at the highest price in the group. Look at the Ryzen 9 7950X3D for 3D V-Cache aimed at gaming and creator work, the Ryzen 9 9950X for AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler and the Core i9-9900K for the lowest rated power here (95W) if those matter more to you.
Leave budget for cooling; none of these chips includes a cooler.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget CPUs
- Lower budgetThe Best CPUs Under $500
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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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