Buying Guide
The Best CPUs Under $800
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has the largest L3 cache, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Highest Core Count
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The highest core count here (24 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i9-9900K
8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i9-9900K (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i9-9900KF
8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i9-9900KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Undercutting the Core i9-9900KF on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest core count here (24 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform. | Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform. | Check price for Intel Core i9-9900K (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache. | Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache. | Check price for Intel Core i9-9900KF (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Core i9-9900KF on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 AI rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. Its 128MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes next at 96MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K at 5.7GHz.
Its 16 cores core count ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core Ultra 9 285K (24 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (8 cores). Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Core i9-9900K leads at 95W. An AM5 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core i9-9900K uses an LGA1151 socket.
It shares DDR5 memory with the Core Ultra 9 285K; the Core i9-9900K goes with DDR4 memory. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core Ultra 9 285K and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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
- Rated power trails the Core i9-9900K (95W)
Highest Core Count2 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's flagship on LGA1851, with 24 cores and high single-threaded clocks.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players who also stream from the same machine. Its 36MB L3 cache ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) and ahead of the Core i9-9900KF (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on boost clock (5.7GHz).
Nothing else here matches its 24 cores core count; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D comes closest at 16 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 125W: the Core i9-9900K offers 95W, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D comes in at 170W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has an AM5 socket instead.
Like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, it has DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses DDR4 memory. It also offers 8 performance and 16 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features. When we checked, only the Core i9-9900K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 36MB
- Max boost: 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 24 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 24 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 16 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Intel Core i9-9900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 want 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform.
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. On core count it ties with the Core i9-9900KF and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i9-9900KF at 95W.
Like the Core i9-9900KF, it has an LGA1151 socket, while the Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses an AM4 socket. You also get 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform and an unlocked multiplier. It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Core i9-9900KF and below the Core Ultra 9 285K at the time of writing. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB.
Key dimensions & 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
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Rated power of 95W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Intel Core i9-9900KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i9-9900KF matches the 9900K's eight cores and sixteen threads but has no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache.
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
The maker specifies 16MB of cache, the most among these LGA1151 chips. Its 16MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 128MB. It matches the Core i9-9900K on boost clock (5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i9-9900K and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i9-9900K at 95W. Like the Core i9-9900K, it has an LGA1151 socket, while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses an LGA1851 socket.
Like the Core i9-9900K and Ryzen 7 5800X3D, it has DDR4 memory, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D uses DDR5 memory. It also offers an unlocked multiplier. It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 95W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache
- Unlocked multiplier
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Rated power of 95W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs comin is a problem.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 96MB: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB, and the Core i9-9900KF comes in at 16MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz.
Its 105W rated power ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i9-9900K (95W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (170W). An AM4 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses an LGA1851 socket. It shares DDR4 memory with the Core i9-9900K and Core i9-9900KF; the Core Ultra 9 285K goes with DDR5 memory.
It also offers a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update. It undercut the Core i9-9900KF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 96MB
- Max boost: 4.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform
- Drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update
- Rated power of 105W, ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
What to Look for in a CPUs Under $800
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: L3 cache
Among these picks, L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Core i9-9900KF to 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Check BIOS support before buying
Newer CPUs on older boards may need a BIOS update before the system will start. Check the board's CPU support list for the version you need and whether the board can flash without a CPU installed.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
How to Choose a CPUs Under $800
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Buyers who put core count first | Core Ultra 9 285K | The highest core count here (24 cores) |
| Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform | Core i9-9900K | 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform |
| Buyers who want 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache | Core i9-9900KF | 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache |
| Keeping the budget tight | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | Undercutting the Core i9-9900KF on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 36MB | 5.7GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Core i9-9900K | Not listed | 5GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Core i9-9900KF | 16MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Core i9-9900KF, Core i9-9900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on rated power?
The Core i9-9900K, at 95W. The Core i9-9900KF follows at 95W, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has 170W.
Which pick costs the least here?
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D. It undercut the Core i9-9900KF when we checked, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D cost the most of the group.
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Look at the Core Ultra 9 285K for the highest core count here (24 cores), the Core i9-9900K for 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform and the Core i9-9900KF for 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache if those matter more to you.
Leave budget for cooling; none of these chips includes a cooler.