Buying Guide
The Best Desktop CPUs
From the Ryzen 5 8500G to the Ryzen 9 7900: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Most desktop builds fall between six and twelve cores under $350. Every pick fits that, ordered by boost clock.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing L3 cache is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Core Count
Intel Core i7-14700KFThe highest core count here (20 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 7900XThe Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XThe Zen 5 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 9 7900The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 8500GThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Core i7-14700KF the next step up.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest core count here (20 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 5 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the Core i7-14700KF the next step up. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Core Count1 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. On L3 cache it trails the group at 33MB, while the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 9900X at 5.6GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Ryzen 9 7900X comes closest at 12 cores. Its 125W rated power ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 9 7900 (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X (170W). An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 9 9900X uses an AM5 socket.
You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 8500G and its DDR5 memory. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 8500G and the pricier Ryzen 9 7900X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 33MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 28
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB)
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB.
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 7900 on L3 cache (64MB). It matches the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 9900X on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W. You also get 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.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. When we checked, only the Core i7-14700KF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 9900X cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 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 Ryzen 9 7900 (65W)
The catch
Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 9 7900 covers it better at 65W.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X steps down to 12 cores on Zen 5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It leaves plenty of threads for an encoder alongside a game, with a lower power rating than the 16-core chips. It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 7900 on L3 cache (64MB). It matches the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 120W: the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 65W, and the Ryzen 9 7900X comes in at 170W. 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 9 7900X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 7900 cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900; by contrast, the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
Lowest Rated Power4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Ryzen 5 8500G was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 9900X on L3 cache (64MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 8500G (5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 9900X at 12 cores. Its 65W rated power is the lowest here; the Ryzen 9 9900X comes next at 120W. 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 Ryzen 9 9900X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 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 8500G at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
The Ryzen 5 8500G is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with Radeon graphics built in on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Core i7-14700KF the next step up.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz. 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.
Another plus: integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core i7-14700KF was closest. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Ryzen 9 7900X instead: it offers 64MB, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon graphics built in
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No published L3 cache
- Boost clock trails the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz)
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 set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 7 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while L3 cache and rated power have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i7-14700KF to the Ryzen 5 8500G, state boost clock, core count and threads.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 8500G gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 8500G ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 9 7900 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Desktop CPUs
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 Ryzen 5 8500G) to 5.6GHz (the Core i7-14700KF). The Core i7-14700KF is the pick for boost clock.
Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 8500G to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF, a 233% spread. If core count is your first filter, the Core i7-14700KF sets the ceiling at 20 cores.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open L3 cache
The Ryzen 9 7900X tops L3 cache at 64MB and the Core i7-14700KF sits lowest at 33MB; 3 picks share the top figure. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 9 7900X sets the ceiling at 64MB. The Ryzen 5 8500G gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i7-14700KF lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 5 8500G list DDR5. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-14700KF, the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 9 9900X go without; the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 5 8500G have it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
How to Choose a Desktop CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put core count first | Core i7-14700KF | The highest core count here (20 cores) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 9 7900X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture | Ryzen 9 9900X | The Zen 5 architecture |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 9 7900 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Core i7-14700KF the next step up | Ryzen 5 8500G | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i7-14700KF leads on boost clock at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X at 5.6GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 8500G leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 8500G | Not listed | 5GHz | 6 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 8500G, sat in the $100 to $150 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 $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 8500G |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 9 7900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core i7-14700KF ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X on core count?
The Core i7-14700KF tops core count at 20 cores; the Ryzen 9 7900X follows at 12 cores, 67% apart. The Ryzen 5 8500G is at the other end of this group with 6 cores.
Which has the lowest rated power: the Ryzen 9 7900 or the Ryzen 9 9900X?
Between the top two, it is 65W on the Ryzen 9 7900 against 120W on the Ryzen 9 9900X, a 46% difference. The Ryzen 9 7900X closes the ranking at 170W. The Ryzen 5 8500G is left out of this ranking because its rated power isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 9 7900 worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 8500G?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.4GHz against 5GHz) and core count (12 cores against 6 cores). The Ryzen 5 8500G sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 9 7900 in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Core i7-14700KF the Highest Core Count?
The label rests on the highest core count here (20 cores). The Ryzen 9 7900X is next on core count at 12 cores, so this pick's 20 cores is 67% further out. The Ryzen 5 8500G, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts core count first.
Do the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X differ on socket?
The Core i7-14700KF uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 5 8500G use AM5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X apart?
The Core i7-14700KF: 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. The Ryzen 9 7900X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 9 9900X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for the highest core count here (20 cores). Look at the Ryzen 9 7900X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 9 9900X for the Zen 5 architecture and the Ryzen 9 7900 for the lowest rated power here (65W) if those matter more to you.
Match the socket to the motherboard before buying.
Related Guides
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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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