Buying Guide
The Best Desktop CPUs
From the Ryzen 5 9600X to the Ryzen 7 9700X: five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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 gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Core Count
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The highest core count here (20 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-14600KF.
Best for: Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-14600KF
6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest core count here (20 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (64MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-14600KF. | Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Core Count1 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 sits mid-pack at 33MB: the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB, and the Core i5-14600KF comes in at 24MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 5.6GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 20 cores core count; the Core i5-14600KF comes closest at 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 9700X goes with an AM5 socket.
It shares DDR4 or DDR5 memory with the Core i5-14600KF; the Ryzen 5 9600X goes with DDR5 memory. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-14600KF and the pricier Ryzen 9 7900X, at the time of writing. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900X. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 7900X has it.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AI 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. Nothing else here matches its 64MB L3 cache; the Core i7-14700KF comes closest at 33MB. It matches the Core i7-14700KF on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 12 cores: the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores, and the Ryzen 5 9600X comes in at 6 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W. Like the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i7-14700KF uses an LGA1700 socket.
You also get the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. When we checked, only the Core i7-14700KF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9700X cost more.
Key dimensions & 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 7 9700X (65W)
Premium Pick3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 8 cores: the Core i7-14700KF offers 20 cores, and the Ryzen 5 9600X comes in at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 65W. Like the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 5 9600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i7-14700KF uses an LGA1700 socket.
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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 9 7900X the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.4GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i5-14600KF comes in at 5.3GHz.
Its 6 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 20 cores. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on rated power (65W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 7 9700X; the Core i5-14600KF goes with an LGA1700 socket.
You also get the Zen 5 architecture. 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Core i5-14600KF was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
Also Consider5 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. On L3 cache it trails the group at 24MB, while the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 64MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.3GHz, while the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz.
Its 14 cores core count ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X (6 cores). It matches the Core i7-14700KF on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i7-14700KF; the Ryzen 5 9600X 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 9600X and the pricier Core i7-14700KF, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Rated power of 125W, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (64MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Core i7-14700KF to the Core i5-14600KF, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i7-14700KF for the highest core count here (20 cores); the Ryzen 9 7900X for the largest L3 cache here (64MB); the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9700X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Desktop CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 24MB on the Core i5-14600KF to 64MB on the Ryzen 9 7900X. For less, the Core i7-14700KF is the runner-up at 33MB.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 5.3GHz on the Core i5-14600KF to 5.6GHz on the Core i7-14700KF. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if boost clock decides it.
Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 9600X to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF. For less, the Core i5-14600KF is the runner-up at 14 cores.
Memory
The Core i7-14700KF and the Core i5-14600KF list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X list DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-14700KF, the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Core i5-14600KF go without. Settle this first, then compare prices.
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.
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) |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 7900X | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Ryzen 7 9700X | The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group |
| Getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money | Ryzen 5 9600X | The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-14600KF |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7900X leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB.
| 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 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 9600X was the lowest-priced pick and the Ryzen 7 9700X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X, Core i5-14600KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 7 9700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 9 7900X ahead of the Core i7-14700KF on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 7900X leads at 64MB, with the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB. The Core i5-14600KF is at the other end of this group with 24MB.
Which has the highest core count: the Core i7-14700KF or the Core i5-14600KF?
The Core i7-14700KF leads at 20 cores, with the Core i5-14600KF at 14 cores. The Ryzen 5 9600X is at the other end of this group with 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 7 9700X worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 9600X?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.4GHz) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores). The Ryzen 5 9600X was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Ryzen 5 9600X the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-14600KF. It suits getting Zen 5 architecture for the least money.
Do the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7900X differ on socket?
The Core i7-14700KF and the Core i5-14600KF use LGA1700; the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X use AM5.
What should I check before buying the Core i7-14700KF?
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. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Highest Core Count pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for the highest core count here (20 cores). Look at the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group, the Ryzen 5 9600X for the cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600KF for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
Match the socket to the motherboard before buying.