Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Programming
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 9 9900X has the largest L3 cache; the Core Ultra 5 245KF is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Compiling and running containers use many cores without needing a flagship. Every pick has eight or more cores at 125W or less and cost $350 or less.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Intel Core i7-14700KF
8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
Undercutting the Core i7-14700KF on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-13600K
The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Core i7-14700KF on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (64MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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 want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. Its 33MB L3 cache ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9900X (64MB) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (24MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265KF, the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-13600K at 125W. Like the Core i5-13600K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses an LGA1851 socket.
Like the Core i5-13600K, it has DDR4 or DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses DDR5 memory. You also get 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Core i5-13600K; by contrast, the Core i5-13600K 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 Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the 265K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for any display output. Its 30MB L3 cache ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9900X (64MB) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (24MB). Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (5.1GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF, the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Core i5-13600K at 125W. Like the Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 9 9900X uses an AM5 socket.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It was priced above the Core i7-14700KF and below the Ryzen 9 9900X at the time of writing. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Core i5-13600K; by contrast, the Core i5-13600K has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 30MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 5.5GHz 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 Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. It matches the Core i5-13600K on L3 cache (24MB). Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-13600K (5.1GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF, the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core i5-13600K at 125W. Like the Core Ultra 7 265KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 9 9900X uses an AM5 socket. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core i7-14700KF was closest. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Core i5-13600K; by contrast, the Core i5-13600K has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 14
- Socket: LGA1851
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Premium Pick4 of 5
Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-13600K is the previous-generation fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It fits the same boards as the 14600K. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 24MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 5.1GHz, while the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on core count (14 cores). It matches the Core i7-14700KF, the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core Ultra 5 245KF on rated power (125W). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i7-14700KF; the Ryzen 9 9900X goes with an AM5 socket.
It shares DDR4 or DDR5 memory with the Core i7-14700KF; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with DDR5 memory. It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 9 9900X. If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9900X (64MB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.1GHz
- 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
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9900X (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz)
Largest Game Cache5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X steps down to 12 cores on Zen 5.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo 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. Nothing else here matches its 64MB L3 cache; the Core i7-14700KF comes closest at 33MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 5.6GHz.
Its 12 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 20 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 120W, ahead of the Core i7-14700KF (125W). An AM5 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses an LGA1851 socket.
It shares DDR5 memory with the Core Ultra 7 265KF and Core Ultra 5 245KF; the Core i5-13600K goes with DDR4 or DDR5 memory. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core Ultra 7 265KF and the pricier Core i5-13600K, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i7-14700KF to the Ryzen 9 9900X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i7-14700KF for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores; the Core Ultra 7 265KF for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores; the Core Ultra 5 245KF for undercutting the Core i7-14700KF on price when we checked.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 245KF ($150 to $250) to the Core i5-13600K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Programming
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 i5-13600K to 64MB on the Ryzen 9 9900X. The Core i7-14700KF comes second for less money.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 5.1GHz on the Core i5-13600K to 5.6GHz on the Core i7-14700KF. The Core i7-14700KF is the pick for boost clock.
How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 9900X to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Core i7-14700KF and the Core i5-13600K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 7 265KF, the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 9 9900X list DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-14700KF, the Core Ultra 7 265KF, the Core Ultra 5 245KF, the Core i5-13600K and the Ryzen 9 9900X go without. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
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.
How to Choose a CPUs for Programming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores | Core i7-14700KF | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores | Core Ultra 7 265KF | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Undercutting the Core i7-14700KF on price when we checked |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Core i5-13600K | The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9900X | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9900X 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 |
| Core Ultra 7 265KF | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-13600K | 24MB | 5.1GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 5 245KF was the lowest-priced pick and the Core i5-13600K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Core Ultra 7 265KF, Ryzen 9 9900X, Core i5-13600K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 9 9900X ahead of the Core i7-14700KF on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 9900X leads at 64MB, with the Core i7-14700KF at 33MB. The Core i5-13600K is at the other end of this group with 24MB.
How does the Core i7-14700KF compare with the Ryzen 9 9900X on rated power?
The Ryzen 9 9900X comes out best at 120W, with the Core i7-14700KF at 125W.
What does the Core i5-13600K add over the Core Ultra 5 245KF?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 5 245KF still leads on boost clock (5.2GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245KF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the Ryzen 9 9900X our Largest Game Cache pick?
It earns the label for the largest L3 cache here (64MB). It suits games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Do the Core i7-14700KF and the Core Ultra 7 265KF differ on socket?
The Core i7-14700KF and the Core i5-13600K use LGA1700; the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Core Ultra 5 245KF use LGA1851; the Ryzen 9 9900X uses AM5.
Will the Core Ultra 7 265KF work with my setup?
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. In this guide it ranks second of 5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. Look at the Core Ultra 7 265KF for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores, the Core Ultra 5 245KF for undercutting the Core i7-14700KF on price when we checked and the Core i5-13600K for the top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
Use an NVMe SSD for your projects.