TOP 3 budget processors in March 2021

Created: 04/09/2019
Updated: 02/27/2021 19:08:33 Share:
Author of the article: Bogdan Shevchuk

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The processor, as the most important and irreplaceable component of a computer, is often unwittingly perceived as the most expensive. And if we are talking about a powerful workstation with top-end specifications or an equally powerful gaming computer, this is true. But if you plan to buy a computer for simple everyday tasks - office work, study, ordinary home use - then you can save on the processor, and significantly. The Expertology editors offer you a special review in the format of a rating of the best budget processors that can satisfy most consumer demands as of the first half of 2019.

The best budget processors under 5,000 rubles

AMD Ryzen 3 1200 — 3,690 rubles

The undisputed leader in the segment of affordable processors is the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 model - in the category up to five thousand rubles, this is the best solution that can be recommended for purchase. Four cores with four threads provide the necessary performance both in games and in work applications, plus a modest thermal package of only 65 W does not require the potential buyer to spend additional money on a powerful cooling system. And, of course, it’s easy to find a motherboard for this processor that will also please you with its price, especially if you don’t need to buy a board with a beautiful design or backlighting.

Intel Core i3-9100F — 5,510 rubles

The direct competitor in the affordable processor segment is the Intel Core i3-9100F, which, as you might have guessed from the name, does not have an integrated graphics core (this is indicated by the letter F after the numeric index). But the processor gives the user four cores with four threads, the thermal package is also 65 W, and the base clock frequency is 3.6 GHz. Moreover, if the AMD Ryzen 3 1200, when the Turbo Core mode is activated, the frequency rises only to 3.4 GHz, then the Intel Core i3-9100F Turbo Boost mode “overclocks” the processor to a frequency of 4.2 GHz. There is only one minus of the model - this processor does not fit into the category up to five thousand rubles, but I think it’s worth throwing in five hundred rubles to get this particular option.

Intel Core i3-9100F: high performance per core

• Number of cores: 4
• Number of threads: 4
• Clock frequency: 3600 MHz
• Turbo Boost frequency: 4200 MHz
• Heat dissipation: 65 Watt

If outdated models from Intel are a bad choice for purchase, this does not mean that the latest solutions are too. And although this model has only 4 cores and 4 threads, within the linear load per core the i3-9100F outperforms its competitors. Compared to the Ryzen 5 1600, it gains up to 20% in single-core performance, making this processor a good choice for light-duty games where multi-threading is simply not needed. As for the price, it is 10-20% lower than the previous stone.

The index F in the name means that the stone does not have built-in graphics, so you will have to purchase a discrete video card. Compared to the previous generation Coffee Lake, the i3-9100F outperforms its younger brother i3-8100 by 10-15%. The cost of the second one is more than 10,000 rubles for the OEM version. As mentioned above, Intel is extremely reluctant to reduce prices on products from previous years.

The best inexpensive processors under 15,000 rubles

AMD Ryzen 5 3600 — 13,630 rubles

A fairly popular processor today is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. The reason for its demand is extremely simple - the model is inexpensive, does not require the user to have a powerful cooling system, and you can comfortably play games, work with videos, and stream. Naturally, a bonus in the form of affordable motherboards that fully support the third generation of Ryzen processors is also included in the kit - assembling a computer of decent power will not be difficult and, of course, inexpensive. The best option in the category if you prefer models from the “red” company.

Intel Core i5-10400F — 13,990 rubles

The direct competitor to the processor described above is the rather bright new Intel Core i5-10400F, which is equipped with six computing cores and twelve threads. It is worth noting that the processor boasts the same 65 W TDP as the AMD Ryzen 5 3600, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on the “tower”. And, naturally, you need to understand that the Intel Core i5-10400F is a representative of the latest generation of Intel processors with support for all modern technologies. Which, of course, is a significant advantage when buying a processor for work or active entertainment in modern video games.

AMD Ryzen 3 1200: for the little ones

• Number of cores: 4
• Number of threads: 4
• Clock frequency: 3100 MHz
• Turbo Boost frequency: 3400 MHz
• Heat dissipation: 65 Watt

Ryzen 3 1200 is the bare minimum in a modern computer. Here you won’t see built-in graphics or a large number of threads, but you will be happy to find one of the lowest price tags on the budget market - only 4,000 rubles. For the same price, a competitor offers us 2-nuclear “hemp”. No thanks. Of course, there are still 4-core Xeons, but the 2014 developments are clearly inferior in capabilities to the 2021 solutions. Therefore, the choice is quite obvious.

In terms of performance, this model is inferior by about 50% to the higher-level Ryzen 5 1400 in multi-threaded loads. But in linear simple tasks it is on the same level with it.

The best affordable processors under 20,000 rubles

Intel Core i5-10600 — 17,161 rubles

After the release of the new generation of Intel processors, quite a lot of tests of literally every model appeared on the network. Among all the new products, it is worth noting, of course, the rather interesting Intel Core i5-10600 processor, which is equipped with six computing cores, twelve threads and integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics. Of course, it is not enough to run modern video games at high settings, but it’s better than not having a graphics core at all. In addition, the base frequency of the processor is 3.3 GHz, while when activating Turbo Boost mode it rises to 4.8 GHz. The performance gain is noticeable.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X — 15,000 rubles

The direct competitor of the previous model in this situation is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X processor, which also boasts six computing cores with twelve threads. At the same time, the TDP of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is noticeably higher than that of its competitor from the “blues” - 95 W versus 65 W. In addition, the AMD processor does not have a graphics core, but the base clock speed of the processor is 3.8 GHz, while when Turbo Core technology is activated, the frequency rises to 4.4 GHz. And, of course, there is a pleasant bonus in the form of cost - the AMD model has the advantage of a lower price for both the processor itself and the motherboard for it. Although, of course, the difference compared to the competitor is not very noticeable.

AMD Ryzen 3 3200g: king of budget builds

• Number of cores: 4
• Number of threads: 4
• Clock frequency: 3600 MHz
• Turbo Boost frequency: 4000 MHz
• Heat dissipation: 65 Watt

Ryzen 3 3200g is an updated model of its predecessor Ryzen 3 2200g, which, in our opinion, is the king of budget builds. This stone takes a leading place among its competitors thanks to the built-in Vega 8 graphics core.

Vega 8 Specifications:

• Number of shader units: 512
• Nominal frequency: 1100 MHz
• Manufacturing process: 14 Nm
• API support: DirectX 12_1

In terms of performance, the integrated graphics are not much behind the GT 1030. The difference between them is about 20% in favor of the green video card. But you must admit that in a processor for 6500-7000 rubles, having such performance is quite good. The Blues have a lot to learn here too.

The best optimal processors under 25,000 rubles

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X — 23,370 rubles

This processor is equipped with eight computing cores with sixteen threads. Thanks to this, the user has access to wider possibilities for using his computer - he can work more comfortably with heavy content, play and broadcast at the same time. Of course, it is worth noting that this processor, with fairly high performance, has a thermal package of only 65 W, so there is no need to worry about overheating. Although, of course, this is only a nominal value, which will change greatly when the user loads the processor to its fullest.

Intel Core i5-10600K — 20,710 rubles

The clear favorite on the market at the moment is the Intel Core i5-10600K processor, which was announced just recently. The new product is equipped with six cores with twelve threads, the base clock frequency reaches 4.1 GHz, but the user, if he has a suitable motherboard on the Z-chipset, can easily “overclock” the processor by a multiplier to a higher frequency. Actually, it is for this reason that the processor is so good - if there is good cooling, the performance will be really excellent. And all this for quite reasonable money for this segment.

The best processors for gaming computers

The second category in the ranking of the best processors for desktop computers presents a selection of four processors that manufacturers equip with today's best gaming stations. Some assembled computers for gamers from well-known manufacturers may contain even more powerful processors comparable to the flagships described above, but in most cases this is nothing more than a marketing ploy. Top HEDT models are simply excessive even for the most power-hungry video games, and there is no point in overpaying for them. Also, in gaming computers, the processor clock speed and fast memory (this, of course, not counting powerful graphics) are more important than the number of cores/threads.

Intel Core i7-7820X

Rating: 4.9

The first in this category is the Core i7 7820X series processor. This is a high-performance processor that is used not only for gaming computers, but also for computers that are supposed to process high-definition video. Designed for socket AM4.

The processor is created using 14nm technology, contains 8 cores operating in 16 threads at a standard frequency of 3600 MHz. Turbo Boost overclocking up to 4300 MHz is supported. There is an integrated memory controller, supporting 128GB DDR4-2666 up to four channels. System bus - 1600 MHz, DMI. Cache configuration: first level – 64Kb, second – 8192Kb, third – 11264Kb. The limit on the number of PCI Express channels is 28. ECC is not supported.

This model supports the following improvement technologies: hardware virtualization; NX Bit; AMD64/EM64T; Hyper-Threading; Intel Optane; Turbo Boost 2.0/Max 3.0; command set MMX, SSE /2/3/4, AVX /2/512 (two AVX-512 FMA modules); Intel SpeedStep.

Security enhancements include hardware-based cancel execution bits to protect against viruses and other malware, as well as new Intel AES commands for data encryption and decryption.

The estimated thermal power of the processor in normal mode is 140W and corresponds to a maximum operating temperature of 99 degrees. Some experts criticize the presence of a thermal interface under the heat spreader cover, preferring solder, but in the context of this model with its moderate heating, this is not a very pronounced drawback.

Advantages

• high performance in games and processing “heavy” video;
• great potential for overclocking;
• stability;
• moderate energy consumption;
• relatively little heating.

Flaws

• thin PCB - there is a danger of damaging the processor when moving the computer only due to the massiveness of the cooler.

AMD Ryzen7 1800X

Rating: 4.8

The rating of the best processors for gaming computers continues with the direct competitor of the above-described model - the Ryzen7 1800X manufactured by AMD. Experts highly value this model not only as the basis of a gaming computer, but also as the optimal processor for interacting with full-fledged VR devices like the Oculus Rift. Due to high multi-core performance, the most reliable and smooth reproduction of the VR experience is achieved.

Ryzen7 1800X is an 8-core, 16-thread processor manufactured using a 14nm process technology. The core clock frequency is 3600 MHz, safe overclocking potential is up to 4 GHz. Supports dual-channel DDR4-2667 RAM, including ECC. Cache volumes: first level – 96 KB, second – 4096 KB, third – 16 MB. Supports MMX, SSE /2/3/4, AVX /2 instructions, NX Bit and AMD64/EM64T technologies, hardware virtualization. Number of PCIe 3.0 channels – 16.f

In addition to the above, this model implements the following proprietary AMD technologies: XFR (extended frequency range), SenseMI (a set of training functions for self-tuning performance), Enmotus FuzeDrive (combining SSD, HDD and RAM into one virtual drive) and a number of others.

The rated thermal power when operating the computer under moderate load is 95W with a maximum operating temperature of 95°C.

Advantages

• high multi-threaded performance;
• ECC memory support;
• fairly simple overclocking (with reservations);
• introducing important innovations;
• low heat generation;
• Affordable price compared to comparable Intel processors.

Flaws

• There are problems with the efficiency of using high-speed RAM (not a critical drawback).

Intel Core i7-8700K

Rating: 4.7

Let's return again to the products of the “blues” - the rating of the best processors for gaming computers continues with the high-performance 8th generation CPU, created using the most advanced 14nm++ technical process at the time of release. It came out almost at lightning speed after relatively inexpensive AMD multi-core processors for powerful computers made a splash on the market.

The processor contains six Coffee Lake computing cores operating in 12 threads at a nominal frequency of 3700 MHz. Overclocking using Turbo Boost technology up to 4700 MHz is allowed. Supports dual-channel DDR4-2666 RAM up to 128GB. Cache memory volumes: first level – 64 KB, second – 1536 KB, third – 12 MB. Hyper Threading supported; instructions MMX, SSE /2/3/4, AVX /2; AMD64/EM64T; NX Bit; hardware virtualization, Intel vPro. Number of PCI Express channels – up to 16.

The processor has a built-in Intel UHD 630 graphics subsystem with a base operating frequency of 350 MHz and a maximum dynamic frequency of 1.20 GHz. The maximum available RAM is 64GB. Capable of reproducing a video stream in 4K resolution with a frame refresh rate of 60Hz.

The calculated nominal heat dissipation is 95 W, the operating temperature in normal computer operation is no more than 100 °C. Under loads at the level of the permitted overclocking limit, TDP and voltage increase sharply.

Advantages

• high frequency standards;
• great potential for overclocking;
• official support for DDR4-2666;
• price/feature ratio;
• possibility of full operation on budget motherboards B360/H370;
• created using an advanced 14nm++ process technology.

Flaws

• Compatible only with 3xx series chipsets.

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

Rating: 4.6

And the selection of the rating of the best processors for gaming computers is completed by another model produced by AMD, which easily defeats its direct competitor – the above-described Core i7-8700K. The Ryzen 7 2700X falls short of Intel's top processors only in terms of single-threaded performance. Otherwise, it has no competitors in this segment yet.

In addition to optimal performance for a gaming computer, this processor also does not lag behind in rendering, archiving, and streaming. The developers managed to achieve such outstanding characteristics, not least thanks to the use of new generation semiconductor technology with a 12nm process technology.

This CPU is based on eight Pinnacle Ridge computing cores, which operate in 16 threads at a frequency of 3700 MHz. In addition to the nominal frequency, this model has serious overclocking capabilities - up to 4300 MHz. Support for high-speed dual-channel DDR4-2933 RAM has been implemented. Cache volumes: first level – 96 KB, second – 4 MB, third – 16 MB. Supported instructions are MMX, SSE /2/3/4, AVX /2.

This model implements proprietary AMD technologies – StoreMI, SenseMI, VR-Ready Premium, Ryzen Master program. Support for hardware virtualization, AMD64/EM64T and NX Bit has also been introduced.

The nominal heat dissipation, according to the manufacturer, corresponds to 105 W. The maximum permissible operating temperature is 85 °C.

The package includes a full-fledged cooler that provides sufficient protection against overheating. The cooler has colorful RGB lighting built into it.

Advantages

• high multi-threaded performance;
• possibility of overclocking for all modifications;
• solder under the cap;
• effective cooler with RGB lighting included;
• relatively low power consumption and heating at rated load.

Flaws

• single thread performance.

The best processors under 35,000 rubles

Intel Core i7-10700K — 31,620 rubles

Characteristics:

• socket: LGA1200;
• number of cores: 8;
• number of threads: 16;
• integrated graphics: UHD 630;
• base frequency: 3.8 GHz;
• maximum frequency: 5.1 GHz;
• L3 cache: 16 MB;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• heat package: 125 W;
• price: 31,620 rubles.

In this category, I strongly recommend giving preference to the Intel processor, which has led the new, so to speak, generation. The Intel Core i7-10700K model attracts attention with its performance, as well as the possibility of “overclocking” by a multiplier - if you have a motherboard with a Z-chipset, the user will be able to increase the clock frequency, receiving additional performance. True, of course, in this case you will need to spend additional money on purchasing a more powerful cooling system. But, in any case, among flagship processors this is a clear leader.