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The best 10 CPUs in comparison

CPUs (1 - 5)

	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7995WX1	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX2	Apple M1 Ultra3	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX4	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7975WX5	Apple M2 Ultra (76-core GPU)6	Intel Core i9-13900KS7	Intel Core i9-13900K8	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7965WX9	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H10

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	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7995WX	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX	Apple M1 Ultra	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7975WX	Apple M2 Ultra (76-core GPU)	Intel Core i9-13900KS	Intel Core i9-13900K	AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7965WX	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
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Best price
General info
CPU socketThe CPU socket/s supported.
CPU socketThe CPU socket/s supported.						Not applicable	LGA 1700	LGA 1700
Thermal Design Power (TDP)The thermal design power (TDP) is the maximum amount of power the cooling system needs to dissipate. A lower TDP typically means that it consumes less power.
Thermal Design Power (TDP)The thermal design power (TDP) is the maximum amount of power the cooling system needs to dissipate. A lower TDP typically means that it consumes less power.	350W	350W	96W	280W	350W	N.A.	150W	125W	350W	45W
CPU temperatureIf the CPU exceeds the maximum operating temperature then problems such as random resets can occur.
CPU temperatureIf the CPU exceeds the maximum operating temperature then problems such as random resets can occur.	95 °C	95 °C	N.A.	95 °C	95 °C	N.A.	100 °C	100 °C	95 °C	110 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) versionPeripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is a high-speed interface standard for connecting components, such as graphics cards and SSDs, to a motherboard. Newer versions can support more bandwidth and deliver better performance.
PCI Express (PCIe) versionPeripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is a high-speed interface standard for connecting components, such as graphics cards and SSDs, to a motherboard. Newer versions can support more bandwidth and deliver better performance.	5	5	N.A.	4	5	N.A.	5	5	5	5
64-bit supportA 32-bit operating system can only support up to 4GB of RAM. 64-bit allows more than 4GB, giving increased performance. It also allows you to run 64-bit apps.
64-bit supportA 32-bit operating system can only support up to 4GB of RAM. 64-bit allows more than 4GB, giving increased performance. It also allows you to run 64-bit apps.	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Total score for "General info"
Total score for "General info"
Performance
CPU speedThe CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.
CPU speedThe CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.	96 x 2.5 GHz	64 x 3.2 GHz	16 x 3.2 GHz & 4 x 2 GHz	64 x 2.7 GHz	32 x 4 GHz	16 x 3.7 GHz & 8 x 3.4 GHz	8 x 3.2 GHz & 16 x 2.4 GHz	8 x 3 GHz & 16 x 2.2 GHz	24 x 4.2 GHz	6 x 2.3 GHz & 8 x 1.8 GHz
CPU threadsMore threads result in faster performance and better multitasking.
CPU threadsMore threads result in faster performance and better multitasking.	192 threads	128 threads	20 threads	128 threads	64 threads	24 threads	32 threads	32 threads	48 threads	22 threads
Turbo clock speedWhen the CPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.
Turbo clock speedWhen the CPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.	5.1GHz	5.1GHz	N.A.	4.5GHz	5.3GHz	N.A.	6GHz	5.8GHz	5.3GHz	5.1GHz
L2 cacheA larger L2 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.
L2 cacheA larger L2 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.	96 MB	64 MB	48 MB	32 MB	32 MB	64 MB	32 MB	32 MB	24 MB	N.A.
L3 cacheA larger L3 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.
L3 cacheA larger L3 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.	384 MB	256 MB	N.A.	256 MB	128 MB	N.A.	36 MB	36 MB	128 MB	24 MB
Total score for "Performance"
Total score for "Performance"
Benchmarks
PassMark resultThis benchmark measures the performance of the CPU using multiple threads.
PassMark resultThis benchmark measures the performance of the CPU using multiple threads.	153592	136472	41261	92987	93978	48477	61865	59516	83812	33266
Cinebench R20 (multi) resultCinebench R20 is a benchmark tool that measures a CPU's multi-core performance by rendering a 3D scene.
Cinebench R20 (multi) resultCinebench R20 is a benchmark tool that measures a CPU's multi-core performance by rendering a 3D scene.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	25297	N.A.	N.A.	15560	15350	N.A.	N.A.
Cinebench R20 (single) resultCinebench R20 is a benchmark tool that measures a CPU's single-core performance by rendering a 3D scene.
Cinebench R20 (single) resultCinebench R20 is a benchmark tool that measures a CPU's single-core performance by rendering a 3D scene.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	585	N.A.	N.A.	902	877	N.A.	N.A.
Geekbench 5 result (multi)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's multi-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)
Geekbench 5 result (multi)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's multi-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)	N.A.	N.A.	24055	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Geekbench 5 result (single)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)
Geekbench 5 result (single)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)	N.A.	N.A.	1793	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Total score for "Benchmarks"
Total score for "Benchmarks"
Integrated graphics
GPU clock speedThe clock speed of the graphics processing unit (GPU).
GPU clock speedThe clock speed of the graphics processing unit (GPU).	Not applicable	Not applicable	1300 MHz	Not applicable	Not applicable	N.A.	300 MHz	300 MHz	Not applicable	N.A.
GPU turboWhen the GPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.
GPU turboWhen the GPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.	Not applicable	Not applicable	N.A.	Not applicable	Not applicable	N.A.	1650 MHz	1650 MHz	Not applicable	2350 MHz
GPU execution unitsA graphics processing unit (GPU) with a greater number of execution units can deliver better graphics.
GPU execution unitsA graphics processing unit (GPU) with a greater number of execution units can deliver better graphics.	Not applicable	Not applicable	512	Not applicable	Not applicable	1216	32	32	Not applicable	N.A.
OpenGL versionOpenGL is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenGL versionOpenGL is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.	Not applicable	Not applicable	N.A.	Not applicable	Not applicable	N.A.	4.5	4.5	Not applicable	4.6
OpenCL versionSome apps use OpenCL to apply the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing. Newer versions introduce more functionality and better performance.
OpenCL versionSome apps use OpenCL to apply the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing. Newer versions introduce more functionality and better performance.	Not applicable	Not applicable	N.A.	N.A.	Not applicable	N.A.	3	3	Not applicable	3
Total score for "Integrated graphics"
Total score for "Integrated graphics"
Memory
RAM speed (max)The maximum speed of RAM that is supported by the CPU.
RAM speed (max)The maximum speed of RAM that is supported by the CPU.	5200 MHz	2600 MHz	6400 MHz	3200 MHz	5200 MHz	N.A.	5600 MHz	5600 MHz	5200 MHz	7467 MHz
Maximum memory bandwidthThis is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.
Maximum memory bandwidthThis is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.	N.A.	N.A.	800 GB/s	204.8 GB/s	N.A.	800 GB/s	89.6 GB/s	89.6 GB/s	N.A.	N.A.
DDR memory versionDDR (Double Data Rate) memory is the most common type of RAM. Newer versions of DDR memory support higher maximum speeds and are more energy-efficient.
DDR memory versionDDR (Double Data Rate) memory is the most common type of RAM. Newer versions of DDR memory support higher maximum speeds and are more energy-efficient.	5	5	5	4	5	5	5	5	5	5
Memory channelsMore memory channels increases the speed of data transfer between the memory and the CPU.
Memory channelsMore memory channels increases the speed of data transfer between the memory and the CPU.	8	8	8	8	8	N.A.	2	2	8	2
Maximum memory amountThe maximum amount of memory (RAM) supported.
Maximum memory amountThe maximum amount of memory (RAM) supported.	2000GB	2000GB	128GB	2000GB	2000GB	192GB	128GB	128GB	2000GB	96GB
Total score for "Memory"
Total score for "Memory"
Features
Instruction setsInstruction sets are sets of codes that the CPU runs for certain functions.
Instruction setsInstruction sets are sets of codes that the CPU runs for certain functions.	MMX, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2, AES, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3	MMX, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES, F16C, FMA3		SSE 4.2, SSE 4.1, AVX, AES, FMA3, F16C, MMX	MMX, AVX, AVX2, AES, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2, F16C, FMA3		SSE 4.2, SSE 4.1, AVX, AES, FMA3, F16C, MMX	SSE 4.2, SSE 4.1, AVX, AES, FMA3, F16C, MMX	MMX, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2, F16C, FMA3	MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
MultithreadingMultithreading technology (such as Intel's Hyperthreading or AMD's Simultaneous Multithreading) provides increased performance by splitting each of the processor's physical cores into virtual cores, also known as threads. This way, each core can run two instruction streams at once.
MultithreadingMultithreading technology (such as Intel's Hyperthreading or AMD's Simultaneous Multithreading) provides increased performance by splitting each of the processor's physical cores into virtual cores, also known as threads. This way, each core can run two instruction streams at once.	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔	✔	✔
TrustZoneA technology integrated into the processor to secure the device for use with features such as mobile payments and streaming video using digital rights management (DRM).
TrustZoneA technology integrated into the processor to secure the device for use with features such as mobile payments and streaming video using digital rights management (DRM).	✖	✖	✔	✖	✖	✔	✖	✖	✖	✖
Front-end widthThe CPU can decode more instructions per clock (IPC), meaning that the CPU performs better
Front-end widthThe CPU can decode more instructions per clock (IPC), meaning that the CPU performs better	N.A.	N.A.	8	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
NX bitNX bit helps protect the computer from malicious attacks.
NX bitNX bit helps protect the computer from malicious attacks.	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Total score for "Features"
Total score for "Features"

How to choose a CPU for your computer

Whether it's a high-end gaming computer, an office workstation, or a PC for general use, each desktop build has its own set of requirements, which will determine what components you need. Before searching for a CPU for your PC, you should think about what type of software you are going to use frequently.

CPU workloads

There are two types of workloads in the technical sense: single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.

Single-threaded workloads are simple tasks, like web browsing or text editing, which do not require a lot of processing power. Multi-threaded workloads involve heavier types of processing, for example, video editing and gaming. These types of workloads require a powerful processor, coupled with a significant amount of RAM.

The number of cores and the clock speed are the two primary indicators of a CPU's power. A CPU core receives instructions and performs calculations (operations) accordingly. Clock speed, also called clock rate, refers to the frequency at which one core is running, determining how fast the processing unit executes instructions.

Together, they give the total clock speed or CPU speed, about which you can read in detail here. With more cores, the CPU's performance increases, as each core is being utilized to process the workload.

CPU socket

You also have to think about the motherboard's socket whenever you're looking to buy a new chip, as CPUs have various sizes, and the CPU must fit on the motherboard. AMD and Intel have a lot of different sockets for almost every new generation of CPUs. Taking into account that Intel CPUs became more and more popular, chances are that you'll find more motherboards compatible with Intel CPUs.

AMD vs. Intel

Brand wars are frequent in the tech industry, and when it comes to CPUs, there are only two giants: AMD and Intel. AMD CPUs operate efficiently and usually have a lower price tag. For example, AMD Sempron and Athlon dual-core processors are affordable, starting at 30$, and perform very well on PCs running home applications.

However, AMD processors do get hotter than Intel chips, and additional cooling solutions may have to be implemented. Intel CPUs are a bit more expensive, but they tend to outperform the competition, especially when it comes to multi-threaded workloads. Intel CPUs are power efficient and generate less heat. For this reason, many portable computers employ Intel CPUs.

CPU performance

CPUs use multiple cores to increase the overall speed by running numerous instructions simultaneously. Knowing the type of workload will help you determine what kind of processor you'll need.

For a PC running general-purpose applications, a dual-core processor will be enough, while for more complex workloads, you'll probably need a quad-core. The more cores a CPU has, the pricier it is. More cores translate to faster and better processing for heavy computing tasks, such as 3D modeling, photo and video editing, big data processing.

Generally, a quad-core processor would be the right choice if you use your computer for various tasks. For example, the Intel Core i5 quad-core processors provide excellent performance for running common applications and for gaming. However, Intel i7 processors shine when complex computing is involved, such as running 3D modeling applications or playing games with 4K HDR graphics, and this is mainly because of Intel's hyperthreading technology.

Hyperthreading doubles the logical cores or thread count of a processor. By duplicating the threads of one core, execution resources are used efficiently, and the processing speed increases.

AMD chips, though cheaper, are perfectly acceptable for everyday usage, and high-end processors can deliver outstanding performance, but they do not have hyperthreading. AMD does compensate with high clock speeds and more cores packed into a single chip.

CPU benchmark

While CPU benchmark is a component of CPU performance, it's worth mentioning separately as it can help you determine which CPU is the best for your needs. What is a CPU benchmark? It's a score that uses baseline measurements to compare the performance of a CPU against others. In essence, they provide companies and users with a standardized way to engage in CPU comparison.

UserBenchmark, Geekbench, and Cinebench, and PassMark are all excellent CPU benchmarks to look at when comparing CPUs. While you'll encounter various measurements, it's especially helpful to look at the difference between the single-core score and the multi-core score.

Devices and actions that only require a single-core, including playing games and working with basic programs, will rely more on the single-core score. For heavily-threaded games, you'll need to look for a CPU that has a higher multi-core score to ensure that the processor can support the workload.

Integrated graphics

Sometimes, the graphics processing unit (GPU) is integrated into the processor. For most entry-level desktop PCs, CPUs that have integrated graphics are good enough. But for designers, content creators, and IT solutions, a graphics module embedded on the CPU does not rise to the challenge. Thus, a dedicated GPU is necessary for professionals. Our guide for graphics cards gives helpful tips for choosing a GPU.

By Don Chen

Tue, 10 Dec 2019| Updated onWed, 02 Sep 2020

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