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Best CPU Reviews 2020

The one thing your home, office or personal computers have in common is a Central Processing Unit (CPU). A CPU has the primary function of interpreting commands and executing them. Your choice of CPU can mean the difference between an ultimate gaming experience and a fried computer. There are many factors to consider when selecting a CPU. From the number of cores and threads, clock speed and power management to the presence/absence of a cooling system, low noise and quick retrieval, these features can make or mar your computing experience. But how do you ensure you pick the best CPU for your current needs? We have spent hours making it easier for you by narrowing down some of the best CPU brands and highlighting one of their products. All you have to do is pick a product or brand that suits your needs. Also, remember that there are more CPUs available from these brands than the ones we showcased here.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
No. of cores
Clock speed
MAX turbo
# of threads
Extras
Our Top Choice
Intel Core Desktop Processor
Intel Core Desktop Processor
Intel leads the pack when it comes to computing innovations in motherboards and processors.
This CPU is super-fast and can overclock without hesitation. The mere fact that it doesn’t overheat easily makes it a winner.
Sometimes, overclocking without additional cooling systems increases the temperature.
4
Info not provided
4.50 GHz
8
Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology
Best Value
AMD FX-8370 Desktop Processor
AMD FX-8370 Desktop Processor
With over 4 decades in high performance computing and graphics technology, AMD has been an integral part of global game development and computing industries.
This processor is quite fast and offers good value for money. It is backwards-compatible with many older motherboards so upgrading is not a problem.
Installation can be tricky.
8
4 GHz
4.3 GHz
8
Cooling system
Intel i7-6850K Processor
Intel i7-6850K Processor
Delivering serious computing power and an amazing gaming experience, Intel manufactures some of the best processors available.
It is a very fast and power efficient processor that supports DDR4 and has a low TDP (power usage).
This CPU is quite pricey due to its extensive features.
6
3.6 GHz
3.8 GHz
12
Intel Turbo Boost Max Tech 3.0
AMD FX-9370 Processor
AMD FX-9370 Processor
AMD’s passion for cutting edge innovations results in processors that can make your gaming dream a reality.
It’s a fast and powerful processor, allows you to reconfigure performance to your taste, adjusts power consumption based on usage and is really affordable.
It doesn’t come with a cooling system, so you may need to buy one.
8
4.4 GHz
4.7GHz
8
Power Wattage: 220W
VIA inc. Nano E-Series
VIA inc. Nano E-Series
Via inc is an integrated circuit manufacturer, mainly of CPUs and motherboard chipsets.
It’s energy efficient, compatible with other VIA processors, has a heat sink for optimum temperature, has low power consumption and advanced encryption.
Its lack of cores, clock speed and graphics power makes it a poor choice for intensive uses like gaming and video editing.
9
Info not available
1.25 GHz
3
Idle power as low as 100mW

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Watch Our CPU Review

What is the Best CPU?

The right CPU is one that offers good computing performance with low noise and power management, without overheating or causing slow-down. Once you find the brand/product that can do all that, you’ve found the best CPU for you. Having read our buying guide and understood the factors to keep in mind, let’s now proceed to our top picks and something brief about them.
Our Top Choice
Intel Core Desktop Processor
This is a fast quad core CPU that has an impressive clock rate of 4.2GHz and can be bumped to 4.5GHz when overclocked. It has a thermal management technology that keeps it running without overheating. The Intel Core i7 6700K 4.00 GHz is another quad core processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. It is very power efficient and if you want a CPU with low noise, you can check this out.

Intel 7th Generation Core Desktop Processor i7-7700K – Available in 4 Styles


Features
Intel is a brand associated with computing innovations. Manufacturing more than processors, Intel as a global technology leader is concerned with providing value to its customers all over the world. Most of its programs and products are designed for the PC Building community. It also provides help using its technology in solving problems in security, education, etc.

The Intel Core Desktop Processor (Selling for $348.89 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is a super-fast quad core processor with a processor base frequency of 4.2GHz and can be bumped to 4,5GHz without issues. It has a cache memory of 8MB and this stores data for temporary use. This CPU has a thermal monitoring technology that allows you to overclock it without worrying about overheating. This, with a bus speed of 8 GT/s DMI3 and a graphics max dynamic frequency of 1.15 GHz, help build a beautiful gaming experience.

Other amazing features of this CPU include:
  • Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
  • Intel® Virtualization Technology that allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms
  • Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT) that provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications
  • Intel® Identity Protection Technology
  • Junction Temperature of 100°C and TDP of 91 W
  • Graphics Base Frequency 350.00 MHz
  • Intel® InTru™ 3D Technology that provides stereoscopic 3-D Blu-ray* playback in full 1080p resolution over HDMI* 1.4 and premium audio
  • Processor Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 630
  • Max Resolution (DP) [email protected]
This CPU is available in 4 packages- processor only, processor and cooler, processor and gaming motherboard or processor and liquid cooler.
Want to check other options before deciding? Intel has other amazing CPUs you can check out.
Best Value
AMD FX-8370 Desktop Processor
This octa core processor allows higher performance with lower energy. With a max turbo core speed of 4.3GHz and TDP of 125W, it can be overclocked and trusted not to overheat. For an octa-core processor with stock fan, the FX-8350 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition Processor is another CPU by AMD. It has a base clock speed of 4GHz and overdrive of 4.2GHz.

AMD 4 GHz FX-8370 Octa-Core Desktop Processor with Wraith Cooler, Black Edition – Available in 3 Styles


Features
AMD is one of the top global brands when it comes to computing innovations and visualization technologies. From personal computers to cloud servers, AMD aspires to design products that not only make life easier but also empower people with the right technology.

The AMD FX-8370 Desktop Processor (Selling for $179.99 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is an unlocked processor with a total l2 cache of 8MB. It comes with a high efficiency Wraith cooler which generates low noise when compared to others. With a clock speed of 4.0GHz, this processor has an amazing operating speed and if that does not satisfy you, it can be overclocked at 4.3GHz. It has a maximum temperature of 61° C and a TDP of 125W. This reduces its chances of overheating - especially when gaming.

This CPU puts control into your hands by allowing you reconfigure power and performance via the AMD OverDrive Software. The experience you get is also up to you as you can tailor options to your preference whether it’s efficiency, power, or low noise. Its advanced power management allows you do all these without raising your power requirement.

This powerful processor is built from the AMD 8th generation x86 CPU architecture (which is based on years of silicon crafting experience). This piece of tech offers superior performance capable of mega-tasking and intensive applications like video editing and 3d modeling. The AMD Turbo Core Technology dynamically adjusts performance to give you superb experience whatever you are doing. The best part is that all this greatness is offered at a very competitive price.

A performance monster with a friendly price.
If your mind is not yet made up, feel free to check out more processors from AMD.
Intel i7-6850K Processor
This processor has a base frequency of 3.60GHz and a turbo boost max technology 3.0 frequency of 4.00 GHz. It is a fully unlocked, fast and super-efficient CPU that supports quad channel DDR4 memory. For a less expensive option, the Boxed Core i7-6800K Processor, also by Intel, is a great alternative. It is efficient in multi-tasking and has a high speed storage cache.

Intel Boxed Core i7-6850K Processor – Available in 3 Styles


Features
Intel has ensured it’s status as a computing innovator by manufacturing technologies that seek to address global difficulties. By developing energy efficient products, it has increased its reach worldwide. That is why Intel remains the most recognizable brand when it comes to the ever growing global ICT industry.

The Intel i7-6850K Processor (Selling for $572.99 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is a preferred choice for gamers who need extra cores for more work. Boasting 6 cores and 12 threads, this hyper threading system allows for higher performance at lower energy. It has a cache memory of 15MB and a TDP of 140W. The quad-channel DDR4 2400/2133 memory ensures more memory bandwidth is available for real world applications. The maximum memory capacity supported by this processor is 128GB. In terms of expansion options, this processor supports a PCI Express Revision version 3.0. it has several advanced technologies that is not limited to Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology, Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology and Intel® Smart Response Technology.
NOT exactly what you want in a CPU? Check out other Intel CPUs.
AMD FX-9370 Processor
This CPU comes with a cache memory of 8MB and a CMOS of 32nm. With a base clock speed of 4.4GHz, 8 cores and 8 threads, this processor is fast enough to provide the ultimate gaming experience. The FX-9590 4.7GHz Desktop Black Edition is an alternative octa-core processor that has a higher base frequency and overdrive of 5.0GHz. It also offers great value for money.

AMD FX-9370 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition


Features
Millions of intelligent systems all over the world are powered by AMD designed and integrated technology. Personal computers, games consoles, web servers, cloud servers, and many other devices that require powerful processing power will continue to rely on AMD for its capability and technological advancement.

The FX-9370 processor (Suggested Retail Price: $189.99) has 8 cores with a base clock speed of 4.4 GHz which can be enhanced to 4.7GHz to comfortably handle all your advanced applications and processing. It is unlocked, giving you a chance to explore your overclocking pleasures.

Using the AMD OverDrive Software, you can reconfigure power and performance to your preference. The experience you get from using this CPU is totally up to you as you can tweak it to your preference for efficiency, power, or even reduced noise. Its advanced power management allows you do all these without increasing your power consumption.

This processor is built from the AMD 8th generation x86 CPU architecture which is based on years of silicon crafting experience. The CPU offers superior performance capable of multitasking and effectively handling of advanced applications like video editing and graphics modeling. The AMD Turbo Core Technology efficiently adjusts performance to give you a superior experience while using it for work or play. Despite all the superb things this processor is capable of, it is still sold at a very competitive price.
If this CPU does not have your specs, check out other AMD CPUs today.
VIA inc. Nano E-Series
When it comes to processors with high performance and minimal power consumption, the Nano E-Series leads the pack. It is quite inexpensive and comes with a cooler. The VIA C3 1GigaPro CPU is another processor that comes in a factory sealed packaging, for use with Socket 370 600MHz (100x6.0). It also has a CPU FSB of 100/133.

VIA inc. C3 CPU Processor – with Speed of 1.2A GHz


Features
Via Inc. has established itself as a manufacturer of quality PC components. Initially known for motherboard chipsets, in the late 90s, VIA started to diversify its business by making acquisitions and forming several divisions including CPU and graphics. With low cost products, it has quickly become a favorite among professionals and social innovators.

The Nano E-Series (Selling for $75.16 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) has an open platform. This enables developers to put in limitless features without compromising its quality. Its 64 bit architecture design ensures that real world applications such as clustering and multi- tasking can run with no compatibility issues. This delivers high-performance computing (HPC) and an embedded computer with minimal power consumption.

This processor uses a 65nm manufacturing technology that is also responsible for its high performance. It has a thermal management feature, comprising of the heat sink and fan within a NanoBGA2 package that measures 21mm x 21mm. When this processor is idle, it uses very low power of about 0.1W. This increases its power efficiency. VIA Nano® E-Series processors are fully compatible with some other Via Inc. processors and they include the VIA C7®, VIA Eden® X2, VIA Nano® X2 E-Series, and VIA QuadCore E-Series processors.
NOT the features you want? Don’t hesitate to check out other CPUs from VIA Inc.

How Do I Choose the Best CPU?

Who are you? What do you do for a living? What important tools do you use at work? What do you do for fun? For most people, the answer to at least one of these questions will involve a computer of some sort. As the years go by, we see computers becoming more and more influential in daily living.

Almost everyone has one form of personal computer or another in their homes or offices. While some may not spend all their time at their computers, there are those that do. These people may be earning their living this way, requiring that they get a laptop so they can keep working wherever they are. Others might just watch movies, or they could be hardcore gamers on their gaming desktops. Whatever the case, a great percentage of us spend a lot of time in front of a screen.

Most of the people who require heavy processing for gaming or programming can attest to the frustration that can occur when their computer isn’t working correctly. What determines the performance of your computer is the CPU, or central processing Unit.

A CPU is one of the more integral parts of a computer system, and it plays an important role in determining the overall speed and performance of the system. This is why it’s necessary to have the most suitable one for your everyday needs. Trying to work on a slow or erratic computer system is a pain that many have known, so having a well-working CPU can reduce a lot of the daily frustrations you may experience.

In this guide, we’ll help you in your search for the perfect CPU. What’s the perfect CPU, you ask? It’s the one that has all the features you require for work, gaming, or just daily use, and one that falls within—or even below—your budget! Depending on your needs, you may also want to check in to getting a CPU cooling fan as well.
Price
Before deciding what to buy, it’s always important to consider the price of the product as well as your own budget. In our research, we found CPUs that can be purchased for as low as $70, and ones that can cost as much as $600. The price will be determined by factors like the CPU’s clock speed, number of cores, and the presence of a cooling fan.

While this range does not cover every price possibility—some are more expensive and some are cheaper—be careful of cheap CPUs. If you don’t use your computer much, or if you only need it for just a few things like email and printing, you might be able to get away with purchasing something cheaper. However, if you need your computer for work, school or just relaxing, investing in a quality CPU is a good idea because then you won’t have to spend money on another CPU later.
Features
Before buying a CPU, it’s important to be know what you need. Computers are complex, and finding a CPU that properly fits your needs can be difficult if you don’t know what features to look for. While any given CPU can have a myriad of features, we have taken the time to highlight the ones that require the most consideration before purchase.

Here’s our list:
  • Clock Speed
  • Max Turbo or Overclocking
  • Number of Cores
  • Number of Threads
  • Cache Memory
  • Cooling System
  • Noise level
  • Energy Management
Now, let’s take a closer look at what these features mean.
Construction and Design
A CPU’s clock speed basically determines how fast it can perform. It also determines how many programs you can run at any one time without slowing the entire system down. A good clock speed will be able to run all your necessary programs smoothly and efficiently. As a general rule, a higher clock speed is usually better.

A computer’s speed is especially essential for gamers or people that run demanding programs, like 3D modeling. They usually require as much speed from their systems as possible. This is why some CPUs also have a max turbo, which is a clock speed beyond a CPUs regular speed. It can be made to reach this speed through certain processes like overclocking. Overclocking puts strain on your system, but this is accounted for in some CPU designs.

The number of cores possessed by a CPU is usually a huge determinant of its overall speed and performance. A higher number of cores means that a CPU can handle a larger amount of tasks at the same time. The number of threads present in a CPU also determines its performance and speed. Similar to cores, each thread translates to further proficiency at handling multiple tasks. For users that run several programs at once, a CPU with a higher number of cores and threads is best to ensure continued smooth operation

A CPU’s cache memory is a temporary record of all program instructions within a system at any one time. It can be viewed as a list of all the things your computer needs to do at that very moment. A CPU with a cache memory that’s too small might end up delaying your programs and processes, so go for a lightly larger one.
Performance and Ease of Use
CPUs can generate a lot of heat, which can be harmful to the system if it starts to reach a very high temperature. Cooling systems help control heat output, and you can find them as fans or as liquid systems. If you plan to really push your computer to the threshold of what it can do, buying a separate cooling fan to avoid overheating isn’t a bad idea.

During operation, CPUs can be noisy, especially if something isn’t fitting correctly, or if the system has been put through a lot of abuse. Some Typically, a CPU should be fairly quiet, but you may want to look for one that’s designed to reduce noise if you don’t like to hear it humming.

You may also want to look at how much energy a CPU will consume as it runs. Although you can reduce energy costs by turning off your computer or having it go to sleep after a set period of time, some systems will take more energy to run than others.

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best CPU of 2020!

Now that you’ve read through our reviews for various CPUs from top brands, it is our hope that this review has provided you with the right information to make your purchase.

Our Top Choice
Intel Core Desktop Processor
Intel Core Desktop Processor
Best Value
AMD FX-8370 Desktop Processor
AMD FX-8370 Desktop Processor
Intel i7-6850K Processor
Intel i7-6850K Processor
AMD FX-9370 Processor
AMD FX-9370 Processor
VIA inc. Nano E-Series
VIA inc. Nano E-Series

Go back to the start of the reviews
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