Best CPU under $200
Want to find the best CPU for $200? You're in the right place.
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We know that times are tough, or maybe you just don’t want to spend that much on a CPU. Whatever your reason we have the best CPU for $200. So sit back and relax, as we’ve done all the hard work for you.
There are many CPUs out there, and what kind you get should be determined by the workload you have in mind. If you want to game primarily, then you want to be looking for a strong Single-core CPU. if you’re looking into productivity, then Multi-core is the way to go. If you’re on a tighter budget. however, you may want to take a look at the Best CPU under $100.
What to look for in a $200 processor
Depending on who you ask, a $200 CPU could either be considered budget or mid-range. That said, you can find pretty powerful processors at the $200 price point these days.
Unfortunately, at current market prices, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to find a processor from the latest Intel 13th gen or Ryzen 7000 series lineups within $200, with the only exception being the entry-level Core i3-13100, which costs just over $100.
You can find excellent options in the previous generations, though. These processors are a year or two old now, but they still have all the latest features, and their naturally reduced price means you get excellent value for your money.
Best CPU under $200 – Ryzen 5 5600X
Here, we will present what we have found to be the best CPUs for $200 or under, we will divide them into three categories to better serve you with the best CPU for $200.
The best CPU for $200 has to be the Ryzen 5 5600X
Ryzen 5 5600X
The best CPU under $200 is the Ryzen 5 5600X. This is the “X” variant of the base Ryzen 5 5600 model, and it features improved clock speeds.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
Core (Threads)
6/12
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
- Set to out-perform the 10600K
- Great value for money
- Unlocked overclocking
- Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
- Requires CPU cooler
A processor’s clock speed represents the frequency with which it’s able to execute instructions. In more simple terms, it’s a statistic that indicates to us how fast a processor is.
The Ryzen 5 5600X has a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and a maximum clock speed of 4.6GHz. These figures were considered excellent back when the processor was released in 2020 and still hold up pretty well today, allowing for powerful performance in single-thread heavy workloads.
Like most other mainstream Ryzen 5 processors, the Ryzen 5 5600X features a 6-core, 12-thread setup. Thanks to SMT (Simultaneous multi-threading), each CPU core is able to serve two threads at the same time, improving the processor’s ability to multitask. Virtually all modern AMD processors have this feature, though.
Now, how many cores and threads a processor has does affect its performance differently depending on the workload.
For gaming, 6 cores and 12 threads are considered by many to be the perfect amount of cores and threads. Adding more threads to a processor only benefits performance noticeably up to a certain point. So, if gaming is the only intention, 12-threaded processors can do the job just fine. In fact, they are the optimal choice.
The Ryzen 5 5600X is a powerful gaming processor perfect for 1080p and 1440p gaming at high framerates. 4K gaming isn’t out of the equation either, as long as you pair the processor up with a strong enough graphics card. Just make sure you consider your monitor’s resolution while considering a GPU to avoid unexpected bottlenecks.
Best CPU under $200 for gaming – Ryzen 5 5600G
The AMD G-series stands out from the rest due to its compatibility with AMD FSR and other software upgrades. AMD FSR has been known to improve performance even on lower-end GPUs.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Speed
3.9GHz – 4.4GHz
Core (threads)
6 (12)
Socket
AM4
Graphics
Vega 7
- Inexpensive
- Great iGPU for the price
- benefits from FSR
- Not as powerful as the 5600X
Designed for those on a tight budget, the Ryzen 5 5600G is an inexpensive option that provides comparable gaming performance to its predecessor, the 3400G. What differentiates it is its inclusion of more efficient design, cores, and threads.
The Ryzen 5 5600G is outfitted with 6 cores and 12 threads, clocked at a base of 3.9GHz and a boost of 4.4GHz, accompanied by 16MB of L3 cache and 3MB of L2 cache. Its 65W TDP houses AMD’s VEGA 7 iGPU, which boasts 448 stream processors and is clocked at 1.9GHz.
Although some may perceive Vega 7 as a step back, its increased efficiency compensates for the reduction in cores, resulting in undiminished graphical performance.
For an APU, the Ryzen 5 5600G is one of the greatest bargains out there. As of writing, you can acquire a brand-new 5600G for about $120, and purchasing one eliminates the need to purchase a GPU.
When combined with a GPU, the 5600G functions as a slightly less powerful 5600X, with the same number of cores and threads but a little less speed. The 5600X is still an exceptional processor, so having a CPU that performs just slightly beneath it can still lead to a fantastic CPU.
Best CPU under $200 for productivity – Core i5-12400
This will be the best productivity CPU you can get for the $200 price tag. There are plenty of CPUs out there but not many can do what the 12400 does for such a good price.
Intel i5-12400
Intel Core i5-12400
Speed
2.5 GHz / 4.4 GHz
Core (Threads)
6 (12)
Socket
LGA-1700
TDP
65W
- Great performance for the money
- Low power consumption
- Comes with a cooler
- No overclocking support
The i5-12400 is a part of the 12th-gen Core series processors and comes with the lowest clock rate compared to other 12th, 11th, and 10th-gen Core processors, but it is still the best CPU under $200. While its low base clock rate of 2.4 GHz may mean that it is not as fast as some of the more expensive CPUs, it does have a lower power consumption and is fast enough for gaming and other demanding tasks.
The CPU can detect increased demand and boost to a much higher clock rate of up to 4.4 GHz, but it will require more efficient cooling to maintain optimal performance. However, this is not an unlocked processor, so it cannot be overclocked.
Note that the 12th gen requires a different socket type than Intel’s 10th and 11th generations, and many compatible motherboards are configured for more expensive and faster DDR5 sticks.
Overall, the Intel Core i5-12400 is the best CPU under $200 in 2024, offering fantastic performance, low power consumption, and easy cooling. Additionally, it is compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, making it easy to upgrade to faster memory in the future.
Best CPU under $200: Things to consider
When trying to shop on a very tight budget, it will be necessary to make certain compromises in order to cut costs. These compromises may include factors such as processor cores, clock speed, and potentially even resorting to purchasing used items to save money.
Here are a few key factors to take into account when looking for the top CPU options under a $200 price point.
Cores and Threads
The CPU relies on its cores to execute instructions and carry out calculations. The quantity of cores determines how many tasks the CPU can perform at once, which translates to more efficient and faster task processing. Applications that benefit from multiple cores, like video editing and rendering software, can be executed with greater speed and efficiency.
Threads function as virtual cores that enable a single physical core to execute multiple tasks concurrently. CPUs that support multi-threading can handle more tasks at the same time than those without it, resulting in improved performance and faster processing times.
The number of cores and threads are both essential to CPU performance across various tasks. CPUs with more cores and multi-threading support typically perform well in tasks that require high parallelisms, such as gaming, video editing, or scientific simulations. However, CPUs with fewer cores but higher clock speeds may offer better performance in tasks that necessitate single-threaded performance, like certain gaming or office applications.
Core Speed
CPU clock speed refers to the rate at which a CPU can perform processing cycles, typically measured in GHz. It determines how many instructions the CPU can execute per second, with higher clock speeds resulting in faster processing times. However, clock speed is just one factor that affects overall CPU performance, and other factors like the number of cores, cache size, and thermal design power also play a crucial role in determining a CPU’s capabilities.
CPU Generation
The generation of a CPU pertains to its design and architecture iteration. As technology progresses, each new generation introduces enhancements in performance and efficiency, which could include increased core counts, higher clock speeds, and better power efficiency.
Recent CPU generations are typically built with better architectures that enable faster and more efficient instruction processing. They may also have added features, like integrated graphics, advanced security, or compatibility with newer technologies like PCIe 5.0 or USB 4. In addition, modern CPU generations are often manufactured using smaller process nodes, resulting in reduced power consumption and improved thermal performance.
CPU Socket
A computer’s motherboard features a CPU socket, a physical interface that houses the CPU and enables it to communicate with other components, such as memory, storage drives, and expansion cards. Each CPU has its own size, shape, and electrical characteristics that correspond to a specific socket type on the motherboard.
It is essential to verify that the CPU and motherboard socket type are compatible when installing or upgrading a CPU. Failure to do so can lead to a CPU that doesn’t fit or function properly.
After considering these factors, the next step is to select the best CPU under $200. However, the question remains: which CPU should you choose?
Is a $200 CPU worth it?
Whether a $200 CPU is worth it depends on several factors, such as your specific needs and budget, the tasks you plan to perform, and the overall performance of the CPU.
If you are a casual user who only needs a computer for browsing the web, checking email, and using basic office applications, a $200 CPU may be overkill. You could likely get by with a less powerful and less expensive CPU.
However, if you are a gamer or a professional who needs a high-performance computer for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, or scientific simulations, then a $200 CPU could be a worthwhile investment. CPUs in this price range often offer strong performance and advanced features such as multi-core processing and hyper-threading that can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of complex tasks.
In general, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when deciding whether a $200 CPU is worth it. You should also research and compare different models to determine which CPU offers the best performance and value for your money.
Final Word
Whatever you choose, you’re in good hands. Each of these CPUs is well suited to the tasks we’ve allocated them, and you can rest assured that they will do the job just right. We appreciate times are hard, or you just might not want to spend more than $200 on a CPU, but we implore you to do so if you can, as the CPU is the most important component in any PC. Without one, you wouldn’t get very far.
