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CPU hierarchy list 2024 – an updated list for gaming PC builders

Updated: Jan 2, 2024 4:52 pm
CPU hierarchy list 2024 – an updated list for gaming PC builders

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One of the most common questions gamers have when building or upgrading a gaming PC is “What processor should I get?” The need to make the right comparison and evaluation is vital when finding the perfect processor for your needs. Even the smallest of differences in price could make a huge gap in output and performance.

Checking out an updated CPU hierarchy list can help consumers visualize where their desired CPU sits in comparison to others. In this article, we strive to continuously add new AMD and Intel CPUs for your convenience to the CPU hierarchy list!

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The problem

It truly is a tedious task to go over each processor to make comparisons and notes. With how fast the competition between AMD and Intel has been going, to choose the right one will be a problem, especially since there are new CPUs released every year.

The solution

Choosing the right CPU for your need is vital since you also need to consider “side” processes that need to be done on your computer. Some gamers need to render and edit images and videos for a living while others focus on gaming and streaming full time.

Regardless, an updated list of the CPU hierarchy should help you out and make those comparisons much more convenient.

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into the CPU hierarchy list and find you a new processor!

Tier 1: High-End “Power” Processors

AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Series
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X2.9 GHz4.3 GHz64/128256MBsTRX4
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X3.7 GHz4.5 GHz32 / 64128MBsTRX4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X3.8 GHz4.5 GHz24 / 48128MBsTRX4
Ryzen Threadripper 2990 WX3.0 GHz4.2 GHz32 / 6464 MBTR4
Ryzen Threadripper 2970 WX3.0 GHz4.2 GHz24 / 4864 MBTR4
Ryzen Threadripper 2950 WX3.5 GHz4.4 GHz16 / 3232 MBTR4
Ryzen Threadripper 2920 WX3.5 GHz4.3 GHz12 / 2432 MBTR4
Ryzen Threadripper 1950X3.4 GHz4.00 GHz16 / 3232 MBTR4
Ryzen Threadripper 1920X3.5 GHz4.00 GHz12 / 2432 MBTR4
Ryzen Threadripper 1900X3.8 GHz4.00 GHz8 / 1616 MBTR4
Intel® Core™ i9 X Series Processors
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Intel Xeon W-3175X3.1 GHz4.3 GHz28 / 5638.5 MB
LGA3647
Intel Core i9-10980XE3.0 GHz4.60 GHz18 / 3624.75 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-10940X3.30 GHz4.60 GHz14 / 2819.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-10920X3.50 GHz4.60 GHz12 / 2419.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-10900X3.70 GHz4.50 GHz10 / 2019.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-9980XE3.0 GHz4.40 GHz18 / 3624.75 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-9960X3.10 GHz4.40 GHz16 / 3222 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-9940X3.30 GHz4.40 GHz14 / 2819.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-9920X3.50 GHz4.40 GHz12 / 2419.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-9900X3.50 GHz4.40 GHz10 / 2019.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-9820X3.30 GHz4.10 GHz10 / 2016.5 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-7980XE2.60 GHz4.20 GHz18 / 3624.75 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-7960X2.80 GHz4.20 GHz16 / 3222 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-7940X3.10 GHz4.30 GHz14 / 2819.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-7920X2.90 GHz4.30 GHz12 / 2416.5 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i9-7900X3.30 GHz4.30 GHz10 / 2013.75 MBLGA2066

Tier 2: Powerhouse “Gaming” Processors

AMD Ryzen™ 7 and 9 Series
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Ryzen 9 5950X 3.40 GHz4.90 GHz16 / 3264 MBAM4
Ryzen 9 3950X3.50 GHz4.70 GHz16 / 3264 MBAM4
Ryzen 9 5900X3.70 GHz4.80 GHz12 / 2464 MBAM4
Ryzen 9 3900XT3.80 GHz4.70 GHz12 / 2464 MBAM4
Ryzen 9 3900X3.80 GHz4.60 GHz12 / 2464 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 5800X3.8GHz4.70 GHz16 / 3232 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 3800XT3.90 GHz4.70 GHz8 / 1632 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 3800X3.90 GHz4.50 GHz8 / 1632 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 3700X3.60 GHz4.40 GHz8 / 1632 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 2700X3.70 GHz4.30 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 27003.20 GHz4.30 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 1800X3.60 GHz4.00 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 Pro 1700X3.40 GHz3.80 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 1700X3.40 GHz3.80 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 Pro 17003.00 GHz3.70 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Ryzen 7 17003.00 GHz3.70 GHz8 / 1616 MBAM4
Intel® Core™ i9, i7, i5, and i3 Series Processors
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Intel Core i9-10900K3.70 GHz5.30 GHz10 / 2020 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i9-10900T1.90 GHz4.60 GHz10 / 2020 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i9-109002.80 GHz5.20 GHz10 / 2020 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i9-9900KS4.00 GHz5.00 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i9-9900K3.60 GHz5.00 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i9-9900T2.10 GHz4.40 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i9-99003.10 GHz5.00 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i7-10700K3.80 GHz5.10 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i7-10700T2.0 GHz4.50 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i7-107002.90 GHz4.80 GHz8 / 1616 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i7-9700K3.60 GHz4.90 GHz8 / 812 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i7-9700T2.0 GHz4.30 GHz8 / 812 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i7-97003.0 GHz4.70 GHz8 / 812 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i7-8700K3.70 GHz4.70 GHz6 / 1212 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i7-87003.20 GHz4.60 GHz6 / 1212 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i7-7820X3.60 GHz4.30 GHz8 / 1611 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i7-7800X3.50GHz4.00 GHz6 / 128.25 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i7-6950X3.00 GHz3.50 GHz10 / 2025 MBLGA2011-3
Intel Core i7-7740X4.30 GHz4.50 GHz4 / 88 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i7-7700K4.20 GHz4.50 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i7-77003.60 GHz4.20 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i7-7700T2.90 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i7-6900K3.20 GHz3.70 GHz8 / 1620 MBLGA2011-3
Intel Core i7-6850K3.60 GHz3.80 GHz6 / 1215 MBLGA2011-3
Intel Core i7-6800K3.40 GHz3.60 GHz6 / 1215 MBLGA2011-3
Intel Core i7-6700K4.00 GHz4.20 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i7-67003.40 GHz4.00 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i7-6700T2.80 GHz3.60 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i7-5960X3.00GHz3.50 GHz8 / 1620 MB Smart CacheLGA2011-3
Intel Core i7-5930K3.50 GHz3.70 GHz6 / 1215 MBLGA2011-3
Intel Core i7-5820K3.30 GHz3.60 GHz6 / 1215 MB Smart CacheLGA2011-3
Intel Core i5-10600K4.10 GHz4.80 GHz6 / 1212 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i5-106003.30 GHz4.80 GHz6 / 1212 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i5 -9600K3.70 GHz
4.20 GHz6 / 69 MB Smart Cache
LGA1151
Intel Core i5-8600K3.60 GHz4.30 GHz6 / 69 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i5-104002.90 GHz4.30 GHz6 / 1212 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i5-94002.90 GHz4.10 GHz6 / 69 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i5-84002.80 GHz4.00 GHz6 / 69 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-9350K4.00 GHz4.60 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-8350K4.00 GHz-4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-103003.70 GHz4.40 GHz4 / 88 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i3-93003.70 GHz4.30 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-101003.60 GHz4.30 GHz4 / 86 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i3-91003.60 GHz4.20 GHz4 / 46 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-81003.60 GHz-4 / 46 MBLGA1151

Tier 3: A Gamer’s “Average” Processors

AMD Ryzen™ 5 Series
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Ryzen 5 5600X3.70 GHz4.60 GHz6 / 1232 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 3600XT3.80 GHz4.50 GHz6 / 1232 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 3600X3.80 GHz4.40 GHz6 / 1232 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 36003.60 GHz4.20 GHz6 / 1232 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 2600X3.60 GHz4.20 GHz6 / 1216 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 26003.40 GHz3.90 GHz6 / 1216 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 3400G4.20 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 84 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 2400G3.60 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 44 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 1600X3.60 GHz4.00 GHz6 / 1216 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 16003.20 GHz3.60 GHz6 / 1216 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 Pro 16003.20 GHz3.60 GHz6 / 1216 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 1500X3.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 816 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 Pro 15003.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 816 MBAM4
Ryzen 5 14003.20 GHz3.40 GHz4 / 88 MBAM4
Intel® Core™ i7 and i5 Series Processors
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Intel Core i7 - 4960X3.60 GHz4.00 GHz6 / 1215MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-4930K3.40 GHz3.90 GHz6 / 1212 MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-4820K3.70 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 810 MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-4790K4.00 GHz4.40 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-4790T2.70 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-47903.60 GHz4.00 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-4785T2.20 GHz3.2 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-47713.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-4770R3.20 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 86 MB Smart CacheBGA1364
Intel Core i7-4770T2.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-4770S3.10 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-4770K3.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-47703.40 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-4765T2.00 GHz3.00 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i7-3970X3.50 GHz4.00 GHz6 / 1215 MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-3960X3.30 GHz3.90 GHz6 / 1215 MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-3930K3.20 GHz3.80 GHz6 / 1212 MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-38203.60 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 810 MB Smart CacheLGA2011
Intel Core i7-3770T2.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-3770S3.10 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-3770K3.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-37703.40 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-2700K3.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-2600S2.80 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-2600K3.40 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i7-26003.40 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 88MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i5-7640X4.00 GHz4.20 GHz4 / 46 MBLGA2066
Intel Core i5-7600K3.80 GHz4.20 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-76003.50 GHz4.10 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-7600T2.80 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-75003.40 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-7500T2.70 GHz3.30 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-74002.40 GHz3.00 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-7400T3.00 GHz3.50 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-6600K3.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-6600T2.70 GHz3.50 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-66003.30 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-6500T2.50 GHz3.10 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-65003.20 GHz3.60 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-6400T2.20 GHz2.80 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-64002.70 GHz3.30 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i5-46903.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4690K3.50 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4690S3.20 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4690T2.50 GHz3.50 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-46703.40 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4670R3.00 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 44 MB Smart CacheBGA1364
Intel Core i5-4670S3.10 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4670T2.30 GH3.30 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4670K3.40 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-45903.30 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4590S3.30 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4590T2.00 GHz3.00 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-45703.20 GHz3.60 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4570R2.70 GHz3.20 GHz4 / 44 MB Smart CacheBGA1364
Intel Core i5-4570S2.90 GHz3.60 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4570T2.90 GHz3.60 GHz2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-44603.20 GHz3.40 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4460T2.90 GHz3.40 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4460T1.90 GHz2.70 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i5-4440S2.80 GHz3.30 GHz4 / 46 MB Smart CacheLGA1150

Tier 4: Entry Level “Starter” Processors

AMD Ryzen™ 3 and FX™ Series
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Ryzen 3 31003.60 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 816MBAM4
Ryzen 3 3200G4.00 GHz3.60 GHz4 / 44 MBAM4
Ryzen 3 2200G3.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 4 4 MBAM4
Ryzen 3 1300X3.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 48 MBAM4
Ryzen 3 Pro 13003.50 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 48 MBAM4
Ryzen 3 Pro 12003.10 GHz3.40 GHz4 / 48 MBAM4
Ryzen 3 12003.10 GHz3.40 GHz4 / 48 MBAM4
AMD FX-95904.70 GHz5.00 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-93704.40 GHz4.70 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-8370E3.30 GHz4.30 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-83704.00 GHz4.30 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-83504.00 GHz4.20 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-8320E3.20 GHz4.00 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-83203.50 GHz4.00 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
AMD FX-83003.30 GHz4.20 GHz8 / 88 MBAM3+
Intel® Core™ i3 Series Processors
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Intel Core i3-103003.70 GHz4.40 GHz4 / 88 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i3-10100T3.00 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 88 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i3-101003.60 GHz4.30 GHz4 / 88 MBLGA1200
Intel Core i3-9300T3.20 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-93003.70 GHz4.30 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-9100T3.10 GHz3.70 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-91003.60 GHz4.20 GHz4 / 46 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-9350K4.00 GHz4.60 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-93203.70 GHz4.40 GHz4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-83003.70 GHz-4 / 48 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-8100T3.10 GHz-4 / 46 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-81003.60 GHz-4 / 46 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-7350K4.20 GHz-2 / 44 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-73204.10 GHz-2 / 44 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-73004.00 GHz-2 / 44 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-7300T3.50 GHz-2 / 44 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-7101E3.90 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-7101TE3.40 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-7100T3.40 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-71003.90 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-63003.80 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-6300T3.30 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-63203.90 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-61003.70 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-6100T3.20 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Core i3-6098P3.60 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1151
Intel Core i3-43703.80 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4370T3.30 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-43603.70 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4360T3.20 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-43503.60 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4350T3.10 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-43403.60 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-43303.50 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4330T3.00 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-41703.70 GHz2 / 43 MBLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4170T3.20 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1150
Intel Core i3-41603.60 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4160T3.10 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-41503.50 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4150T3.00 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-41303.40 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1150
Intel Core i3-4130T2.90 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1150

Tier 5: A Gamer’s “Budget” Processors

AMD FX™ and Phenom™ Series
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
AMD FX-63503.90 GHz4.20 GHz6 / 68 MBAM3+
AMD FX-63003.50 GHz3.80 GHz6 / 68 MBAM3+
AMD FX-62003.80 GHz4.10 GHz6 / 68 MBAM3+
AMD FX 61003.30 GHz3.90 GHz6 / 68 MBAM3+
AMD FX-43504.20 GHz4.30 GHz4 / 48 MBAM3+
AMD FX-43204.00 GHz4.10 GHz4 / 44 MBAM3+
AMD FX-43003.80 GHz4.00 GHz4 / 44 MBAM3+
AMD FX-41303.80 GHz3.90 GHz4 / 44 MBAM3+
AMD FX-41003.60 GHz3.80 GHz4 / 48 MBAM3+
AMD PHENOM II X6 1100T Black Edition3.30 GHz3.70 GHz6 / 66 MBAM3
AMD PHENOM II X61090T Black Edition3.20 GHz3.60 GHz6 / 66 MBAM3
AMD PHENOM II X6 1075T (not released)3.00 GHz3.50 GHz6 / 66 MBAM3
AMD PHENOM II X6 1065T2.90 GHz3.40 GHz6 / 66 MBAM3
AMD PHENOM II X6 1055T2.80 GHz3.30 GHz6 / 66 MBAM3
AMD PHENOM II X6 1045T2.70 GHz3.20 GHz6 / 66 MBAM3
AMD PHENOM II X4 980 Black Edition3.70 GHz-4 / 46 MBAM2 + / AM3
AMD PHENOM II X4 975 Black Edition3.60 GHz-4 / 46 MBAM2 + / AM3
AMD PHENOM II X4 970 Black Edition3.50 GHz-4 / 46 MBAM2 + / AM3
AMD PHENOM II X4 965 Black Edition3.40 GHz-4 / 46 MBAM2 + / AM3
AMD PHENOM II X4 955 Black Edition3.20 GHz-4 / 46 MBAM2 + / AM3
AMD PHENOM II X4 8503.30 GHz-4 / 4UnlockedAM2 + / AM3
Intel® Pentium® G, Intel® Core™ i7, i5, and i3 Series Processors
ModelBase clockOverclock SpeedCore/ThreadL3 cacheSocket Type
Intel Core i7-9703.20 GHz3.46 GHz6 / 1212MB Smart CacheLGA1366
Intel Core i7-9653.20 GHz3.60 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1366
Intel Core i7-9603.20 GHz3.46 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1366
Intel Core i7-9402.93 GHz3.20 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1366
Intel Core i7-9202.66 GHz2.93 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1366
Intel Core i7-9302.80 GHz3.06 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1366
Intel Core i7-8803.06 GHz3.73 GHz4 / 88 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i5-6803.60 GHz3.80 GHz2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i5-6703.46 GHz3.73 GHz2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i5-665K3.20 GHz3.46 GHz2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i5-6613.33 GHz3.60 GHz2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i5-6503.20 GHz3.60 GHz2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i3-32503.50 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-3250T3.00 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-32453.40 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-3240T2.90 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-32253.30 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-32203.30 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-3220T2.80 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-32103.20 GHz-2 / 43 MB Smart CacheLGA1155
Intel Core i3-5603.33 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i3-5503.20 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i3-5403.06 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Core i3-5302.93 GHz-2 / 44 MB Smart CacheLGA1156
Intel Pentium G G46203.70 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G4600T3.00 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G46003.60 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G4560T2.90 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G45603.50 GHz-2 / 43 MBLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G45203.60 GHz-2 / 23 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G4500T3.00 GHz-2 / 23 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G45003.50 GHz-2 / 23 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G4400T2.90 GHz-2 / 23 MB Smart CacheLGA1151
Intel Pentium G G44003.30 GHz-2 / 23 MB Smart CacheLGA1151

If you want to share this list on your site, check out our infographic!

Comparison of tiers

Want to know how these tiers are categorized? Well, here’s how it works.

Tier 1 – High-End “Power” Processors

Tier one in the CPU hierarchy features CPUs that are way ahead of the majority and are sometimes known as high-end desktop CPUs (HEDT). These are the best in terms of power draw, core count, speed, and threads. These CPUs are best suited to multi-tasking systems that run servers, video editing, and image rendering.

Obviously, gaming is no issue for processors like these, but they are built for so much more than just gaming. In terms of appearance, the top tier CPUs tend to be larger than your standard CPUs. For most gamers, a tier two CPU is more than plenty for your gaming needs with the higher end tier two CPUs being excellent multi-taskers too.

This wasn’t really a fair fight until AMD released the Ryzen (Threadripper) series. Seeing how it could easily crush Intel’s i7 processors, Intel has responded in a way that resulted to such great competition and birth of the i9 X series. AMD has recently replied with some of the best CPUs the market has seen in a while; the Ryzen 3000 chips are phenomenal value.

Tier 2 – Powerhouse “Gaming” Processors

The list of processors you could find here are perfect for gaming purposes. The capabilities, power, and output they have mean they can handle all of your AAA games. Furthermore, the power they hold makes it possible for you to have enough breathing room to do other tasks in the background at the same time.

Streamers and content creators will find these processors a perfect fit for their gaming needs without the need to spend as much as the top tier processors.

Tier 3 – A Gamer’s “Average” Processor

If your sole purpose is to get your hands on a processor for gaming, the tier three list of CPUs should be enough for your average gamer’s needs.

You can certainly rely on the power of a tier-three processer, especially for gaming. They may not be as powerful as the tier two list, but it should be more than enough as far as the number of cores, power, efficiency, and output is concerned.

Tier 4 – Entry Level “Starter” Processors

For anyone just starting in the world of PC building, the tier four list is perfect for entry-level folk. These CPUs are a significant upgrade from your budget processors and not too expensive either.

When a tier four CPU is paired with a mid-range GPU, you are almost certain to achieve medium to high settings with your games at a decent FPS.

Tier 5 – A Gamer’s “Budget” Processors

The tier five list is great for anyone on a tight budget that still wants an upgrade. These processors will still let you experience games, just at a much lower price.

When paired with the right graphics card, you will still be able to enjoy a decent FPS count. Beware though these may not hold as much power as the higher tiers, and if your GPU is too good, you could end up bottlenecked by the CPU.

What is the best processor?

The best processor on the market is generally overtaken when a new generation of CPUs arrive.

For gaming

There are several perfect CPUs for gaming on this list, and not just in the top tiers either! While the older i7-8700K and i5-8600K are still high performers in the gaming department, they have steep competition these days. Intel’s i9-9900k and 9700k are excellent gaming chips, only being beaten by the new and improved Ryzen CPUs like the 3900X.

Despite this, if you pair and old i5-8600K with a decent GPU like the GeForce 1080Ti, you are likely to achieve great gaming performance.

Most powerful CPU overall

When it comes to the best CPU as long as power is concerned, Intel’s Xeon W-3175X narrowly beats the AMD Threadripper 2990WX. Both processers are unrivaled for their workstation abilities but are most certainly overkill for gaming.

CPU’s multi-core performance

The results were based on CPU’s multi-core performance based on the benchmark results. Credits to Futuremark.com for the evaluation and results.

Final word

It is very important you choose the right CPU for your needs. Making the wrong choice can cost you an extra few hundred dollars that would be better spent in other areas of the build. Our detailed CPU hierarchy list has hopefully made this process for you aa lot simpler, allowing you to make the right investment.

You can also check out our GPU Hierarchy right here.


Jack is a Tech and News Writer who has a vast and proficient knowledge of CPUs, Motherboards, and Computer technology.

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