There are a bunch of components you need to consider when building your own desktop PC, but experts know that the CPU should be your first stop. Processors determine so much about how your computer works, but they can get expensive. We’ve got discounts on top chips to help you squeeze every penny out of your purchase. With RAM prices rising, we’d expect a ripple effect in other components soon, so pick one up while they’re available. Here are the best processor offers from Intel and AMD for December.
The Hottest CPU Deals for December
The Best Intel Processor Deals
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Intel Core Ultra 7 265F Desktop Processor
Specs: 5.3GHz CPU speed | 36MB cache | 20 cores
Let’s open up with a solid price drop on a very respectable Arrow Lake CPU that can get the job done for most productivity and content creation builds. In PCMag’s review of the Core Ultra 7 265F, the site said the processor “offers compelling multi-core muscle and fair pricing, earning its place as a go-to enthusiast CPU.” Testers noted solid reports from benchmarking tests and improved thermal performance versus Intel’s 13th and 14th-gen processors. A 17% discount makes it an even better buy.
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Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF Desktop Processor
Specs: 5.2GHz CPU speed | 26MB cache | 14 cores
Here’s a nice price cut on a midrange CPU that’ll anchor a desktop just fine. PCMag gave it a good review, noting that the processor delivered lower power consumption and operating temperatures than 14th Gen Core models, along with improved benchmarking. For a couple hundred bucks, this is a lot of value, and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on this particular chip since it launched.
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Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Desktop Processor
Specs: 3.7GHz CPU speed | 36MB cache | 24 cores
Need an absolute multi-core powerhouse that will dominate the most taxing applications and games? The Core Ultra 9 is the flagship model for Intel’s “Arrow Lake” series. PCMag gave it an “Excellent” rating in its review, saying that the CPU was “arguably the most revolutionary processor Intel has released in decades” and noting that it outperformed its predecessor in many areas while pulling less power. It also comes with surprisingly capable integrated Intel graphics. A 13% price cut makes it much more attainable.
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Intel Core i9-13900K Desktop Processor
Specs: 5.8GHz CPU speed | 36MB cache | 24 cores
It’s a few generations old, but the Core i9-13900K is still a very competent performer, especially when you factor in a 13% discount off the base price. In PCMag’s 2002 review, testers raved over its class-leading performance, noting that the CPU “is unquestionably the best processor you can buy” if peak performance is your goal. (The processor even earned an Editors’ Choice award.) With the split architecture consisting of high-performance CPU cores named P-Cores, and smaller, more energy-efficient cores known as E-Cores, it increases energy efficiency while maximizing output.
The Best AMD Processor Deals
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AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D Desktop Processor
Specs: 4.4GHz CPU speed | 144MB cache | 12 cores
Just released earlier this year, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the fastest 12-core CPU on the market, built with a dual-chiplet design incorporating 3D V-Cache technology tuned for the unique demands of gaming, while still delivering exceptional stability and performance in productivity and creative applications. With refined chipset drivers, it’s more efficient than ever, and full overclocking support lets you squeeze out as much juice as your PC cooler can handle. Snag an 8% discount at Amazon right now.
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AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Desktop Processor
Specs: 3.8GHz CPU speed | 32MB cache | 8 cores
PCMag said the Ryzen 7 9700X was “better than its 7000-series predecessor, mostly on power consumption and heat generation,” in its review, noting that while it didn’t represent a massive performance jump over the last generation, it was well-suited for compact PCs and desktops where cooling is an issue. The new Zen 5 architecture is advertised to bring 16% better PPC than Zen 4 and benchmarked well across the board. An 18% price cut is juicy.
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AMD Ryzen 5 9600X Processor
Specs: 3.9GHz CPU speed | 32MB cache | 6 cores
While this budget CPU isn’t a speed demon, it’s a capable choice for building a PC on the cheap. PCMag’s review praised the Ryzen 5 9600X for “good thermals for running on air cooling or inside a compact desktop,” noting the significant power draw improvements over the last generation, with the caveat that performance wasn’t boosted by a massive amount, in part due to the skimpy six-core loadout. It’s the most affordable AMD CPU this month, though.
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AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Processor
Specs: 4.2GHz CPU speed | 96MB cache | 8 cores
This was the fourth processor released with AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, which allows the unit to stack a chip containing only cache memory on top of another chip, massively increasing the amount of possible cache in a small footprint. The beefy 96MB this one ships with shows how well it works. PCMag’s review notes that the CPU benchmarked decently, but the added cache results in lower clock speed, which can be an issue for some.
CPU Buying Guide
Building a new computer? Here’s what to keep in mind when you shop for a processor.
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The big decision when you pick up a new CPU is whether you prefer AMD or Intel as the chipmaker. Both companies make high-quality hardware for a variety of needs. Intel CPUs are typically a little more expensive and prioritize multiple cores, while AMD processors push speed and are often better for gaming.
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The four main metrics you use to evaluate a processor are cores, threads, clock speeds, and cache. Cores are the discrete computing units that perform the functions of computing. The more you have, the more your PC can do. Threads are a measure of multitasking and how many different things it can do at once. Clock speed is the raw speed of the device and how quickly it can do the work. CPU cache stores the information the processor is working on in fast-access memory.
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Power consumption and cooling are the other factors that go into processor shopping. Different CPUs take different amounts of power and produce a range of heat outputs that require cooling systems to manage. The amount of space in your case is going to affect what kind of system you can accommodate.
Frequently Asked CPU Questions
Will CPU Prices Go Down in 2024?
According to PCMag, 2024 is the best year for building your own PC that we’ve seen in quite some time. CPU prices are hitting new lows, especially for models that have been out a year or two. While we wouldn’t expect them to drop much further, right now it’s a buyer’s market.
Which is better for gaming, AMD or Intel?
There’s no one answer to which company makes better CPUs for gaming PCs. Both offer high-end processors that can easily handle modern titles without skipping a beat. AMD in general produces more efficient chips that stay cooler, but Intel delivers better single-core performance at similar prices. AMD’s specialized X3D CPUs are some of the best on the market, prioritizing features that gamers value like caching.
Can I overclock an AMD or Intel processor?
Both manufacturers make CPUs that support overclocking, which is the method of boosting the CPU’s clock speed to deliver higher performance at the cost of increased heat output and power consumption. If you are going to overclock your processor, be sure that you have appropriate fans and cooling systems in place, or you risk doing permanent damage to your PC.