Best Budget CPUs Under $200 (2024)
Building a budget PC doesn't mean compromising on performance. Today's sub-$200 CPUs offer incredible value, with many providing performance that rivals processors costing twice as much just a few years ago. Here's our comprehensive guide to the best budget CPUs in 2024.
Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 - $149
- Best for Gaming: Intel Core i5-12400F - $139
- Best Ultra-Budget: AMD Ryzen 5 4500 - $79
Top Budget CPUs Under $200
| CPU | Price | Cores/Threads | Base/Boost Clock | TDP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | $149 | 6/12 | 3.5/4.4 GHz | 65W | All-around performance |
| Intel Core i5-12400F | $139 | 6/12 | 2.5/4.4 GHz | 65W | Gaming focus |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | $99 | 6/12 | 3.6/4.2 GHz | 65W | Budget all-rounder |
| Intel Core i3-12100F | $89 | 4/8 | 3.3/4.3 GHz | 58W | Entry-level gaming |
| AMD Ryzen 5 4500 | $79 | 6/12 | 3.6/4.1 GHz | 65W | Ultra-budget builds |
1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600 - Best Overall
The Ryzen 5 5600 stands as our top pick for budget builders. This 6-core, 12-thread processor based on AMD's Zen 3 architecture delivers exceptional performance across gaming and productivity tasks. At its current price of around $149, it offers tremendous value.
Key Features:
- Zen 3 architecture with excellent IPC
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast NVMe drives
- Compatible with affordable B450/B550 motherboards
- Includes Wraith Stealth cooler
- 65W TDP for efficient operation
Performance Insight:
In gaming benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 5600 typically delivers 90-95% of the performance of the more expensive Ryzen 5 5600X, making it an excellent value proposition. It handles 1080p gaming with ease and performs admirably at 1440p when paired with a capable GPU.
2. Intel Core i5-12400F - Best for Gaming
Intel's Core i5-12400F brings 12th-gen Alder Lake performance to the budget segment. With 6 Performance cores and 12 threads, it excels in gaming scenarios and offers strong single-threaded performance for general computing tasks.
Key Features:
- Intel 7 process technology
- DDR4 and DDR5 support (motherboard dependent)
- Strong single-thread performance
- No integrated graphics (F variant)
- Compatible with affordable B660 motherboards
3. AMD Ryzen 5 5500 - Budget All-Rounder
The Ryzen 5 5500 offers many of the benefits of its 5600 sibling at a lower price point. While it lacks PCIe 4.0 support and has slightly lower clocks, it still provides excellent 6-core performance for under $100.
Budget CPU Buying Guide
Consider Your Use Case
Gaming Focus
Prioritize strong single-thread performance and high clock speeds. The i5-12400F and Ryzen 5 5600 excel here.
- High IPC (Instructions Per Clock)
- Good boost clocks
- 6 cores minimum for modern games
Productivity Focus
Look for higher core counts and multi-threading capabilities. AMD options typically offer better multi-core value.
- More cores and threads
- Good all-core boost
- Efficient architecture
Platform Considerations
| Platform | Budget Motherboard | Memory Support | Upgrade Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM4 (AMD) | B450/B550 | DDR4 only | Limited (platform end-of-life) |
| LGA1700 (Intel) | B660/H610 | DDR4 or DDR5 | 13th gen compatible |
Money-Saving Tips
Watch for Sales
CPU prices fluctuate regularly. Set price alerts and check during major sales events like Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school seasons.
Consider Last-Gen
Previous generation CPUs often see significant price drops when new models launch. The performance difference is usually minimal for budget builds.
Bundle Deals
Look for CPU + motherboard bundles at retailers like Micro Center. These can save $20-50 compared to buying separately.
Sample Budget Builds
$500 Gaming Build (AMD)
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5500 - $99
- Motherboard: MSI B450M PRO-B MAX - $69
- RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200 - $35
- GPU: RX 6600 - $229
- Storage: 500GB NVMe - $35
- PSU: 550W Bronze - $49
- Case: Budget mATX - $45
- Total: ~$561
$600 Productivity Build (Intel)
- CPU: Core i5-12400F - $139
- Motherboard: MSI B660M-A - $89
- RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200 - $70
- GPU: GTX 1650 - $149
- Storage: 1TB NVMe - $65
- PSU: 550W Bronze - $49
- Case: Cooler Master Q300L - $45
- Total: ~$606
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a CPU with integrated graphics?
If you're building without a dedicated GPU or want a backup display option, integrated graphics are valuable. AMD's "G" series and Intel's non-F variants include iGPUs, typically adding $20-40 to the price.
Is 4 cores enough in 2024?
For basic computing and older games, yes. However, modern games and applications increasingly benefit from 6+ cores. We recommend 6-core CPUs for better longevity.
Should I wait for next-gen CPUs?
If you need a PC now, buy now. There's always something new on the horizon. Current budget CPUs offer excellent performance, and waiting means missing out on using your system today.
Final Recommendations
The sub-$200 CPU market offers incredible value in 2024. Our top picks cater to different needs:
- • Ryzen 5 5600 for the best overall balance
- • Core i5-12400F for gaming-focused builds
- • Ryzen 5 4500 for ultra-tight budgets
Remember to factor in motherboard costs and compatibility when making your decision. Check our CPU comparison tool for the latest prices and availability.