The best processor 2021
May 8th, 2021
The best processor 2021: the most powerful processors for your machine
The best processors of 2021 will increase the performance of your computer even more efficiently. It's a good idea to get the latest processor if you were going to make your computer the most powerful gaming machine of the moment or edit a lot of 4K video for your work or play.
It doesn’t matter if you’re putting together just your own computer or whether you’re about to choose a pre-configured one , as the best processors are equally important in both. And you don’t always have to spend a lot of money on them. As Intel and AMD compete with each other, more and more options have come to market at bargain prices.
From Intel's convincing Comet Lake-S processors to AMD's Ryzen 5000 series, there are plenty of options. That is why we are here to help you choose the best of the best. However, you should consider your own needs for the computer, in which case the processor also has a role to play.
What is RAM?
What is RAM? Random-access memory (better known as RAM) is a core part of computers, games consoles, smartphones, servers and just about any piece of computerised tech.
This hardware acts as a kind of middle-man between your device’s CPU - or processor - and the data stored on its hard drive, so that when you access that data, run programs and so on, the RAM is there to serve it up to you.
But there’s a whole lot more to know about RAM, from the different generations of DDR to the question of how much you actually need. We cover all those RAM fundamentals here.
The best mirrorless cameras in a nutshell
1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
2. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
3. AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
4. AMD Ryzen 3 3100
5. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
6. Intel Core i5-10600K
7. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
8. AMD Athlon 300GE
9. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
1. Best processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
The best processor for high-end PC gaming. For a long time, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X brings a significant change to single-core gaming, making it a great upgrade. Not only is AMD’s latest release more powerful in almost every area, it is an extremely powerful processor for gaming and creative work. And it doesn't necessarily require a new motherboard.
- • Cores: 12
- • Threads: 24
- • Base clock frequency: 3.7 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.8 GHz
- • L3 cache: 64 MB
- • TDP: 105 W
2. The best high-end processor: the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
The best model in the Ryzen 3000 Series is an unbeatable configuration in terms of performance if you need working space for multitasking. Not only for heavy gaming, the Ryzen 9 3950 also performs without problems in work use. The processor is expensive, but as a mainstream processor it manages to compete with top quality processors on the same plot. So if you need significant performance, this is your option, although it’s worth remembering that it may require extra cooling.
- • Cores: 16
- • Threads: 32
- • Base clock frequency: 3.5 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.7 GHz
- • L3 cache: 64 MB
- • TDP: 105 W
3. Best Medium Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
The mid-priced AMD Ryzen 5 3600X has more threads than the Intel Core i5-9600K, making this quite a compelling performance for multitasking needs. In addition, it has excellent IPC (Instructions per clock) performance for its price, as well as a higher clock frequency than many models in the same Price Range. It also remains competitive with a single core.
- • Cores: 6
- • Threads: 12
- • Base clock frequency: 3.8 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.4 GHz
- • L3 cache: 32 MB
- • TDP: 95 W
4. Best low cost processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3100
Budget-conscious consumers will appreciate AMD’s latest start on low-end processors. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 is pleasantly cheap, but it's without a significant compromise on performance. In fact, the model offers the performance you would expect to see in an almost twice as expensive competitor without consuming terribly power. It’s a great choice for those looking for more affordable gaming who want to enhance their own 1080p experience.
- • Cores: 4
- • Threads: 8
- • Base clock frequency: 3.5 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 3.6 GHz
- • L3 cache: 16 MB
- • TDP: 65 W
5. Best processor for gaming: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Intel no longer has a monopoly on gaming processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X has 8 cores and 16 threads, as well as truly powerful single-core performance, elevating it to a new king in PC gaming. It also works to some extent in creative work. On top of all that, it has a much more attractive price than Intel’s similar models.
- • Cores: 8
- • Threads: 16
- • Base clock frequency: 3.8 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.7 GHz
- • L3 cache: 32 MB
- • TDP: 105 W
6. Best VR processor: Intel Core i5-10600K
Mid-priced hunters appreciate the fact that they don’t have to spend millions on Intel’s hyper-threading. The Intel Core i5-10600K offers it for just over € 300, and while it runs out of PCIe 4.0 and has high power consumption, it replaces these in other respects. In addition to hyper-threading, the i5-10600K has excellent performance in multi-core as well as improved single-core performance. In addition, it has excellent thermal control to keep heat low.
- • Cores: 6
- • Threads: 12
- • Base clock frequency: 3.5 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.7 GHz
- • L3 cache: 64 MB
- • TDP: 105 W
7. Best professional processor: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
AMD's Ryzen Threadripper 3960X was released alongside its sister's even more powerful Ryzen Threadripper 3970X, so it has as many cores to use. However, it differs with a completely new architecture that improves performance and adds PCIe 4.0 space, making it the best individual in the Threadripper series. The 3960X performs dramatically better on a single core than previous models, successfully reducing previous silly solutions that degrade performance. It’s still expensive and requires a TRX40 motherboard (as well as a powerful cooler), but if you can take advantage of its power, it’s worth it all.
- • Cores: 24
- • Threads: 48
- • Base clock frequency: 3.8 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.5 GHz
- • L3 cache: 128 MB
- • TDP: 280 W
8. Best cheap processor: AMD Athlon 300GE
If you need a processor for your media center or PC, the AMD Athlon 300GE is one of your best options right now for the price. It’s reliable and surprisingly fast as far as it can. It never maintains staggering performance, but for those looking for a budget model, it’s definitely a compelling option.
- • Cores: 2
- • Threads: 4
- • Base clock frequency: 3.4 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.0 GHz
- • L3 cache: 4 MB
- • TDP: 35 W
9. Best HTPC processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G offers a small but still significant advantage over its predecessor, making it a capable alternative for a home theater PC or budget-level gaming machine. In other words, it’s the best processor for casual gamers with enough sleek 720p and moderate 1080p gaming.
- • Cores: 4
- • Threads: 8
- • Base clock frequency: 3.7 GHz
- • Amplified clock frequency: 4.2 GHz
- • L3 cache: 4 MB
- • TDP: 65 W
All Products