Best CPUs under $300 in 2026
The top-rated cpus you can buy for under $300, ranked by value for money. Specs, benchmarks, and our verdict for each.
Updated March 2026 · 11 products
Quick picks
- Core i3-12100F Processor — $109 · Score 40/100
- Ryzen 5 7500F Processor — $179 · Score 60/100
- Core i5-14400F Processor — $199 · Score 60/100
Intel Core i3-12100F Processor
Alder Lake · 4C/8T · LGA 1700
$109
Score 40/100
AMD Ryzen 5 7500F Processor
Zen 4 · 6C/12T · AM5
$179
Score 60/100
Intel Core i5-14400F Processor
Raptor Lake Refresh · 10C/16T · LGA 1700
$199
Score 60/100
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Processor
Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4
$129
Score 45/100
Intel Core i5-13400F Processor
Raptor Lake · 10C/16T · LGA 1700
$199
Score 58/100
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Processor
Zen 4 · 6C/12T · AM5
$229
Score 64/100
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Processor
Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4
$199
Score 55/100
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X Processor
Zen 5 · 6C/12T · AM5
$279
Score 70/100
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Processor
Zen 4 · 6C/12T · AM5
$299
Score 66/100
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X Processor
Zen 3 · 8C/16T · AM4
$299
Score 62/100
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor
Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4
$299
Score 58/100
FAQ
What is the best cpus under $300?
The best cpus under $300 is the Core i3-12100F Processor at $109, scoring 40/100 overall with Alder Lake · 4C/8T · LGA 1700.
Is it worth spending more than $300 on a cpus?
It depends on your needs. The best cpus under $300 already delivers solid gaming and productivity performance for most users. Spending more gets you higher frame rates and more VRAM or cores, which matters most for 4K gaming or professional workloads.
What can I expect from a $300 cpus in 2026?
In 2026, a cpus under $300 can handle smooth 1080p and solid 1440p performance in most titles. The sweet spot in this range is the Core i3-12100F Processor at $109.