Best value
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AMD
Ryzen 5 9600X
Six current-generation cores on a socket that will still take a new chip in a few years. For a 1080p or 1440p build with a midrange card, it is genuinely hard to justify spending more on the processor.
- Best for
- A first AM5 build you intend to upgrade rather than replace.
- Watch out
- Six cores is the floor for comfortable multitasking while gaming. If you stream, record, or keep forty tabs open, step up to eight.
Launch MSRP$279
Specs
| Cores and threads | 6 cores, 12 threads |
|---|---|
| Boost clock | Up to 5.4 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W |
| Socket | AM5 |
| Tier | Value - Solid 1080p at high refresh, 1440p if you are willing to move a slider. |
Reviews
4.5 / 5
Lake Effect Rigs editorial score
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