Last Updated on February 25, 2021 by

There is a known fact in the computer world that 100% life of any system is powered by a processor which is arguably the brain of a system. A powerful and fast processor speeds up your system’s performance and leaves lasting satisfaction as you operate on your system.

However, the search for the best processor to fire up your system’s performance can be a real struggle.

Don’t fret!

We have put together a comprehensive list and features of the best processors that can adequately handle all your workloads, effectively store massive data, and keep your system steadily active.

It doesn’t matter the depth of your budget or the plight of your computing workload, this post will address all your computing needs, even if you are looking to build or upgrade your system or you are using your system for intensive gaming or to surf the web and stream videos, whichever you are right on track.

We thoroughly picked the current generation processors from Intel and AMD; buying the best processors built by these two major CPU manufacturers is never a wrong decision. This post will also focus on the factors that will help you choose your ideal processor.

Best Processor Buying Guide

That super experience from your system can only come as long as you buy the best processor. Therefore, it is needful to be aware of the features that the best processor you are searching for has to offer.

There are six high-priority factors to keep in mind before purchasing the best processor.

1. Number of Cores

The more the cores, the better at multitasking. Cores are the individual processors within the processor.

With the days of single-core processors far behind, the number of cores needed is a core aspect to consider in your quest for a new processor.

Nowadays, multi-core processors are designed with two to sixty-four cores but the lion’s share of the processors encompass four to eight cores. These cores efficiently accelerate the task of the processor unlike the days one core was in control of every data wired to the processor.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to trace the demands of your system with the cores at hand, since a processor can only do the job as sufficient as the existent software serving it.

If your computing needs are multifarious and time-consuming such as programming and graphic design, it is commendable to figure out the number of cores desired by your operating software. On the occasion, you are running software that can work with eight cores, subscribe to buying an eight-core processor.

2. Threading

A thread is a series of instructions that control the system’s activities. Extra threads mean better multi-tasking and upgrade in performance. As a reminder, cores dictate the quantity of data the processor can hold while threads dictate the exact amount of data the processor can process at any time.

Generally, the cores and threads of a processor are indexed side by side, for instance, you will see four cores and eight threads or six cores and twelve threads. When shopping for your new processor, have a mindset of getting the best out of the processor, and endeavor to study the threading capability of the processor.

These days, processor manufacturers highlight multi-threading or hyper-threading which allows the cores of the processor to work on more than one application at a time. Intel terms it ‘Hyper-Threading’ and AMD terms it ‘Simultaneous Multi-threading’.

3. Clock Speed

The clock speed of the best processor is another major consideration. Clock speed shows the pile of tasks a processor can operate each second. It is a good indicator of the speediness of a processor’s performance measured in gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed simply translates to quicker performance. 

For a casual user with less intensive computing needs, the speeds of 1GHz or higher will be passable. The story is different if you are looking to achieve numerous tasks with your new processor such as gaming, clock speed is paramount. 

Most modern processors set the clock speeds up or down based on the task and the temperature, so you get to see a base (minimum) clock speed and a turbo/boost (maximum) speed indexed.

4. Socket Compatibility

This is a critical concern in buying the best processor. The socket compatibility fuses the interconnection between a motherboard and its processor.

Bear in mind that different processors connect different socket types and incompatibility can break off a build before it gets underway.

Accordingly, if you are yearning to build a system around the best processor, put socket compatibility at the forefront. If a motherboard has been procured, it is reasonable to buy a super-excellent processor that is compatible with the socket of your current motherboard.

You won’t want to travel through the tunnels of incompatibility in the course of building or upgrading your system, it is exhausting!

5. Thermal Design Power (TDP)

Every processor gives off heat. The thermal design power or profile describes the maximum amount of heat that a processor emits at stock speeds, measured in watts (W). A higher TDP usually tallies with a faster performance which will affect the type of cooling device that will be needed.

As a professional user with dreadfully intensive computing needs, the processor is likely to generate high heat. It is dutiful to know the TDP of your processor to get the correct cooling device that will competently handle the level of heat being generated.

This action will prevent overheating from wrecking the components of your system, particularly the new processor you cashed out thousands to purchase.

6. Memory

A processor with a massive cache is a playmate to a racing system. In other words, the bulkier the brisker.

The magnitude of memory the best processor supports should also be a determinant to acquire your new processor. The large cache of the processor means enough space to store files and how speedy the files will be recovered.  

Two things will oversee how much RAM can be supported; the motherboard and the type of operating system.

Hence, ensure all of your components are compatible and don’t pair a strong processor with weak storage before taking that jump to own the best processor.

Best Processors Compilation Chart

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Base clock: 3.8 GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Total Cache: 70MB | TDP: 105W

Behold AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, the absolute best processor that delivers ace performance at a moderate price mark, the king of all mainstream processors.

Whether you’re looking to play games or edit videos on your camcorder or laptop, the best third-generation processor stages itself superior to any task.

Notably, as a gamer, this most powerful gaming processor which is built with a massive 70MB GameCache memory-on chip and has fast running cores to upswing the gaming performance of your system will leave you flashing your teeth and patting your back for money well-spent.

The addition of PCI Express 4.0 which brings to the table times two the graphics and storage bandwidth is an amazing advantage to buy this best processor.

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | TDP: 65W | Base Clock: 3.6 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | Socket: AM4

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is the best processor for power users, content creators, and gamers.

This brilliant processor breezes in with a TDP of 65 watts capable of supplying raw performance at a reduced power consumption to accomplish complex computer tasks.

If you are on a fixed budget and want to build a computer that can handle the heavily threaded demand of video editing or you are drowning in a sea of Excel Spreadsheet compilation or you just probably love the thought of having more threads at your beck and call, this best processor with an improved architecture and 36MB of Game Cache is a sure bet for an all-round performance.

With AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, you are certain to get the best processor with an outstanding performance at a fair rate, an unbelievable bundle of value indeed.

Intel Core i7-8086K

Cores: 8 | Threads: 12 | Base clock: 4.0GHz | Boost clock: 5.0 GHz | L3 cache: 12MB | TDP: 95W

The heartbeats of overclockers and computer builders will speed up by this special edition 8th generation core i7 processor, featuring 6 cores and 12 processing threads styled to support Intel’s Hyper-Threading which guarantees 5GHz overclock on all cores and built upon the third-generation 14nm Coffee Lake architecture with 12MB of Intel Smart Cache, a dual-channel memory controller to handle whatever workload you toss at it.

The readiness of this best processor to overclock to maximal levels coupled with the fact that as a limited edition the processor won’t be available forever multiplies its value and if you operate tons of single-core work daily like audio editing, this processor is worth every penny to purchase.

Intel Core i9-9820X X-Series

Thread: 20 | Cores: 10 | Boost clock: 4.1GHz | L3 Cache: 16.5 MB | Socket: LGA 2066 | TDP: 165W

The flight to take your multitasking and gaming performance to the next level is ready to take-off and the ticket is to own this Intel Core X-series packed to the brim with 10 cores, 20 threads as well as supports 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes and features a 3.3Ghz base frequency, 4.1 turbo frequency, and 4.20 GHz maximum turbo frequency with Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology.

This super processor is firmly built to charge up your creativity as it handles your most demanding workloads. There are no dead ends to what you can achieve with the excellent cores in this best processor which run a jillion of processes simultaneously, you only have to get on board and purchase this ideal processor.

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | TDP: 105W | Base clock:  3.5 GHz | Boost clock: 4.7 GHz | Total Cache: 72MB |Socket: AM4

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X falls in on the market as an ultimate threaded performance processor, tugging a whopping 16 cores and an upper-class 32 threads packed into a unit that can still fit on the standard AM4 socket and only knocks a TDP of 105watts, a little sprinkle to the features of the fascinating R9 3900X.

This powerful processor built on AMD’s 7nm Zen 2 Architecture ranks as the best high-end desktop processor for heavily threaded computer tasks, screaming out loud that cores indeed help if you want to cover a great deal of work while keeping bargain price within budget.

As a fan of multitasking and a content creator, you won’t come across another best high-performance processor on the market at the moment that nears this best processor in value and raw performance.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Cores: 32 | Threads: 64 | Total Cache: 256GB | TDP: 280W |Base Clock: 3.7GHz | Boost Clock: 4.5 GHz | Socket: TRX40

This best processor doesn’t need a megaphone to sing out its glaring capabilities as each one of its specifications speaks for itself; the best of the best processor in the high-end desktop world.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X makes the scene with 32 cores and 64 threads, ripping every task thrown at in a little amount of time like a lightning bolt and running at a 3.7GHz base clock and a 4.5 GHz boost clock.

This processor is best for thread hungry content creators, professionals, and extreme enthusiasts, seeing as it erupts with a performance so far above the borderline with an exceptional design that allows for a lot more power in a much smaller space and helps to reduce thermal output while keeping the TDP lower.

Don’t hold back money to own this insanely built processor that will steal your breath away as a massive multi-taskers who relies on programs that require as many mighty cores as systematically possible.

AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.0GHz | L3 Cache: 16MB | TDP: 95W

AMD Ryzen 7 1800X, is no doubt basking in true intelligence with AMD SenseMI Technology, ready to load up your system with a full life.

This true machine intelligence processor, built upon AMD Zen Core Architecture breaks the market with more cores than ever, advanced energy power, and higher clock speeds to accelerate optimum performance.

The processor intensifies action with 8 cores and 16 threads on the new attractive socket AM4 platform where the processor provides stable streaming and gaming performance for content creators and gamers.

If you are an addict when it answers to a processor’s ultimate performance and value, this is your call to buy the ideal processor.

Intel Core i9-9900K

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Boost clock: 5.0 GHz | Base clock: 3.6GHz | L3 cache: 16MB | TDP: 95W

The bigger the number of cores, the better the performance. This is the scheme of Intel’s first-ever mainstream processor.

This octa-core processor hits the market with everything in extreme such as extra cores, higher frequencies that pushes ahead of the frequency curve, and performance-boosting Solder TIM which helps maximize efficient heat transfer from the processor to the cooler, allowing overclockers to push their system further and gamers to experience lower temperatures under load.

The upgraded features of this best high-end processor are designed to satisfy enthusiasts and blow the minds of system builders while meeting up with the expectations in the mainstream space with eight Hyper-Threaded frequencies and the ability to boost up to a maximum 5.0GHz clock speed.

If you are a content creator in dire need to compress more frames per second into your system or you probably require speed and money is no issue, this mind-altering performance processor is the best to buy.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

Cores: 24 | Thread: 48 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost speed: 4.5GHz | Total Cache: 140MB | Socket: TRX4 | TDP 280W

Remarkable is not a befitting adjective to label the world’s most powerful 24-core desktop processor, capable of actualizing your creative vision with the leading-edge PCIe 4.0 connectivity which delivers more bandwidth for creators than was ever possible.

Buckled to the new AMD TRX40 desktop platform, AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X dishes out state-of-the-art efficiency and expandability, while encompassing your entire computing needs from rendering to streaming, compiling, encoding and gaming, and most baffling is that every intense task can be carried out at the same time.

If you are looking to hop onto an ultimate platform for a mind-blowing computer build or you are looking to upgrade your system to a high-end performance level or you are just a passionate multi-tasker, take advantage of all the 24 cores and 48 threads in this upper hand processor that is armed with a matchless multitasking power which perfectly has your computing needs covered.

Intel Core i7-980X

TDP: 130W | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB | Base clock: 3.33GHz | Boost clock: 3.60 GHz | Socket: LGA 1366

Looking to go extreme with your system?

The extreme edition processor from Intel loaded with six cores of fury is at your service. The fastest processor on the market understands that taking your computing needs to the extreme is never too much to ask.

There is no drawback in performance with its 6 cores and 12 processing threads that are individually designed with higher clocks, speedily executing your workloads.

The Core i7 980X is also engineered to pull off today’s and tomorrow’s multiplex games. As a gamer, you will experience ripple less and more realistic gameplay running at 3.33GHz to boost performance in gaming and multitasking.

For performance enthusiasts, this best processor can speed up to the farthest point with an unlocked overclocking feature so you are at liberty to go extreme when you purchase your new processor.

Conclusion

It is laudable to learn that you have carefully read through this detailed post on the best processors to rev up the performance of your system and as you already know a system without a superior processor is nothing short of useless.

The best processors we brought to your fingertips are modern processors the two major manufacturers in the world have stacked up on the processor market. With the burden to choose the best processor now lifted off your shoulder, it is apt to dive in and purchase the right processor that suits your computing needs.