Finding the best low cost CPU in 2024 can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available on platform like Amazon. Whether you’re building a budget gaming rig, looking to upgrade a workstation, or simply need a reliable processor for general computing, selecting the right CPU is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best low cost CPU options currently available on Amazon, ensuring that your search for affordable performance is fruitful.
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Cooler Master i70C LGA1700 ARGB Intel Low-Profile CPU Air Cooler, Anodized Black Aluminum Fins,... | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon | |
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ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 45mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler with 15mm... | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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HIGH POWER® LGA-1700-mITX, Low Profile 28mm in Height Intel Socket LGA1700 CPU Cooler with Quiet... | $19.75 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Thermalright AXP90-X47 White Low Profile CPU Cooler, with 92mm TL-9015W Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU... | $22.90 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Zalman CNPS-80G Ultra Quiet Low Profile CPU Air Cooler Fan, Intel LGA1700/1200/1151, AMD... | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler, 47mm Height, TL-9015B Slim PWM CPU Fan,... | $21.09 | Buy on Amazon | |
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be quiet! Pure Rock Slim 2 130W TDP CPU Cooler | Intel1700 1200 1150 1151 1155 | AMD4 AMD5 | Silver... | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Vetroo Shadow Low-Profile CPU Cooler, 90mm Addressable RGB & PWM Fan, Premium Aluminum Fins 95W TDP... | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler, 36mm Height, TL-9015 Slim PWM CPU Fan, Computer... | $21.90 | Buy on Amazon | |
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ID-COOLING IS-47-XT 47mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler for HTPCs, ITX,... | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
Why Choose a Low Cost CPU?
Low cost CPUs can provide an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for budget-conscious consumers. They cater to everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and even light gaming, making them perfect for students or those who do not require high-end computing power.
Buying Guide for the Best Low Cost CPU
When shopping for a CPU, here are some factors to consider:
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Compatibility: Ensure the CPU is compatible with your motherboard. Check the socket type and chipset specifications.
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Performance Requirements: Determine the tasks you’ll be using your CPU for. Light tasks require less horsepower than gaming or content creation.
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Core Count and Threads: More cores and threads can improve multitasking and performance in applications designed to utilize them.
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Clock Speed: Measured in GHz, higher clock speeds can improve performance, but it’s essential to balance this with other specifications.
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Integrated Graphics: A CPU with integrated graphics can save you from needing a separate GPU, which is beneficial for low-cost builds.
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Power Consumption: Lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) can lead to reduced electricity costs and more efficient cooling solutions.
- User Reviews: Explore user feedback to gauge reliability and real-world performance of the CPU.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 best low cost CPUs you can find on Amazon.
Top 10 Best Low Cost CPUs on Amazon
1. AMD Ryzen 3 3100
The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 is a fantastic budget-friendly CPU that offers great performance for entry-level gaming and daily tasks. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it provides a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of up to 3.9 GHz. The Ryzen 3 3100 supports PCIe 4.0, allowing future upgrades, and is compatible with a broad range of motherboards.
The CPU excels in multitasking and will handle light gaming with ease when paired with an appropriate graphics card. Additionally, it comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler which is quite efficient for its price point.
- Can deliver smooth 100 plus FPS performance in the world's most popular games, discrete graphics card required
- 4 Cores and 8 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.0 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 6 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform
2. Intel Core i3-10100
The Intel Core i3-10100 is another excellent choice for those on a budget. With its 4 cores and 8 threads, clock speeds reach up to 4.3 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. This CPU is ideal for general computing tasks, light gaming, and office work. Its integrated UHD Graphics 630 provides basic graphical capabilities without needing a dedicated GPU.
Furthermore, the i3-10100 offers good performance per watt, which is excellent for less demanding users. It also features Intel’s 10th generation architecture, ensuring better efficiency and improved performance compared to its predecessors.
- 4 Cores / 8 Threads
- Socket Type LGA 1200
- Up to 4.3 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
- Intel Optane Memory Support
3. AMD Athlon 3000G
For the budget-conscious consumer, the AMD Athlon 3000G is an outstanding option. This dual-core processor features 4 threads and can operate at a clock speed of 3.5 GHz. Despite its entry-level status, it comes with integrated Vega 3 graphics, making it adequate for basic gaming and media consumption.
Its low power consumption (with a TDP of just 35W) allows it to run cool and quiet, making it perfect for compact systems or HTPC builds. It’s a no-frills option that does what it needs to without breaking the bank.
- 2 cores and 4 processing threads for smooth and responsive computing
- Advanced AMD Radeon graphics built-in for 720p esports gaming out-of-the-box
- Cutting-edge ‘Zen’ processor architecture has the power you need to harness the power of graphics card upgrades for HD plus 1080p gaming
- The new Athlon 3000G is unlocked for overclocking
- 35W TDP, near-silent cooler included
4. Intel Pentium Gold G6400
The Intel Pentium Gold G6400 is a solid processor for everyday tasks. With a dual-core design and a base clock of 4.0 GHz, it is extremely efficient and capable of handling typical office applications and browsing.
This CPU utilizes Intel’s UHD Graphics 610 for basic visual tasks, meaning it can work for light gaming as well. Its affordable price point, combined with reasonable performance, makes it a popular choice among budget PC builders.
- 2 Cores / 4 Threads
- Socket Type LGA 1200
- Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
- Intel Optane Memory Support
5. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G is a notable mention because of its price-to-performance ratio. This quad-core CPU features 8 threads, with base and boost clock speeds of 3.7 GHz and 4.2 GHz, respectively. The 3400G also comes equipped with Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics, allowing for decent gaming capability without the need for a separate GPU.
Its performance is further enhanced by a significant cache size (4 MB of L2 cache and 8 MB of L3 cache), making it suitable for a range of tasks from gaming to productivity. Ideal for budget gaming rigs, it’s one of the best choices when looking for versatility and affordability.
- Includes Radeon RX Vega 11, the world's most powerful graphics on a desktop processor, no expensive graphics card required
- Can deliver smooth high definition performance in the world's most popular games
- 4 Cores and 8 processing threads, bundled with the powerful AMD Wraith Spire cooler
- 4. 2 GHz max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 6 MB Cache, DDR 2933 support
- For the advanced socket AM4 platform
6. Intel Core i5-10400
While the Intel Core i5-10400 is slightly higher on the budget spectrum, it offers incredible value for its performance. Featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 2.9 GHz and a boost speed of 4.3 GHz, it’s capable of handling more demanding applications and light gaming without a hitch.
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 provides basic graphical support, making this CPU suitable for builds where discrete graphics are not required. It remains energy-efficient, making it a smart long-term investment.
- 6 Cores / 12 Threads
- Socket type LGA 1200
- Up to 4. 3 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
- Intel Optane Memory support
7. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a powerhouse in the mid-range segment, with 6 cores and 12 threads and a base clock of 3.6 GHz. For users looking for performance surpassing entry-level CPUs, the Ryzen 5 3600 shines in both gaming and multitasking.
Its 7nm architecture helps improve performance and efficiency, making it one of the most popular CPUs on the market. Additionally, this processor is compatible with a wide range of motherboards, making upgrades easier. The 3600 is a solid choice for gamers and content creators looking for great performance without a high price tag.
- The world's most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment
- Can deliver ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- 6 cores and 12 processing threads bundled with the quiet AMD wraith stealth cooler max temps 95°C
- 4 2 GHz max Boost unlocked for overclocking 35 MB of game Cache DDR4 3200 support
- For the advanced socket AM4 platform can support PCIe 4 0 on x570 motherboards. OS Support-Windows 10 - 64-Bit Edition, RHEL x86 64-Bit, Ubuntu x86 64-Bit. Note-Operating System (OS) support will vary by manufacturer
8. Intel Core i3-9100F
This processor is excellent for budget gamers. The Intel Core i3-9100F, while an older model, still delivers incredible performance with its 4 cores and 4 threads. Its clock speed ranges from 3.6 GHz to 4.2 GHz, making it a reliable choice for low-cost gaming setups.
Though it lacks integrated graphics, pairing this CPU with an entry-level GPU can yield great results for gaming at this price range. Its efficiency and performance make it a perennial favorite for budget builds.
- 4 Cores /4 Threads
- Up to 4.2 GHz. Total Storage size=512 GB. Max TDP = 65 W.
- Discrete graphics required
- Compatible with Intel 300 Series chipset based motherboards
- Bios update may be required for motherboard compatibility
9. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
The AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is known for its fantastic price-to-performance ratio. This quad-core processor boasts 8 threads and clock speeds up to 4.3 GHz. Its performance is competitive with higher-end options, making it suitable for gamers who are budget-conscious but still want solid performance.
The 3300X is well-suited for tasks ranging from basic computing to gaming, and its efficiency ensures that it runs cool under pressure. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to build a capable system without spending a fortune.
- 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors are the world's most advanced in the desktop PC gaming segment
- Can deliver smooth 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games, discrete graphics card required
- 4 cores and 8 processing threads, bundled with the quiet AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.3 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 18 MB of GameCache, DDR-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards
10. Intel Celeron G4930
Finally, the Intel Celeron G4930 is the epitome of budget-friendly CPUs. Designed for basic tasks, this dual-core processor handles everyday computing with minimal fuss. Operating at a base clock of 3.2 GHz, it excels in low-demand applications and basic multimedia consumption.
This CPU is perfect for users seeking a low-cost option for general usage without the need for intensive processing. Its reliability and efficiency make it a great choice for users who prioritize simplicity and functionality.
- 2 Cores /2 Threads
- 3.2 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 300 Series chipset based motherboards
- Bios update may be required for motherboard compatibility
- Supports Intel Optane Memory
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best low cost CPU in 2024 doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you need it for general tasks, casual gaming, or content creation, the selection available on Amazon is diverse enough to meet your needs. The products reviewed above, from the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 to the Intel Celeron G4930, offer budget-friendly solutions without compromising on performance.
Choose wisely based on your needs and upgrade paths, and you’ll find that even a low-cost CPU can deliver an enjoyable computing experience. Happy building!
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.