The best Intel processor is a great way to set up a new gaming PC if you want to choose from among the best processors to buy. And while the debate between AMD and Intel is still raging, we've rounded up Intel's best processors, tested them, and created this list.
For years, Intel processors have been among the best for gaming due to their high IPC (clock-based) performance combined with high clock speeds. And even if it remains true, you will find Intel processors on more than one gaming platform.
Intel Basin Falls upgrade processors power the HEDT (high-end computer) space with high-performance processors (at a fraction of the cost), perfect for serious creative professionals. And even if you're on a budget, a processor like the Intel Pentium G4560 is perfect for creating a custom build.
So whatever type of processor you are looking for, Intel is for you. We also rounded up all the best Intel processors, as well as our exclusive price comparison tools, so you spend less time shopping and more time building.
Intel Core i7-9700K
Grains: 8 | Son: 8 | Basic clock: 3.6GHz | Boost Clock: 4.9GHz | L3 cache: 12 MB | TDP: 95W
Excellent performance
Clock boost high
No hyperthreading
Intel Core i7 processors have always been the ideal solution for those looking for the best Intel processors. Traditionally, they offer excellent performance without entering the high price of HEDT chips. The Intel Core i7-9700K continues in this tradition, but without the hyperlink that defined previous generations. Instead, the focus is on delivering high clock speeds - the 9700K boosts up to 4.9 GHz out of the box. This makes the Intel Core i7-9700K the best Intel processor for most users, because most of the daily tasks do not require more than eight tasks.
Read our practical test: Intel Core i7-9700K
Intel Core i5-9600K
Best Intel processor for gaming
Grains: 6 | Son: 6 | Basic clock: 3.7 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.6GHz | L3 cache: 9 MB | TDP: 95W
affordable
Great one-hearted performance
Only 6 cores
While many games take advantage of multi-threaded processors these days (looking at you, Battlefield V), PC gaming is essentially a single-threaded world. And that's why something like the Intel Core i5-9600K processor is a great gaming processor. The single-threaded performances are out of this world, which should make high-speed gaming possible. The best part? This Intel processor is affordable, so you can spend more money on one of the best graphics cards.
Intel Pentium G4560
The best Intel processor on a budget
Grains: 8 | Son: 16 | Basic clock: 3.7 GHz | Clock Boost: 4.3GHz | L3 cache: 16 MB | TDP: 105W
Cheap
Integrated graphics
Not very powerful
If you're building a home theater computer, there's no point looking for a powerful Intel Core processor - HD video playback doesn't require a lot of power. But that's where the Intel Pentium G4560 shines. For less than a hundred dollars, you can get decent returns which, while not the best for gaming or productivity, are more than enough for watching some movies. Also, the Intel Pentium G4560 has integrated graphics cards, so you don't need to pay for a new graphics card.
Intel Core i9-9900K
The best Intel processor for high performance
Grains: 8 | Son: 16 | Basic clock: 3.6GHz | Boost Clock: 5.0GHz | L3 cache: 16 MB | TDP: 95W
Outstanding performance
One thread yet
Very expensive
If you are looking for the best performance with a standard Intel Core processor, you will want to take a look at the Intel Core i9-9900K processor. This thing is packed with 8 cores, 16 threads and boosts up to 5.0 GHz right out of the box. Whether you're playing the best PC games or balancing 20 different worksheets, the Intel Core i9-9900K is the best Intel processor when you need raw power. You just need to know that all this raw power comes at a high price.
Read our full review: Intel Core i9-9900K
Intel Core i9-9980XE
The best Intel HEDT processor
Grains: 18 | Son: 36 | Basic clock: 3.0GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4GHz | L3 cache: 24.75 MB | TDP: 165W
Tons of power
Thermal control
Extremely expensive
If you look at this price and feel like your jaw drops, it's for a reason: the Intel Core i9-9980XE processor is an extremely expensive processor. However, for this price, it has 18 cores and 36 threads capable of powering virtually any creative or professional workload without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, the Intel Core i9-9980XE is one of those products where if you need to ask for the price, it's probably not for you. But if it is for you, it will be difficult to find a better Intel processor.
Read our full review: Intel Core i9-9980XE