CPUs are central to PC builds, providing the brains (and horsepower) for a majority of computational tasks. The mainstream budget CPUs have you pick between Intel or AMD, which in turn affects your other PC parts to a certain degree.
While CPU prices have skyrocketed with time, there still are a handful of budget CPUs in 2024 that can be wholeheartedly recommended for gamers with tighter wallets. Keep in mind that most of these options will set you back a generation or two behind, and as such are not representative of bleeding-edge technologies.
Below is a list of 5 such recommended budget CPUs for 2024, listing their overall value, specifications, and reasons for selection.
5 best budget CPUs you should consider in 2024
1) AMD Ryzen 5600G
AMD’s ever-popular Ryzen 5600g remains a strong choice in 2024, despite its age and being limited to the PCIE 3 standard. It is a more than capable 6-core processor, easily able to handle most tasks such as gaming with relative ease. The 5600G also comes equipped with a modest integrated graphics solution that can handle pre-2022 titles with relative ease provided you keep your expectations in check – this is not an RDNA3 iGPU after all.
| AMD Ryzen 5600g | |
| TDP | 65 W |
| Architecture | AM4 |
| Cores/Threads | 6 cores/12 threads |
| Technology | 7nm, Zen 3 |
Pros
- Great budget option with built-in integrated graphics.
- The AM4 platform is still relevant and can be built for cheap.
Cons
- AM4 socket has been phased out by AM5.
- Lack of PCIE4 connectivity may be a problem.
2) Intel Core i5-12400F
The Core i5-12400F is a noteworthy addition to this list, representing the best of Intel. Possessing 6 physical cores and 12 threads, the 12400F possesses a much higher TDP limit of 117 W than the 5600G. The CPU also ships with DDR5 support out of the box and PCIE5 support – making it a great pick overall. Unfortunately, the F version of the CPU lacks any integrated graphics solution.
| Intel Core i5-12400F | |
| TDP | 65 – 117 W |
| Architecture | LGA1700 |
| Cores/Threads | 6 cores/12 threads |
| Technology | 10nm, Alder Lake-S |
Pros
- DDR5 and PCIE5 support out of the box.
- Excellent for gaming and day-to-day use.
Cons
- No integrated graphics solution and requires a discrete GPU.
- Locked multiplier and thus cannot be overclocked.
3) Intel Core i3-12100F
Despite being relegated to the i3 lineup of Intel processors, the 12100F is no slouch. Possessing 4 cores and 8 threads, this quad-core monster can rip through any modern game and spreadsheet with relative ease. Interestingly, it has a higher TDP limit of 89 W but comes with the necessary future-proofing solutions such as access to DDR5 memory and PCIE5. Much like the i5, this version of the i3 does not come with any integrated graphics either.
| Intel Core i3-12100F | |
| TDP | 58 – 89 W |
| Architecture | LGA1700 |
| Cores/Threads | 4 cores/8 threads |
| Technology | 10nm, Alder Lake-S |
Pros
- Cheap 4-core, 8-thread CPU that can take care of most tasks.
- PCIE5 and DDR5 support out of the box.
Cons
- No integrated graphics built into the processor.
- A quad-core CPU can be limiting in the long run.
4) AMD Ryzen 5600
Not to be confused with the Ryzen 5600G or 5600X, the 5600 refers to a separate breed of processors released by AMD way back in 2022. It is incredibly similar to the 5600X, and possesses 6 cores and 12 threads – making it of one of the best budget CPUs for gaming. Despite lacking any sort of integrated graphics, the Ryzen 5600 makes up for it over the 5600G with PCIE4 support and a larger L3 cache.
| AMD Ryzen 5600 | |
| TDP | 65 W |
| Architecture | AM4 |
| Cores/Threads | 6 cores/12 threads |
| Technology | 7nm, Zen 3 |
Pros
- Great mid-range CPU with an unlocked multiplier.
- Can be paired with a modern PCIE4 GPU for virtually no bottlenecks at non-4K resolutions.
Cons
- No integrated graphics, requires a discrete GPU.
- AM5 solutions such as the Ryzen 7600 are more suitable if found at comparable prices.
5) AMD Athlon 200GE
Representing AMD’s absolute budget lineup, the Athlon 200GE is quite the curious little CPU. This CPU possesses 2 physical cores and 4 threads, being built on the Zen architecture. While it can be comparatively worse in comparison to certain Intel Pentium processors, the Athlon 200GE costs a fraction and comes with a (albeit flimsy) stock cooler to boot. It even comes with integrated Vega graphics.
| AMD Athlon 200GE | |
| TDP | 35 W |
| Architecture | AM4 |
| Cores/Threads | 2 cores/4 threads |
| Technology | 14nm, Zen |
Pros
- Ultra-cheap, low-power CPU that should suffice for most office tasks.
- Built-in integrated graphics solution is plenty strong for day-to-day tasks.
Cons
- Loses out to proper Ryzen CPUs when on sale.
- The stock cooler is not recommended for most users.
Of the entries within this list, the best budget gaming CPU crown undoubtedly would go to the Ryzen 5600 thanks to its incredible performance at ideal prices. Users aiming for something a tad bit more modern can look into the i5-12400F from Intel, which is a pricey but worthwhile consideration. Ultimately, these CPUs will depend on your local prices and sales, so your choices will most certainly vary.
