Top 10 Budget Intel CPUs for Gamers in 2023

The world of PC gaming is experiencing a resurgence, with a growing fan base eager to dive into the latest blockbuster titles or get lost in the vast worlds of popular MOBA/FPS free-to-play games like CS:GO, Valorant, League of Legends, and Dota 2. From seasoned PC builders to first-time DIYers, the gaming community is diverse and enthusiastic. In this competitive landscape, Intel stands out as a leader in the CPU market, especially for gaming and productivity. With unparalleled single-core performance and great value for money, Intel's 12th and 13th-generation CPUs are a compelling choice for gamers and professionals alike.

When evaluating a CPU's performance for gaming, there are several important factors to consider. These include single core performance, which is sometimes measured by clock speeds, as well as instructions per cycle (IPC) count. Additionally, power efficiency and power draw during load, the number of cores and threads, and cache size (L2/L3) are all important considerations.

Here are some of our favorite picks when it comes to Intel CPUs for gaming on a budget in 2023:

Core i5 13500 Best Overall Budget Intel CPUThe Uncompromising Workhorse

The Intel Core i5-13500 Processor boasts 14 cores and 20 threads, making it a superior option to its entry-level counterpart, the Core i5-13400 Processor. It can handle multithreaded applications that its smaller siblings may struggle with, thanks to the addition of 4 more efficiency cores. With a boost clock speed of 4.8GHz (compared to 4.6GHz of the Core i5-13400), this processor offers a slight performance boost. It also comes with its own stock thermal solution (heatsink+fan) and shares the same core count as the more expensive Intel Core i5-13600K. However, it is a locked processor and cannot be overclocked like some of its higher-priced K-series alternatives. Available for $250 on Amazon and $260 on Newegg.

The Intel Core i5-13500 may not be as common as its more widely-used Core i5-13400 counterpart, but it's definitely a great choice for those seeking value. Essentially a 13600K without the ability to overclock and with a slightly lower boost clock (4.8GHz versus 5.1GHz), the 13500 compensates for these differences by including a free heatsink and fan as part of the package. Moreover, it's noticeably less expensive than the 13600K.

Thanks to its superior single-core performance, iGPU option, pre-packaged thermal solution, and affordable price point, the 13500 is more than capable of handling most modern games and should remain relevant to gamers for years to come. For PC gamers who are looking to upgrade or adopt a new platform this year, the Intel Core i5-13500 is an excellent recommendation that offers top-notch performance without breaking the bank.

Looking for a powerful yet affordable processor for your gaming needs? Look no further than the Intel Core i5 13600KF Processor. This unlocked processor boasts impressive in-game performance and value, easily outperforming the previous generation i7. Plus, with the integrated graphics removed from the non-F variant, this workhorse is ready to take on even the most complex gaming tasks. Choose the Intel Core i5 13600KF for the best budget overclocked Intel processor on the market.

The Core i5 13600KF is a highly sought-after processor among both system builders and PC enthusiasts due to its impressive 14-core, 20-thread configuration. It provides excellent value for those seeking top-notch single-core 13th generation performance, with the added benefit of a fully unlocked processor. Its 14 cores (including 6 performance and 8 efficiency cores) offer superior number-crunching capabilities when compared to AMD's 8-core options, although it does come with a notable efficiency cost.

The high core clocks of the Core i5 13600KF make it an exceptional performer for gaming, and it can even be pushed further in certain cases. However, this does result in higher temperatures compared to its competition. As with all unlocked Intel processors, the 13600KF does not come with a cooler, giving you the freedom to choose one at an additional cost.

Considering Intel's current pricing and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's impact on the higher-end I7 13700K, the Core i5 13600K is arguably Intel's best value unlocked processor in 2023. Its 6 P-cores are more than capable of handling the demands of modern gaming. If you're in search of an affordable yet powerful processor that can handle gaming with ease, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the way to go.

At a budget-friendly price of $100, the Intel Core i3-12100F stands out as the best option for those looking for a budget Intel CPU. This 12th generation processor is perfect for entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, Intel's current promotion offering free copies of Total War: WARHAMMER III with select higher-end processors, including the 13600KF, makes this deal even more enticing.

The Intel Core i3-12100F processor is a great option for those looking for an entry-level CPU that can handle modern games without any issues. With its 4 cores and 8 threads, it provides a good price-performance ratio. While it may not have the same boost clock speeds as higher-end CPUs from the 12th and 13th generations, it is still a solid choice for most gaming needs. Its single-core performance is also impressive compared to its competition. However, AMD's chips in this price range offer more cores and threads, making them a better choice for productivity tasks. You can purchase the i3-12100F for $107 on Amazon or $75.77 on Newegg.

The Intel Core i3 12100F lacks an iGPU and is a 4-core, 8-thread version of the Intel Core i3-12100 processor. Despite concerns about purchasing a 4-core processor in 2023, most PC games don't fully utilize multicore processors. The i3 12100F's strong single-core performance makes it an excellent option for gaming in this price range, particularly for FPS and MOBA titles. While AMD alternatives with 6 cores and 12 threads exist, the Core i3 competes with ease in single-core performance against AMD's 6-core 5600 processors. Although it may lose in multicore benchmarks, this is expected against processors with significantly more cores. All things considered, the Intel Core i5-12400F stands out as a top performer in gaming with a price tag under $100.

Looking for a powerful and affordable CPU for your gaming needs? Look no further than the Intel Core i5-12400F. Priced at $200, this 6-core, 12-thread processor offers excellent value for its performance. In fact, it outperforms many of AMD's offerings under $200, making it a top choice for budget-conscious gamers. Don't miss out on this fantastic deal and upgrade your gaming setup today.

The Intel Core i5-12400F is a standout option for those seeking a top-performing CPU under $200. With 4 efficiency cores included in this entry-level chip, it's a great choice for gamers who want to run current generation games without encountering significant CPU bottlenecks. The 12400F also boasts exceptional single-core performance compared to other processors in its price range. However, it's important to note that the lack of an IGPU and Intel's decision to charge a premium for the 13400F make the 12400F a last-generation compromise. Despite this, it comes with a stock cooler and doesn't require a dedicated cooler purchase, making it an excellent price-to-performance choice.

In our opinion, the 12400F is a superior choice due to the minimal performance gains that its successor offers, despite the latter costing approximately $60 more (a 38% increase). The 12400F is an exceptional performer that currently faces very few competitors in its price range, and can even compete with pricier options from Intel's 13th generation.

Intel Core i5-12600KF 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor is a budget-friendly option for those seeking an Intel CPU under $250. With its unlocked deca-core power, it offers impressive performance capabilities.

This 12th generation Intel CPU boasts 10 cores, with 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, allowing for a TDP of just 125 W. Its base clock speed is 3.7 GHz, but it can reach up to 4.9 GHz with its boost clock speed. The processor supports up to 128 GB of RAM and is unlocked, making it possible to achieve even higher clock speeds with proper tweaking. While it offers strong single-core performance and is compatible with both 12th and 13th generation motherboards, it lacks an integrated GPU and requires a separate cooler to be purchased. Some benchmarks show slightly lower performance than the 13500. It is available for purchase at $219 on Amazon and $221 on Newegg.

The Intel Core i5 12600KF is a formidable CPU that competes well against both AMD and Intel's pricier 13th generation alternatives. Despite being slightly cheaper than the i5 13500, considered the best overall CPU for gaming, the 12600KF consistently outperforms it in multiple gaming benchmarks thanks to its high clocks and overclocking potential. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for an Intel CPU that delivers in the gaming department.

However, to achieve this level of performance, the 12600KF requires dedicated cooling, which adds to the overall cost and brings it on par with, or even higher than, Intel's 13th gen offerings. While it has four fewer efficiency cores, this doesn't significantly impact gaming performance, whereas the higher clocks and potential boost clocks of the 12600KF provide a significant advantage.

To save costs, the 12600KF CPU does not come with an iGPU, so it is necessary to pair it with a discrete GPU in order to get display. Despite this, it is considered one of the most value-centric 12th gen Intel CPUs available currently. Additionally, Intel is currently offering free copies of Total War: WARHAMMER III at select retailers for higher-end 12th and 13th gen core processors, including the 12600KF, making it an even more appealing option.

The Intel Core i7-13700K is an excellent choice for those on a budget looking for a top-tier CPU. With a price tag under $500, it offers exceptional value for money and can even outperform many of the non-X3D AMD processors with the right cooling and overclocking. Additionally, if you have a 600 series motherboard from your previous CPU, you can easily update the bios to make this processor compatible. With 16 cores, 8 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 24 processing threads, this CPU packs a powerful punch. It also comes with an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 and a maximum clock speed of 5.2 GHz.

The Core i7-13700K from Intel is a powerhouse that sets the standard for competitive offerings below $500. With 16 cores, including 8 performance and 8 efficiency cores, this CPU packs a punch. Its gaming performance is only surpassed by the more expensive Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD's latest X3D lineup. Additionally, it excels as a workbench or productivity processor, effortlessly handling complex computations.

Given its propensity for generating heat, the Intel Core i7-13700K does not come equipped with a stock cooler. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to pair the processor with an AIO cooler that is at least 240MM in size. With its unlocked capabilities, cooling the chip well can further enhance its performance. While air-based cooling options are limited, utilizing an AIO is a viable solution to maximize the potential of Intel's top pick for CPUs under $500. Additionally, at the time of writing, Intel is offering free copies of Total War: WARHAMMER III at select retailers, including Newegg, for its higher-end 12th and 13th generation core processors, such as the 13700K, making this an even more attractive deal.

Choosing the Right Intel Processor

Intel offers a variety of processors, many of which have overlapping features. Our focus has been on identifying units that offer the best price and performance ratios, while still maintaining strong gaming performance. As a result, our CPU choices are heavily influenced by single-core performance and geared towards PC gaming. However, if you are willing to spend more for the fastest CPU available, there are two top contenders currently on the market that are worth comparing.

AMD has been making significant price cuts on its 7000 series processors, while Intel's budget segment has only seen a major price cut on the Core i7 13700K. The high-end gaming segment has also been shaken up with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D taking the top performance crown. It remains to be seen how these developments will continue to affect prices until Intel's 14th generation processors are released.

A: Intel's locked CPUs are capable of handling normal load, but they are limited by their bundled cooling solution, which is an entry-level cooler provided by Intel. On the other hand, unlocked CPUs tend to push the thermal limits and require a more efficient cooling solution to match their requirements. Ultimately, the choice between these two processors comes down to paying for higher performance.

Q: Should I get an unlocked or locked Intel CPU?

In the past, overclocking was a complicated process, but now it has become much simpler with mainstream CPU manufacturers such as Intel and AMD. The latest CPUs are much smarter and can automatically "boost" (Intel) or go into "overdrive" (AMD) to squeeze out additional performance without requiring manual intervention from the user. Although there are overclocking builds for enthusiasts, they are usually built by experts or enthusiasts who are trying to push the limits of the existing CPUs.

FAQ

Q: Should I learn how to overclock a CPU?

Unlocked CPUs are designed to operate beyond the thermal limits of the entry-level cooler included with locked CPUs, which can result in higher performance but also requires better cooling. Ultimately, the decision to opt for an unlocked CPU comes down to whether the user is willing to pay for the extra performance gains.

Q: Should I get an unlocked or locked Intel CPU?

Modern CPUs from mainstream manufacturers such as Intel and AMD have simplified the once complex process of overclocking. Through advancements in technology, CPUs now have the ability to boost performance without requiring manual intervention from the user. While there are still enthusiast builds for overclocking, these are typically constructed by experts or enthusiasts looking to push the limits of existing CPUs.