TOP 10 popular processors for PCs (summer 2025)

The central processor remains one of the key elements that determines the overall capabilities of the platform. Usually, it is with the choice of CPU that planning the assembly of the future PC begins. What chips do users in Ukraine choose more often? We have analyzed the current popularity ratings on price aggregators and large online platforms, so we are ready to share what the "hot ten" desktop processors look like in the summer of 2025.

1. AMD Ryzen 5 7500F

In the vast majority of sources used to assess the current situation, it was the Ryzen 5 7500F that led the CPU popularity ratings. And this position is generally not surprising. This 6-core model was introduced almost two years ago and for a long time was offered as the most affordable solution for the Socket AM5 platform. The functional configuration 6/12 with a frequency formula of 3.7/5.0 GHz and 32 MB of L3 cache provide a good level of performance. At the same time, the processor supports the PCI-E 5.0 bus and has solder under the heatsink, which simplifies CPU cooling.

Technically, it is a very balanced option in its category, which is willingly chosen for building entry-level and even mid-level gaming PCs. Of course, the chip's popularity is enhanced by its relatively low price. At the moment, the equivalent of $150 looks like a reasonable price, given the capabilities of the Ryzen 5 7500F. But it should be recalled that the processor is only available in a tray version without a standard cooler, which will need to be purchased separately.

2. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8/16; 4.7/5.2 GHz; 96 MB L3) confidently competed for the first place in the rating with the much more affordable Ryzen 5 7500F. What earned it such user attention? There is no intrigue here either - it is simply the most powerful gaming processor in the world. The updated 8-core model with Zen 5 architecture and additional third-level cache has once again raised the gaming bar. The chip uses the second-generation 3D V-Cache, which involves placing a layer with additional L3 under the crystal with computing cores. This allowed developers to significantly increase operating frequencies, as well as use a much more aggressive formula when loading all blocks. Moreover, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D even supports additional overclocking, which its predecessors with 3D V-Cache could not offer.

With the advent of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, against the backdrop of the initial hype, an acute shortage of this model was formed. Therefore, the actual cost of the chips increased significantly, almost twice as much as the recommended indicators. Over time, supplies stabilized, and with them retail price tags. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is definitely not a cheap model (~$550), but judging by the high demand, many users are ready to pay full price for universal chips with champion gaming performance.

3. AMD Ryzen 7 7700

The third step behind the Ryzen 7 7700 chip (8/16; 3.8/5.3 GHz; 32 MB L3). This is obviously the choice of rational users who are not chasing maximum fps or the number of "parrots" in test utilities. The CPU offers an excellent price/performance ratio, and the 8 available computing cores guarantee a certain margin in both games and work tasks.

A drop in retail price can improve the appeal of almost any chip. When it comes to a model like the Ryzen 7 7700, an additional discount is a clear signal to those who need a CPU of a similar level, but hesitated with the choice when looking at the considerable starting price tag. It is not surprising that the most affordable tray-variant with an estimated price tag of ~$230 in equivalent is in high demand. A fair price for an eight-core chip based on Zen 4 for Socket AM5.

4. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Another gaming model is in the top five. At one time, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8/16; 4.2/5.0 GHz; 96 MB L3) was a revelation on AM5, encouraging the most demanding gamers to switch to the new AMD platform. The use of additional level 3 cache proved its effectiveness in the first iteration of chips with 3D V-Cache, but in combination with Zen 4 and DDR5 memory, a similar concept revealed its potential.

With the advent of the newer Ryzen 7 9800X3D model, the predecessor has somewhat faded into the shadows, but the significant difference in cost, especially at the initial stage, maintained interest in the previous generation CPU. Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still an excellent choice for a gaming system. Due to the relatively low operating frequencies when loading all computing units, this is probably not the best option for work computing tasks, but for mainly entertainment systems this CPU deserves special attention. Especially considering the current price tag of ~$400. The inability to further overclock is not the strongest point of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, however, excellent efficiency compensates for such "flaws".

5. AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

The Ryzen 7 5700X (8/16; 3.4/4.6 GHz; 32 MB L3) managed to make it to the first half of the current list. This is the "starting point" for users who are building a relatively powerful system on the Socket AM4 platform. Indeed, the price tag of ~$115 for an honest 8-core processor is so tempting that you want to buy such a CPU, even if you did not plan to upgrade the system at all. Indeed, AMD is trying to maintain interest in its previous platform by continuing support and the overall relevance of AM4.

This is simply a great option for an inexpensive system upgrade that will radically improve the capabilities of your PC. For example, replacing a Ryzen 5 1600 with a Ryzen 7 5700X will at least double the computing power in work tasks, and at least one and a half times improve gaming performance if the CPU was the platform limiter.

6. AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D

Ryzen 7 5700X3D (8/16; 3.0/4.1 GHz; 96 MB L3) is the "last argument" for Socket AM4 owners. The most productive gaming chip on the previous generation AMD platform. The older model - Ryzen 7 5800X3D - was the first experiment of developers to integrate an additional layer of L3 cache memory with a capacity of 64 MB. The experience of using 3D V-Cache turned out to be so successful that it later allowed AMD to reserve the status of the manufacturer of the most powerful gaming CPUs. With the advent of a more affordable version of the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, the emphasis has shifted to this chip.

With a current price tag of ~$270, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D is definitely not a budget solution, but rather one of the most expensive processors for Socket AM4. At the same time, it is a real opportunity to get Ryzen 7000/9000-level gaming performance without replacing the entire platform. Building a new PC with such a processor is a dubious decision. However, if you want to "breathe new life" into an existing system, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D offers such an opportunity. Judging by the chip's position in the popularity rating, many gamers are taking advantage of this opportunity. The only inconvenience is a certain increase in the cost of the CPU, a few months ago this model could be purchased for the equivalent of $230–240.

7. Intel Core i5-14400F

Finally, the first representative from Intel. The Core i5-14400F model (6/12+4; 2.5/4.7 GHz + 1.8/3.5 GHz) needs no introduction. The processor with the functional formula 6/12+4 has six productive cores with Hyper-Threading support and four energy-efficient processors, which significantly increase CPU performance in multi-threaded tasks. Although the model was introduced in early 2024 and nominally belongs to the 14th generation Core line, architecturally it is close to the Alder Lake-S chips, which first appeared at the end of 2021. However, this circumstance does not in the least diminish its merits and capabilities.

The Core i5-14400F is another prime example of how a significant price drop helps bring a model back to life. The ~$130 price tag is much more appropriate for this model than the $200+ price tag a few months ago. It seems to be the most affordable 10-core processor. This fact has not gone unnoticed by users building a new affordable LGA1700 system or those looking to upgrade with minimal expense. As a result, we have seen a surge in demand and a place in the current TOP 10.

8. AMD Ryzen 5 8400F

The list of popular processors also includes a place for the Ryzen 5 8400F (6/12; 4.2/4.7 GHz; 16 MB L3). The most affordable chip for Socket AM5. The retail price of the model in the tray version has already dropped below $100, which is a considerable achievement when it comes to the current AMD platform. The six-core chip belongs to the Phoenix family of single-chip processors, but in a modification without integrated graphics.

The processor is equipped with 16 MB of L3 cache and offers support only for PCI-E 4.0, but has received an improved memory controller, which allows it to be on par with the entry-level Ryzen 7000 chiplet models (32 MB L3; PCI-E 5.0) in most cases. Given the combination of features/price, the Ryzen 5 8400F can be considered an option for basic gaming systems on AM5.

9. AMD Ryzen 5 5500/5600

The top ten invariably includes the 6-core Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5600 chips for Socket AM4. Despite the similarity of the names, these models belong to different families. The younger one represents the Cezanne processor series, has 16 MB L3 and supports only PCI-E 3.0. (The situation with PCI-E x8 video cards immediately comes to mind). This CPU is obviously attractive for its price. Indeed, a 6-core processor for only $60 looks like an offer that is hard to refuse. In conditions of a severely limited budget, this is definitely not the worst option.

However, if you can add ~$30, the prospect of getting the Ryzen 5 5600 looks much more interesting. This is a typical representative of the Vermeer line with 32 MB L3 and PCI-E 4.0 support. Higher performance, the ability to fully use PCI-E 4.0 x4 drives and not lose fps with PCI-E x8 video cards. Of course, the Ryzen 5 5600 is better, but in this case the additional $30 is 50% of the initial price. So it is not surprising that both the Ryzen 5 5500 and the older, but more expensive modification find their buyers.

10. Intel Core i5-14600KF

The processor TOP 10 is closed by another representative of Intel chips – Core i5-14600KF (6/12+8; 3.5/5.3 GHz + 2.6/4.0 GHz; 24 MB L3). The model has always had increased user attention, over time only the focus group has changed. Initially, it attracted quite demanding users who are used to counting their money. With a price drop to ~$200, it has become a very interesting offer for mid-range systems.

The processor uses a functional combination of 6 productive cores and 8 energy-efficient ones. This is an upgraded Raptor Lake architecture with increased performance per clock and L2 cache capacity. The CPU also has fairly high operating frequencies, which allows it to demonstrate good results both in games and in multi-threaded tasks. Although the 10-nanometer process still makes its mark. Under maximum load, the processor has a considerable "energy appetite", so despite belonging to the Core i5 series, potential owners of the chip should take care of effective cooling.

In addition to the "top ten", we would like to mention a few more models that have recently attracted increased interest.

After the official price reduction of the Core Ultra 7 265K/KF (8 + 12; 3.9/5.5 GHz + 3.3/4.6 GHz; 30 MB L3) and the corresponding adjustment of local retail prices, this model began to come into the focus of rather demanding users much more often.

Of course, it is somewhat surprising to see the older Arrow Lake-S models at the top of the ranking. But the fact is that the new 20-core Intel chips for ~$350 are given more attention than the younger CPU versions for LGA1851. In general, the start of this desktop platform cannot be called successful, but Intel's efforts to correct the situation are gradually yielding results. The price lever here is usually a working argument. With the advent of more affordable motherboards on Intel H810/B860, there is a certain momentum towards the Core Ultra 5 225/225F, but in the $200–250 price category they now have to compete with the same Core i5-14600K/KF, and this is a thankless task.

At least in the second ten popular processors there was a stable place for Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16/32; 4.3/5.7 GHz; 128 MB L3) – the ultimate 16-core AMD with an additional 3D V-Cache buffer. The chip is almost as good as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in games, and offers almost "x2" performance in computing tasks. Yes, the price of $800 will scare away random impulsive buyers, but if you have to, then you have to. And, judging by the popularity of the position, there are many users who know how to handle such a CPU and are ready to pay the appropriate price.

The Ryzen 5 9600X (6/12; 3.9/5.4 GHz; 32 MB L3; from $220) and Ryzen 7 9700X (8/16; 3.9/5.4 GHz; 32 MB L3; from $310) also moved closer to the scoring positions. Due to the large number of available alternatives to the previous generation, it was difficult for these Zen 5 models to count on success, especially at the start of sales. Over the year since the announcement, the price delta has significantly decreased, although the more affordable "classmates" of the Ryzen 7000 series still attract more attention. The expected announcement of the Ryzen 9000F chips with deactivated graphics and lower recommended price tags should improve demand for Granite Ridge models.

In general, AMD continues to dominate the segment of desktop processors for self-assembly/upgrade. The manufacturer offers a very wide range of chips for a variety of tasks and corresponding price categories. This time we see a significant strengthening of the position of CPUs for Socket AM5. Even entry-level systems (especially gaming PCs) are already more often assembled on the new platform. Chips for AM4 are also still in considerable demand, but usually these are cases when it comes to the most affordable assemblies or modernization of existing systems.

Of course, Intel cannot accept such a state of affairs, so the company is trying to correct the situation. Point price adjustments are quite effective and allow to impose competitive struggle in certain segments. But these are rather local temporary successes that allow to somehow hold the situation. This is not enough to radically change user sentiments and preferences. The manufacturer seems to be betting on the upcoming LGA1954 platform, which is due to appear next year. Nova Lake-S processors will receive up to 52 computing cores with updated architectures and a larger number of PCI-E 5.0 lanes. Moreover, according to previous leaks, Intel will also offer models with significantly increased L3 cache capacity (bLLC, big Last Level Cache) to return to the top league of gaming CPUs. Let's hope that the company's radical reorganization will not affect production plans. Decent competition allows developers to stay in tune and encourages further progress.