Best Gaming CPU under $300 USD

2. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, with 12 cores and 24 threads, is a powerhouse at its current price point. It’s designed for gamers who demand more from their processor, especially those who stream or run multiple demanding applications while gaming. The boost clock of up to 4.8 GHz ensures excellent single-core performance, which is essential for gaming, while the 12-core setup is perfect for heavy multitasking.

For those using an AM4 motherboard, this is one of the best high-performance upgrades you can make, especially if you want top-tier performance on a budget.

3. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

The Ryzen 5 7600X is an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers looking for top-tier performance. With 6 cores and 12 threads, and a boost clock that reaches 5.3 GHz, this CPU provides an ideal balance between gaming performance and affordability. Based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, it supports the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 standards, ensuring that your system is future-ready.

This chip is particularly strong in gaming scenarios, providing smooth frame rates even in the most demanding titles, and it’s a fantastic choice for those looking to get the most performance per dollar.

4. Intel Core i9-12900K

The Intel Core i9-12900K is an impressive CPU, even more so now that it’s available for under $300. It features a hybrid architecture with 8 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, totaling 24 threads, making it a beast in both gaming and productivity. The boost clock can reach up to 5.2 GHz, ensuring top-notch performance in gaming, while the 24-thread setup allows for effortless multitasking.

For high-end gaming and productivity workflows like video rendering or 3D modeling, the Core i9-12900K delivers premium performance at a very attractive price.

5. Intel Core i7-13700K

Intel’s Core i7-13700K is a great choice for gamers who want high-end performance without crossing the $300 mark. With 8 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 24 threads, it offers stellar multitasking and smooth gaming performance. The boost clock of up to 5.4 GHz ensures you get top-tier gaming performance, especially in CPU-heavy games like strategy or simulation titles.

If you’re looking for a CPU that can handle gaming, streaming, and content creation simultaneously, this processor is an excellent value.

6. Intel Core i7-12700K

The Intel Core i7-12700K, with its 8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, strikes a good balance between gaming performance and productivity. It offers 20 threads in total, with a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.0 GHz. This CPU is more than capable of handling the most demanding games at high settings while also being a solid choice for tasks like video editing or rendering.

If you’re building a rig that needs both high gaming performance and the ability to handle multitasking, the Core i7-12700K is a smart pick.

7. Intel Core i5-14600KF

The Intel Core i5-14600KF is a great mid-tier processor with 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, giving you a total of 20 threads. With a boost clock of 5.3 GHz, it’s designed for gamers who want the best performance in titles that are CPU-intensive. The KF version lacks integrated graphics, but for most gamers with dedicated GPUs, this isn’t a drawback, and it helps keep the price lower.

Whether you’re playing at 1440p or pushing into 4K territory, the Core i5-14600KF delivers smooth frame rates and efficient multitasking.

8. Intel Core i5-13600K

The Intel Core i5-13600K is one of the best processors for gaming, offering excellent value with its 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, totaling 20 threads. With a boost clock reaching 5.1 GHz, it excels in gaming, providing fast, responsive performance even in the latest AAA titles. It’s also a good option for gamers who like to stream or run other programs while gaming.

If you’re looking for a CPU that can handle both gaming and light productivity without stretching your budget, the i5-13600K is a solid choice.

9. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is an 8-core, 16-thread processor that offers exceptional performance for its price. With a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.7 GHz, it’s a great option for gamers who need more cores for multitasking or content creation. It excels in gaming at high settings, and its strong multi-threaded performance makes it a good pick for those who also need their CPU to handle more intensive tasks.

For gamers with AM4 motherboards, the Ryzen 7 5800X provides a powerful, budget-friendly upgrade that will keep you future-proofed for years to come.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best gaming CPU under $300, there’s no shortage of excellent options. Whether you prefer Intel or AMD, there are processors available that offer high performance in gaming and multitasking. From the future-proof AMD Ryzen 5 7600X to the productivity powerhouse Intel Core i9-12900K, these CPUs will ensure that your rig delivers smooth performance without blowing your budget.