Compare AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processor prices with price history charts. Filter by core count, socket, and TDP to find the best CPU deal on Amazon UK.
Compare AMD Ryzen and Intel Core desktop processors. Filter by socket, core count, and TDP — sorted by lowest price by default.
Choosing the right processor is one of the most important decisions in a PC build. Your CPU determines how well your system handles gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
Last reviewed:
For gaming, 6–8 cores is the sweet spot. Content creators editing video or running 3D renders benefit from 12–16 cores. Check for simultaneous multi-threading (SMT on AMD) or hyper-threading (Intel) to get more threads per core.
Higher clock speeds improve single-threaded tasks like gaming and everyday responsiveness. More cores help with parallel workloads. Look at both base and boost clocks — boost is what the CPU reaches under load with adequate cooling.
Make sure your CPU matches your motherboard socket. AMD uses AM5 for current-gen Ryzen, while Intel uses LGA 1700 for 12th–14th gen and LGA 1851 for Arrow Lake. Check compatibility before buying.
TDP indicates how much heat a CPU produces and roughly how much power it draws. Lower TDP chips (65W) run cooler and quieter. Higher TDP chips (125W+) offer more performance but need beefier cooling.
Some CPUs include integrated graphics (iGPUs), which let you run a PC without a dedicated graphics card. AMD Ryzen chips with a "G" suffix and all Intel Core processors (non-F variants) have iGPUs. If you plan to use a discrete GPU, an iGPU is still handy for troubleshooting or running a headless server. However, if you are certain you will always have a dedicated card, F-series Intel chips are often slightly cheaper and worth considering.
Consider how long a CPU platform will be supported before buying. AMD has committed to the AM5 socket through to at least 2027, meaning you can drop in a future Ryzen chip without replacing your motherboard. Intel tends to change sockets more frequently, which can limit upgrade options. Choosing a platform with a longer roadmap protects your investment and lets you upgrade the CPU later without rebuilding from scratch.
Some CPUs ship with a stock cooler in the box, which can save you £30–50 on a budget build. AMD Ryzen stock coolers are generally decent for non-overclocked use, while Intel stock coolers tend to run louder under load. For high-TDP chips or quiet-PC builds, plan to buy an aftermarket tower cooler or AIO liquid cooler. Check whether your chosen CPU includes a cooler before budgeting for one separately.
If you want to push your CPU beyond its stock speeds, you need both an unlocked processor and a supporting chipset. AMD Ryzen chips are generally unlocked, while Intel requires a K-suffix chip paired with a Z-series motherboard. Overclocking can yield modest performance gains in CPU-bound workloads, but it also increases heat output and power consumption. For most users, enabling Precision Boost Overdrive (AMD) or letting Intel Turbo Boost do its work is simpler and nearly as effective.
Gaming performance depends primarily on single-threaded speed and a fast graphics card. A 6-core CPU with strong single-core performance will often outperform a 16-core chip with lower clocks in games. Productivity workloads like video encoding, compiling code, and 3D rendering scale well across many cores and threads. Consider your primary use case before spending extra on core count you may never fully utilise. Reading benchmark comparisons for your specific software helps you make the most cost-effective choice.
CPU prices fluctuate throughout the year, with the best deals typically appearing around Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and during new product launches when previous-generation chips drop in price. Tracking price history helps you spot genuine discounts versus inflated sale prices. Setting price alerts ensures you buy at the right moment rather than paying a premium during supply shortages or hype cycles.
Building a PC around a new CPU? You'll need a compatible motherboard and the right RAM to get the most out of your processor.
