Best CPU for 2021
Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, there are few components that are as critical as the processor. However, with endless choices from top players, AMD and Intel, finding the right CPU may not be as easy as it seems.
To help you get started, Inside Tech have rounded up the four best processors in 2021. As your trusted online PC retailer, we offer insights on each model’s speed, affordability and efficiency.
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
The Ryzen 9 5950X is AMD’s most powerful CPU to date. This Zen 3 CPU offers 16 cores, 32 threads, and a boost speed up to 4.9GHz from a 3.4GHz base. Compared to its predecessors and competitors, the Ryzen 9 5950X boasts of platform superiority, lower cooling requirements and power consumption and fantastic multi-threading capabilities.
The Ryzen 9 5950X costs $799 or around £620, but if you have the budget, it’s certainly one of the best investments you can make. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, a content creator or a professional struggling with highly multi-threaded workloads on a daily basis, this processor can deliver serious productivity without any issues.
Intel Core i5-10600K
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly unit with more than enough power for gaming, then this might be the CPU for you. Intel’s Core i5-10600K lets you enjoy superb hyper-threading capabilities at a suggested retail price of $262 or about £210. It features a base frequency of 4.1GHz which can shoot up to 4.50GHz when all cores are engaged.
Like the other processors in the Comet Lake-S line-up, the Core i5 is based on another revision of the 14nm Skylake architecture. It offers six cores and 12 threads and delivers stellar single- and multi-core performances. With the thermal design power increased to 125W, Intel has thinned out the silicon layer to come up with a thicker heat spreader.
However, you’ll have to upgrade your motherboard and purchase a new socket if you’re using a previous Intel CPU.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Based on AMD’s cutting-edge Zen 3 microarchitecture, the Ryzen 7 5800X is a high-end desktop processor with eight cores and 16. Its base clock of 3.8GHz can be amplified to an impressive 4.7GHz, delivering maximum performance regardless of the task.
This top-notch CPU is unlocked and equipped for overclocking. It also works well with unique AMD features such as AMD Ryzen™ VR-Ready Premium, AMD StoreMI Technology, and AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility.
Despite its relatively high price ($50 more than the previous-gen unit), Ryzen 7 5800X’s efficiency and versatility make it a worthwhile investment. Unlike Intel chips and new-generation AMD, this CPU delivers unrivalled results whether you’re using it for gaming or creative work like media editing and rendering.
Intel Core i7-10700K
When it comes to multitasking power, nothing beats Intel’s Core i7-10700K. Featuring eight cores and 16 threads, this top-of-the-line processor excels at single- and multi-core workloads. The Core i7 has a base frequency of 3.80GHz and can spike up to 5.0GHz when necessary. It’s also overclockable, but make sure you have a robust cooler to handle the additional heat.
Cheaper than the Ryzen 7 5800X, this Intel processor has quickly become a must-have for gamers and content creators. Unfortunately, it’s incompatible with older motherboards and does not include a cooler and PCIe 4.0 support.
Shop Powerful Processors for Your Custom PC
The right processor can make a major difference in overall performance, from smoother gameplay to faster completion of intensive tasks. Whatever your needs, Inside Tech has a large selection of PCs and accessories which can be configured to suit your goals and budget.
Get unbeatable performance when you shop from our state-of-the-art processors today.
