AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
6-core, 12-thread processor for gaming and productivity with an excellent performance-to-price ratio
Monckey GamerBest CPU under $250
Best CPU under $250: 18 models in our catalog, priced from $87.95 to $249.99 USD, each with a direct Amazon link.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
6-core, 12-thread processor based on Zen 4, ideal for high-performance gaming and modern productivity
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Ryzen 5 with 6 cores and 12 threads for AM4. A classic, efficient option for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
Intel
Intel Core Ultra 5 225
Intel Core Ultra 5 225 processor from Intel with 10 cores and 10 threads, up to 4.9 GHz turbo. Performance for gaming and multitasking.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Ryzen 7 with 8 cores and 16 threads for the AM4 socket. An affordable upgrade with great performance if you already own an AM4 board.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Ryzen 5 with 6 cores and 12 threads and a Wraith Stealth cooler included, ideal for a first AM4 gaming PC.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
6-core, 12-thread processor based on Zen 5, ideal for high-performance gaming and productivity
Intel
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF processor from Intel with 14 cores and 14 threads, up to 5.2 GHz turbo. Performance for gaming and multitasking.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
8-core, 16-thread processor based on Zen 4, designed for high-performance gaming and advanced multitasking
Intel
Intel Core i5-14400
14th-gen Core i5 with 10 cores (6P + 4E) and 16 threads. Strong gaming and multitasking performance for LGA1700.
Intel
Intel Core i7-12700KF
Unlocked Core i7 with 12 cores (8P + 4E) and 20 threads, without integrated graphics. Powerful and affordable for LGA1700.
Intel
Intel Core i5-12400
12th-gen Intel processor with 6 performance cores and integrated graphics, a solid base for 1080p gaming.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT
8-core, 16-thread processor based on Zen 3, ideal for advanced gaming and demanding multitasking
Intel
Intel Core i5-14600KF
Intel Core i5-14600KF processor from Intel with 14 cores and 20 threads, up to 5.3 GHz turbo. Performance for gaming and multitasking.
Intel
Intel Core i9-12900KF
Intel Core i9-12900KF processor from Intel with 16 cores and 24 threads, up to 5.2 GHz turbo. Performance for gaming and multitasking.
Intel
Intel Core i5-14500
Intel Core i5-14500 processor from Intel with 14 cores and 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz turbo. Performance for gaming and multitasking.
AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
8-core, 16-thread processor based on Zen 3, ideal for advanced gaming and demanding productivity
Intel
Intel Core i5-14600K
Unlocked Core i5 with 14 cores (6P + 8E) and 20 threads, built for demanding gaming and overclocking on LGA1700.
Selection analysis: Processors under $250
This selection has 18 processors under $250, priced from $87.95 to $249.99 USD with a median of $198.96. The brands with the most models are AMD (9), Intel (9).
Our picks in this selection
Most affordableAMD Ryzen 5 5500$87.95 USDCores: 6Balanced choice · closest to the median priceAMD Ryzen 7 7700X$188.99 USDCores: 8Most complete (priciest)Intel Core i5-14600K$249.99 USDCores: 14
Comparison table
| Product | Price | Cores | Threads | Base Clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | $87.95 | 6 | 12 | 3.6 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | $142.49 | 6 | 12 | 4.7 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | $147.99 | 6 | 12 | 3.7 GHz |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 225 | $151.99 | 10 | 10 | 3.3 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5700X | $152.99 | 8 | 16 | 3.4 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | $156.00 | 6 | 12 | 3.5 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | $174.00 | 6 | 12 | 3.9 GHz |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF | $177.00 | 14 | 14 | 4.2 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 7 7700X | $188.99 | 8 | 16 | 4.5 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-14400 | $208.93 | 10 | 16 | 2.5 GHz |
| Intel Core i7-12700KF | $219.99 | 12 | 20 | 3.6 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-12400 | $221.00 | 6 | 12 | 2.5 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT | $229.95 | 8 | 16 | 3.8 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-14600KF | $237.40 | 14 | 20 | 3.5 GHz |
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | $245.99 | 16 | 24 | 3.2 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-14500 | $247.97 | 14 | 20 | 2.6 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | $249.99 | 8 | 16 | 3.8 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-14600K | $249.99 | 14 | 20 | 3.5 GHz |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cheapest of the processors under $250?
- The cheapest in our catalog is AMD Ryzen 5 5500, at $87.95 USD (Cores: 6).
- How much do processors under $250 cost?
- In our catalog they cost between $87.95 and $249.99 USD; half of the models are below $198.96.
- Which brands are among the processors under $250?
- There are 2 brands; the ones with the most models are AMD (9), Intel (9).
Automatic analysis based on this catalog's specs and prices.