Best Processors November 2026
Finding the right processor depends on whether you focus on gaming frame rates, everyday multitasking, or upgrading an existing setup. This independent ranking lets you compare key specifications, platform features, and pros and cons across top models. Use the list to choose the best CPU for your build.
Last updated: 1 November 2026
The list is unchanged since the last update.
Processors: Top 5
1
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7GHz Socket AM5 Box
from £365.239 stores
from £365.23
9 stores
2
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2GHz Socket AM5 Box
from £275.5810 stores
from £275.58
10 stores
3
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D 4.7GHz Socket AM5 Box
from £399.987 stores
from £399.98
7 stores
4
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3,9GHz Socket AM5 Box
from £174.088 stores
from £174.08
8 stores
5
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4GHz Socket AM4 Tray
from £299.998 stores
from £299.99
8 stores
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an 8-core processor built on a 4 nm process for Socket AM5 motherboards. It delivers high clock speeds alongside a massive 104 MB L3 cache for demanding PC gaming. Integrated graphics and modern PCIe 5.0 connectivity make it a complete high-end gaming CPU.
Pros
Huge 104 MB L3 cache
Fast 5.2 GHz max turbo speed
PCIe 5.0 support with 28 lanes
Built-in Radeon graphics
Cons
Requires DDR5 memory and AM5
120 W TDP needs good cooling
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an 8-core gaming CPU on Socket AM5 that uses 3D V-Cache technology to boost gaming performance. It reaches a 5.0 GHz maximum frequency while running on a 120 W thermal design power. It also provides built-in graphics and PCIe 5.0 support.
Pros
Large 96 MB L3 cache
8 cores and 16 threads
Integrated Radeon graphics
Supports modern DDR5 memory
Cons
Does not include a CPU cooler
Not compatible with older AM4 boards
The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D pushes clock speeds further with a turbo frequency reaching up to 5.6 GHz across 8 cores and 16 threads. Built on a 4 nm process for Socket AM5, it combines fast single-core response with strong multi-threaded capability. It supports PCIe 5.0 and high-capacity DDR5 configurations.
£419.99
£399.98
In stock
£409.00
Unknown stock
Pros
High 5.6 GHz turbo frequency
8 cores and 16 threads
Modern 4 nm architecture
Up to 192 GB DDR5 support
Cons
Requires a dedicated cooler
120 W TDP demands robust cooling
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor designed for efficient everyday performance and gaming. It operates with a modest 65 W thermal design power while boosting up to 5.4 GHz. It runs on the AM5 platform with full support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
£284.71
£178.67
In stock
£189.00
Unknown stock
Pros
Low 65 W TDP power consumption
Fast 5.4 GHz boost clock
Modern 4 nm manufacturing
PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support
Cons
Has 6 cores instead of 8
Smaller 32 MB L3 cache
No cooler included in the box
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D provides 8 cores and a large 96 MB L3 cache on the long-standing Socket AM4 platform. It is an effective drop-in upgrade for existing AM4 systems that use DDR4 memory. It offers solid gaming speeds without requiring a full motherboard or RAM replacement.
Pros
Massive 96 MB L3 cache for gaming
Drop-in upgrade for AM4 boards
Uses widely available DDR4 RAM
8 cores and 16 threads
Cons
No integrated graphics processor
Older PCIe 4.0 generation
Locked to previous AM4 socket
Compare specifications
| CPU type | AMD Ryzen 7 9000 Series | AMD Ryzen 7 7000 Series | AMD Ryzen 7 9000 Series | AMD Ryzen 5 9000 Series | AMD Ryzen 7 5000 Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock frequency | 4.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Number of threads | 16 pc. | 16 pc. | 16 pc. | 12 pc. | 16 pc. |
| Number of cores | 8 pc. | 8 pc. | 8 pc. | 6 pc. | 8 pc. |
| Socket | AMD Socket AM5 | AMD Socket AM5 | AMD Socket AM5 | AMD Socket AM5 | AMD Socket AM4 |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
