16/03/2025 4:04 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
CPU Forum
11
Posts
12
Users
1
Reactions
1,543
Views
0
I'm building a new gaming/productivity PC and have a $500 budget for the CPU. Looking for something that handles both AAA gaming and video editing well.
What's the best CPU under $500 right now? Bonus points for good power efficiency and future-proofing. Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
10 Answers
4
16/03/2025 8:59 am
9800X3D is the best choice.
AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor
- The world’s fastest gaming processor, built on AMD...
- 8 cores and 16 threads, delivering +~16% IPC uplift and...
- 96MB L3 cache with better thermal performance vs. previous...
- Drop-in ready for proven Socket AM5 infrastructure
- Cooler not included
3
02/04/2026 2:00 am
Same here!
0
20/03/2025 9:13 am
I'll also buy 9800X3D.
0
21/03/2025 7:04 pm
9800x3d or 9950x
0
23/03/2025 1:44 am
Ultra 7 265K.
0
25/03/2025 7:52 pm
For a $500 gaming/productivity CPU, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D shines in gaming, though it might slightly exceed your budget. If so, check recent deals on high-end Intel i9 or i7 CPUs or consider a powerful i3 for better value. AMD's -X3D chips are great for gaming due to their L3 cache.
0
26/03/2025 9:59 am
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
0
25/06/2025 10:41 pm
9800X3D.
