AMD’s Ryzen processors are becoming more popular and for good reason. Many of their processor compete with Intel’s Core series processors and they come with great stock coolers compared to the package bought with Intel. They are a little different that Intel, with most processors fitting a PGA socket (Pin Grid Array). This means that the processor itself has pins on it and the socket has hole on the motherboard where the processor is carefully placed. Overall, AMD processors are a great choice for a workstation or gaming setup and are available for great prices.

For this list, the best processors will be considered the ones that can be easily found and bought on several online websites. This list also excludes the AMD Threadripper series, as these are considered to be outrageously expensive. The best AMD processors that can be bought by the average consumer are considered to be the Ryzen 9 5950X and the Ryzen 9 5900X. Other good processors include the Ryzen 7 5800X and the Ryzen 7 5700X.

Intel has long been the go-to choice for gamers and professionals, but AMD’s Ryzen lineup has closed the gap significantly. With improvements in multi-core performance, energy efficiency, and pricing, Ryzen processors often outperform similarly priced Intel chips in multitasking and productivity workloads. Intel still leads slightly in raw gaming performance, but for most users, the difference is minimal—especially when AMD CPUs often come with better bundled coolers and lower overall system costs

When it comes to gaming, the Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 7 5800X3D are standout options. The 5800X3D, in particular, uses 3D V-Cache technology to boost in-game performance, making it a favorite for gamers who want top-tier FPS without breaking the bank. These chips work great with mid to high-end GPUs and don’t bottleneck performance, even in demanding titles.

For users focused on content creation, software development, or heavy multitasking, CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X and 5900X are excellent. With 12 to 16 cores, they handle video editing, 3D rendering, and virtualization tasks with ease. They also provide excellent long-term value and stability, especially when paired with fast memory and NVMe storage.

AMD uses the AM4 socket for most Ryzen processors, and many boards support multiple generations of chips with a BIOS update. This means users can upgrade their CPU without changing their entire motherboard, saving money in the long run. Just make sure the board you buy has updated firmware or can be flashed with a supported CPU

AMD processors are widely available on Amazon, Newegg, Micro Center, and eBay. Sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school season are great times to buy. Used processors can also be a good value, but make sure to check seller ratings and return policies.

The Best Places to Find These Processors?

Some of the best places to find these processors include Amazon, Ebay, and Newegg. Check them out below.

Ryzen 9 5950X

Ryzen 9 5900X

Ryzen 7 5800X

Ryzen 7 5700X

Conclusion

At the end of the day, AMD processors are a solid pick for just about any build. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or just want something reliable for everyday use, Ryzen chips give you a lot of power for the price. They’re easy to find, work with a bunch of motherboards, and usually come with a good cooler right in the box. If you’re trying to save money but still want strong performance, AMD is definitely worth checking out.