Processors

AMD Ryzen, EPYC, Intel Core, and Xeon CPUs for Desktop and Server

Processors set the performance ceiling for every task a system handles, from single-threaded gaming to massively parallel server workloads. Desktop and server CPUs from AMD (Ryzen, EPYC) and Intel (Core, Xeon) cover every performance tier, socket platform, and power envelope. Browse all component categories in the full PC Components collection.

Processors for Every Workload

• Gaming desktops — AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 processors deliver the high single-thread performance and clock speeds that modern games demand for maximum frame rates
• Content creation and streaming — Ryzen 9 and Core i9 with high core counts accelerate video rendering, 3D modeling, and simultaneous gaming-plus-streaming without frame drops
• Budget and office PCs — Ryzen 5 and Core i5 provide excellent everyday performance for productivity, web browsing, and light multitasking at accessible price points
• Server and virtualization — AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon processors with high core counts, large cache, and ECC memory support handle enterprise workloads and virtual machine density
• Workstation computing — Threadripper and Xeon W platforms provide the core counts, memory channels, and PCIe lanes required for CAD, simulation, and scientific computing

Choosing the Right Processor

Start with the workload: gaming prioritizes high clock speeds and strong single-thread performance (Ryzen 7/Core i7), content creation benefits from more cores (Ryzen 9/Core i9), and servers need maximum core density and ECC memory support (EPYC/Xeon). Then match the CPU to a compatible motherboard socket: AMD Ryzen 7000-series uses AM5, Ryzen 5000 uses AM4, Intel 12th-14th Gen Core uses LGA 1700, and next-gen Arrow Lake uses LGA 1851. The socket determines which motherboards, chipsets, and memory generations (DDR4 or DDR5) are available for the build.

AMD Ryzen vs Intel Core

AMD Ryzen processors on the AM5 platform offer DDR5 support, PCIe Gen 5, and competitive multi-threaded performance with efficient power consumption. Intel Core processors on LGA 1700 provide strong single-threaded performance and broad software ecosystem compatibility, with Thunderbolt 4 integrated into many supporting chipsets. Both platforms deliver excellent gaming and productivity performance. AMD currently leads in power efficiency and multi-threaded scaling, while Intel maintains a slight edge in some single-threaded workloads and legacy software compatibility.

Complete Your Build

• Motherboards — socket-matched boards with the right chipset features
• Cooling & Fans — CPU coolers rated for your processor's TDP
• RAM & Memory — DDR4 or DDR5 modules matched to your platform
• Graphics Cards — discrete GPUs for gaming and GPU-accelerated workloads
• Power Supplies — adequate wattage for your CPU and GPU combined power draw