Best CPU under $600
The fastest processors released since 2023 with a launch price of $600 or less, ranked by our performance index. 15 processors qualify.
Fastest under $600Intel Core Ultra 9 285KIndex 900 · $589 at launch · 2024
Best value (at least 70% as fast)Intel Core Ultra 7 265KIndex 760 for $394: 193 index points per $100 · 16% slower, $195 cheaper
Compare Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
The ranking
| # | Processor | Year | Index | Power | Launch price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285KArrow Lake | 2024 | 900 | 125 W | $589 |
| 2 | Intel Core i9-14900KRaptor Lake Refresh | 2023 | 800 | 125 W | $589 |
| 3 | Intel Core Ultra 7 265KArrow Lake | 2024 | 760 | 125 W | $394 |
| 4 | AMD Ryzen 9 9900XZen 5 | 2024 | 760 | 120 W | $499 |
| 5 | Intel Core i7-14700KRaptor Lake Refresh | 2023 | 750 | 125 W | $409 |
| 6 | Intel Core i5-14600KRaptor Lake Refresh | 2023 | 610 | 125 W | $319 |
| 7 | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DZen 5 | 2024 | 570 | 120 W | $479 |
| 8 | Intel Core Ultra 5 245KArrow Lake | 2024 | 560 | 125 W | $309 |
| 9 | AMD Ryzen 7 9700XZen 5 | 2024 | 530 | 65 W | $359 |
| 10 | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DZen 4 | 2023 | 520 | 120 W | $449 |
| 11 | AMD Ryzen 5 9600XZen 5 | 2024 | 420 | 65 W | $279 |
| 12 | AMD Ryzen 5 7600Zen 4 | 2023 | 390 | 65 W | $229 |
← Under $400Full CPU hierarchy
About these picks
Prices are launch prices (MSRP); street prices move, so check a few shops before you buy. The performance index is an editorial estimate of relative performance; only parts with a hand-checked index are ranked. Pair it with a matching graphics card: try the bottleneck checker.