What's a decent budget CPU to buy right now?

[montymint]

Looking for advice on what CPU to get (for a friends kid) who plays looter shooters at 1080p where FPS beyond 120 isn't an issue.

He's looking for a modest cost for an entire build (750 -1k) so thinking GPU wise to hit the 6700XT or there abouts, but for the CPU I'm a little stumped.

Is the 5600X what I should be looking at, or is there something from Intel worth picking up at that end of the scale? My last 4-5 builds have all been much higher spec so I'm not too clued in here.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Glanza]

Either of these on Intel side

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Intel Core i5-12400 2.50GHz (Alder Lake) Socket LGA1700 Processor - Retail (SKU: CP-6AL-IN) = £175.00
• 1 x Intel Core i5-12600K 3.70GHz (Alder Lake) Socket LGA1700 Processor - Retail (SKU: CP-69X-IN) = £239.98

Total: £418.98 (includes delivery: £3.99)​

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[bimbleuk]

This hardware unboxed vid should help you decide.

 

[Andy__C]

I've been really happy with the combination of a 6750xt and a 7600x the last 3-4 months. There are some really good CPU/MOBO deals around if you are happy to internet search and then your friend is on the Am5 platform.... DDR5 etc. Should stand more than well for 1080p and any thought of a nice new monitor and 1440p should they want.

 

[jigger]

The Ryzen 5700X is difficult to look past at current prices. Fast in any task, low power use, runs fine with modest coolers and on AM4.

 

[Armageus]

If you can stretch to 7600x/DDR5/AM5 then that makes the most sense in terms of longevity.

If not then as above 5700X can be had for £160 or so, which being 8 core, should still have decent longevity (with the possible option to drop in a 5800X3D at a later date)

 

[pepp77]

Grab the 5600X that's just been listed for £75!