Get that new gaming PC you’re building up and running with one of the best Intel processors 2020 has to offer. If you’re looking to choose among the best processors to buy, there are no better chips for gaming PCs than Intel.
For years, Intel processors have been some of the best for gaming, thanks to their high IPC (instructions per clock) performance paired with high clock speeds. However, you’ll find Intel processors in more than just a gaming rig. Intel Basin Falls Refresh processors currently rule the HEDT (high-end desktop) space, with high-performance processors (at an equally high cost) that are perfect for serious creatives and professionals. And, even though the debate between AMD Vs Intel is raging hotter than ever, the recently-launched Intel Comet Lake-S is taking the fight to the extremely popular AMD Ryzen processors in the desktop domain.
No matter what kind of CPU you’re looking for, Intel has you covered. Let’s take a look at all the best Intel processors 2020 has to offer. Spend less time shopping around and more time building. With our price comparison tool included, you’ll even score the best deals available.
1. Intel Core i5-10600K
Best Intel processor
Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clock: 3.5GHz | Boost clock: 4.7GHz | L3 cache: 64MB | TDP: 105W
Excellent multi-core performance
Affordable
Good thermal performance
No PCIe 4.0
Higher power consumption
Mid-range buyers will appreciate the fact that they actually don’t have to shell out quite a bit of cash for Intel’s hyper-threading technology. With Intel’s Core i5-10600K offering, it’s possible to have it for much less than $500. This chip may lack PCIe 4.0 support and has a higher power consumption, but it makes up for those in spades. Besides hyper-threading, this processor also delivers superb multi-core performance as well as improved single-core performance. What’s more is that it’s got great thermals to keep that pesky heat down.
Read the full review: Intel Core i5-10600K
2. Intel Core i9-10900K
Best Intel processor for high-performance
Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 5.3GHz | L3 cache: 20MB | TDP: 125W
Good single-core performance
Good thermal performance
High power consumption
No PCIe 4.0
While one of Intel’s more powerful 10th-generation chips has fallen behind AMD in multi-threaded performance, there’s no doubt that the Intel Core i9-10900K is an incredibly capable chip, especially when it comes to its single-core performance. It’s also a great improvement from its predecessor, with two extra cores, bringing the total to a whopping 10 cores and 20. If you’re an Intel fan and need an impressive processor to power your rig, this should more than satisfy your needs.
Read the full review: Intel Core i9-10900K
3. Intel Core i7-10700K
Best for hyper-threading support
Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost clock: 5.1GHz | L3 cache: 16MB | TDP: 125W
Much improved over its predecessor
Hyper-threading
Not enough improvements if upgrading from previous generation
Regarded as among the best gaming CPUs on the market right now, the Intel Core i7-10700K not only offers hyperthreading, with 5.1Ghz overclocking on all its 8 cores, but it’s also takes the great things about the i9-9900K and improves on its failings with higher clock rates, better thermal performance and a more affordable price. It may require a beefier cooling solution, but it’s still the chip to beat if you’re looking to upgrade to the 10th-generation and have the money to spare.
4. Intel Pentium Gold G5400
Best Intel processor on a budget
Cores: 2 | Threads: 4 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: N/A | L3 cache: 4MB | TDP: 58W
Great on threaded workloads
Bundled cooler
No overclocking
Whether you’re building a home theater that doesn’t require a chip with a lot of power or you’re building a PC on a tight budget, the Pentium Gold G5400 is a good Intel processor to consider. With its new affordable price tag and a great light multi-threaded performance, this one is the best choice at its price point. Pair it with a powerful graphics card, and you’ll be good to go.
5. Intel Core i9-10980XE
Best HEDT Intel processor
Cores: 18 | Threads: 36 | Base clock: 3.0GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | L3 cache: 24.8MB | TDP: 165W
Tons of power
Thermals under control
Extremely expensive
With a sheer price drop, a higher boost clock and some performance improvements over the i9-9980XE, the Intel Core i9-10980XE is a truly worthy successor of the Extreme Edition line. That refined 14nm process not only affords it better performance, but also lower power consumption. Better yet, it has that sheer overclocking capabilities like no other. It’s still plenty next to its rival AMD chips, but if overclocking is a huge factor to you, this one’s worth its premium price tag.