There are a large number of desktop processors available and this list was generated to point out the three major categories of processors for both the Intel and AMD product lines. The three categories listed are the top performance processors, best value processors (<$250) and best budget processors (<$100). This allows users to select the CPUs best suited to their budgets. If you are looking at purchasing a fully built desktop computer or building one yourself, check out which processors you should be looking to fit your price range.

AMD Performance – Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition

AMD has decided to go the route of more cores with their most powerful desktop processors. The Phenom II X6 1090T takes their existing Phenom II designs and places six processors on a single processor chip. This gives it certain advantages over quad core processors when heavily multitasking or using multithreaded applications. Intel has done this with their high end processors but AMD is doing it at roughly one quarter of the cost with prices near $230. While the AMD processor won’t give the same level of performance as Intel’s, it still is a great way to get multiple cores without having to spend a fortune. The processor uses the Socket AM3 processor and is unlocked for overclocking as per all of AMD’s Black Edition models.

Intel Performance – Core i7-980X Extreme Edition

If performance is an absolute must have and cost isn’t an issue, then the new Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition is the processor of choice. This is Intel’s first six core processor providing it with an amazing level of performance in multithreaded applications or for those who just have to multitask to ridiculous levels. The base clock speed of 3.33GHz is already high but if less than six cores are being used, the processor will automatically overclock for addition performance in the running applications. At this time, the processor can only be used in select Intel X58 motherboards that have been certified. Check with the motherboard manufacturer to ensure that the processor will work on the intended motherboard. Priced around $1000.

AMD Value – Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition

At this point, AMD has positioned themselves as the budget class processor again since they can’t quite keep up with Intel’s Core series processors. This means that one can get the highest class of consumer processor from the company for under $250. In fact, the Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition can be found for under $200. It features a quad core processor with a 3.5GHz clock speed and integrated memory controller. This makes it a better choice for those who don’t need to deal with multithreaded applications or heavy multitasking. The Black Edition is clock unlocked making it easy for those that are considering overclocking their processor as well. It uses the Socket AM3 interface and can be used with DDR2 if required.

Intel Value – Core i5-760

At this point, there is no reason that those looking at putting together an Intel based desktop should not be using a socket 1156 processor. The performance from the Core i5 series is very respectable while reasonably priced. The Core i5-760 is a quad core processor unlike many of the other Core i5 models. This does mean that it has a slight disadvantage of running at a slower 2.8GHz clock speed per core but Intel does dynamically overclock if only one or two cores are not in use. The built-in DDR3 memory controller also provides it with a major boost when using dual-channel memory. Prices are around $210.

AMD Budget – Phenom II X2 560 Black Edition

AMD has made a number of variations on their Phenom processors cores since its release. The latest is to release the new Phenom II X2 series that have just two cores instead of the four typically found in the X4. The advantage is that the processor is more affordable and can run at higher clock speeds than those with more cores. For many people, having four cores probably does not provide much of a benefit. The Phenom II X2 also uses the AM3 socket design with the built in DDR3 memory controller for added memory performance. Also, higher clock speeds mean that it can perform better in applications that don’t take advantage of multiple cores such as PC games. The Black Edition is fully unlocked for those looking to overclock.

Intel Budget – Pentium G6950

With the socket 775 being phased out by Intel, it is in the best interest of those building a PC system to use the newer socket 1156. Thankfully, Intel has produced a low cost processor option using the older Pentium name. The G9650 is a dual-core processor with a 2.8GHz clock speed and 3MB of cache. Like the Core i series processor that use the same socket, it uses an internal memory controller for added performance over the previous Core 2 series processors. While it may not have four processor cores or as many features, it still provides a solid amount of performance. Prices are just under $100.