Seven processors you should not buy and fourteen alternatives

The market for mainstream consumer processors has become a real craze by the huge concurrence of products of different generations that we can find today. I am not exaggerating, if you take a look at the major retailers you will notice that CPUs of up to five different generations are available, and in different price ranges and price ranges.

This is a problem because, in addition, those generations use different platforms, have different performance levels in games and professional applications, and so on in the case of older processors that were high-end at the time prices have skyrocketed due to lack of stock and the fact that these are, in many cases, the last possibility to upgrade without having to change motherboard.

Here’s an example, the Intel Core i9-10900K can still be found in the market with prices that exceed 570 eurosa real madness if we take into account what we can find in more current generations with lower prices. The difference is so big that, with that money, we could mount a current CPU more powerful in every way, and also cover the cost of the motherboard and RAM. Think of a Ryzen 5 7600X with motherboard and RAM, without going any further.

This whole situation has prompted me to write an update to our guide to processors you shouldn’t buy. The structure is the same, I have chosen seven processors that are a bad buy, I explained why you should avoid them and also left you with two alternatives to each of them so you can find an Intel or AMD option that is a good choice. This way both brands get equal treatment and you have more to choose from.

Seven processors you should not buy

1.-Intel Pentium Gold G6400

This processor is placed inside the entry level Intel’s next-generation Comet Lake-S, and is positioned as a very basic option, as it is configured with two cores and can run four threads. It is intended for a very basic level of use, and costs €70.60.

Specifications

• Comet Lake-S Generation.
• Two cores and four threads at 4 GHz.
• Manufactured at the 14 nm++ node.
• Socket LGA1200.
• Intel UHD 610 GPU.
• 4 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 58 watts.
• Price: €70.60.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

Because it is a processor that has become obsolete and offers a level of performance that is too low compared to current solutions that have, even, a lower price. It is true that it has the advantage of having an integrated GPU, but even with this in mind there are much more interesting and economical options.

In terms of IPC it is true that the Comet Lake-S series is still positioned at a level that we can consider good, and it is also true that the Intel Pentium Gold G6400 is one of those processors that can move basic applications and games that do not require more than four threads optimally, but its price-performance ratio is very poor, and that is why it is a bad choice.

As I told you at the beginning of this section, today we can find superior options to this Intel Pentium Gold G6400, whether we are going to prioritize the CPU performance or if we want an option that keeps the integrated GPU with a reasonable price, and I’m going to share them with you right below.

Alternatives that are a good option

If we are not worried about not having an integrated GPU the best alternative is the Intel Core i3-10100Fwhich also belongs to the Comet Lake-S family and has 4 cores and 8 threads at 3.6 GHz-4.3 GHz. It is priced at 69.20 euros. In case we want to have an integrated GPU, the best option would be the Ryzen 3 4300G, which has a Zen2 CPU with 4 cores and 8 threads at up to 4 GHz and is powered by a Radeon RX 6 GPU. It is priced at 89.99 euros.

2.-Intel Pentium Gold G7400

It is one of the last Pentium processors that Intel launched to the market, and therefore it is one of the most advanced in its category. However, it is still an entry-level processor, and at despite its high IPC it does not offer a good value in price-performance ratioand is outperformed by other options that are more interesting and better balanced.

Specifications

• Alder Lake-S Generation.
• Two cores and four threads at 3.7 GHz.
• Manufactured on Intel Node 7.
• Socket LGA1700.
• Intel UHD 710 GPU.
• 6 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 46 watts.
• Price: €97.99.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

If we talk about IPC, it is clear that the Intel Pentium Gold G7400 is at a good level, since it uses two Golden Cove cores, but its performance in multithreading is very limited, since it can only move four threads, and for the price it costs. we can find much more powerful optionssuch as the Intel Core i3-12100F, to give an example in the same price range.

The Intel Core i3-12100F also uses the Golden Cove architecture, has four cores and eight threads and runs at a higher frequency, which means it blows it away in performance, and it only costs €95.99. Admittedly, its integrated GPU is disabled, but even with that in mind the difference in price-performance value is so great that it’s a far superior choice.

If we need a processor with an integrated GPU nothing happens, we also have alternatives with a very similar price level that are a better option in price-performance ratio, and that offer performance much better performance both at CPU and GPU level.

Alternatives that are a good choice

The best alternative right now if we want to keep the integrated GPU is the Ryzen 5 4600Ga chip that has a Zen 2 CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads at a maximum of 4.2 GHz and comes with a Radeon Graphics 7 GPU. Its IPC is lower, but it is much better balanced in every way and can be purchased for just €109.90. If we do not mind doing without the integrated GPU we should go for a Intel Core i3-12100F for 95.99 euros. or go for a Intel Core i5-10400F for 106.99 euros.

3.-Intel Processor 300

One of the new processors that Intel has launched within the Core Gen 14 non-K series. It is an entry-level model that brings a high-performance dual-core configuration and can handle four threads thanks to HyperThreading technology. It does not represent a major evolution compared to the Intel Pentium Gold G7400.and yet is more expensive.

Specifications

• Raptor Lake Refresh generation.
• Two cores and four threads at 3.9 GHz.
• Manufactured on Intel Node 7.
• Socket LGA1700.
• Intel UHD 710 GPU.
• 6 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 46 watts.
• Price: 109.90 euros.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

Because it is a processor that is far too expensive for what it offers, and that in fact clashes with many models that offer much better value. and are able to cope with even demanding workloads at a lower cost. Again, the best example is the Intel Core i3-12100F, which offers a rounded value at its current price of 95.99 euros.

With the Intel Processor 300 we would not be able to work optimally with many minimally demanding applications.and in fact we would not even be able to run current games because it does not reach the recommended minimum of 4 cores and 8 threads. With it we would be limited, therefore, to undemanding applications and games of previous generations.

The alternatives that we can find in the market within its price range allow us to do all those things, and offer a value in price-performance ratio that is far above this processor. Again, it is true that it has an integrated GPU, but as you have already seen in the previous points. the Ryzen 5 4600G would offer superior value as well.

Alternatives that are a good choice

I have already advanced you that the Intel Core i3-12100F and Ryzen 5 4600G are the closest by price, but for introducing two new alternatives I recommend you, if you can invest a little more moneythe Ryzen 5 5600Gwhich by 139.90 euros is a great option that offers far superior performance across the board, both CPU and GPU, and the Intel Core i5-12400F if you don’t mind dispensing with the integrated GPU, which for 145.85 euros offers excellent performance thanks to its high IPC and 6 cores and 12 threads.

4.-AMD Ryzen 5 3600

It was one of the best mid-range processors of its generation (Zen 2), thanks to its 6-core, 12-thread configuration and good IPC, but it has lost all meaning due to the latest price increase it has received. Right now you can buy it new for €116.52, a figure that puts it in a very tricky position.

Specifications

• Zen 2 generation.
• 6 cores and 12 threads at 3.6 GHz-4.2 GHz.
• Manufactured on the 7 nm node.
• Socket AM4.
• 32 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 65 watts.
• Price: €116.52.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

This is one of the processors that you shouldn’t buy right now because its price-performance value is below than other options we can find on the market. Overall, the Ryzen 5 3600 performs at about the same level as the Ryzen 5 5500, and the latter can be purchased for less money.

It must be recognized that in that comparison I just made, the Ryzen 5 3600 has an advantage, and that is. supports PCIe Gen4which can make a difference in some cases when using certain graphics cards limited to PCIe Gen4 x8, but even if this is a problem we can find much more interesting options that will allow us to access, in addition, to a more current platform.

I could give you many examples, but without a doubt the most attractive one today is the Intel Core i3-12100F, which is priced at 95.99 euros and supports DDR4, DDR5 and is compatible with the PCIe Gen5 standard. It is true that it has 4 cores and 8 threads, but it has a much higher IPC, and this allows it to make a very clear difference both in games and in most synthetic and professional applications.

Alternatives that are a good choice

I have already advanced them in the previous section because it was necessary to explain why the Ryzen 5 3600 is not a good buy, but I will specify a little more. The Ryzen 5 5500 would be a good alternative if we can find it. for less than 100 eurosbut if we are going to mount a graphics card limited to PCIe Gen4 x8 we must take into account that its performance will be affected because it will work under PCIe Gen3 x8.

If we want to assemble a PC compatible with all the new generation standards and ensure good performance with a contained investment. the Core i3-12100F is undoubtedly the best option for 95.99 euros. If you can invest a little more the ideal would be to install an Intel Core i5-12400F for 148,85 euros or a Ryzen 5 5600 for €143.91.

5.-Intel Core i3-14100

A processor that is placed in the Raptor Lake-S generation and offers a 4-core, 8-thread configuration at a maximum of 4.7 GHz. It has a very high IPC and offers a good level of performance, but its price is exaggerated for what it offers and for what we can find right now in the market.

Specifications

• Raptor Lake-S Generation.
• Four cores and eight threads at 3.5 GHz-4.7 GHz.
• Manufactured on Intel Node 7.
• Socket LGA1700.
• Intel UHD 730 GPU.
• 12 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 60 watts.
• Price: €169.90.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

If we focus on performance it is clear that the Intel Core i3-14100 is one of those processors that can surprise us thanks to its high IPC, but the problem is that its price-performance ratio is not good at all because it is, plain and simple, too expensive.

Only if Intel would reduce its price by about 40 euros it would become an interesting option, but as it is not, it deserves to be considered as an option to avoid. As of today there are very interesting options even for much less money that perform almost at the same levelsuch as the Intel Core i3-12100F, although it is true that this one has the iGPU disabled.

If we are looking for alternatives with integrated GPU we have it very easy to find superior options, because we are moving in. a price range where we already have very powerful solutions. that can deliver good performance even in games. The iGPU of the Intel Core i3-14100 is very limited and is not suitable for gaming, unless we are using older or undemanding titles.

Alternatives that are a good choice

The best alternative if we need an integrated GPU can be found in the Ryzen 5 5600G, which has a 6-core, 12-threaded Zen 3 CPU and a Radeon RX 7 GPU, priced at 139.90 eurosthat is, it is cheaper than this Intel Core i3-14100. In case we do not need an integrated GPU the best alternative is undoubtedly the Intel Core i5-12400F, which as I said can be bought for 148.50 euros.

6.-AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

A few weeks ago it was available at a great price, less than 200 euros, but now has gone up to 229.90 euros and is no longer a good option.. It is one of those processors that, for performance, still has a lot to say thanks to its high IPC and its 8 cores and 16 threads, but its current price puts it in a too complicated position.

Specifications

• Zen 3 generation.
• 8 cores and 16 threads at 3.8 GHz-4.7 GHz.
• Manufactured at the 7 nm node.
• Socket AM4.
• 32 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 65 watts.
• Price: €229.90.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

As I said its performance is still very good in both single and multithreading, but its current price negatively affects its price-performance value. If our goal is to upgrade a PC with AM4 motherboard, or to build a new gaming-focused rig, it is a better option to opt directly for a Ryzen 5 5600which performs almost the same and will cost us much less money.

The Ryzen 7 5800X will only make one major difference. in applications that are more multithreading intensive.but even in these cases we have more interesting options for similar or slightly higher prices, and if we are limited to the AM4 socket it is smarter to go straight for a Ryzen 7 5700X, which performs almost the same and is cheaper.

In case we are willing to pay even a little more to change platform. we will be able to access much more powerful processors, which already represent a generational leap. big jump compared to the Ryzen 7 5800X. For all these reasons it is a processor to avoid, and the Ryzen 7 5700X should only be considered if we are really going to be able to take advantage of its 8 cores and 16 threads.

Alternatives that are a good choice

There are many, to be honest. The Ryzen 5 7600 is one of the most interesting if our goal is to assemble a high-performance PC for gaming while maintaining a balanced budget, as it is available for €219.91. It has a top IPC and 6 cores and 12 threads, so it performs wonderfully. Another option to consider if you are more concerned about multithreading is the Intel Core i5-13400F, which has 6 P cores, 4 E cores and 16 threads and costs 229.98 euros.

For 10 euros more we can buy the Ryzen 5 7600X, which makes it a perfect alternative to the non-X model, although right now. the best price-performance option in this range in general is the Intel Core i5-12600KFwhich has 6 P cores, 4 E cores, 16 threads, and costs €217.99. It performs a tad less than the Ryzen 5 7600 in games, but makes up for it with higher multithreading performance.

7.-Intel Core i9-12900KS

It was once the most powerful processor on the market, and remains one of the highest-performing processors we can buy today, but its price is too highso much so that even it is stepped on with models of more current generationsand more powerful models from Intel itself, such as the Core i9-13900K.

Specifications

• Alder Lake-S Generation.
• 8 P-cores (Golden Cove), 8 E-cores (Gracemont) and 24 total threads.
• The P cores reach a maximum of 5.5 GHz, and the E cores can reach 2.5 GHz.
• Manufactured on Intel Node 7.
• Socket LGA1700.
• Intel UHD 770 GPU.
• 30 MB of L3 cache.
• TDP of 150 watts.
• Price: €626.27.

Why shouldn’t you buy it?

Because we can buy superior processors for much less moneyWhether we are looking for an option specialized in getting the maximum performance in games or if what we are interested in is something more balanced in gaming and multithreading, and the best thing is that we have alternatives from both AMD and Intel itself.

It should also be noted that this processor has a very high power consumption, and reaches high temperatures. The alternatives we can find in the market are more powerful and more economical, and also have much more reasonable efficiency and heat generation values, which in the end will also help us save money.

There is no reason to buy the Intel Core i9-12900KS with what we can find right now in the market, unless you want to have it as a collector’s item, and take advantage of it to use it while you wait to resell it in the future. What can I say, I’ve seen stranger things over the years I’ve been in this world.

Alternatives that are a good option

There are many, to be honest. If your goal is to play the best option is the Ryzen 7 7800X3Dwhich is the most powerful processor for gaming and is priced at 429.90 euros. In case you want to enjoy excellent multithreading performance as well the Ryzen 9 7950X3D would be the best alternative, as it has 16 cores and 32 threads and keeps the extra 64 MB block of L3 cache. It is priced at €679.90.

On the Intel side the best alternatives in processors in this range would be the. Core i7-14700KFwhich performs better than the Intel Core i9-12900KS at all levels, and costs €448.90and the Intel Core i9-14900KFwhich represents a major generational leap over the Intel Core i9-12900KS and costs €619.90.

Note: This selection contains some links from our affiliates, but none of the products included have been proposed or recommended by them or their manufacturers, but chosen at our own discretion.