Best Processors:
Budget processors make technology accessible by offering strong performance at an affordable price. Ideal for students, casual users, and small businesses, they handle tasks like web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption with ease. Many include integrated graphics, reducing the need for a separate GPU and cutting costs.
For gamers and content creators, budget processors deliver decent performance for light gaming, video editing, and graphic design when paired with entry-level GPUs. They also keep up with trends, featuring energy efficiency and multi-core capabilities to provide excellent value.
Overall, budget processors ensure reliable, cost-effective computing without sacrificing quality or functionality. Here are our top 5 processors around 12000 INR in 2024.
1. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 remains a solid CPU, offering 6 cores, 12 threads, 32MB L3 cache, and PCIe 4.0 support at an affordable price. It includes the 65W Wraith Stealth cooler, but can be overclocked to match the performance of the pricier Ryzen 5 3600X. While it lacks AMD’s newer Zen 3 architecture, it’s still a great choice for small form factor builds and budget users. However, for better single-core performance and advanced features, consider upgrading to the Ryzen 5 5600X.
Pros
- Low price
- Excellent performance in gaming and applications
- PCIe 4.0 support
- bundled cooler
- Low power consumption
- Unlocked multiplier
- Backward compatibility
Cons
- No cheap B-series motherboards with PCIe 4.0
- Limited overclocking headroom
- No integrated graphics
2. AMD 5000 Series Ryzen 5 5500
The AMD Ryzen 5 5500, launched as the most affordable Zen 3 CPU, arrived over a year after the initial Zen 3 lineup. With Zen 4 processors on the horizon, its impact in a competitive market is uncertain. Priced at $159, it offers a cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers.
The Ryzen 5 5500 features 6 cores, 12 threads, and respectable clock speeds, with full DDR4 support. However, it lacks PCIe 4.0 compatibility, being limited to PCIe 3.0, which diminishes its appeal for users seeking a more future-proof setup. On the bright side, it includes the Wraith Stealth cooler, saving users from investing in an aftermarket solution. Despite its limitations, the Ryzen 5 5500 remains a decent option for budget builds, especially for those prioritizing value over cutting-edge features.
Pros
- Competent gaming and application performance
- Solid upgrade path for Ryzen 1000 owners
- Bundled CPU Cooler
- Overclockable
- Broad support with 300-series motherboards
Cons
- Value prop is poor vs Intel chips
- No integrated GPU
- 5500 only supports PCIe 3.0
3.Intel Core I5 12400F
The Intel Core i5-12400F is a standout mid-range CPU for budget-conscious gamers and PC builders. With 6 cores, 12 threads, and a boost clock of 4.4 GHz, it delivers strong gaming and multitasking performance, often rivaling AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X. Built on Intel’s Alder Lake architecture, it focuses on robust single- and multi-threaded tasks while consuming 20 watts less power than its AMD counterpart, ensuring efficiency and lower energy costs.
It offers exceptional value, making it ideal for cost-effective gaming rigs. However, it lacks integrated graphics and DDR5 support, requiring a discrete GPU and limiting future-proofing. Overall, the i5-12400F delivers impressive performance and efficiency for its price.
Pros
- Superb value
- Excellent productivity
- Restrained power
- Solid for gaming
Cons
- No overclocking
4.AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is a standout six-core, 12-thread processor with impressive integrated graphics. As a successor to budget-friendly gaming CPUs like the Ryzen 5 3400G, it delivers some of the fastest game frame rates ever seen from an integrated graphics processor (IGP). Priced lower than the IGP-less Ryzen 5 5600X, the 5600G features the powerful Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics engine, making it a strong competitor to Intel’s Core i5-11600K, particularly in gaming and overall performance.
This processor is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers or anyone seeking a reliable IGP-equipped CPU for everyday computing tasks. Its Radeon Software compatibility further enhances its appeal. Whether you’re building an affordable esports setup or need a versatile desktop processor, the Ryzen 5 5600G continues AMD’s streak of producing stellar 7nm processors and earns yet another Editors’ Choice award.
Pros
- Strong gaming performance on integrated graphics
- Priced aggressively in AMD’s own CPU stack
- Regularly beats out competition from Intel
- Wraith Stealth cooler included in the box
- Compatible with Radeon Software suite
Cons
- Slightly slower integrated-graphics gaming performance than Ryzen 7 5700G
- Limited motherboard compatibility at launch
5.AMD 5000 Series Ryzen 5 5600X
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a standout six-core, 12-thread processor that perfectly targets the midrange gaming CPU market. It offers an excellent balance of core count and cost in AMD’s Zen 3 lineup. Compared to Intel’s Core i5-10600K, the Ryzen 5 5600X emerges as a superior option, delivering record-breaking gaming performance and impressive value for its price in 2024.
Although it lacks integrated graphics, which some midrange buyers may seek, this is a minor drawback for an otherwise exceptional processor. Its stellar performance and competitive pricing make it an Editors’ Choice pick for gaming CPUs, alongside AMD’s budget-friendly Ryzen 3 3300X.
Pros
- Strong performance in content creation and productivity tasks
- Dominance in gaming benchmarks
- Low TDP
- Compatible with Socket AM4
- High overclock ceiling
Cons
- Price creep versus last-gen Ryzen 5
- No integrated graphics
- Overclocking didn’t translate to actual major performance gains
