The Best Next-Gen Processors
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If you’re looking to upgrade your computer to the latest and greatest hardware, you will want to check out the latest next-gen processors.
Depending on your build and budget, there’s a wealth of next-gen processors to consider. The biggest decision is going to be whether you opt for Intel or AMD.
Here are the best next-gen processors available today.
1. AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX
If you’re the kind of person that likes to have the best of the best, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX is the perfect next-gen CPU. But, it’s also one of the most expensive options, too.
With an incredible 64 cores and 128 threads, it’s easily one of the most impressive beasts in the processor market today. But there are some downsides. Thanks to the unique design and size, it requires a bespoke motherboard, which is not only expensive but also lacking in variety.
Due to the high price and build limitations, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX is primarily a workstation processor. While it does still perform great in gaming, there are much better options out there that won’t cost you anywhere near as much as this beastly processor.
2. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
When AMD creates a new generation of processors, boy do they like to set the bar high. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X might just be the best consumer processor ever created to date. With 16 cores and 32 threads, alongside a large 80MB cache and incredible overclocking capabilities, there’s very little this processor can’t do.
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X’s new Zen 4 architecture makes this processor compatible with DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 4.0. But, it also means you will need to spend money on upgrading your motherboard to an AM5 motherboard.
As a well-known half-human, half-spider vigilante once said, with great power comes great responsibility. In this case, the responsibility lies with the user buying some pretty beefy cooling, as with all that power, the Ryzen 9 7950X can get seriously hot, seriously quickly. But if you’ve got the time, money, and experience to get the cooling right, it will pay off with an extremely powerful PC.
3. Intel Core i5-13600K
If you’re not a fan of AMD processors, there are plenty of choices from Intel instead. One of the best choices for those looking to create a mid-range computer is the Intel Core i5-13600K. Coming in at a much lower price than Intel’s high-end Intel Core i5-13600K CPU, while still offering incredible performance and value.
The Intel Core i5-13600K packs an impressive 14 cores and 20 threads and supports both DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. This makes it a truly great next-gen processor for those looking to make a future-proof desktop for home or office use.
While the Intel Core i5-13600K might be more power-hungry than its AMD counterpart, it tends to be able to stay cooler even with heavier loads. Ultimately, this means you don’t need to worry about cooling as much as you would with a next-gen AMD processor.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is the perfect AMD all-rounder for those looking for a powerful processor but at a more affordable price. While the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X falls into the mid-range category in terms of price, it’s still one of the most powerful processors around today.
Just like many of the latest AMD processors, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X can get a little hot under heavy loads. Therefore, you might need to invest in some better cooling, such as an all-in-one cooling solution.
With 8 cores and 16 threads, as well as being DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 compatible, the Ryzen 7 7700X is a powerful next-gen processor. It’s a future-proof investment for your gaming or work desktop.
5. 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K
The Intel Core i9-13900K is one of Intel’s strongest 13th-generation processors, offering incredible performance, but at a hefty price. With 24 cores and 32 threads, it’s a powerful processor, capable of running most games and applications with ease.
With speeds able to hit up to 5.8GHz max boost, the Intel Core i9-13900K has incredible overclocking capabilities. However, it does tend to get hot during heavy loads, which might require some hefty custom cooling to ensure it continues running efficiently.
The Intel Core i9-13900K might be an expensive processor, but thanks to its DDR4 and DDR5 compatibility, you might get away with using your old RAM. So, if you’re not ready to fully immerse yourself in the next generation of PC building, it can help save you some money.
6. Intel Core i7-13700K
The Intel Core i7-13700K offers a good price-to-performance balance, making it ideal for productivity users. However, it’s also a solid option for gamers who prefer an Intel build. Compared to the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Intel Core i7-13700K is over 30% faster in multi-threaded work.
Performance-wise, the Intel Core i7-13700K is actually better value than the Ryzen 9 7900X, especially with single applications and gaming. And, when you push it further with its overclocking ability, you’re getting more bang for your buck than you could with Ryzen alternatives.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your PC to be more future-proof for the next generation of technology, the Intel Core i7-13700K is a CPU you won’t regret investing in.
