The "Brains" of your new computer
The single most important component in just about any PC build is going to be the CPU, or Central Processing Unit – also known as the Processor. These highly sophisticated pieces of silicon are capable of processing literally billions of cycles of data per second to act as the “brain” of your PC and power your applications. But not all are created equal – in fact, far from it. Today’s processors can range from dual or even single core, low voltage models like those found in laptops all the way to ultra-powerful 64-core monsters designed for professional workstation applications. Choosing the right one is the first step to building the perfect custom PC for your needs.
Learn more about the latest processor options from Intel and AMD below.
Select chip
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the fourth most powerful CPU in AMD’s Zen 3 lineup. With 6 Cores and 12 Threads, it is targeted at mid level gaming PCs.
While not as powerful as the Ryzen 9/8 processors (Fewer cores, lower clock speed), the Ryzen 5 5600X still offers excellent gaming performance at a much more affordable $299 price tag.
System Recommendations
The 5600X is probably the best option for PC enthusiasts looking to build a gaming machine. While the gaming performance is not as strong as the 5900X or 5950X, it isn’t as far off as you would think. The 5600X is by far the best value in the Zen 3 lineup.
Due to the limited core count, this processor is not ideal for streaming, rendering, or video editing applications.
Ryzen 5 5600X Equipped PCs
Ryzen 5 5600X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.6GHz |
| L2 Cache | 3MB |
| L3 Cache | 32MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | AM4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 65W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is the third most powerful CPU in AMD’s Zen 3 lineup. With 8 Cores and 16 Threads, it sits right between the 5900X and 5600X CPUs.
At $449 and with 8 physical cores the 5800X is oddly positioned. The processor is not as good at workstation applications as the Ryzen 9 CPUs, and it doesn’t offer significant gains when gaming over the 5600X.
System Recommendations
The 5800X is a strong performer. It makes sense for users looking for a gaming machine that can handle but not excel at other duties.
If you are looking for a gaming PC, the 5600X offers very similar gaming performance. The 5800X would be great for streamers that need the extra cores and threads, but don’t need to do workloads requiring higher core counts.
Ryzen 7 5800X Equipped PCs
Ryzen 7 5800X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.7GHz |
| L2 Cache | 4MB |
| L3 Cache | 32MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | AM4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 105W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Processor
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X sits second in the current lineup of Zen 3 processors. It features similar specs to its big brother the 5950X, but has 12 cores instead of 16, and 24 threads instead of 32. At $549 the price to performance ratio is very strong.
System Recommendations
The 5900X is an amazing CPU for high end gaming machines. It can easily handle gaming and streaming duties.
The CPU is also fantastic for video rendering as well. Users looking for a multi purpose machine that doesn’t cost as much as 5950X based systems, and runs a little cooler, have a great option in the 5900x.
Ryzen 9 5900X Equipped PCs
Ryzen 9 5900X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 12 |
| Threads | 24 |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.8GHz |
| L2 Cache | 6MB |
| L3 Cache | 64MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | AM4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 105W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Processor
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is the current flagship of their latest line of Zen 3 processors built on the 7nm architecture. The 5950X straddles the line between a workstation and traditional desktop CPU.
Featuring 16 physical cores and a $799 price tag, the 5950X is a relative value for a flagship desktop processor when compared to intel based systems.
System Recommendations
Users looking for a desktop processor that excels at both gaming and productivity tasks will want a 5950X. This processor is an excellent high end choice for dual purpose systems.
Users looking only for gaming computers may be better served by AMD’s 5900X or 5600X.
Ryzen 9 5950X Equipped PCs
Ryzen 9 5950X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 16 |
| Threads | 32 |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 8MB |
| L3 Cache | 64MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | AM4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 105W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X Processor
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X sits third in AMD’s workstation CPU lineup. The processor has 24 Cores and 48 threads that hit a max boost clock of 4.5GHz.
Unlike its bigger brother the 3970x (32 Cores, 64 Threads), the cut in features comes with a small price tag decrease. The 3960X comes in at around $1,900, which is only around $300 less than the 3970X.
System Recommendations
The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is in an odd position when looking at both price and performance. While it's still offers great performance, unless you need to save every penny, you would really be better off getting the more capable 3970X for an extra $300.
Threadripper 3960X Equipped PCs
Threadripper 3960X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 24 |
| Threads | 48 |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 12MB |
| L3 Cache | 128MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | sTRX4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 280W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Processor
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is the second most powerful workstation CPU in AMD’s lineup.
Featuring 32 Cores and 64 threads this 3970X is essentially a 3990X with the cores, threads, and cache cut in half.
The cut in features also comes with a big reduction in price. The 3970X comes in at around $2,200, which is less than half the cost of the 3990X.
System Recommendations
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is designed to handle high end workstation duties. This is an amazing CPU for video editing and 3D modeling. While it doesn’t have the raw horsepower you get with a 3990X, 32 physical cores still perform very well.
Threadripper 3970X Equipped PCs
Threadripper 3970X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 32 |
| Threads | 64 |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 16MB |
| L3 Cache | 128MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | sTRX4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 280W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X Processor
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the most powerful workstation CPU in AMD’s lineup. With a whopping 64 Cores and 128 threads this processor is designed for extreme workloads. In addition to the high core count, the processor has 288MB of cache and ECC memory support. The MSRP of $5,000 matches the ultra high end performance you can get from this processor.
System Recommendations
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is designed for ultra high end workstation applications. If you are rendering video projects professionally, or need a processor for server application, this is one of the best options ever created.
Threadripper 3990X Equipped PCs
Threadripper 3990X Specifications
| Model | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|
| Cores | 64 |
| Threads | 128 |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 32MB |
| L3 Cache | 256MB |
| Architecture | Zen 3, 7nm |
| Package | sTRX4 |
| PCI Express | PCIE 4.0 |
| TDP | 280W |
| Memory Support | DDR4 |
Intel Core i5-10600K
The Intel Core i5-10600K Processor features an unlocked clock multiplier that allows you to tune performance for the specific needs of your business and applications. You can truly immerse yourself in an intelligent, interactive, visually immersive environment with a smooth, responsive PC experience.
System Recommendations
With 6 Cores and up to 4.6GHz Turbo boost speed, the i5-10600K provides some of the best performance for creative professionals and gamers. This processor is a great option for those looking to build a mid level gaming machine.
Intel Core i5-10600K Equipped PCs
Intel Core i5-10600K Specifications
| Model | Intel Core i5-10600K |
|---|---|
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Base Clock | 4.10 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz |
| Cache | 12MB |
| Bus Speed | 8 GT/s |
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| PCI Express | 3.0 |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| TDP | 125W |
| Memory Support | 128GB |
Intel Core i7-10700K
The Intel Core i7-10700K processor features 8 CPU cores with HyperThreading, delivering amazing performance in a new design and the thermal headroom to overclock for even more performance. The unlocked multiplier allows easy overclocking to a base clock of 4.7 GHz, so you can have extensive control over your performance.
System Recommendations
For gaming enthusiasts and enthusiast PC builders who want the smallest gaming platform for their next build, the Intel Core i7-10700K processor gives you great performance and overclocking. Built with 14nm+ architecture, this unlocked processor has higher frequencies, improved cache and vastly superior graphics compared to its previous generation counterpart.
Intel Core i7-10700K Equipped PCs
Intel Core i7-10700K Specifications
| Model | Intel Core i7-10700K |
|---|---|
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Base Clock | 3.80 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 5.10 GHz |
| Cache | 16MB |
| Bus Speed | 8 GT/s |
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| PCI Express | 3.0 |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| TDP | 125W |
| Memory Support | 128GB |
Intel Core i9-10900K
The Intel Core i9-10900K Processor runs faster and processes data quicker than any previous generation processor. This processor can handle all of your daily computing tasks with ease. Prepare to be wowed by fast boot up times and speedy applications.
System Recommendations
The Intel Core i9-10900K Processor lets you experience incredible responsiveness no matter how advanced your computing needs may be. This processor's impressive performance comes without sacrificing energy efficiency, meaning you'll get more done with less battery life. It's a great choice for everything from gaming to everyday use.
Intel Core i9-10900K Equipped PCs
Intel Core i9-10900K Specifications
| Model | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|
| Cores | 10 |
| Threads | 20 |
| Base Clock | 3.70 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 5.30 GHz |
| Cache | 20MB |
| Bus Speed | 8 GT/s |
| PCI Express | 3.0 |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| TDP | 125W |
| Memory Support | 128GB |
Processor F.A.Q.
What are the important CPU specs?
The two most important specs when choosing a processor are core count and core speed. Each CPU core is able to process it’s own set of information – almost acting like a separate processor of its own. Core speed, usually stated in MHz or GHz, is a measure of data cycles per second it can process.
So is a quad core processor twice as fast as dual core?
Yes – but it does depend on the application. Some applications are single threaded, meaning they are only optimized to hit one core, and so the performance difference would be minimal. Others are multi-threaded, so they take advantage of some or all available cores. Multi-core processors will perform much better on multi-threaded applications and benchmarks.
What is CPU cache?
CPU cache is a small amount of memory on the processor that it dedicates to holding and accessing commonly used instructions and data to speed up those processes. More cache means more common processes can be stored.
Do you sell components?
We offer these processor options in our fully built desktops only. We do not sell components individually, but we do have an upgrade program for current customers. Learn more on that here.
Which Processor is best for me?
Choosing the right CPU depends on your workflow and budget. For direct assistance, give our sales team a call at 804-419-0900.
The World’s Fastest Hardware
We use only the very latest retail grade components from Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Samsung, EVGA, and Crucial in our architecture and engineering workstations. Each component in our online configurator has been chosen by our expert engineering team for these specific applications to provide maximum performance and the utmost reliability, ensuring that your hardware never gets in the way of your design.
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Why Velocity Micro
Velocity Micro’s heritage began 20-years ago building ultra-performance desktop workstations. Since then, we’ve won nearly every award possible for design, support, and quality there is, and continue to build incredible custom systems to this day. Our architecture and engineering workstations are simply without equal. A few reasons to choose Velocity Micro:
- Expert overclocking – free CPU power without risking reliability or longevity
- Lifetime, 100% US-based Support – never routed offshore
- Owned and operated in the USA – and always will be
- Meticulous build quality – there are no assembly lines here