The best server processors

2023 was a landmark year for the world of server processors, offering a significant spectrum of choices for users with different needs and budgets. From budget models optimized for basic tasks to powerful gaming and high-end processors meeting the demands of professional users and gamers, this year brought diversity and innovation. Today, in this article, we will take a closer look at each segment, focusing on their key features, advantages, and approximate cost in the Ukrainian market, to help you choose the best processor according to your needs and budget.

Budget Processors

The budget processor category in the Ukrainian market includes CPUs with an average cost of up to 5,000 hryvnias. Although these processors are not the latest generation, they still have satisfactory characteristics and are ideal for office and home computers. In this segment, we recommend choosing models with integrated graphics to save on a video card.

Among the most popular are the following:

  • Intel Core i3-10105F – an affordable option, introduced in 2021, which is perfect for basic computer builds. The main advantage of the processor is that it is designed for socket LGA 1200, which in turn makes it easy to find an affordable motherboard. Another plus is the gradual reduction in the price of DDR4 after the release of DDR5. As for the downsides, the Intel Core i3-10105F works on the PCI Express 3.0 bus and has a limited maximum memory frequency of 2666 MHz, but at the same time, its dual-channel memory mode compensates for this. The processor is sold in versions with BOX (cooler) and without. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 2,900 hryvnias.
  • AMD Ryzen 5 4500 – offers good performance for its price. This 6-core, 12-thread processor effectively copes with large volumes of tasks thanks to parallel data processing. Its base working frequency is 3.6 GHz, and the frequency in turbo-boost mode is 4.1 GHz. In single-core performance tests, it shows typical results for its price category, but in multi-core – it demonstrates some of the best indicators in the budget segment. The processor is made with a 7 nm process, providing low power consumption – only 65 watts, allowing the use of efficient coolers without high costs. The main downside is the use of the Zen 2 microarchitecture, which, although time-tested, remains behind the newer versions of Zen 3 and Zen 4 that support more modern technologies for increased efficiency. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 3,300 hryvnias.
  • AMD Ryzen 3 4300G – an excellent and optimal choice for building a computer up to 300 dollars, with 4 cores and 8 threads. Its base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with the possibility of increasing to 4 GHz. The main feature is the integrated Vega 6 graphics, which saves on a video card for basic tasks, including some games at medium or low settings. AMD Ryzen 3 4300G is effective, but in thermal mode reaches 91°C during stress tests, although in real conditions this happens rarely. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 3,600 hryvnias.
  • INTEL Core i3 12100F – effective for everyday tasks in its budget segment, and compatible with socket 1700. It supports DDR5 RAM (up to 4800 MHz) for powerful builds and DDR4 (up to 3200 MHz) for economical options, with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. This processor is notable for supporting PCIe 5.0, has a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, boost 4.3 GHz, and thermal output varies from 58 to 89 watts. In addition, the Core i3 12100 version has integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730. In turn, the Core i3 12100F is not overclockable. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 4,400 hryvnias.

Gaming Processors

In the first half of 2023, the cost of a quality gaming processor ranged from 8,000 to 15,000 hryvnias. They are most commonly used by gamers, for whom the components of the video card are more critical than other computer elements. Therefore, the recommended specifications for gaming processors include 6 or more cores, 8 or more threads, with a base frequency of 3 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.5 GHz or higher.

Among the most popular are the following:

  • INTEL Core i5 13400F – offers an excellent balance between price and performance for gamers. This processor has 10 cores (8 in dual-thread and 2 energy-efficient in single-thread mode), a base frequency of 2.5 GHz, and a turbo up to 4.6 GHz, and supports DDR5 up to 4800 MHz. INTEL Core i5 13400F is built on the Raptor Lake architecture with a 7 nm process and requires an efficient cooling system due to its high power. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 9,000 hryvnias.
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7600 – great performance in games. It is recognized as AMD’s equivalent to the Intel Core i5 13400F, lacking energy-efficient cores, but this is compensated by a 5-nanometer process, ensuring power and efficiency. Overall, AMD Ryzen 5 7600 has 6 cores, 12 threads, working frequencies of 3.8–5.1 GHz, and integrated AMD Radeon graphics. Additionally, it has 32 MB of L3 cache and supports RAM up to 5200 MHz. Compared to Ryzen 7 5800X, the 5 7600 is considered a better choice on AM5, despite the higher assembly cost. The average price in the Ukrainian market is approximately 10,000 hryvnias.
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D – optimized for complex gaming tasks. Although this processor has 8 cores, it still shows high performance, capable of competing with 12-core models, such as AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and Intel Core i9 12900K. This is achieved thanks to a large third-level cache (96 MB), which ensures efficiency in games. The processor operates at frequencies of 3.4 – 4.5 GHz, has limited RAM support, and requires effective cooling due to a high TDP (105 watts). Overclocking is blocked, but undervolting is possible. In addition, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D has an AM4 socket, limiting upgrade possibilities. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 13,500 hryvnias.
  • Core i5 13600K – an excellent choice for professional gaming. It is notable for factory overclocking, with a maximum frequency of 5.1 GHz and a base of 3.5 GHz. With 14 cores and 20 threads, it is suitable not only for games but also for work tasks. The TDP of this processor is 125 watts, but it can rise to 181 watts, requiring efficient cooling. It is compatible with LGA 1700, supports DDR4 and DDR5, recommended DDR5 up to 5600 MHz. Also, Core i5 13600K has integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770, useful in case of issues with a discrete video card. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 14,000 hryvnias.

Top-Tier Processors

This category is important not only for gamers but also especially for professionals working in fields like 3D modeling, video production, and motion design. Therefore, our selection of processors focuses on their latest generations, although the ranking also includes one high-performance processor from 2020.

Among them are:

  • Core i7 13700K – excels in multitasking and high performance. Although AMD is known for producing processors with a good price-performance ratio, the Intel Core i7 13700K, built on the Raptor Lake architecture, still stands out among its predecessors, taking a high place in its class. It operates on a 10-nm process, which increases heat output, thus requiring powerful cooling. With 16 cores (6 high-performance and 8 energy-efficient) and working frequencies of 3.4 – 5.4 GHz, this processor is well-suited for gaming and rendering, slightly trailing behind the flagship model i9 13900K. Overall, the Core i7 13700K is demanding on components but at the same time ideal for gaming at high settings. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 18,600 hryvnias.
  • AMD Ryzen 9 5950X – ideal for professional tasks. Using the AM4 socket for assembling a professional computer allows for savings without sacrificing performance, as the motherboard and RAM are cheaper, despite the processor’s similar price. The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X with 16 cores and a maximum frequency of 4.9 GHz is competitive even compared to the latest flagships. It has a large cache (64 MB) and efficient heat dissipation (105 watts) but only supports DDR4 RAM with a maximum frequency of 3200 MHz. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 21,500 hryvnias.
  • Core i9 13900K – a leader in performance. This 24-core processor, based on the Raptor Lake microarchitecture, is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, potentially avoiding the need to change the motherboard. It offers faster cores up to 5.80 GHz with lower power consumption compared to Alder Lake, though it is less energy-efficient than AMD. This processor also supports DDR4, but performs better with DDR5, enhancing performance in games and work. Equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 770, Core i9 13900K has a version without integrated graphics (i9 13900KF) and competes with AMD Ryzen 9 7950X but has higher power consumption and heat output. In professional applications like Blender Benchmark, it slightly lags behind Ryzen 9 7950X but outperforms it in games by 10-15%. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 25,800 hryvnias.
  • AMD Ryzen 9 7950X – impressive power for the most challenging tasks. This processor with its 16 cores competes with HEDT processors from the Threadripper line, offering greater versatility. Its high performance is achieved thanks to frequencies of 4.5 – 5.7 GHz, backed by the Zen 4 microarchitecture and PCIe 5.0 support. However, the limitation of 128 GB RAM may be insufficient for some tasks. Despite the availability of the newer model Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Ryzen 9 7950X remains a proven choice, especially for high-performance gaming in 4K with maximum graphic settings along with top video cards. The average cost in the Ukrainian market is approximately 26,600 hryvnias.

Thus, as we can see, 2023 offered us a wide selection of server processors for any need and budget, where everyone can find the ideal processor for their tasks. Choose the one that suits you best and let your work always be easy and productive.