An Intel processor is one of your two options for building a desktop CPU. However, Intel offers over 30 different options across two product generations: the 14th-generation Intel Core i-Series (codenamed Raptor Lake Refresh) and Intel Core Ultra 200S (codenamed Arrow Lake) chips.
So, if you don’t know which CPU to get, here are our recommendations for the best Intel processor based on your needs.
Intel Core Ultra vs. Intel Core i-Series
If you’re familiar with Intel PCs, you might be looking for the Intel Core i-Series chips, like the Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9. However, Intel rebranded its processors to Intel Core Ultra in 2023, and the first processor series to get this moniker was the Intel Core Ultra Series 1 (codenamed Meteor Lake). But if you’re new to Intel CPUs or don’t care about these changes, you can go to the next section to see the best desktop processor for you.
The first desktop chips to get the Intel Core Ultra name are Intel’s Core Ultra 200V processors, launched in October 2024. However, the previous generation, 14th-generation Intel Core processors, are still available on sale right now, meaning you can pick a chip from either generation based on your needs.
The primary difference between these two chip generations, aside from better efficiency, is the introduction of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The NPU is a computer specification that is part of the CPU and is specialized for artificial intelligence (AI) tasks. This allows it to run AI more efficiently and much faster than the general-purpose CPU.
There aren’t many use cases for NPUs right now, though, so you don’t need to focus on it when choosing a processor. So, let’s see which Intel CPU you should buy according to the specifications that you desire.
The Best Intel Desktop CPU for Basic Internet Browsing
If you’re looking to build a desktop computer for your non-technologically-inclined senior parents and they need something to occasionally check their email, make video calls, and watch movies, then you likely don’t need anything more powerful than a 14th-Gen Intel Core i3 processor.
The Intel Core i3-14100 should be more than enough for basic tasks like these, but it won’t work well with lots of multitasking. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider 12th and 13th-generation versions of this chip (Intel Core i3-13100 and Intel Core i3-12100). These chips would have slightly lower performance, but you will save around $35 from the purchase cost.
Another thing to note is that you should avoid “F” processors, like the Intel Core i3-13100F. These might be more affordable than the regular Intel Core i3-13100, but they don’t have an integrated graphics card. This means you’ll have to purchase a dedicated graphics card for the computer you’re building—something your intended end-user will likely not need.
The Best Intel Desktop CPU for Students
Students have varying computing needs, so you’ll likely want something more powerful than just for general use. But aside from that, you’d also probably keep your computer for the next four to six years, so we’ll recommend something that could hold up that long.Most students use several apps simultaneously and may also like to play some games. The Intel Core i5-14600K is a great option if that is the case. The “K” variant means it’s unlocked, so you could overclock it provided you have a compatible motherboard, like some of the best budget motherboards for gaming.
The 14600K should be more than for most of your use cases. While there are cheaper variants like the Intel Core i5-14400 and i5-14500, their price difference is often small enough that going for the more powerful 14600K just makes more sense.
However, the 14th-generation Intel Core CPUs use the LGA1700 socket, which differs from the Intel Core Ultra 200 series. These should last about five years, but if you plan to upgrade to a newer processor sooner without replacing your motherboard and are willing to spend more, I suggest going for the “gamer” processor.
The Best Intel Desktop CPU for Gamers
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a capable chip, but gamers should choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K if they want something that’ll last longer and have more power.
This chip is from the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 generation, which performs almost similarly to the 14600K but uses the newer LGA1851 socket. This means that the next generation of Intel processors would probably be compatible with the motherboard you’ll get for the 245K, making upgrading much easier and cheaper.
But if you want more gaming performance, I suggest the previous-generation Intel Core i7-14700K. This will offer slightly better gaming FPS but at the expense of higher power consumption and upgradeability. Also, ensure that you install this update from Intel to avoid the instability problems the processor suffered from that resulted in frequent CPU crashes and eventual death.
Processors like the 14700KF or 265KF do not have integrated graphics, so you need a dedicated GPU to run your system. But if you’re already getting one, I suggest getting the “KF” version of either chip. You could then spend the money saved on extra RAM or maybe even a slightly better GPU.
The Best Intel Desktop CPU for Professionals
Professionals often use multiple specialized apps simultaneously, like Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop for photographers. So, you’d likely appreciate the extra cores you get with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K.
If you use your computer for work, you’ll also appreciate that this processor and its socket have just launched. This means you could likely upgrade to the next generation (and maybe even the one after that) without replacing your motherboard.
Of course, you don’t want to bottleneck your system when you’re building a PC, so ensure that you also get an adequate amount of RAM and even a GPU, especially if you use it for visual work, like 3D rendering. This helps ensure you get a well-rounded PC when building your new computer.
The Best Intel Desktop CPU for Enthusiasts and Power Users
When money is no object, and you want to get the most powerful Intel desktop PC, the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the usual recommendation. However, the Intel Core i9-14900K outperforms this processor in some tasks, especially because the 285K prioritizes efficiency over performance.
So, if you’re looking for raw horsepower and nothing else, the 14900K is the way to go. But if you’re also considering future upgradability and don’t want to deal with the instability issues that plague the Raptor Lake Refresh generation, the 285K might be a smarter choice.
