Processors / CPUs

CPU - the Brain of Your Computer

A CPU, or central processing unit, is the what enables your computer to interact with all of the applications and programs installed, containing the circuitry needed to process input and output results. The CPU tells all of your other PC components what to do, essentially acting as the brain of your computer.

Those looking to purchase a new CPU for their PC build should look no further than Micro Center. Whether you're shopping on a budget or want the latest and most powerful processor that money can buy, Micro Center has you covered.

Maximize Your Gaming Performance with a High-End CPU

While a PC's gaming performance has a lot to do with your GPU, processing speed factors significantly into a gaming PC as well. Those looking to maximize their gaming performance will want so spring for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 at minimum.

These CPUs have higher clock speeds, allowing for greater frames per second, and an overall smoother gaming experience.

Processors That Will Boost Productivity

In order to become as efficient as possible, a great workstation computer must be well-equipped with modern hardware that can allow for maximum efficiency. Upgrade your system with a new CPU that helps boost productivity and handles your workload easier than ever.

A more powerful CPU can handle more demanding tasks faster and more efficiently, meaning that less time will be spent waiting for programs to load, and more time actually getting work done.

AMD Processors

AMD offers a wide range of processors ready to handle everything from everyday use to top-of-the-line workstation PCs. The Ryzen 3 series of processors is recommended for those who primarily use their PCs for internet browsing, streaming, and light work. However, neither the 3000 or 5000 series Ryzen 3 processors should be overlooked, with all units featuring quad-cores, and capable of handling some light-to-mid gaming.

Ryzen 5 processors are a step-up from Ryzen 3, featuring a mix of quadcore and hexacore processors that pack enough power to handle more intensive applications and games while sitting at a very competitive price range.

Ryzen 7 processors feature a ton of power and can truly offer great PC performance. Ryzen 7 processors are often the go-to for gamers and content creators, as they offer ample power for gaming and streaming, often at the same time.

Finally, Ryzen 9 family of processors are true beasts, packing in 12 cores and 24 threads, and are considered one of the best of their kind. Just above them are Ryzen's Threadripper series, a line of processors designed mostly for business workstation and, while they can be used for gaming and casual browsing, are generally not found in home machines. For example, the Threadripper 3990X packs in a whopping 64 cores and 128 threads, over 5x the power of Ryzen 9, but most users won't need that much power in their day-to-day usage.

Intel Processors

Whether you're building your first PC or your tenth, there's an Intel Processor that will be a perfect fit for your build. For enthusiasts, there are the Core i7 and i9 processors, as well as a number of Core i3 and i5 processors with ‘K’ designation, built to be overclocked and pushed to their limits. For newcomers and general home use PCs, the Core i3 and i5 will work wonders.

Those with Intel-based computers also have quite a lot of choices when picking the right processor for them. For those building a daily-use PC, an Intel i3 processor will do just the trick, providing a solid amount of power that is more than enough for completing daily tasks.

The Intel i5 processor sits in the middle of Intel's lineup. Those looking to maximize their gaming performance without going too big should invest in an Intel Core-K processor, as it will allow for extra performance. The K, which stands for “unlocked,” essentially means that the processor is capable of overlocking, which has the benefit of enabling extra performance while using processor-intensive tasks such as gaming.

Those looking to maximize their processing even further can invest in an i7 or i9 Intel processor, as these processors feature even more cores and greater processing power, which is necessary for achieving a more powerful PC. Perfect for streaming, gaming, and staying ahead of the curve.