A friend is building a PC, and I already have 32GB of DDR4 memory and an older RTX 4060 available. We're looking for the best CPU under €200 to pair with those parts. AMD's Ryzen options seem strong, but I'm also wondering whether an Intel processor and compatible DDR4 motherboard would make more sense. The €200 budget may need to cover either the CPU alone or both the CPU and motherboard.
4 Answers
If the €200 limit is for both the CPU and motherboard, I’d choose a Ryzen 5 5600 with a B550 board or an i5-12400F with a reasonably priced B660 DDR4 board. If it’s for the CPU alone, a newer Intel i5 or an X3D-based Ryzen chip may be worth considering.
The Ryzen 5 5600 is probably the safest choice, especially if the €200 budget needs to include the motherboard. It offers plenty of performance for an RTX 4060 and works with inexpensive B550 boards. If the budget is only for the processor, there are stronger options available.
For Intel, an i5-12400F paired with a B660 or similar DDR4 motherboard is a very sensible combination. Depending on local prices, a 12th-, 13th-, or 14th-generation i5 could also work, but make sure the motherboard specifically supports DDR4.
AMD gives you more upgrade flexibility if you can find a Ryzen 5 5600X3D or 5500X3D below €200. Those chips can perform especially well in games, though availability and pricing vary a lot. The regular 5600 is easier to recommend as a dependable budget option.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload