Collection: CPUs & Processors

Which CPU tier do you actually need?

Most PC builders get better results by matching the processor to the workload than by chasing the biggest number on the box. Today's lineup breaks into three tiers, and the differences go well beyond core count. Entry chips, such as the Ryzen 5 and Core Ultra 5 families, give you six to fourteen cores with a smaller L3 cache and lower sustained power limits. They handle gaming at 1080p and 1440p properly, provided your Graphics Cards / GPU choice is the main spend.

The sweet spot is where cache and boost behaviour start to matter. Ryzen 7 X3D parts stack extra L3 cache vertically on the die, which cuts the number of trips out to slower system memory. In games that are latency-bound rather than bandwidth-bound, that gives a bigger real-world lift than adding cores. Intel's Core Ultra 7 takes a different approach, with more efficiency cores for background and multithreaded work and strong all-round productivity.

Enthusiast chips like the Ryzen 9 and Core Ultra 9 add cores, higher power ceilings and, on AMD, a second chiplet. A second chiplet means threads can occasionally hop across the interconnect, adding latency. Those extra cores pay off in rendering, compiling and heavy multitasking. For a gaming-only rig they rarely justify the money, because most engines stop scaling meaningfully past eight good cores. That's where diminishing returns bite. Paying double for a few percent in games is a poor trade, but paying for threads that cut a render from forty minutes to twenty-five is sensible.

Upgrading and technical nuances

Platform choice locks in more than the socket. AMD's AM5 uses DDR5 only and has a reasonably long upgrade path, so a B650 or B850 board today can often take a newer Ryzen later with a BIOS update. Intel's LGA1851 platform runs Core Ultra 200S processors on 800-series chipsets (Z890, B860, H810) and also uses DDR5 only. Older LGA1700 boards will not take these chips, even though the cooler mounting holes match.

For boards, the mainstream sweet-spot lines are ASUS TUF Gaming, MSI MAG Tomahawk and Gigabyte AORUS Elite. Their VRMs are properly heatsinked, so they hold boost clocks under long loads. Cheaper boards with thin heatsinks and fewer power stages can still run a midrange chip. Pair them with a 16-core part and the VRM can run hot and throttle during extended renders. Browse Motherboards with your CPU's real power draw in mind, not just the socket.

Pay attention to power labels. AMD's TDP is not actual draw. A 170W TDP chip can pull around 230W under all-core load. Intel's PL1 and PL2 limits work similarly, and many boards ship with them unlocked, so a chip can run hotter than the spec sheet suggests.

Memory matters too. DDR5-6000 CL30 with EXPO or XMP is the practical sweet spot on both platforms. On AM5, it keeps the memory controller and Infinity Fabric in a stable ratio. Faster kits cost more and may force a lower-ratio mode, which gives up the gains. Look at Corsair Vengeance, Kingston Fury or G.Skill Ripjaws in Desktop Memory, and run two sticks rather than four for easier stability.

Lastly, check the integrated graphics. AMD's AM5 chips include a basic iGPU for display output and troubleshooting. Intel's F-suffix chips have none, so you will need a discrete card to get any picture.

Practical things to check before buying

Start with cooling. A modern 8-core chip is easy enough for a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120, a dual-tower air cooler that handles most midrange loads comfortably. For Ryzen 9 or Core Ultra 9, a 280mm or 360mm AIO such as the Arctic Liquid Freezer line gives more thermal headroom, because a larger radiator spreads heat over more fin area. Browse CPU Cooling and Fans, Heatsinks & Cooling to compare. Check that your cooler supports your socket. AM5 retains AM4 mounting holes, and LGA1851 matches LGA1700 spacing, but always confirm with the cooler maker.

Dimensions come next. Tall dual-tower coolers can foul the top RAM slot or the side panel, so check cooler height against your Computer Cases. Most mid-towers fit 155mm to 165mm coolers, while compact cases often cap at 150mm or lower. For radiators, check front, top and rear mounting support, plus clearance above the motherboard for thick radiators with fans.

Power delivery is the other trap. High-end chips need the 8-pin or dual 8-pin CPU connectors on the board, and some budget PSUs only provide one. A quality unit from Power Supplies or ATX Power Supply with ATX 3.1 and a native 12V-2x6 connector is worth it if you plan on a high-end GPU. Seasonic Focus and Corsair RMx are both solid picks. Cable quality matters, so check Cables & Connectors if you need extensions or sleeved sets.

Finally, remember storage and display. A fast CPU stalls on slow storage during loads, so pair it with a Samsung 990, Crucial T500 or WD_BLACK drive from Solid State Drives (SSD). And a high refresh rate Monitors choice is what actually lets you see the frames your chip produces.

Brands and local warranty

The two main brands are AMD and Intel, and both sell through authorised distributors in Australia. Retail boxed processors generally carry a manufacturer warranty of around three years, but check the listing, because tray or OEM units may differ. For supporting parts, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Corsair, Thermalright and Arctic all have established channels.

Local warranty matters because a faulty CPU or board can leave you without a working PC for weeks if you have to ship overseas. Under Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to remedies from the retailer if goods are faulty, on top of the manufacturer's coverage. Buy from an Australian retailer and you get a local contact, simpler RMA processes and no grey-import headaches. Keep your invoice and the serial number on the chip's packaging, since you will need both.

If you'd rather skip the parts hunt, our Computers range has pre-built options, and Networking brands like TP-Link and Ubiquiti round out a setup properly.

Frequently asked questions

How many cores do I need for gaming?

Six to eight fast cores cover almost every game today. Beyond that, extra cores mostly help streaming, rendering and background tasks. Cache and per-core speed matter more than raw count for frame rates.

Is an X3D processor worth the premium?

For gaming, usually yes. The stacked cache reduces memory latency in cache-sensitive titles, which often lifts minimum frame rates. For productivity work, standard chips with higher clocks or more cores can be better value.

Will my old motherboard work with a new CPU?

Only if the socket and chipset match. Core Ultra 200S needs LGA1851 and an 800-series board, while AM5 chips need an AM5 board, sometimes with a BIOS update first. Older sockets like AM4 and LGA1700 will not work.

Do I need an aftermarket cooler?

For most unlocked chips, yes. Stock coolers, where included, handle basic loads but run loud under stress. A good air cooler like the Peerless Assassin is quieter and keeps boost clocks up for longer.

Does faster RAM make a big difference?

Up to a point. DDR5-6000 CL30 is the sweet spot for both platforms. Going higher costs more and may not run stably, while dropping to slower kits can limit performance on Ryzen in particular.