The best CPU for gaming under $100 is a tricky question. With the ever-increasing number of games and applications, you need to be able to get your processor up and running quickly. Here are some top processors that will help you save money while still getting the performance you need.
In the best budget cpu motherboard combo 2020 article, we have a list of 7 processors that are worth buying. They include the AMD Athlon 200GE, Intel Pentium Gold G5400, Intel Celeron 3965U, Intel Celeron 3865U, AMD Ryzen 3 2200G and AMD Ryzen 5 2400G.
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You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re looking for a low-cost CPU under $100. I’m going to go over some of the fundamentals of selecting a processor that will be suitable for your needs, in the hopes of making the choice a bit easier.
If you’re looking for a slightly faster processor that’s under $200 or even higher, between $200 and $300, check out these articles: “Best CPUs Under $200” and “Best CPUs Under $300.”
Roundup of the Best CPUs Under $100 in 2021
The table below provides a brief overview of our top picks for the best CPUs under $100 presently on the market. Simply click on ‘review>>’ in the appropriate row to read the entire review.
1. AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor
Zen 2 Architecture | AM4 Socket | 4 Cores | 8 Threads | 3.6 GHz Base Frequency | 3.9 GHz Max Boost Frequency | 65W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Workloads with several tasks
- Use of advanced office applications
- Twitch Live Streaming
- Playing newer, more complex games
- Computer activities on a daily basis
Our score is 9.8 out of ten.
We chose the Ryzen 3 3100 as the winner of the best CPU under $100. It has four cores and eight threads.
This is an important metric in multithreaded programs, and it differs somewhat from the other CPUs on this list. It provides you the capacity to tackle more complicated tasks that need multi-threaded capabilities since you have multi-threaded capability.
The Ryzen 3 3100 will outperform most CPUs that do not have this thread count if you are gaming on certain newer type games that optimize with more threads. This processor will also shine out versus its non-multi-threaded rivals if you’re dealing with large Excel spreadsheets or video/graphics editing.
The Ryzen 3 chip has the fastest single-core speed of this list at 124 points, but the doubled thread count really shines in multi-tasking or multithreaded workloads at 678 points attributed to the Octa-Core multitasking measurement, which I will refer to throughout this article to see a baseline of expected speeds.
We’ll talk about an AMD Ryzen 3200G later, and although AMD’s naming approach may be confusing, the 3200G is a Zen+ or 2nd generation Ryzen product, with the “G” indicating that it’s an APU or CPU with a built-in graphics engine.
Because the Ryzen 3 3100 is a Zen 2 CPU, or a 3rd Generation Ryzen processor (unlike the 3200G, which will be discussed later), it is compatible with both AM4 and 5 series motherboards.
The Ryzen 3 3100 is also compatible with PCIe 4.0 technology thanks to the Zen 2 architecture and a 5 series motherboard. When coupled with appropriate memory, SSD, and graphics hardware, this implies quicker transfer with graphics, memory, and SSD. This CPU, like the others on the list, requires a discrete (separate) graphics card.
The Ryzen 3 3100 will top the under $100 crowd on our list in terms of sheer processing power and ability to perform multi-threaded or complicated tasks. The CPU not only has the fastest real-world single-core clock rates on the list, but it’s also the only one with 8 threads for multi-tasking or multi-threaded programs.
As a result, the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 is the finest affordable CPU available. This is a great cheap choice for around $100 if you currently have or intend to utilize a discrete graphics card.
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2. Intel Core i3-9100 processor
Coffee Lake Architecture | LGA 1151 Socket | 4 Cores | 4 Threads | 3.6 GHz Base Frequency | 4.2 GHz Boost Frequency | 65W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Computing at the home office
- Surfing the Internet
- Light-hearted gaming
- With a separate GPU, advanced gaming is possible.
Our score is 9.7 out of ten.
Intel’s APU offering is the Intel i3-9100. This CPU is an APU, which means it includes onboard graphics.
The Core i3-9100 processor has four cores and four threads of computing capability. This CPU supports Intel Optane memory and is compatible with the LGA 1151 socket. Keep in mind that replacing an earlier socket LGA 1151 CPU with this one may need updating the PC’s bios to guarantee proper operation.
The i3-9100 has a base speed of 3.6 GHz and can overclock to 4.2 GHz with to Intel’s turbo boost technology. According to users’ average benchmarks, the single-core performance is about 120 points, while the octa-core multithreaded speed is around 445 points.
The i3-9100 is an APU that runs at excellent rates and has enough power to perform light gaming, office work, picture editing, light video editing, and just about any other day-to-day computer activity with ease. With a separate graphics card, this CPU can handle more sophisticated gaming, while the built-in graphics card can handle basic gaming.
The i3-9100 would be an excellent choice for a media server, since the integrated graphics are more than capable of handling the job. If I were not adding a separate graphics card, I would suggest this as my first choice for an all-in-one APU setup from the list of CPUs in this article.
Another important consideration is that this CPU comes with a cooler, which eliminates the need to pay for one in your build and may make this processor more attractive than others. If you select the Intel Core i3-9100, the compatibility with Intel’s Optane memory may offer you extremely quick read/write choices if you move a lot of data or access bigger files on a regular basis.
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3. Intel Core i3-9100F processor
Coffee Lake Architecture | LGA 1151 Socket | 4 Cores | 4 Threads | 3.6 GHz Base Frequency | 4.2 GHz Boost Frequency | 65W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Computing at the home office
- Surfing the Internet
- Light-hearted gaming
- With a separate GPU, advanced gaming is possible.
Our score is 9.5 out of ten.
The Intel Core i3-9100F is ranked number three. This is a four-core, four-thread CPU that uses the LGA 1151 socket and is compatible with motherboards using the 300 series chipset.
If you’re replacing an older CPU, check the specs on your motherboard to be sure it’ll work. In such situations, you may need to upgrade your bios to operate with this CPU.
The Core i3-9100F consumes 65 watts of power and is compatible with Intel Optane memory. This CPU has a 3.6 GHz base speed and an Intel turbo boost of up to 4.2 GHz. The i3-9100F will perform a good job with single-core programs, since the single-core speed is tested around 120 points according to the User Benchmark score, with 4 total cores and a single thread per core (445 points on octa-core multithreaded tests).
The i3-9100F lacks integrated graphics, which prevents basic media playing. To go with this CPU, you’ll need to invest in a separate graphics card. If you want to use this as a media center computer, you may utilize a “headless” configuration, but bear in mind that you’ll need graphics to use the CPU for normal PC tasks.
Another advantage is that the i3-9100F has a cooling fan that operates quietly. You can overclock the CPU, with many users claiming that they can regularly maintain boost speeds of 4.2GHz across all cores.
In short, if you need a processor that can handle up to four threads for tasks like gaming (with the purchase of a separate graphics card), media center, daily web, email, and video chat, this is a good option, especially if you’re upgrading from an Intel CPU to an Intel CPU and already have a discrete graphics card.
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4. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor
Zen+ Architecture | AM4 Socket | 4 Cores | 4 Threads | 3.6GHz Base Frequency | 4.0GHz Boost Frequency | 65W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Computer activities on a daily basis
- Simplicity in gaming
- Surfing the internet
- Use of Office Apps
- Media
Our score is 9.4 out of ten.
The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is another four-core, four-thread CPU, but this one comes with AMD Vega 8 on-board graphics. This is why I selected it as my second AMD choice.
The 3200G isn’t the fastest CPU on the list, but it’s the first AMD processor with integrated graphics that I’d recommend. While the single-core speed is lower than some of the other CPUs on our list (user benchmark average of 105 points, 414 points on octa-core multithreaded tests), it does provide considerable value in the form of an integrated graphics processor.
This is where the Ryzen 3200G truly shines, with its ability to handle everyday computing activities and the potential to have a cheap stand-alone CPU that can do some basic gaming, media playback, and plex media server duties.
The Wraith cooler that comes with the Ryzen 3200G is included. The CPU may be overclocked up to 4.0 GHz (average) and is compatible with AMD Socket AM4 motherboards, as with other Ryzen CPUs.
Keep in mind that this is a Zen+ architecture, not a Zen 2 architecture, so you won’t need to search for 5 series motherboards to get the best performance; 4 series motherboards will suffice.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a low-cost APU (processor with integrated graphics), the Ryzen 3 3200G is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget.
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5. AMD Athlon 3000G processor
Zen Architecture | AM4 Socket | 2 Cores | 4 Threads | 3.5GHz Base Frequency | N/A Boost Frequency | 35W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Computing at the home office
- Surfing the Internet
- Light-hearted gaming
We give it a 9.2 out of 10 rating.
The AMD Athlon 3000G is the next processor on the list. This CPU has two cores and four threads. This is an APU, like the 3200G, which means it has graphics integrated directly into the processor.
When buying an APU, keep in mind that the computer will still need resources to execute video duties. Memory from your PC’s regular memory will be utilized to perform graphics operations with APUs. The Athlon 3000G will need 2GB of your PC’s RAM to handle graphical demands, so be sure you have enough RAM to perform your duties plus the additional 2GB.
While this is a less expensive alternative than purchasing a separate graphics card, it should still be considered. This processor is an excellent budget option for a home office setting, since it can easily run basic office applications.
The sole user-driven benchmark result for the Athlon 3000G is 92.2. Our implies it will be slower than the other four core options on this list, but it performs well in multi-threaded tasks, scoring 274 points in an octa-core multi-threaded user-driven test.
The CPU has a 3.5GHz base core speed and no boost clock. The 3000G can be overclocked, and most users claim to be able to regularly reach 4.0GHz. I bring this up because, although it may not be appropriate for the beginner, it may help you achieve your objective of getting the most bang for your buck.
For the extremely casual gamer, gaming at 720p on certain recent game titles is feasible, but if this is your main usage for this setup, it is still advised to install a stand-alone graphics card. The AM4 socket is used by this processor.
The 3000G is almost half the price of the other choices available, so if you’re on a limited budget, this CPU should be one of your possibilities.
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AMD Athlon 240GE is the sixth generation of AMD’s Athlon processor.
Zen Architecture | AM4 Socket | 2 Cores | 4 Threads | 3.5GHz Base Frequency | N/A Boost Frequency | 35W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Computing at the home office
- Surfing the Internet
- Light-hearted gaming
Our score is 9.0 out of ten.
The AMD Athlon 240GE is a two-core, four-thread CPU. It’s another APU with inbuilt graphics integrated into the processor. You will require extra memory, much like the other APUs, since the graphics will utilize your system memory to process the visuals.
Because the Athlon 240GE features AMD Vega graphics, it can handle basic gaming at 720p and other light graphical activities like movie and picture viewing, as well as simple home office chores.
It has a smaller form factor heat sink and can maintain low workload temperatures, which is an advantage over certain other APUs/CPUs in this class. For those dealing with extremely tiny form factor cases, this might be a big deal.
The 240GE is compatible with RAM speeds up to 2667MHz and will fit in the AM4 socket. The majority of customers claim being able to overclock to 4.0GHz without trouble from the normal 3.5GHz base speed (must have an appropriate motherboard to achieve overclocking).
Users have rated the Athlon 240GE at 91.2 points on single-threaded benchmarks and 272 points on octa-core multi-threaded workloads, which is almost equal to the 3000G. While four threads aren’t a perfect substitute for core count, they can allow for reasonable multitasking on a budget.
The parallels between the Athlon 3000G and the 240GE are unsurprising given that the 240GE is nearly a year older, having launched at the end of 2018, while the 3000G launched in Q4 of 2019.
The AMD Athlon 240GE is another extreme budget CPU choice at this price range, and it merits a second look in specific form factor applications where space is limited.
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7. Intel Celeron G4920 processor
Coffee Lake Architecture | LGA 1151 Socket | 2 Cores | 2 Threads | 3.2GHz Base Frequency | N/A Boost Frequency | 54W TDP
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
- Computing at the home office
- Surfing the Internet
Our score is 8.8 out of ten.
The Intel Celeron G4290 is the last but not least.
Many people are acquainted with the Intel and Celeron brands since they have been around for a long time. If you’re searching for a processor brand and series that has survived the test of time, this may be something to think about when buying one.
The G4920 is a two-core, two-thread processor with a 3.2GHz base speed. As one of the cheapest processors on the list, this is another choice for those on a tight budget.
The G4920 is a series 300 Intel processor that fits into an LGA 1151 socket. The processor is another APU variant with an integrated Intel UHD 610 graphics engine. The CPU is packaged with a low-profile fan that may be appropriate for use in a space-saving mini-ITX computer.
The single-core user average benchmarks score 87.2, while octa-core processing scores 169. While the absence of hyperthreading (many threads per core) and the low core count of two cores prevent this processor from performing at the level of other processors in this category, it may be the perfect match for many applications.
The G4920 is capable of doing basic home office activities as well as serving as a PC for viewing pictures and watching movies. In a relatively tiny form size, this CPU will perform well on these fundamental tasks. This is a popular choice for people looking to create a mini-ITX system with a dependable CPU that requires minimal maintenance.
It can overclock, however trying to overclock in a compact case design may result in excessive heat production. Because of the lower core/thread count, pay attention to your programs and make sure they don’t need more than two cores to function properly, since multi-threaded applications may run slowly compared to other 4 core or 2 core multi-threaded processors.
Another important use for this CPU is to replace an existing unit with size, cooling, and socket configurations that are compatible with this processor at a low cost.
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The best budget cpu 2021 is a question that many people ask. In this article, we will review the top 7 best budget processors for gaming and other purposes in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget CPU in 2021?
The best budget CPU in 2021 is the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G.
What is the best CPU under 100$?
The best CPU under 100$ is the Intel Pentium G4560.
What is the most powerful CPU 2021?
The most powerful CPU 2021 is the Intel Core i9-9900KF.
Tech expert fresh from the Australian Coast. Been in the tech industry more than 9 years, as part of a Business Growth Group. His out of office days are 100% for freestyle surfing and waves chasing.