Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros

The processor is the heart of every PC and it is essential to choose it carefully. However, very often it is not necessary to spend a fortune, the use to be made of it and also the budget available must be evaluated. That’s why we decided to help you with this guide to the best cheap CPUs under 200 euros

A neuralgic component such as the CPU deserves special attention when setting up a new PC. However, it is not the correct strategy to focus on a powerful processor while neglecting everything else: it is always good to create a balanced configuration in all its components according to the budget. This guide to the best cheap CPUs under 200 will help you with that.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | March 2021

How to choose a CPU

First of all, a brief review on how to best choose a CPU. Surely the first thing that catches the eye are the number of cores and clock frequencies; the first question arises: is it better to have high frequencies or many cores? It really depends on the uses. Very often games and many utilities are not well parallelized, so they prefer high frequencies. In other areas such as video editing or 3D rendering it is preferable to have many cores available. Also not to be overlooked the amount of cache: more cache memory means more speed. Finally production process and TDP these are aspects that must be taken into account especially for energy needs.

Range under 100 euros

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Core i3-9100F

Architecture: Coffee Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1151
Cores/Threads: 4/4
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4.2 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: No

Let’s start immediately with this i3-9100F processor, it is a new generation low-end model, but don’t be fooled: it is a very powerful CPU with a really high performance / price ratio. Intel has decided to save money by eliminating the integrated GPU and has come up with a CPU that can be used both in everyday use, productivity, but also not too complex games (coupled with a good graphics card of course).

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Core i3-10100F

Architecture: Comet Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1200
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4.3 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: No

The updated version of the aforementioned model. The price often fluctuates under 100 euros and for such a processor they are very few. We have in fact 4 physical cores and 8 threads, combined with frequencies that can go up to 4.3 GHz. Obviously it must be integrated with a discrete GPU since this model is not included. For an entry level gaming PC it is really great!

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Pentium Gold G5400

Architecture: Coffee Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1151
Cores/Threads: 2/4
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.7 / ~ GHz
TDP: 58 W
iGPU: UHD Graphics 610

Let’s go from cheap to super cheap: in this case we have only 2 physical cores and we gain integrated graphics. This Pentium like all its family is not dedicated to gaming, nor to intense use. It is a CPU to be used every day to surf the web, watch videos, download material from the web, maybe work in the cloud.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | AMD Athlon 200GE

Architecture: Zen (14 nm)
Socket: AM4
Cores/Threads: 2/4
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.2 / ~ GHz
TDP: 35 W
iGPU: Radeon Vega 3

Basically it is the AMD alter ego of the above. Even cheaper and perhaps even a little less powerful. On the other hand we have a TDP almost halved and the bill could thank you. Again, no gaming (just simple online games), but it is great for multimedia content – even if with 4K it could be a bit of a struggle – and the office (be careful not to open too many programs together though). The AM4 platform is very flexible: you can update it in the future if necessary.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

Architecture: Zen+ (12 nm)
Socket: AM4
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4.0 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: Radeon Vega 8

Let’s raise the bar a little, reaching the limit of 100, but with a respectable CPU, perhaps the top among the best economic CPUs under 100 euros. In fact, we find 4 cores and 8 threads with a fairly high base frequency. This Ryzen will withstand gaming sessions without too many pretensions: thanks to the integrated graphics you can play well in HD and also in FHD as long as you lower the details, but without pretensions. Even in the productivity and office area there will be no problems, but let’s veto creators: better move on to the next section.

Range under 200 euros

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

Architecture: Zen 2 (7 nm – 12 nm)
Socket: AM4
Cores/Threads: 4 / 8
Base/Boost Frequency: 3,8 / 4,3 GHz
TDP: 65W (45W Eco Mode)
iGPU: no

This is a small AMD miracle, received by the general public with great enthusiasm. It is a processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, base frequency at 3.8 GH and produced at 7 nm (12 nm are used to make the I / O block) and all with a low consumption of 65 W. The price of the basis of this little gem would be 110 euros to which VAT must obviously be added. This CPU can easily beat far more expensive solutions like the Intel i5 9400F. Thanks to the high number of cores / threads and frequencies this CPU can perform well in different from gaming to creativity. Highly recommended for those on a tight budget.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

Architecture: Zen+ (12 nm)
Socket: AM4
Cores/Threads: 6/12
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4.2 GHz
TDP: 95 W
iGPU: no

Let’s move on to a higher price range and already here we can find some really interesting CPUs that can satisfy any average user in most cases. For example we immediately mention this Ryzen 5 2600X which offers 6 cores and 12 threads at a frequency of 3.6 GHz. This CPU it is very good for FHD gaming (obviously paired with a suitable GPU), even with high frame rates and ultra details. Thanks to the many cores, even streaming in 1080p shouldn’t be too problematic. Great for photo editing and CAD drawing. For video editing in FHD no problem, if you switch to 4K instead it will be tight (although with a little patience you can do something).

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Core i3-9100

Architecture: Coffee Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1151
Cores/Threads: 4/4
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4,2 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: UHD Graphics 630

This is the integrated graphics version of the aforementioned Intel Core i3-9100F. This version with UHD 630 is not aimed at gamers, nor at creators who need dedicated graphics (and therefore better to go to version F). Who is it for? If you want a simple and inexpensive setup to use as a home PC for streaming, mail or the office suite is very good. Or even for work or cloud gaming.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Core i3-10100

Architecture: Comet Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1200
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4,3 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: UHD Graphics 630

It took years, but finally we also see multi-threading in the i3 line with 4 physical cores and 8 logical cores. The frequencies are quite high, enough to balance the accounts with the top-of-the-range CPUs of a few years ago. Also for not too extreme gaming or photo editing – but also videos if you do not have big claims – this CPU can give you great satisfaction with a minimum expense. Clearly equipped with a good video card.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | AMD Ryzen 7 2700

Architecture: Zen+ (12 nm)
Socket: AM4
Cores/Threads: 8/16
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.2 / 4.1 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: no

Normally it is not worth buying a CPU of the outgoing generation, but thanks to the AM4 platform which is very flexible and also to the wonderful work done by AMD with some of its processors, this Ryzen 7 2700 really deserves a place in this guide. We have 8 cores and 16 threads at 3.2 GHz with a TDP consumption of just 65 W. We don’t recommend it for gaming (there are better alternatives with fewer cores and higher frequencies on this list), but it could be a great productivity product (thanks to the huge number of cores you can open a lot of programs and cards without losing fluidity), for the creativity with photo and video editing and for 3D rendering. Obviously it depends on the needs you have, but if you model or mount for passion – for example if you have a 3D printer or a YouTube channel – that’s just fine. There is also the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X version that we mention among the best budget CPUs under 200: thanks to the higher clock rates from a little more boost.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Architecture: Zen 2 (7 nm)
Socket: AM4
Cores/Threads: 6/12
Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 / 4.2 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: no

A processor that thanks to the new production process can push on the frequencies, earning just enough to become great CPU for gaming. For 1080p gaming you won’t have any problems and productivity won’t be an issue either thanks to the abundance of cores. There content creation such as video editing and streaming always in FHD they won’t be a problem for this CPU. A perfect CPU for a medium-high-end all-purpose workstation. Also in this case we report the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X version which gains a little bit (about 5-10% depending on the applications) thanks to the higher clock.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Core i5-9400F

Architecture: Coffee Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1151
Cores/Threads: 6/6
Base/Boost Frequency: 2,9 / 4,1 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: no

A new generation Intel CPU that brings out really interesting performances. Recommended for gaming, even at a high level: coupled with a good GPU there will be no game that can stop you. But not only that: thanks to the 6 physical cores you can easily complete productivity tasks, video and photo editing, streaming. A CPU that can be used in many areas, with a predilection for gaming. The most relevant aspect is certainly efficiency: Since the clock varies between 2.9 and 4.1 GHz, the CPU can adapt very well to different workloads.

Best cheap CPUs under 200 euros | Intel Core i5 10400F

Architecture: Comet Lake (14 nm)
Socket: LGA 1200
Cores/Threads: 6/12
Base/Boost Frequency: 2,9 / 4,3 GHz
TDP: 65 W
iGPU: no

A powerful core i5 that adds multi-threading and a very slight boost in clock frequency to the above model. Therefore recommended even more for all the applications already mentioned (gaming, productivity) and even more recommended for those who want a fairly robust video editing PC thanks to advanced multi-threading. Working in FHD will not be a problem and even 4K with a little more patience. Obviously you need an excellent GPU to accompany it. Even the i5 10400 version today is affordable at a price below 200 euros.