Best Single-Core CPUs of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 30 Apr 2023

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If you are searching for the best single-core cpus, then you've come to the right page. We've made all the preparations for you to have an enjoyable shopping experience. We've run tests on major brands like Intel, AMD and researched 67 products to help you find the best for your money.

If you have no idea about which features to look out for, then you can read on our list of 10 Best Single-Core CPUs. Our team regarded Intel CPU as the one that performs best. You can also take a look at our detailed information and buying guide that can help.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Intel Core13th Gen i5-13400F Desktop Processor , 20 MB Cache Cover #TOP 1
Intel Core13th Gen i5-13400F Desktop Processor , 20 MB Cache
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Intel Core i5-12400F 12th generation desktop processor BX8071512400F Cover #TOP 2
Intel Core i5-12400F 12th generation desktop processor BX8071512400F
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor Cover #TOP 3
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Single-Core CPUs

#TOP 1

Intel Core13th Gen i5-13400F Desktop Processor , 20 MB Cache

BX8071513400F
1.57 x 1.18 x 0.39 inches
1.01 pounds
Intel Core13th Gen i5-13400F Desktop Processor , 20 MB Cache Cover
Intel Core13th Gen i5-13400F Desktop Processor (10 Core (6 P-Core + 4 E-Core), 20 MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, LGA1700)

Features
P-Cores Are Built For Performance Across Single And Lightly-Threaded Workloads, Enhancing Activities Like Gaming And Productivity
Intel's New Performance Hybrid architecture Integrates Two Core Families Into A Single CPU, Keeping Everything In Your Gaming Universe Running Smoothly The Intel Thread Director Prioritses And Manages Workloads, Sending Tasks To The Best Core For The Job
Thunderbolt 4 And Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6/6E (Gig+) Deliver Fast Transfer Speeds And Connections To Peripherals
The New Processor Architecture Is Also Compatible With The Latest Platform Innovations, Giving You Performance Improvements Throughout Your PC Support For PCIe Gen 5 And DDR5 For High-Performance Components Like Memory And Graphics
#TOP 2

Intel Core i5-12400F 12th generation desktop processor BX8071512400F

BX8071512400F
1.18 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches
0.66 pounds
Intel Core i5-12400F 12th generation desktop processor BX8071512400F Cover
Intel Core i5-12400F 12th generation desktop processor (base frequency: 2.5 GHz, 6 cores, LGA1700, DDR4 RAM and up to 128 GB DDR5) BX8071512400F

Features
Base Frequency: 2.5 GHz.
CPU Intel Of The 12th Generation.
Socket LGA1700
Processor Base Power: 65 W.
PCIe 5.0 And 4.0 Support

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor

AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
0.18 pounds
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor Cover
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor (8C/16T, 36MB Cache, Up to 4.7 GHz Max Boost)

The AMD Ryzen 5800X is the world's best desktop processor for high-speed gaming. With its 8-core, 16-thread configuration and up to 4.7 GHz Max Boost, this processor can handle even the most demanding games. Tested by AMD performance labs, it outperforms its closest competitor, the Core i9-10900K, in terms of average FPS of 40 PC games at 1920x1080 with the High image quality preset. The Ryzen 5800X is compatible with Windows 10 - 64-Bit Edition RHEL x86 64-Bit and Ubuntu x86 64-Bit operating systems. Its 36MB cache ensures that your games and other applications run smoothly without any lag. This processor is perfect for gamers who demand the best performance and speed from their desktop.

What We Like
8-core, 16-thread configuration
Up to 4.7 GHz Max Boost
Compatible with multiple operating systems

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor

AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
0.18 pounds
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor Cover
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor (6C/12T, 35MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz Max Boost)

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor is the world's best desktop processor for high-speed gaming performance, according to testing by AMD performance labs. With 6 cores and 12 threads, this processor is the fastest in the game, with up to 4.6 GHz Max Boost. The processor also features 35MB cache and is made of quality materials. The high-speed gaming performance of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is ideal for gamers who want to experience smooth and fast gameplay without any lags or delays. With this processor, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience, with high-quality graphics and fast load times.

What We Like
Fastest in the game
High-speed gaming performance
6 cores and 12 threads
#TOP 5

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Processor

AMD
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
0.18 pounds
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Processor Cover
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Processor (12C/24T, 70MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz Max Boost)

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is the world's best desktop processor that provides the fastest performance for high-speed gaming. With 12 cores and 24 threads, it delivers incredible multitasking ability and fast processing speeds up to 4.8 GHz Max Boost. The processor has a 70MB cache, which ensures quick access to frequently used data, improving overall performance. This processor's performance was tested by AMD performance labs and proved to be faster than the Intel Core i9-10900K in 40 PC games at 1920x1080 with the High image quality preset. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who demand high performance and speed.

What We Like
Fastest desktop processor
12 cores and 24 threads
70MB cache for quick access to data
#TOP 6

Intel Core i7-8700K Retail

BX80684I78700K
4.00 x 2.00 x 4.60 inches
0.19 pounds
Intel Core i7-8700K Retail Cover
Intel Core i7-8700K Retail - (1151/Hex Core/3.70GHz/12MB/Coffee Lake/95W/Graphics)

Features
Protective Case Included
Due To Lightning Issue The Color Of Item May Differ Lightly
Cases Can Be Brown Or Black
The Processor Is Compatible With Motherboards That Sport An LGA 1151 Socket And An Intel Z370 Chipset, So The CPU Can Provide Up To Sixteen PCIe 3.0 Lanes For NVMe Storage Drives, Graphics Cards, And Other High-Performance Parts

AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D Desktop Processor

AMD
AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D
1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
0.22 pounds
AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D Desktop Processor Cover
AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D Desktop Processor (8-core/16-thread, 96MB L3 cache, up to 4.5 GHz max boost)

Features
*OS Support: Windows 11 - 64-Bit Edition, Windows 10 - 64-Bit Edition, RHEL x86 64-Bit, Ubuntu x86 64-Bit. *Operating System (OS) Support Will Vary By Manufacturer.
8 Cores, 16 Threads, 4.5 GHz Boost Clock, 105W TDP, Max Operating Temp 90°C
In The Box (AMD Ryzen CPU, Bezel Sticker, Instructions/warranty Sheet, BIOS Insert)
Compatible With 500 & 400 Chipset Series AM4 Motherboards
#TOP 8

Intel Core13th Gen i7-13700F Desktop Processor , 30 MB Cache

BX8071513700F
1.10 x 9.70 x 6.50 inches
0.99 pounds
Intel Core13th Gen i7-13700F Desktop Processor , 30 MB Cache Cover
Intel Core13th Gen i7-13700F Desktop Processor (16 Core (8 P-Core + 8 E-Core), 30 MB Cache, up to 5.2 GHz, LGA1700)

Features
P-Cores Are Built For Performance Across Single And Lightly-Threaded Workloads, Enhancing Activities Like Gaming And Productivity
Intel's New Performance Hybrid architecture Integrates Two Core Families Into A Single CPU, Keeping Everything In Your Gaming Universe Running Smoothly The Intel Thread Director Prioritses And Manages Workloads, Sending Tasks To The Best Core For The Job
Thunderbolt 4 And Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6/6E (Gig+) Deliver Fast Transfer Speeds And Connections To Peripherals
The New Processor Architecture Is Also Compatible With The Latest Platform Innovations, Giving You Performance Improvements Throughout Your PC Support For PCIe Gen 5 And DDR5 For High-Performance Components Like Memory And Graphics
#TOP 9

Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz Octa Core LGA1151 CPU

BX80684I79700K
4.57 x 3.98 x 2.76 inches
0.10 pounds
Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz Octa Core LGA1151 CPU Cover
Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz Octa Core LGA1151 CPU

Features
3.60 GHz Up To 4.90 GHz / 12 MB Cache
8 Cores / 8 Threads
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Optane Memory Supported
Compatible Only With Motherboards Based On Intel 300 Series Chipsets
#TOP 10

Intel Core i5 10400-2.9 GHz

BX8070110400
4.33 x 2.76 x 4.72 inches
0.57 pounds
Intel Core i5 10400-2.9 GHz Cover
Intel Core i5 10400-2.9 GHz - 6-core - 12 threads - 12 MB cache - LGA1200 Socket - Box

Features
Socket LGA1200
Base Stroke: 2.9 GHz; TurboBoost: 4.0 GHz
Maximum Memory Bandwidth : 41.6 GB/s
Intel 400 Series Chipset
6 Cores & 12 Threads. Processor Base Frequency 2.90 GHz And Max Turbo Frequency 4.30 GHz
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there any single-core CPUs?

Single core processors also used in hobbyist computers like the Raspberry Pi and Single-board microcontrollers. The production of single-core desktop processors ended in 2013 with the Celeron G470.

2. What is meant by single-core processor?

A chip with one CPU (one processing unit). Microprocessors have been single core since their inception in the early 1970s. After the turn of the century, chips with two or more CPUs emerged. See dual core and multicore.

3. Is Ryzen a single-core processor?

The top-tier single-core performance of the Ryzen 7 5800X proves that it is one of the best CPUs for gaming and multi-tasking.

Editor's Notes

During our single-core cpu research, we found 67 single-core cpu products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 578,715 customer reviews through our big data system to write the single-core cpus list. We found that most customers choose single-core cpus with an average price of £247.17.

The single-core cpus are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of single-core cpus, including Intel, AMD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 87 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.