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CPUS AND PROCESSORS

Unleash Gaming Power with a High-Performance CPU

Dive into the world of top-notch CPUs, the heart and brain of your gaming rig. These central processing unit powerhouses elevate your gaming experience, delivering blistering speeds and smooth multitasking. Whether you're conquering virtual battlefields or exploring vast RPG realms, a quality CPU ensures you stay ahead of the game. Find the perfect CPU to fuel your gaming passion, ready to tackle any title you throw at it. Upgrade your setup today with top brands including AMD and Intel.

New! Ryzen 9000X CPUs >

CPU / Processors

Read our CPU Buying Guide to give you insight when selecting your next processor.

Shop CPUs and processors from top gaming brands including Intel, AMD and more.

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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU Six Core 3.7GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£119.99 £99.99

In stock
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16 Core Socket AM5 5.7GHz 3D V-Cache Processor - 100-100000719WOF
Coming Soon

Coming Soon
Intel Core i3-10105F 4.4GHz Turbo Quad Core Comet Lake CPU Processor - LGA 1200
£58.54 £48.78

In stock
Intel Celeron G5905 Dual Core 3.50GHz CPU Comet Lake Processor - LGA 1200
£40.99 £34.16

In stock
Intel Core i5-12600K 10 Core 3.70GHz CPU Alder Lake Processor - LGA 1700
Special Price £179.99 £149.99 was £181.14

In stock
Intel Core i5-11500 2.70GHz (Rocket Lake) Socket LGA1200 Processor - BX8070811500
£213.99 £178.32

Out of stock
Intel Core i5-11400F 2.60GHz (Rocket Lake) Socket LGA1200 Processor - BX8070811400F
£119.94 £99.95

Out of stock
Intel Core i5-10500 4.5GHz Turbo Six Core Comet Lake CPU Processor - LGA 1200
Special Price £149.99 £124.99 was £199.99

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Six Core 4.2GHz CPU Processor - Retail
£81.99 £68.32

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G Six Core 4.4GHz CPU Radeon VEGA 7 Graphics Processor Socket AM4
£132.95 £110.79

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Eight Core 4.6GHz CPU Radeon VEGA 8 Graphics Processor Socket AM4
Special Price £155.95 £129.96 was £174.95

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU Eight Core 3.8GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£149.95 £124.96

In stock
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU Sixteen Core 4.5GHz Processor Socket AM5 - Retail
£479.95 £399.96

In stock
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X CPU Twelve Core 3.7GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£234.95 £195.79

In stock
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU Sixteen Core 3.4GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£293.95 £244.96

In stock
Intel Core i5-12400 Six Core 2.50GHz CPU Alder Lake Processor - LGA 1700
£134.66 £112.22

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU Eight Core 4.5GHz Processor Socket AM5 - 100-100000591WOF - Retail
£369.95 £308.29

In stock
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU Twelve Core 4.7GHz Processor Socket AM5 - Retail
£359.95 £299.96

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7GHz Six-Core Processor Socket AM5 - 100-100000593WOF - Retail
£241.95 £201.62

In stock
Intel Celeron G6900 Dual Core 3.40GHz CPU Alder Lake Processor - LGA 1700
£73.14 £60.95

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU Six Core 3.5GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£109.99 £91.66

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU Six Core 3.6GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£79.95 £66.62

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT CPU Eight Core 4.8GHz Processor Socket AM4 - RETAIL
£179.95 £149.96

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G 6 Core 5.0GHz AM5 CPU With Radeon 740M Graphics - 100-100000931BOX
£159.95 £133.29

In stock
AMD Ryzen 3 4100 CPU Quad Core 3.8GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
£59.95 £49.96

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8 Core 5.1GHz AM5 CPU with Ryzen AI + Radeon 780M Graphics - 100-100001236BOX
£249.95 £208.29

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G 6 Core 5.0GHz AM5 CPU with Ryzen AI + Radeon 760M Graphics - 100-100001237BOX
£224.95 £187.46

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU Eight Core 3.4GHz Processor Socket AM4 - Retail
Coming Soon

Coming Soon
AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT CPU Sixteen Core 4.8GHz Processor Socket AM4 - RETAIL
£344.95 £287.46

In stock
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Eight Core Socket AM5 5.3GHz Processor - 100-100000592BOX
£279.95 £233.29

In stock
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 Twelve Core Socket AM5 5.4GHz Processor - 100-100000590BOX
£404.95 £337.46

In stock
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Six Core Socket AM5 5.2GHz Processor - 100-100001015BOX
£189.95 £158.29

In stock

CPU Buying Guide

CPUs: Your Gaming PC's Beating Heart. Central Processing Units, or CPUs, are the powerhouses at the core of your gaming rig. Choosing the right CPU is a pivotal decision when crafting your gaming PC. This buying guide walks you through what CPUs are, how they impact your gaming experience, what to consider when purchasing one, and the differences between acquiring a standalone CPU versus a motherboard and CPU bundle.

Understanding CPUs:

A CPU is the brain of your computer. It processes instructions, executes tasks, and manages the overall functionality of your system. For gaming PCs, the CPU plays a vital role in handling game physics, artificial intelligence, and other calculations that impact performance.

Why Your CPU Matters:

Performance: A powerful CPU ensures your games run smoothly, handling complex graphics and fast-paced action without hiccups.

FPS (Frames Per Second): Your CPU significantly influences your gaming experience. A capable CPU can boost your FPS, making games more enjoyable.

Game Compatibility: Some modern games demand high-end CPUs to operate effectively. Choosing a suitable CPU can make the difference between a laggy or seamless gaming session.

Multitasking: If you stream your gameplay or run other applications simultaneously, a strong CPU ensures your system can handle the load without stuttering.

Future-Proofing: A robust CPU extends the lifespan of your PC, allowing it to tackle upcoming games and software without requiring an immediate upgrade.

Key Considerations When Choosing a CPU:

Performance Needs: Evaluate your gaming requirements. Different CPUs cater to various gaming preferences, from casual gaming to professional eSports.

Compatibility: Ensure the CPU is compatible with your motherboard. Both AMD and Intel offer different CPU socket types, so compatibility is crucial.

Clock Speed and Cores: Higher clock speeds and more cores generally result in better performance. Choose a CPU that aligns with your gaming ambitions.

Cooling Solutions: Some CPUs come with their cooling solutions, while others require separate cooling solutions. Be prepared for the thermal management of your CPU.

Overclocking: If you want to push your CPU's performance limits, look for a model designed for overclocking.

Standalone CPU vs. Bundle:

When you buy a standalone CPU, you have more flexibility in choosing a model that precisely matches your gaming demands. It's an excellent choice if you're confident about your hardware expertise. However, for beginners or those looking for a more straightforward process, a CPU bundled with a compatible motherboard can provide both cost savings and compatibility assurance. Bundles are a hassle-free approach to assembling your gaming PC, offering a harmonious pairing that eliminates the guesswork.

Your gaming experience hinges on the CPU you select for your PC. Weigh your gaming ambitions, budget, and technical expertise when choosing between a standalone CPU and a motherboard and CPU bundle. Regardless of your decision, your CPU will be the beating heart of your gaming rig, powering your adventures in the digital realm.

CPU and Processor FAQ's

What is a register in a CPU?

In the world of PC gaming, having a basic grasp of CPU (Central Processing Unit) components can help you make informed decisions about your gaming setup. A critical element in the CPU's architecture is the register. Here's a simplified explanation:

Think of registers as ultra-swift, on-chip storage spaces within your CPU. They serve as temporary, lightning-fast memory units where the CPU can store and manipulate data. Registers are essential because they allow the CPU to perform tasks with incredible speed and efficiency, which directly impacts gaming performance. For gamers, registers play a vital role in executing gaming instructions and processing data rapidly. When you're gaming, registers help with tasks like rendering graphics, executing in-game physics, and managing AI interactions. They are like a CPU's "scratchpad memory," used to hold data and instructions while the CPU works its magic.

Types of Registers:

Data Registers: These hold data to be processed, such as gaming graphics, player inputs, or enemy positions.

Address Registers: Used to store memory addresses, which help the CPU find specific game data quickly.

Instruction Registers: These store the CPU's current instruction, determining what action it should take next, like rendering a particular game frame or calculating damage points.

Registers are lightning-fast compared to other forms of memory in your system. This speed is essential for gaming because it ensures your CPU can quickly access and manipulate the vast amount of data involved in modern games. This means smoother frame rates, reduced lag, and overall improved gaming experiences. In the realm of PC gaming, a CPU's registers are your allies, quietly and swiftly working behind the scenes to process your favourite titles seamlessly. While you don't need to be a computer scientist to enjoy gaming, understanding these fundamental CPU components can help you appreciate the technology powering your gaming adventures. So, the next time you're immersed in your favourite game, remember that your CPU's registers are hard at work, ensuring your gaming experience is as incredible as it should be.

How does cache size affect CPU performance?

Cache size is a critical aspect of a CPU's architecture, and understanding how it affects gaming performance can help you optimise your gaming rig. Here's a simplified breakdown:

What is Cache?

In the world of CPUs and gaming, cache refers to a small, high-speed, on-chip memory where the CPU stores frequently used data and instructions. There are typically three levels of cache: L1, L2, and L3.

Speed and Access:

Cache size matters because it directly impacts the CPU's speed and efficiency. Think of it like a chef's workstation – the more countertop space (cache), the quicker and easier it is to access the essential ingredients (data and instructions).

Gaming Performance:

When it comes to gaming, cache size can make a noticeable difference. Here's how:

Reduced Loading Times: Games are loaded with data, and having a larger cache means the CPU can store more of this data for quick access. This translates to shorter loading times, faster scene transitions, and seamless gameplay.

Smoother Gameplay: In fast-paced games or open-world environments, larger cache sizes help the CPU pre-load game elements, such as textures and character models. This prevents stuttering or frame rate drops, delivering a smoother gaming experience.

AI and Physics: Modern games rely heavily on AI and complex physics calculations. A spacious cache enables the CPU to store AI behaviour patterns and physics algorithms, allowing NPCs to react more intelligently and in-game physics to be more realistic.

Multitasking: If you're a gamer who likes to stream or run multiple applications simultaneously, a larger cache can make a substantial difference. It helps the CPU manage these tasks efficiently without causing gaming performance to suffer.

Optimising Your Setup:

When selecting a CPU for gaming, consider cache size alongside other specifications. Games are becoming more demanding, so having a CPU with a larger cache can future-proof your system, ensuring it can handle upcoming titles.

In the dynamic world of gaming, CPU cache size plays a vital role in delivering a seamless and immersive experience. While it's not the sole factor in determining performance, having an ample cache can significantly enhance your gameplay, making every gaming session more enjoyable and lag-free. So, when you're building your gaming rig, remember that a larger CPU cache is your ticket to a smoother gaming journey.

What is the normal temp for a CPU?

The "normal" temperature for a CPU can vary depending on the specific model and load. However, here's a general guideline:

Idle Temperature: When your PC is at rest or performing simple tasks, a CPU temperature of 30°C to 50°C (86°F to 122°F) is typical. High-quality coolers may keep it even lower.

Gaming Temperature: During gaming, you might see temperatures of 50°C to 80°C (122°F to 176°F). It's essential to monitor this, especially for extended gaming sessions.

Maintaining a safe temperature range is critical for gaming PCs. Here's why:

Performance: CPUs can throttle (reduce performance) when they get too hot. This means slower frame rates and lag in your favourite games. Keeping temperatures in check ensures consistent gaming performance.

Lifespan: Excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of your CPU. To protect your investment, it's essential to manage temperatures to avoid potential damage or degradation over time.

Several factors influence CPU temperature, including:

Cooling Solution: The quality of your CPU cooler, whether it's air or liquid cooling, affects temperature. High-end coolers maintain lower temperatures.

Thermal Paste: Proper application of thermal paste between the CPU and cooler is crucial for efficient heat transfer.

Case Airflow: Adequate airflow within your PC case can significantly impact temperatures. Well-ventilated cases keep components cooler.

Overclocking: If you overclock your CPU for extra performance, it generates more heat. Ensure your cooling can handle it.

In the gaming world, keeping your CPU temperature within a safe range is pivotal. It not only maintains optimal performance but also safeguards your gaming investment. With the right cooling setup and monitoring, you can enjoy countless gaming adventures without worrying about overheating.