AMD FX-8300

The AMD FX-8300 packs 8 cores and 16 threads. Clocks run from 3.3GHz base to 3.3GHz boost. It drops into the AM3+ socket with a 95W TDP — about 11.9W per core. 8MB of L3 cache helps in cache-sensitive games and workloads. Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP.

Expect to pay around $106.06, which lands it among budget options. PlanMyPC's builder flags compatibility problems automatically and tracks the latest processor deals from multiple stores. AMD backs the product through its standard warranty channels; check the listing for region-specific terms. Scroll down for the complete spec table; the builder's compatibility checker will warn you about any conflicts with components you have already picked.