Intel Xeon E5-2603 V3

The Intel Xeon E5-2603 V3 packs 6 cores and 12 threads. 16MB of L3 cache helps in cache-sensitive games and workloads. Clocks run from 1.6GHz base to 1.6GHz boost. It drops into the LGA2011-3 socket with a 85W TDP — about 14.2W per core.

Board socket comes first when pairing parts — after that, make sure your cooler's rating covers the chip. At $97.17 it sits in the budget processor bracket. Drop it into the PlanMyPC builder to check compatibility with the rest of your parts and compare current processor prices across retailers. Intel backs the product through its standard warranty channels; check the listing for region-specific terms.