Intel Xeon E5-2660 V2

The Intel Xeon E5-2660 V2 packs 10 cores and 10 threads. 16MB of L3 cache helps in cache-sensitive games and workloads. It drops into the LGA2011 socket with a 95W TDP — about 9.5W per core. Clocks span 2.2GHz base to 3GHz boost. Match the socket to your motherboard first; cooler TDP rating second.

Expect to pay around $129.95, which lands it among budget options. PlanMyPC's builder flags compatibility problems automatically and tracks the latest processor deals from multiple stores. Intel 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.