CPUs comparison
Compare CPUs — cores, threads, clocks, cache, TDP, and Cinebench R23 scores across AMD and Intel.
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Best cpus right now
What matters when comparing cpus
This cpus page covers 32 products and compares the measurable fields that most often separate one model from another: cores, threads, boost clock, tdp, l3 cache. Use the filters to narrow the field, open a product page for the complete readout, and use a head-to-head page when two models are close enough that a category-wide rank is not enough.
How to read the ranking
Mars Score is a normalized category score, not a laboratory replacement and not a claim that the highest-ranked product is right for every buyer. A high score indicates broad strength across the weighted fields; a lower score can still be the better choice when one specific requirement matters more than the average.
Read the scoring methodology →Top of the current catalog
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Brands in cpus
How to choose a CPU in 2026
The Mars Score for CPUs weights single-thread + gaming performance (30%), multi-thread productivity (30%), efficiency (20%) and platform (20%). The AMD vs Intel race split: AMD wins gaming and efficiency with X3D-cache parts, Intel wins productivity per dollar with Arrow Lake refresh.
Cores and threads: more is not always better
A 16-core / 32-thread CPU (Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Core Ultra 9 285K) crushes Cinebench but rarely outperforms an 8-core X3D part in games. For pure gaming, 8 cores with stacked 3D cache (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 9 9950X3D) is the best buy. For mixed workstation + gaming, 12–16 cores. For pure rendering or compile workloads, more cores up to the budget.
Clocks and cache
Boost clock (boost_clock_mhz) defines single-thread peak. Cache (l3_cache_mb) defines how often the CPU stalls waiting on RAM — and is the X3D advantage in games. A part with 96 MB+ L3 cache typically gives 10–25% more game FPS than the same architecture without it.
TDP and thermals
Modern flagship CPUs (tdp_w 170–250W) demand a 280–360mm AIO liquid cooler or top-tier air. A stock cooler is not enough above 105W. Undersized cooling is the most common cause of "CPU is slow" reports.
Cinebench R23: the universal yardstick
We collect cinebench_r23_multi and cinebench_r23_single for every CPU because they are the most reproducible cross-vendor benchmarks. Real-world game and app performance correlates more loosely, but R23 captures the architectural ceiling.
Platform: socket longevity
AM5 (AMD) is committed through 2027+, meaning a 7000-series board likely accepts a future 11000-series CPU. LGA 1851 (Intel Arrow Lake) is new and uncertain. Socket longevity matters if you upgrade incrementally; it matters less if you rebuild every 5+ years.
How vsMars scores CPUs
Gaming and productivity performance are equal-weighted because most buyers do both. See the formula on the methodology page, the leaderboard on best CPUs, and pair with a card from our graphics cards category.
Frequently asked
How many cpus are catalogued on vsMars?+
32 cpus from 3 brands are catalogued in this category, each with a complete spec sheet and a transparent Mars Score.
How are cpus ranked?+
Each cpu is scored by the category-specific Mars Score formula — a weighted average of normalized specs with the weights published on the methodology page. No editorial hand-tuning.
Which cpu has the highest Mars Score right now?+
M4 Ultra leads the cpus category with a Mars Score of 63.1.
Can I compare two cpus side by side?+
Yes — pick any two cpus from the category list and the comparison page renders side-by-side specs, advantages on each side, and a Mars Score verdict.