Best CPUs Under £150

Finding a capable processor under £150 has never been more straightforward. Budget-conscious builders and everyday users now have access to processors that deliver solid multi-threaded performance, energy efficiency, and in many cases, integrated graphics that eliminate the need for a dedicated GPU. This year's crop of sub-£150 CPUs represents a significant shift from 2024, with newer generations offering better power efficiency, improved AI-ready instruction sets, and faster memory support on the AM5 socket. Whether you're building a home office PC, a light gaming rig, or a media server, this buying guide covers the best options that deliver genuine value without compromise.

Quick Verdict

Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, newest architecture, integrated graphics, and 65W efficiency.

Best Value: AMD Ryzen 5 4500, six cores, twelve threads, rock-bottom price, perfect for basic workloads and office use.

1. AMD Ryzen 5 9600X Processor

The Ryzen 5 9600X represents AMD's latest architecture in the budget segment, bringing the Zen 5 instruction set to affordable builds. This six-core, twelve-thread processor delivers modern performance with integrated Radeon graphics based on RDNA 3.5, making it capable of light gaming and media playback without a discrete GPU. The 65W power envelope keeps thermal requirements minimal, and the AM5 socket ensures compatibility with current motherboards and a clear upgrade path for future generations. Clock speeds reach up to 5.0 GHz, providing snappy single-threaded performance for everyday tasks and applications. The inclusion of AI-ready instruction sets positions this CPU for future software optimisation, though current titles rarely exploit these features.

This CPU suits builders who want current-generation architecture, integrated graphics, and future-proofing on the AM5 platform. Office work, web browsing, and casual gaming at 1080p with modest settings are comfortably handled. The RDNA 3.5 iGPU offers a meaningful step up from older Zen 3 integrated graphics, handling esports titles and older AAA games at playable frame rates. Build costs stay reasonable because the iGPU eliminates the need for a separate graphics card in many scenarios. Performance per watt is excellent, making this a good choice for silent or fanless cooling setups.

Verdict: The newest and most capable all-in-one CPU under £150, delivering modern architecture, integrated graphics, and excellent efficiency for balanced builds and home office systems.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 8400F Processor

The Ryzen 5 8400F occupies a sweet spot for builders who want modern AM5 architecture at a keen price. Six cores and twelve threads paired with a 65W TDP make this processor efficient and affordable to run. The lack of integrated graphics keeps the price low, but requires a discrete GPU for any visual output, a reasonable trade-off if you're planning a gaming or graphics workstation anyway. Clock speeds reach 5.0 GHz, ensuring responsive performance in single-threaded workloads. The 22MB cache supports smooth operation in productivity software and development environments. DDR5 memory support via AM5 gives you access to faster system RAM, though DDR4 boards remain compatible at lower speeds.

This processor suits anyone building a gaming PC, video editing workstation, or development machine who already plans to buy a GPU. The F-series designation signals no integrated graphics, but the 8400F remains an excellent choice for balanced mid-range gaming builds where a modest graphics card handles the visual load. Productivity work, software compilation, and multitasking with many browser tabs run smoothly. The modern Zen 4c architecture ensures good power efficiency compared to older budget CPUs, reducing electricity costs over time. This CPU pairs well with graphics cards in the £100, £300 range, offering good value without bottleneck concerns.

Verdict: A no-nonsense AM5 processor offering modern performance and low power consumption at a genuine budget price, ideal for GPU-accelerated builds where integrated graphics aren't needed.

3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor

The Ryzen 5 5600X remains a capable choice for builders seeking Zen 3 architecture at under £150. Six cores and twelve threads with a 65W TDP provide reliable performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and light productivity work. No integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is essential, but the absence of iGPU overhead keeps temperatures and power consumption low. Clock speeds reach 4.6 GHz, providing adequate single-threaded performance for most workloads. The 35MB cache is generous for the price, supporting smooth operation in demanding applications. Compatibility with both DDR4 and AM4 boards makes this CPU a sensible choice for budget-focused platform upgrades or secondary system builds.

This processor suits builders who already have a GPU or plan to add one, and who favour proven Zen 3 architecture over newer generations. The 5600X has matured significantly in the secondhand and clearance markets, making it a bargain for those comfortable with older silicon. Gaming performance remains solid at 1080p and 1440p with a modest GPU, and the six cores handle streaming, content creation, and development tasks admirably. System builders on tight budgets appreciate the AM4 compatibility and low power consumption, which simplifies power supply sizing and cooling selection. This CPU represents good value in 2025 for users unwilling to pay a premium for the latest architecture.

Verdict: A mature Zen 3 processor offering proven performance and reliability at a bargain price, best suited to GPU-accelerated builds and users unconcerned with the latest architecture.

How We Picked

We evaluated seven CPUs based on real-world performance, value for money, and suitability for different user types within the sub-£150 budget. Each processor was assessed across core specifications including core count, threading, power efficiency, integrated graphics, socket compatibility, and pricing. We prioritised practical performance metrics relevant to budget-conscious builders, such as single-threaded responsiveness, multi-threaded productivity capability, and integrated graphics competency. Platform considerations, including socket type and upgrade pathways, received significant weight because budget builders often invest in platforms they may upgrade over several years. We excluded CPUs with significant performance deficits or poor value propositions, focusing on processors offering distinct advantages for different use cases. Real-world pricing from UK retailers informed our selections, ensuring recommendations remain current and accurate for shoppers today.

Buying Guide

Selecting a budget CPU requires balancing several key considerations. First, determine whether integrated graphics are essential to your build. Processors with integrated graphics, such as the 9600X, 7600, 5600GT, and 8600G, eliminate the expense of a discrete GPU and suit office users, media consumers, and casual gamers. F-series and non-GT processors like the 4500, 5600X, and 8400F require a dedicated graphics card but cost less, making them ideal for GPU-heavy gaming builds where funds are better spent on graphics hardware.

Socket choice represents your second major decision. The AM5 socket (9600X, 8400F, 7600, 8600G) is newer and future-proof, offering a clearer upgrade path to faster processors in coming years. The older AM4 socket (4500, 5600X, 5600GT) remains widely supported with abundant motherboard options, but future upgrades become increasingly limited. If you plan to keep the system for several years, AM5 justifies a modest price premium. For immediate needs and budget-conscious builds, AM4 remains capable.

Power efficiency matters more in budget builds, where every pound spent on power supplies and cooling affects total project cost. The 5600GT's ultra-low 35W TDP suits silent or fanless builds and reduces running costs in systems left on continuously. The 65W options balance efficiency with performance. Look for cooling solutions matching your CPU's TDP, as budget coolers may struggle with higher-power processors in cramped cases.

Performance requirements define realistic expectations. The 4500 excels at office and everyday tasks but struggles with gaming or demanding software. Mid-tier options like the 5600GT, 8400F, and 7600 suit balanced builds, casual gaming, and productivity. The newest 9600X and mature 5600X deliver the strongest performance but still remain budget-conscious compared to higher-tier processors.

Finally, consider your upgrade timeline. If building a system for three to five years of active use, investing in modern architecture and the AM5 platform provides security against obsolescence. For immediate needs, budget platforms like the AM4 represent sensible compromises if prices are significantly lower.

Final Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X emerges as the overall winner, combining the latest Zen 5 architecture, integrated RDNA 3.5 graphics, efficient 65W operation, and AM5 platform compatibility at a price under £150. This processor delivers modern performance for gaming, productivity, and everyday tasks whilst eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in many scenarios. The architecture's future-readiness and integrated graphics capability ensure value for money over the system's lifespan.

However, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs. Builders planning substantial GPU investments should choose the AM5 8400F or mature Ryzen 5 5600X for maximum cost-effectiveness. Those prioritising silence and minimal power consumption benefit from the exceptional 5600GT. Office workers and budget-conscious users unwilling to stretch beyond office tasks gain excellent value from the rock-bottom Ryzen 5 4500. The diversity of options below £150 ensures every user type finds a capable processor matching their priorities and budget constraints.