Amazon is offering steep discounts on popular CPUs for gaming, including both 12th-generation and 13th-generation Intel processors, alongside a handful of powerful AMD models. None of the sales are advertising an end date, but we can’t imagine these generous price cuts will stick around for long.
For folks unfamiliar with how Intel names its CPUs, all the products on sale might look the same. However, there’s an easy way to decode product names like the Intel Core i9-12900KF. For example, the “12” in 12900KF indicates this is a 12th-generation processor. The 900 then indicates the exact model you’re looking at, while the KF indicates this is a high-performance CPU (K) that requires discrete graphics (F).
In short, models with a “13” are newer than models with a “12.” There’s plenty more to learn about Intel naming conventions, and you’ll find a detailed rundown on the company’s website. Intel processors also differentiate between “P-cores” and “E-cores,” which are short for performance and efficient cores.
With that out of the way, shoppers looking for a powerful CPU should check out the Intel Core i9-13900KF for $470 (down from $630) or Intel Core i9-12900KF for $273 (down from $351), as both are down to some of their best prices and would be great upgrades for many users.
On the AMD side, the standout deal is the AMD Ryzen 7900X3D, a 12-core, 24-thread processor that’s on sale for $391.
If you want something affordable, consider picking up the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, as it’s pretty good for gaming yet clocks in at just $175 (down from $449). The Intel Core i7-12700KF might be an even better choice, though it’s a few bucks pricier at $190 (down from $245).
Need help comparing your different options? Be sure to use the CPU User Benchmark to help find the best processor for your budget and setup. With that in mind, here’s a look at all the Intel and AMD processors on sale at Amazon.
Note: You should be able to get all of these deals directly from Amazon. However, due to how Amazon’s listing structure works, third-party resellers sometimes “takeover” the page. Make sure to check the sold by and shipped from details beneath the “Buy Now” button. If needed, click “Other sellers on Amazon” and choose the Amazon listing.