CPU Tier List 2025 — Every Processor Ranked
This is the definitive CPU tier list for 2025. Every processor ranked from S-Tier to C-Tier based on a combination of benchmark scores, value for money, power efficiency, and real-world performance. Updated as new chips release.
S-Tier — The Absolute Best
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X — The undisputed multi-core king. 16 cores, 112,450 benchmark score, competitive pricing. Best processor for creators, streamers, and power users in 2025. Apple M4 — Redefines efficiency. Matches desktop performance at 40W. If you work in the Apple ecosystem this chip has no equal. Snapdragon 8 Elite — The fastest Android chip ever made. 2,900,000 AnTuTu. Sets the standard for mobile performance.
A-Tier — Excellent Performance
Intel Core i9-14900K — 6.0 GHz boost clock, still the fastest single-core chip for gaming. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X — Previous generation but still outstanding value at reduced prices. Apple A18 Pro — Powers the iPhone 16 Pro. Best smartphone chip Apple has ever made for gaming and AI. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 — Excellent Android performance, widely available across flagship devices.
B-Tier — Great Value
Intel Core i7-14700K — 20 cores at $389. Exceptional value for content creators on a budget. AMD Ryzen 7 9700X — 65W TDP with strong performance. The best CPU for silent builds. AMD Ryzen 9 9900X — 12 cores, excellent all-rounder for mixed workloads. Apple M3 Max — Previous generation but still outperforms most Windows laptops.
C-Tier — Budget Picks
Intel Core i5-14600K — Best gaming CPU under $300. Punches far above its price. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X — 6 cores at $229. Perfect entry point for budget gaming builds. These chips are not bad — they are simply outclassed by the tiers above. For everyday use, gaming at 1080p, and light content creation they are more than enough.
Full Benchmark Data
| CPU Model | Cores/Threads | Base CLock | Boost Clock | TDP | Cache | Benchmark Score | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 9 9950X | 16/32 | 4.3GHz | 5.7GHz | 170W | 64MB | 112,450 | 649 |
| Intel Core i9-14900k | 24/32 | 3.2GHz | 6.0GHz | 125W | 36MB | 109,320 | 589 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X | 16/32 | 4.5GHz | 5.7GHz | 170W | 64MB | 105,890 | 499 |
| Intel Core i7-14700k | 20/28 | 3.4GHz | 5.6GHz | 125W | 33MB | 98,760 | 389 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9700X | 8/16 | 3.8GHz | 5.5GHz | 65W | 40MB | 87,340 | 329 |
| Apple M3 Max | 16/16 | 4.05GHz | 4.05GHz | 40W | 48MB | 95,210 | 1,999 |
| Intel Core i5-14600K | 14/20 | 3.5GHz | 5.3GHz | 125W | 24MB | 79,450 | 289 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | 6/12 | 4.7GHz | 5.3GHz | 105W | 38MB | 72,180 | 229 |
| Intel Core i9-13900K | 24/32 | 3.0GHz | 5.8GHz | 125W | 36MB | 104,560 | 419 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | 12/24 | 4.4GHz | 5.6GHz | 120W | 76MB | 98,230 | 449 |