Best CPU upgrade for your PC

Upgrade the PC you already own — no new motherboard needed. The one hard rule is your CPU socket, so pick your current chip and we'll rank the fastest processors that drop straight into your existing board — and tell you honestly whether it'll even help your gaming.

Your current CPU Your motherboard (optional) Your graphics card (optional)

Same-socket upgrades only (a true drop-in). Older boards may need a BIOS update for a newer CPU — always check your motherboard's CPU support list. Gaming uplift is a CPU-potential figure; real gains depend on your GPU, resolution and game.