Building or upgrading a PC on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor performance. AMD’s Ryzen lineup offers several CPUs that can often be found in the $70–$100 range when purchased new, and some of these chips still deliver excellent gaming and productivity results in 2025.
This guide highlights the most relevant models, compares their real-world performance, and summarizes what both professionals and everyday users think about them.
What Matters in a Budget CPU
Before looking at specific processors, here are the factors that determine value at this price point:
- Cores and threads: More cores help with multitasking, streaming, and newer game engines.
- Integrated graphics (iGPU): CPUs with Radeon Vega graphics are ideal if you don’t plan to add a GPU right away.
- Architecture: Newer Zen generations bring higher efficiency and performance per clock.
- Platform compatibility: Most use the AM4 socket, but BIOS support varies.
- Thermals and cooling: Stock coolers are included, but 6-core chips may benefit from better airflow.
Best AMD CPUs Under $100
Ryzen 5 3400G — Best All-in-One Option
- Cores / Threads: 4 / 8
- Graphics: Radeon Vega 11 integrated GPU
- Highlights: A strong budget APU with one of the best iGPUs available in this price class. It can handle popular eSports and older titles at 720p–1080p, making it perfect for starter gaming PCs or home theater builds.
- Trade-offs: CPU performance is fine for light productivity but weaker than modern 6-core chips.
Ryzen 5 3600 — Best for Multitasking and Gaming with a GPU
- Cores / Threads: 6 / 12
- Graphics: None (requires discrete GPU)
- Highlights: A legendary value CPU. Even years after launch, it performs well in 1080p gaming, streaming, and productivity workloads. Six cores with SMT provide excellent multitasking.
- Trade-offs: Requires a dedicated GPU; runs a bit hotter than quad-cores.
Ryzen 5 5500 — Best Modern Architecture Under $100
- Cores / Threads: 6 / 12
- Graphics: None (requires discrete GPU)
- Highlights: Based on newer Zen 3 cores, it matches or beats the Ryzen 5 3600 in many modern games. It is efficient, powerful, and often slips under $100 during sales.
- Trade-offs: Slightly reduced cache compared to higher-end Zen 3 chips; no iGPU.
Ryzen 3 4100 — Budget Quad-Core Choice
- Cores / Threads: 4 / 8
- Graphics: None
- Highlights: An affordable entry-level option for those who already own a GPU. Decent for eSports gaming and everyday computing.
- Trade-offs: Lower long-term value than 6-core CPUs; weaker in multitasking.
Worth Mentioning
- Ryzen 3 5300G: A Zen 3 APU with good CPU cores and Radeon Vega graphics, but it’s OEM-only and rarely available as a new retail boxed product.
- Ryzen 5 5600G: A stronger hybrid CPU+GPU option, but its new-in-box price typically sits well above $100.
Comparison Table
| CPU | Cores / Threads | iGPU | Real-World Strengths | Real-World Weaknesses | Typical Price (New) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3400G | 4 / 8 | Vega 11 | Best APU under $100; solid light gaming and media without GPU. | Weaker in heavy CPU tasks. | $90–100 (sale) |
| Ryzen 5 3600 | 6 / 12 | No | Excellent gaming & productivity; still very competitive. | Needs GPU; more heat. | $90–110 (deal) |
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 6 / 12 | No | Modern Zen 3 cores; matches 3600 in many games. | Less cache; no iGPU. | $90–100 (sale) |
| Ryzen 3 4100 | 4 / 8 | No | Cheap quad-core; fine for budget builds with GPU. | Limited future-proofing. | $70–90 |
| Ryzen 3 5300G | 4 / 8 | Vega 6 | Strong CPU cores + iGPU; efficient. | Retail availability limited. | >$100 |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 6 / 12 | Vega 7 | Strong all-rounder with graphics. | Price above $100. | $130+ |
What the Experts and Users Say
Professional Reviews
- Ryzen 5 3400G: Praised for its Vega 11 iGPU; reviewers stress the importance of fast dual-channel RAM to maximize performance.
- Ryzen 5 3600: Called one of the best-value CPUs of its generation, delivering solid results in both games and workloads.
- Ryzen 5 5500: Nearly identical to the 3600 in gaming, with Zen 3 advantages in efficiency.
- Ryzen 3 4100: Adequate for budget gaming, but seen as less future-proof.
Customer Feedback
- Ryzen 5 3400G: Buyers like its ability to handle light gaming without a GPU, but note limited upgrade paths.
- Ryzen 5 3600: Users praise its stability and multitasking, still calling it “relevant in 2025.”
- Ryzen 5 5500: Customers highlight its value when found near $100; some report BIOS update requirements.
- Ryzen 3 4100: Seen as good for entry-level builds; complaints are mostly about struggles in newer demanding titles.
Key Terms Explained
- Cores / Threads: A core is the physical processing unit, while threads are virtual divisions that allow a core to handle multiple tasks. More cores/threads = better multitasking.
- iGPU (Integrated Graphics Processing Unit): Built-in graphics hardware inside the CPU, useful if you don’t buy a separate graphics card. AMD calls these APUs.
- APU (Accelerated Processing Unit): AMD’s term for CPUs that include integrated Radeon graphics.
- Zen Architecture: AMD’s design generation for Ryzen CPUs (Zen, Zen+, Zen 2, Zen 3). Each new generation brings better performance and efficiency.
- BIOS Update: Firmware update for the motherboard that adds support for newer CPUs. Often required when installing newer Ryzen chips in older AM4 boards.
- Cache: High-speed memory built into the CPU that speeds up data access. More cache usually means better performance in certain workloads.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The amount of heat the CPU produces under typical load, measured in watts. Helps determine cooling requirements.
Final Recommendations
Best Entry-Level → Ryzen 3 4100: cheapest way into a quad-core AM4 setup.
Best All-Round Choice (with GPU) → Ryzen 5 3600: still one of the strongest value CPUs under $100.
Best for Integrated Graphics → Ryzen 5 3400G: unbeatable at this price if you don’t want a GPU.
Best Modern Pick → Ryzen 5 5500: newer architecture, efficient, and worth it if priced near $100.