Aug 19 2009 - There are a large number of desktop processors available and this list was generated to point out the three major categories of processors for both the Intel and AMD product lines. The three categories listed are the top performance processors, best value processors (<$250) and best budget processors (<$100). This allows users to select the CPUs best suited to their budgets. If you are looking at purchasing a fully built desktop computer or building one yourself, check out which processors you should be looking to fit your price range.
AMD Performance - Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
AMD has been slow to adopt the new DDR3 memory integration into their processors. They have finally caught up with Intel with the release of the new AM3 processors such as the top of the line Phenom X4 II 965 Black Edition. The unique aspect of the processor is that is can be used with older AM2+ socket motherboards and used with DDR2 memory making it useful for those wanting to upgrade older desktop processors with the latest. The downside to this ability to run on either the new DDR3 or older DDR2 means that it isn't quite as fast in the memory area as Intel's Core i7 platform. At least the AMD platform is very affordable with this processor coming in around $250 for their top of the line CPU.
Intel Performance - Core i7 Extreme Edition 975
If performance is an absolute must have, then the new Core i7 Extreme Edition 975 is certainly the processor to get. Unlike the previous Core 2 Extreme models, the new i7 design integrates a DDR3 memory controller into the processor that gives it a phenomenal increase in memory performance and pushing Intel equal to or even beyond what AMD has done with their integrated processor. The i7 975 is a quad core processor design with Hyperthreading to act like an eight core processor. As with other Extreme Edition processor, the i7 975 is extremely overclockable with more adjustment options available than the standard Core i7 desktop models. It currently require a motherboard that uses the Intel X58 chipset. Prices are high at roughly $1000.AMD Value - Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition
While it is possible to get the new Phenom II X4 965 for under $250, the older Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition is still a very capable processor when teamed up with the AM2+ motherboards and DDR2. Performance is still quite good with it not falling that far behind their top end Phenom X4 II 965 but costing only around $200. The Black Edition processors are also quite good for those looking to overclock their processors thanks to the unlocked status of the Black Edition processors. Definitely a platform that is good for those looking at a solid performer that won't set you back too much.Intel Value - Core 2 Quad Q9550
Intel has pretty much decided to end their dual core processors except for the least expensive portions of the market. Thankfully this has also meant that strong performing quad core processors are much more affordable. It is quite easy now to find the Core 2 Quad Q9550 processor for under $250. The quad core processor allows it to multitask and running certain applications such as desktop video editing better than the traditional dual core models. The processor is compatible with a wide range of motherboards and can be used with DDR2 or DDR3 memory. It lacks the integrated memory controller of the AMD Phenom or Core i7 processors making it slower in memory intensive applications. Prices range between $220 and $250.AMD Budget - Phenom II X2 545
AMD has made a number of variations on their Phenom processors cores since its release. The latest is to release the new Phenom II X2 series that have just two cores instead of the four typically found in the X4 or three in the X3. The advantage is that the processor is more affordable and can run at higher clock speeds than those with more cores. For many people, having four cores probably does not provide much of a benefit. The Phenom II X2 also uses the AM3 socket design with the built in DDR3 memory controller for added memory performance. Also, higher clock speeds mean that it can perform better in applications that don't take advantage of multiple cores such as PC games. The Phenom II X2 545 can be found for around $90.Intel Budget - Pentium Dual-Core E5400
The Intel Pentium E5400 is actually based around the Core 2 processor design. In fact, it uses the same 45nm core as the extremely popular Intel Core Duo 2 E8x00 Wolfsdale processors just with lower clock speeds and caches. The main reason for it to retain the Pentium name is to separate itself from the more performance oriented versions and as a budget oriented product. This 2.7GHz part has more than enough performance for all the basic computing tasks and can even handle some of the higher end stuff, just not as quickly. Prices are around $90.