Best budget gaming CPU in the UK (October 2026)
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With RAM prices high, platform choice matters more than ever. Here's a verified price on the AM5 entry point.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (AM5)
6 cores on AM5 with a cooler in the box. Needs DDR5.
Pros
- 6 cores / 12 threads, up to 5.1GHz
- 65W, with a Wraith Stealth cooler included
- AM5 platform
Cons
- Needs DDR5, which is expensive in 2026
- The included cooler is basic
Key specifications
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (AM5)
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 3.8GHz base / 5.1GHz boost
- 32MB L3
- 65W
- Wraith Stealth cooler included
- DDR5
Source: retailer listing
Checked 20 Oct 2026 at Scan
Analysis
Our take: the 7600 is a sensible gaming entry point because AM5 has an upgrade path. But it needs DDR5, which is very expensive in 2026 (see our DDR5 guide). Count the RAM in the real cost.
Reliability and upgrade notes: the bundled Wraith Stealth works, but it runs loud under sustained load. A £20–£30 tower cooler is a worthwhile add-on. Update the motherboard BIOS before installing a newer CPU, because a 'no POST' after a CPU swap is often a BIOS support issue.
Verdict
A sensible entry point to AM5. Budget for DDR5 and, ideally, a better cooler.
Price history
Recorded checks for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (AM5): 20 Oct 2026: £169.99 at Scan. A chart appears here once we have recorded at least four dated checks. We never estimate or back-fill history.