AMD processors for desktop PCs, workstations and servers, for anyone building a new computer or upgrading an existing one. The range has over 270 products from AMD and Lenovo, covering Ryzen-style desktop chips as well as higher-end workstation and server parts.
Check the socket first, then work out how many cores your software can actually use.
How to choose an AMD processor
Socket and memory. The processor must match the socket on your motherboard. AM4 boards take DDR4 memory, while AM5 boards take DDR5 only, and server and workstation chips use their own, larger sockets. Look up your exact motherboard model and its supported processor list before ordering.
Cores and threads. Everyday office work, browsing and video calls run well on six cores. Gaming usually benefits more from strong single-core speed and a large cache than from a very high core count. Video editing, 3D rendering, virtual machines and code compilation scale well across many cores, so eight, twelve or more cores pay off there.
Integrated graphics. Some AMD processors include graphics, which is enough for office use and video playback without a graphics card. Many chips on the older AM4 socket have no graphics unless the model name ends in G, so a separate graphics card is needed for those. Check the product listing before you assume a display output will work.
Power and cooling. The TDP rating shows how much heat the cooler must handle. Some processors come with a boxed cooler, others are sold without one, and high-core-count models generally need a large tower cooler or liquid cooling. Make sure your case and power supply can support the chip you choose.
Desktop, workstation or server. Desktop processors suit home and office PCs. Workstation and server processors offer more memory channels, more PCIe lanes and support for ECC memory, but they need matching boards and are not interchangeable with desktop parts.
Brands we carry
- AMD: the designer of the Ryzen desktop range, Threadripper workstation processors and EPYC server processors, and the source of most products in this category.
- Lenovo: best known for ThinkPad laptops and ThinkSystem servers, so check that any Lenovo-listed processor is compatible with the server or workstation model you are upgrading.
AMD processors: frequently asked questions
Which AMD processor is best for gaming?
For gaming, choose a processor with high single-core speed and a large cache, such as a Ryzen model with 3D V-Cache, together with a capable graphics card. Six to eight cores are enough for most games. Spend more on the graphics card before paying for extra cores.
How do I know if an AMD processor fits my motherboard?
Match the processor socket to the socket on your motherboard, then check the motherboard manufacturer's processor support list. Some boards need a BIOS update before they can recognise newer chips. A socket match alone does not guarantee compatibility.
Do I need a separate graphics card with an AMD processor?
It depends on the model. Processors with integrated graphics can drive a monitor on their own, which is enough for office work and video. Chips without integrated graphics need a graphics card to display anything, and gaming or 3D work benefits from a dedicated card either way.
Does an AMD processor come with a cooler?
Some do and some do not. Many lower-power models are sold with a boxed cooler, while high-performance and workstation processors are often supplied without one. Read the product listing carefully and budget for a suitable cooler if none is included.
