Orbitused tech prices

Best used CPU for gaming under $250 (October 2026)

Every model whose typical used price (including shipping) is under $250 today, ranked by performance. Performance index: approximate gaming average with a fast graphics card, from public benchmarks, Ryzen 5 5600X = 100. A guide for ranking, not a benchmark. Updated from live eBay listings.

Top pick right now: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X at a typical $145 used, including shipping.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
typical $145 · fair $140–$150 · 30d —
performance 125 · 86.2 per $100
Cheapest: $135
Intel Core i7-12700K
typical $222 · fair $205–$258 · 30d —
performance 122 · 54.8 per $100
Cheapest: $200
Intel Core i5-12600K
typical $180 · fair $170–$196 · 30d —
performance 115 · 63.9 per $100
Cheapest: $149
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
typical $150 · fair $140–$155 · 30d —
performance 100 · 66.7 per $100
Cheapest: $130

Just above budget

Intel Core i7-13700K
typical $280 · fair $267–$320 · 30d —
performance 140 · 50.0 per $100
Cheapest: $265

Browse all used CPUs on eBay Check a listing's price

Often bought with it

CPU air cooler ↗Thermal paste ↗AM5 / LGA1700 motherboards ↗

Amazon links (new items).