Best Home Server CPU For All Your Needs

Apart from the high end servers used for industrial applications, some of you might also want to set up a server at home for media streaming, network storage, and personal computing as per your needs. But in order to get the most out of a server, you need to get a powerful processor for the same, which can be one of the best home server CPUs discussed in this list that have been chosen as per these factors:

• Cores and Threads: Just like any other CPU that you may find in any device out there, the processor of your home server should also have multiple cores and threads. Any CPU that has multiple cores and threads will perform better for multitasking which is highly important for a computer server. As a result, an 8-core and 16-thread CPU will perform much better than a 4 core and 8 thread CPU.
• Clock Speeds: If you wish to get a powerful home server CPU, then you should also check the clock speeds of your processor. This includes both the base clock speed as well as the boost clock speeds of your processor. And in either case, a higher clock speed of 4.5 GHz or 5.0 GHz will perform better than a lower clock speed of 3.0 GHz or similar.
• Cache: Another factor related to home server CPUs that can affect the multitasking experience quite a lot is the cache capacity. Usually, processors with a higher cache capacity like 30M or similar perform better than entry-level CPUs with 12M cache, especially when it comes to multithreaded tasks like running a home server.

Despite being some of the major factors regarding home server CPUs, there is so much more to check while getting any kind of processor. Therefore, all of the best home server CPUs given in this list even have their primary specifications and features listed with them. Not only that but we have also given an extensive “Buying Guide” and the key FAQs for the best home server CPUs so that you can go with the best one by the end of this guide.

Best Home Server CPUs List

Best Home Server CPUs Reviews

1. AMD ryzen 5 Home Server CPUs

AMD and its Ryzen 5 series of processors have been some of the most popular options in the past few years especially when it comes to affordable and entry-level processor options including this one.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G home server CPU is present in the 1st position of this list since this is one of the cheapest yet one of the most powerful options given here. Even at the given entry-level price tag, this home server CPU comes with 6 cores and 12 threads. More importantly, you get a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz with this processor. And since AMD even includes a 16M cache with this home server CPU, you can expect quite amazing performance from it. You even get the AMD Radeon Vega 7 iGPU with this processor, which offers fairly great performance.

Coming to the compatibility of this processor, it uses the AMD AM4 CPU socket for connecting to your motherboard. You also get support for up to 128 GB RAM with up to 3200 MHz DDR4 speeds for decent performance at the given price. Despite being an entry-level home server CPU, this AMD Ryzen 5 also supports overclocking for both the CPU and memory speeds. And the best part about this processor is that you get all of this at a fairly low TDP of just 65 watts which makes this processor quite practical.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 6 cores and 12 threads
• Offers a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz
• Includes 16M L3 cache
• Paired along with the AMD Radeon Vega 7 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 3200 MHz DDR4 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for CPU and memory speeds
• Works at an TDP of 65 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• Excellent home server CPU for buyers on a tight budget
• Pretty amazing performance numbers for an entry level home server CPU
• Includes a handy air cooler inside the box for an even better value for money

Cons:

• Included CPU socket is not supported with next generation AMD motherboards

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2. AMD Ryzen 7  Home Server CPUs

You can also find higher end CPU offerings from AMD under its Ryzen 7 lineup which are definitely on the expensive side but still offer a great value for money for those who want something more powerful.

AMD’s Ryzen 7 5700G home server CPU is present in the 2nd position of this listicle as it is hands down the best value-for-money option given here if you want something powerful. Unlike most other home server CPUs in its class, this AMD one features 8 cores and 16 threads which is perfect for a home server. In fact, even with the given core count, you still get a pretty great base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.6 GHz with this processor. That being said, even with the higher price tag, this AMD Ryzen 7 only features 16M cache which is a bit low. Another similarity between this and the Ryzen 5 CPU is the AMD Radeon Vega 7 iGPU used by it.

Because this is an AMD CPU of the previous generation, it relies on the AMD AM4 CPU socket for installation in your motherboard. Since this is a high-end AMD Ryzen processor, its support for up to 128 GB RAM at up to 3200 MHz DDR4 speeds is to be expected. And because you would want the best performance out of such a high-end AMD processor, it also supports both CPU and memory overclocking for even better performance. In case you are worried about the TDP of this high-end CPU, you will be glad to know that it is rated for just 65 watts which is definitely amazing.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 8 cores and 16 threads
• Offers a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz
• Includes 16M L3 cache
• Paired along with the AMD Radeon Vega 7 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 3200 MHz DDR4 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for CPU and memory speeds
• Works at an TDP of 65 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• Amazing value for money home server CPU for high end performance numbers
• Excellent TDP rating despite offering class leading specifications and performance
• Features an included air cooler for cooling the CPU without paying a premium

Cons:

• Could have included more cache considering the given price and core count

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3. Intel Core i7 Home Server CPUs

Intel and its Core i7 series can also be a great option if you are in the market for something powerful that can be used for both gaming as well as other applications like building a home server.

This Intel Core i7 12700K home server CPU is present in the 3rd position of this article because this is definitely one of the most powerful options out there if you can afford the same. Since this is a newer Intel processor, it features a unique core and thread layout which includes 8 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and 20 threads. And even with the given number of threads, you get amazing base clock speeds of 2.7 GHz and 3.6 GHz along with boost clock speeds of up to 3.8 GHz and 5.0 GHz for the efficiency and performance cores, respectively. While it may not be the highest, its included 25M cache is definitely quite good. The Intel UHD 770 iGPU used by this processor also offers fairly high-end performance.

Unlike AMD’s processor offerings, this Intel processor uses the Intel LGA1700 CPU socket. And if you have a compatible motherboard, you can use up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds, which is definitely a great thing. If this much performance is not enough for you, then you will be glad to know that this home server CPU supports both CPU and memory overclocking since it is a K series processor. That being said, unlike AMD’s processors, this Intel is not the most efficient one due to its given TDP of 125 watts.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 8 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and 12 threads
• Offers a base clock speeds of 2.7 GHz and 3.6 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 3.8 GHz and 5.0 GHz
• Includes 25M L3 cache
• Paired along with the Intel UHD 770 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for CPU and memory speeds
• Works at a TDP of 125 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• One of the most powerful modern home server CPU options out there
• Supports the latest DDR5 RAM along with amazing speeds for great performance
• Allows for overclocking for even more performance if used with the right motherboard

Cons:

• Quite a high TDP rating despite having a few efficiency cores

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4. Intel Core i9 Home Server CPUs

Intel’s Core i9 lineup of processors is its top of the line offering which is ideal for those who do not have any specific budget restrictions and want the best possible performance for their home server.

The Intel Core i9 12900K home server CPU is given in this list since it is hands down the best performing option discussed here which makes it perfect for heavy duty usage. Similar to the previous Core i7 offering from Intel, this one also uses a unique core and thread layout which includes 8 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 24 threads.

Being a top of the line CPU, it offers amazing base clock speeds of 2.4 GHz and 3.2 GHz along with boost clock speeds of up to 3.9 GHz and 5.2 GHz for its efficiency and performance cores respectively. Another great thing about this Intel Core i9 CPU is that you get 30M cache with it. While it might not be the most powerful, its Intel UHD 770 iGPU is still good for basic media encoding.

Just like the previously mentioned Intel Core i7 CPU, this one also uses the Intel LGA1700 CPU socket for installing this processor. Another benefit of going with a newer version of Intel processors is that it also supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds. As you would expect from a top of the line Intel processor, this K series CPU allows you to overclock the CPU as well as the memory if needed. Unfortunately, because you get such high performance numbers with this CPU, it has a pretty high TDP of 125 watts which is certainly something to keep in mind.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 8 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 24 threads
• Offers a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and 3.2 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 3.9 GHz and 5.2 GHz
• Includes 30M L3 cache
• Paired along with the Intel UHD 770 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for CPU and memory speeds
• Works at an TDP of 125 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• Best in class option for a high performance home server CPU
• Excellent performance numbers including superb clock speeds
• Great option for overclocking with amazing scalable results

Cons:

• Quite an expensive and premium home server CPU compared with others

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5. Intel Core i5 Home Server CPUs

Apart from its high-end and quite premium offerings under the K series of processors, Intel also offers a K variant of its mainstream i5 processors that can be a great middle-ground for most.

Intel’s Core i5 12600K home server CPU is given in this listicle as this can be a great option if you want excellent single-threaded performance without paying a premium. That being said, this processor is also fairly decent for multitasking thanks to its 6 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and 16 threads. But the best thing about this processor has to be its clock speeds which include base clock speeds of 2.8 GHz and 3.7 GHz along with boost clock speeds of up to 3.6 GHz and 4.9 GHz for its efficiency and performance cores, respectively. And while it may not be the highest, the given 20M cache is definitely good for the given price. Similar to its higher-end alternatives, this Intel CPU also uses the Intel UHD 770 iGPU for decent media encoding performance.

Taking a look at the physical design of this home server CPU, it also uses the latest Intel LGA1700 CPU socket. More importantly, as it is a high-end K series processor, it can work with up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds. Another benefit of going with a K series processor like this one is that it allows you to overclock both the CPU and memory speeds if needed. Although, just like other K series processors offered by Intel, this one also has a very high TDP of 125 watts which can be a concern for some users.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 6 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and 16 threads
• Offers a base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and 3.7 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 3.6 GHz and 4.9 GHz
• Includes 20M L3 cache
• Paired along with the Intel UHD 770 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for CPU and memory speeds
• Works at an TDP of 125 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• Amazing single threaded performance thanks to its given boost clock speed ratings
• Supports complete overclocking similar to higher end Intel K series processors
• Decent multithreaded performance thanks to additional efficiency cores

Cons:

• Not the easiest to cool home server CPU because of a high TDP rating

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6. Intel Core i5-12400 Home Server CPUs

Intel also offers standard models of its mainstream Core i5 processors that can be ideal for those who are looking for something more affordable instead of going with the best possible performance numbers.

The Intel Core i5 12400 home server CPU is given in this article because this can be a viable option for those who want to build an Intel-based server without paying a premium. Unlike the higher-end K series processor, this one offers a more common core layout which includes 6 cores and 12 threads in total. And with the given cores and threads, you get a fairly decent base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz. You even get 18M cache with this Intel processor, which is pretty good for the given price tag. That being said, unlike higher-end K series processors, this one comes with the entry level Intel UHD 730 iGPU.

Thankfully, Intel still uses the standard Intel LGA1700 CPU socket with this processor for maximum compatibility. It even supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds for the best possible performance. And while this non-K series processor does not support CPU overclocking, it still features memory overclocking support. But the best benefit of going with a non-K series Intel processor is that it has a TDP of just 65 watts which is much more practical than high-end K series CPUs.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 6 cores and 12 threads
• Offers a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz
• Includes 18M L3 cache
• Paired along with the Intel UHD 730 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR4 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for memory speeds
• Works at a TDP of 65 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• Great all rounder home server CPU without charging a premium for the same
• Supports the latest Intel CPU socket along with DDR5 RAM for future compatibility
• Pretty low TDP rating compared with other Intel processors

Cons:

• Included iGPU is definitely a step down in comparison to higher end K series chips

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7. Intel (12th Gen) i3 Home Server CPUs

Intel also offers even cheaper and highly affordable processors under its Core i3 lineup that are perfect for all those who are on a tight budget but still want to build an entry level home server.

The Intel Core i3 12100 home server CPU is mentioned in this list since it is the cheapest option given here and can be perfect if you are on a budget. As you would expect from an entry-level processor from Intel, this CPU uses 4 cores and 8 threads for its multithreaded performance. That being said, it does offer a fairly decent base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz for the given price tag. Unfortunately, since it is an entry-level option, it only features a 12M cache which is a bit low compared to others. Similarly, it also uses the entry-level Intel UHD 730 iGPU and not the higher-end models offered by Intel.

Fortunately, Intel does offer a few similarities between this Core i3 and other high end options including its Intel LGA1700 CPU socket. This entry level home server CPU even works with up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds. And while it may not support CPU overclocking, you can still overclock the memory if you want to. Since the Core i3 is a budget tier processor, it has the lowest TDP of just 60 watts in this article as well.

Best Features:

• Uses a total of 4 cores and 8 threads
• Offers a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz
• Rated boost clock speed of up to 4.3 GHz
• Includes 12M L3 cache
• Paired along with the Intel UHD 730 iGPU
• Supports up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz DDR5 speeds
• Offers overclocking support for memory speeds
• Works at an TDP of 60 watts
• Backed by a 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• One of the most affordable and cheapest home server CPUs available out there
• Lowest TDP rating in its class for easy cooling even with basic CPU coolers
• Works quite well with the latest DDR5 RAM for a great future upgrade path

Cons:

• Not the most ideal home server CPU for any kind of heavy duty tasks

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Buying Guide for the Best Home Server CPUs

Similar to any other computer that you may use at your home, the brain or the most important component of any server also happens to be its CPU. And when you are building something like a home server which will get used more than a personal computer, it needs to have a powerful CPU which can be something like the best home server CPUs discussed earlier in this list. While we have already covered the key features and options of these home server CPUs, some of you might be still confused. In that case, make sure to check out this complete buying guide for the best home server CPUs to learn more about them:

1. Cores & Threads

Starting off with the basics, we have the core and thread count of home server CPUs. You should check the same before anything else since it affects the multitasking performance of a processor the most. If any given processor has multiple cores and threads, it essentially acts as having multiple processors in your computer. And when you are talking about something like a home server which may have to run a large number of tasks at once, the more cores and threads that your processor has, the better it will perform.

Talking about the cores and threads that you can find with different home server CPUs, it can include options like 4 cores and 8 threads, 6 cores and 12 threads, 8 cores and 16 threads, 10 cores and 16 threads, 12 cores and 20 threads, 16 cores and 24 threads, etc.

Out of all these options, the highest cores and threads count of 16 cores and 24 threads will perform the best. While most CPUs will have twice the number of the threads as compared to their cores, this might not be true for modern CPUs which come with both performance and efficiency cores. Here, half cores perform better than the other half because of the difference in their power consumption.

2. Clock Speeds

Moving over to another highly important factor to keep in mind, we have the clock speed of a given CPU. This factor tells you about the speed of each core offered by your processor. For the same, you can find two types of clock speeds which includes a base clock speed and a boost clock speed. Starting with the base clock speed, it is the minimum clock speed that your CPU will offer at all times.

Usually, home server CPUs will come with a base clock speed rating like 2.5 GHz, 2.8 GHz, 3.0 GHz, and similar where a higher base clock speed is always better. Even though older home server CPUs used to have a fixed base clock speeds, modern ones come with both efficiency and performance cores. Such processors can have different base clock speeds for different types of cores.

Coming to the boost clock speed of your home server CPU, it tells you about the maximum speed your processor can offer depending on the application that you are using. Generally, the boost clock speed of your home server CPU is only achieved by 1 or 2 cores at a time.

This is due to the reason that the boost clock speed of your home server CPU tells you more about the single threaded performance of your processor. And depending on the home server CPU that you are going for, it can include boost clock speed ratings like up to 4.5 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and even up to 5.2 GHz for excellent performance for single threaded tasks.

3. Cache

While buying a home server CPU, you will also come across the cache capacity of your processor. And just like the cores and threads of a given CPU, any processor that offers a high cache capacity will offer better performance for multitasking. This is due to the reason that all of the data that is being processed by your home server CPU goes through the cache of your CPU when it is being transferred between the CPU and RAM.

As a result, having more cache in your CPU is always better. If you are in the market for a home server CPU, then you can find cache ratings like 20M, 25M, and 30M of cache. And if you want the best possible multitasking performance, then going with a 30M cache home server CPU will offer the best possible performance.

4. Memory Support

Apart from performing well on its own, a high-performance home server CPU should also support high-performance memory. As you would expect, the multitasking performance of your computer or server also depends on the memory or RAM that you are using. You not only need to use high-capacity memory, but it should also be fast memory if you want the best performance with modern home server CPUs. Thus, checking the memory support of a given CPU is always a great idea.

First, you should check the maximum memory capacity supported by a given CPU which is generally up to 128 GB which should be plenty for most. Other than the maximum memory capacity supported by your home server CPU, you should also check the maximum memory speeds supported by it. While entry-level home server CPUs may only work with up to 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM, higher-end CPUs can even work with up to 4800 MHz DDR5 RAM for much better performance.

5. Integrated Graphics

Those of you who are planning to get a home server CPU for something like a plex server must know that your server will have to handle media encoding. And unlike other tasks, media encoding is a hardware-accelerated task which means that it requires a graphics card in your server. And while you can always add a dedicated graphics card in your server, that can make things much more expensive.

Thus, you should prefer going with a home server CPU which comes with an integrated graphics card. And depending on the home server CPU that you are going for, it can include an iGPU or integrated graphics like the AMD Radeon Vega 7, Intel UHD 730, or the Intel UHD 770 graphics. While neither of these iGPUs are capable of running modern PC games, they should be more than enough for tasks like media encoding.

6. CPU Socket

Apart from being powerful and ideal for a home server, your processor should also be compatible with the motherboard that you wish to use. Thankfully, all server CPUs have a specific CPU socket that needs to match with the CPU socket used by your motherboard. As for the home server CPUs given above, they either use the AMD AM4 CPU socket or the Intel LGA1700 CPU socket. While the CPU socket of your home server CPU does not affect its performance, you still need to make sure that the CPU socket or your motherboard and processor are the same for proper compatibility.

7. Overclocking Support

Taking a look at other handy features offered by different home server CPUs, you should also look for overclocking support. Even though all processor models available out there have a specific clock speed rating given with them, many processors will allow you to achieve a higher clock speed. Similarly, even if your home server CPU supports a specific memory speed, you can also increase that limit.

All of this is only possible with unlocked home server CPUs which support overclocking. While all AMD processors support overclocking for both clock speeds and memory speeds, Intel only offers this with K series processors. If you have a non-K variant of an Intel home server CPU, then you can only adjust its memory speed and not the clock speed. Also, if you wish to overclock your home server CPU, make sure that you also have a motherboard that supports the same.

8. TDP & Power Consumption

Whether you are overclocking your home server CPU or not, all processors produce heat during operation. And having an idea of this heat produced or the TDP of your processor is quite important. Not only do you have to cool down a given home server CPU properly, but the TDP also tells you about the power consumption of a given processor.

Talking about the TDP ratings that you can find with different home server CPUs, it includes options like 65 watts, 90 watts, 105 watts, 125 watts, and others. In comparison to each other, a 125-watt CPU will output the most heat and will also draw the most amount of current. You simply need to make sure that you have a powerful enough CPU cooler that can handle this heat emission and a powerful power supply inside your home server that can offer enough power to your CPU.

9. CPU Cooler

As mentioned earlier, all home server CPUs produce heat during operation which needs to be managed by using a CPU cooler. This is highly important as if your home server CPU starts to overheat during operation, it will start to thermal throttle resulting in poor performance.

Because of this, some home server CPUs will even include an air cooler inside the box. This not only results in a better value for money, but you can also start using a given processor right away. On the other hand, if your home server CPU does not come with a CPU cooler included in the box, you will need to get either a third-party air cooler or a third party liquid cooler, depending on the amount of heat produced by your processor.

10. Warranty

Similar to the processor installed inside your personal computer, if you are getting a new home server CPU, you would want this processor to stay functional for as long as possible. And while most silicon chip products like computer processors last for multiple years without any issues, it is always a great idea to check the included warranty period of your home server CPU. Fortunately, both AMD and Intel include a 3-year warranty with all of their processors including the best home server CPUs given above. This simply means that you can expect your home server CPU to last multiple years with ease before you need to upgrade to a better one down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

While it is definitely not quite common, having a home server at your home can be quite handy for things like a plex server, a NAS drive, workstation usage, and much more. And since modern computer hardware is quite powerful, building a home server is even easier. You can simply go with any of the best home server CPUs that have been given earlier in this list.

To help you pick the most powerful and suitable CPU for your home server, all of these best home server CPUs also have their primary aspects and factors given with them. We have also given a detailed buying guide and the most important FAQs for the best home server CPUs. And on the basis of all this information and details, here are our ideal picks and recommendations for the best home server CPUs:

• Those of you who are on a budget and want to build an entry-level home server can consider going with the AMD 5600G Home Server CPUs. Despite being one of the cheapest options given above, this CPU still offers 6 cores and 12 threads. And since you get a base clock speed of up to 3.9 GHz along with a boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz, you can expect quite amazing performance from it. It even includes a 16M cache which further improves its performance. And the best part is that you get all of this with a fairly low TDP of just 65 watts.

• Taking a look at the complete end of the spectrum, the Intel Core i9-12900K Home Server CPUs happens to be the best performing home server CPU that we have discussed above. While it is definitely on the premium side, you do get amazing performance from it thanks to its 8 performance cors, 8 efficiency cores, and 24 threads. Thanks to this unique core and threads setup, this home server CPU is able to offer base clock speeds of 2.4 GHz and 3.2 GHz along with amazing boost clocks speed of up to 3.9 GHz and 5.2 GHz for its performance and efficiency cores respectively. Being a high-end home server CPU, it even includes a 30M cache which is perfect for multitasking. Although, because of its given performance numbers, its given TDP of 125 watts is to be expected.

• You can also check out the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Home Server CPUs as a great value-for-money home server CPU since it offers quite a lot for the given price. For starters, you get an 8-core and 16-thread design with this home server CPU which is definitely not common at the given price. Despite its high core and thread count, you still get a very respectable base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz which results in amazing performance. AMD also includes a 16M cache with this home server CPU which goes great along with its high core count. But the best part about this home server CPU is that it offers all this with a TDP of just 65 watts.