CPUs

Shop certified tested AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs at PC Power Up. Whether you need a high-performance gaming processor, a budget AM4 or LGA1700 CPU upgrade, or a reliable chip for your workstation, every processor is 100% stress-tested and benchmarked before listing.

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Tested & Health-Checked Desktop Processors (AMD & Intel)

Upgrade your rig with tested, health-checked desktop CPUs at PC Power Up. Explore our catalog of pre-owned AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors covering popular socket platforms including AM4, AM5, LGA1200, and LGA1700. Whether you are building an affordable 1080p esports PC, assembling a high-refresh-rate gaming platform, or upgrading a workstation, buying pre-owned processors is a cost-effective route to peak performance. Every processor undergoes extensive multi-core stress testing, pin/pad contact validation, and thermal benchmarking before listing. Looking to configure a complete custom desktop from scratch? Design your system using our Custom PC Builder.

Our 3-Point Hardware Validation

Step 1

Visual & Pin / Pad Inspection

Microscopic inspection of AM4 substrate pins or Intel/AM5 LGA contact pads to ensure zero bending, corrosion, or physical damage.

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Step 2

Prime95 Load Testing

Sustained Prime95 load testing verifies multi-core stability, memory controller health, power delivery efficiency, and core boost consistency.

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Step 3

Thermal & PCIe Validation

Stress testing checks heat dissipation efficiency and verifies direct PCIe lane communications to installed graphics cards and storage controllers.

CPU Cooler Selection Guide

Performance Tier	Compatible Processors	Recommended Cooling Solution
Entry Level	Ryzen 3 / Ryzen 5 (Non-X) & All Core i3 / Core i5 Models	Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus →
Mid Range & High End	Ryzen 5 X / Ryzen 7 / Ryzen 9 & Core i7 / i9-9900K Models	Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE →
Enthusiast Liquid Tier	Core i9 Series (i9-10900K & newer)	Liquid Cooling Required. Liquid cooled builds available in our Custom PC Builder →

Popular Desktop CPU Platform Guide

AMD Socket AM4 Platform (Ryzen 1000 - 5000 Series)
Platform	AMD AM4 SOCKET
Memory Support	DDR4 Memory
Platform Highlights	Exceptional budget upgrade path featuring 3D V-Cache gaming chips (5700X3D/5800X3D) and wide motherboard availability.

AMD Socket AM5 Platform (Ryzen 7000 - 9000 Series)
Platform	AMD AM5 SOCKET
Memory Support	DDR5 Memory Only
Platform Highlights	Next-gen LGA platform supporting PCIe 5.0 graphics/SSDs, high-frequency DDR5 RAM, and long-term socket longevity.

Intel Socket LGA1200 Platform (10th & 11th Gen Core)
Platform	INTEL LGA1200 SOCKET
Memory Support	DDR4 Memory
Platform Highlights	Solid multi-threaded performance and affordable 1080p gaming capability with PCIe 4.0 support on 11th gen.

Intel Socket LGA1700 Platform (12th, 13th & 14th Gen Core)
Platform	INTEL LGA1700 SOCKET
Memory Support	DDR4 or DDR5 (Motherboard dependent)
Platform Highlights	Features Performance and Efficient hybrid architecture for strong frame rates and multitasking throughput.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I check if a CPU is compatible with my motherboard?

You must match the physical socket type (e.g., AM4, AM5, LGA1200, LGA1700) and chipset of your motherboard to the processor. Additionally, check your manufacturer's support page to confirm your motherboard's BIOS version supports the specific CPU generation. Explore our motherboard selection to find compatible boards.

Q Do pre-owned CPUs perform the same as brand new processors?

Yes. CPUs are solid-state silicon chips without moving components, meaning they maintain original performance levels throughout their lifespan when operated under safe temperatures. Every CPU at PC Power Up undergoes rigorous Prime95 load testing to verify clock stability.

Q What type of RAM do I need for my CPU upgrade?

Memory compatibility depends on the socket generation. AM4 and LGA1200 platforms use DDR4, while AM5 requires DDR5. Intel LGA1700 motherboards come in separate DDR4 or DDR5 variants. Browse our dedicated RAM memory collection to match your system.

Q Why is thermal paste essential during CPU installation?

Microscopic imperfections on the CPU heat spreader and cooler base prevent 100% direct metal contact. Quality thermal paste fills these gaps to ensure optimal heat transfer, keeping operational temperatures low and avoiding thermal throttling.

Q Do I need to update my BIOS before installing a pre-owned CPU?

Yes. A BIOS update is essential on many motherboards for an upgraded CPU to function. If you are installing a newer generation processor on an existing motherboard (such as a Ryzen 5000 series chip on a B450 board, or a 13th Gen Intel chip on a Z690 board), update your BIOS to a supported version using your current CPU or a BIOS Flashback feature prior to swapping out the chip.