TL;DW List:

Best Overall CPU:

  • AM5 R7 9800X3D

Most Balanced:

  • AM5 R9 7950X (primary)
  • i9-14900K (secondarily)

Best Gaming:

  • AM5 R7 9800X3D

Best Upgrade:

  • AM4 R7 5700X3D

Most Efficient:

  • AM5 R5 7600X3D

Best Mid-Range:

  • AM5 R5 7600

Best High-End Desktop (HEDT):

  • Threadripper 7970X

Best Gaming CPU Under $100 USD:

  • R5 5600, i3-13100F, i3-12100F

Biggest Disappointment:

Intel

  • attrocious mishandling and user gaslighting for their 13 and 14th gen/series CPU instability, oxidation, and excessive voltage issues.