Best DDR3 CPUs of 2023 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

Austin
| Last Updated: January 14, 2023

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If your computer is lagging, or you need to build a new one from scratch, you must get the DDR3 RAM. The DDR3 is the easiest way to upgrade your machine and have a grand time using it. But wait; there are many models and brands available, how can you be sure which one is your best match? Well, by reading our detailed review, you can easily understand what your computer needs. 

Comparison of the Best DDR3 CPUs

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 4 GHz quad-core processor
  • Has an unlocked clock multiplier
  • H3 sockets for a better fixing
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  • Comes with a 3.7 GHz turbo frequency
  • Has an overclocking speed of 3.3 GHz
  • Thermal Design Power of 65W
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  • Best for the money
  • Hardware acceleration with Advanced Encryption Standard
  • Intel HT technology allows multifunctioning in each core
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  • Best DDR3 CPU for gaming
  • Has a clock speed of 3.5 GHz
  • Turbo boost is up to 3.9 GHz
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  • Editor’s pick
  • Maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz
  • 25.6 GB/s is the maximum bandwidth
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When Would I Use a DDR3 CPU

To start off, if you want your computer to work seamlessly with gaming and other application, you need a proper RAM. It doesn’t really matter what kind of a processor you have if you don’t have an adequate RAM to support it. 

It Covers a Huge Range

The DDR3 RAM may have been surpassed by DDR4, but that didn’t happen till 2016 when the systems finally caught up with the DDR4. So, it means that many systems still operate on DDR3. The DDR3 RAM is compatible with a variety of range of CPU generations. These include Intel’s LGA1366 socket to LGA1151, AMD’s AM3/AM3+ as well as FM1/2/2+.

Intel Core i7-4790K Quad-core 4 GHz Processor

Gaming Computer

DDR3 RAM is important for your gaming system as it can access data quicker than retrieving it from the storage disk. Think of RAM as your desk, and main storage as your file cabinet. It’s tedious to go to your filing cabinet to get files every time you need something new to work on. If you have a proper RAM like DDR3, you can keep as many files you need on your desk and retrieve them in quick successions. 

For a gaming PC, this is very crucial. With low storage, you get poor and slow performance, as well as a choppy frame rate. DDR3 makes your gaming PC the best gaming PC ever. 

Why Did These DDR3 CPUs Make Our List

Why does anything make the top review list? These are the best models in the market. If you are building your PC from scratch or you are looking to update your old gaming PC, the DDR3 is your best bet. However, the following are the main features that make these worthy of our review list. 

High Clock Speed

The DDR3 CPU models on our list have high clock speeds, which makes them better for expert gamers. The processor avoids all kinds of overclocking and over-usage damage. Moreover, the users can adjust the clock speed on their own, making these even better. 

Superior Live Streaming

All of the processors on our list have high-speed live streaming. The rate of data transfer is so high that there is hardly any lag or buffering. This is why these are great for people who love HD streaming.

Greater Operating Frequency

DDR3 CPUs need to have a high operation frequency, which can keep up with the needs of internet surfing and gaming. The models on our list have higher popularity because of a high turbo frequency and accelerated functioning. 

Review of the Best DDR3 CPUs

Getting a high-speed DDR3 CPU is definitely a win, but you have to be careful while buying one. Here are some of the best models on the market that you can go for. 

Best Overall:
Intel Core i7-4790K Quad-core 4 GHz Processor

PROS

  • Better display with HD graphics in place
  • Very high compatibility with Z97 boards
  • Cooler visuals with shading and texturing
  • Has a quick sync video for faster streaming
  • Intel rapid storage technology for improved memory

CONS

  • Does not have a long life
  • Quick overheating of the processor reported

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers found this DDR3 CPU to be highly useful. The quad-core processor has H3 sockets in it, which enable the buyers to mount it well. They also liked the HD graphics as well since the display is highly impressive. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of its unlocked clock multiplier, which does not need any other accessories. The video sync in it helps in better streaming and HD gaming which modern users love. In addition, the frequency of operation is also high, which prevents lag in streaming. 

Who Will Use This Most

The DDR3 CPU is best for those who want high-quality visuals. The shading and texturing phenomena in it improve the graphics and overall display. It is also great for the people who have z97 boards as it has high compatibility with these motherboards. 

Bottom Line

Keeping all this in mind, the DDR3 CPU is your best bet if you want to have something that is cool in all aspects. The overclocking speed and the graphics are all top of the list. The processors are also well priced for all the features it offers, so it can be a great choice.

Runner-up:
Intel Core i7-5775C 3.3 GHz LGA1150 Processor

PROS

  • Has a fan and thermal heat sink
  • Consumes DDR3 memory of 1600 MHz
  • Iris Pro 6200 graphics enhance its display
  • 4 cores and 8 threads for smoother functioning
  • The LGA 1150 socket has high compatibility with DDR3

CONS

  • Has a high amount of cache
  • Seems overpriced as compared to other models

What Recent Buyers Report

This CPU has impressed its recent buyers a lot with its excellent thermal design. The CPU consumes a power of 65W which the buyers like too. They also found the heat sink and the fan, which come along with the thermal controls to be great. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This DDR3 CPU stands out to us the most with its overclocking speed of 3.3 GHz. The maximum turbo frequency is 3.7 GHz, and this helps the processor keep up with heavy-duty gaming. The Iris Pro 6200 graphics make its display quite impressive which goes well with the energy consumption. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is most useful for the people who need high-efficiency DDR3 CPU for their computers. The thermal controls work well with 65W power, and there is a minimum energy loss. The 8 threads and 4 cores in it make it better for modern users as they make its working smoother. 

Bottom Line

Considering it all, this processor is one of the best ones on the market. The heat controls are highly competitive as there is both a heat sink and a fan. This is why you should get it if you are into heavy-duty gaming. 

Best for the Money:
Intel Core i7-2600K Quad-Core Processor

PROS

  • 8 threads allow a better flow of data
  • Maximum turbo frequency is 3.4 GHz
  • Speedier function due to better AES algorithms
  • Power headroom to improve operation frequency
  • Sharp increase in latency due to effective heat control

CONS

  • K version lacks VT-d
  • The fan stops working quickly

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers came up with different kinds of reviews regarding this DDR3 CPU. They found its hardware acceleration a great upgrade, which lets the data flow more speedily. But they complained about the lack of a VT-d in the K version of this DDR3. According to them, they would like it much more if the VT-d issue is resolved. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It makes it to our list due to its low price and high-quality features. The AES algorithms are a definite improvement that makes the processor speedier. The power headroom is also effective as it gives the necessary power boost without causing any lag. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is a great option for gamers who want to have a better processor, but still want to stick to their budget. The turbo frequency and clock speed are as great as other expensive models. So, there is nothing that you will find it unsuitable for even if you are a gaming pro.

Bottom Line

To sum up, it has all that an average gamer looks for in a DDR3 CPU. The speed of gaming, rate of data transfer, and overclocking mechanisms are all reliable. The graphics are also much more improved than other competitors, so getting this processor will be favorable in every way. 

Best DDR3 CPU for Gaming:
Intel Core i7-4770K Quad-core 3.50 GHz Processor

PROS

  • 4 cores to help in multiple tasks
  • Has a limited warranty of 3 years
  • 8 MB cache lets it have greater speed
  • The Intel wireless display is great for gaming
  • Maximum memory size of the processor is 32 GB

CONS

  • Consumes higher power to overcome lag
  • Gets over 40 degree Celsius even with thermal controls

What Recent Buyers Report

The people who bought it lately came up with positive reviews for the most part. They liked the clocking speed of 3.5 GHz the most. It lets the buyers keep playing their favorite games for long durations. They also approve of the way that this processor improves the graphics of DDR3.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stood out to us the most with its maximum memory size of 32 GB. This lets the processor save much more data and deal with high data traffic as well. The Intel wireless display is another impressive addition on the list of its features. It makes the gaming console adapt better to its graphics and create a better gaming arena. 

Who Will Use This Most

The people who prefer the clarity of display the most will love this DDR3 CPU. The graphics are so good because of the Intel wireless display. The built-in heat sink helps with games that do not use much power. But, if you want heavy-duty gaming, then you need to have customized heat sink with this CPU.

Bottom Line

In our opinion, it is an amazing DDR3 CPU that goes well with most modern and old computer systems. This can be a nice upgrade to your computer as it improves both the speed and display. So, go for this one if you want something reliable as it has a warranty of 3 years.

Editor's Pick:
Intel Core i7-3770 Quad-Core Processor BX80637I73770

PROS

  • Has a DMI of 5 GT/s
  • Very lightweight at 0.92 pounds
  • The graphics base frequency is 650 MHz
  • 3.4 GHz clocking speed prevents damage
  • Intel smart cache restricts cache data to 8 MB

CONS

  • Requires over 77 watts of power
  • Overheating with a demanding software

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers liked this processor on the whole with its attractive features and smooth functioning. The maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz is something that all of them loved. They liked it so much because of the way it makes room for massive data transfer. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This quad-core processor distinguishes itself to us because of its high maximum turbo frequency and DMI. The DMI of 5 GT/s is something that most processors do not offer. This makes it a better option for modern gamers. Moreover, the processor weighs only 0.92 pounds, so it is easy to adjust on your computer. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is most useful for people who need something high speed and multifunctional. The 4 cores let the processor process different kinds of data at the same time, making it super-fast. Other than this, it is great for you if you are looking for cool graphics as its graphics base frequency is 650 MHz.

Bottom Line

The bottom line on this is that it is one of our favorite DR3 CPUs at the time. It has everything that makes a processor great and competitive. From the simplicity of its appearance to the complexity of its working, everything is spot on. So, investing in it will be beneficial for you if you value these things as much as we do. 

Pros and Cons of DDR3 CPU

DDR3 CPU processors have a lot to offer to the gamers of this era. But they come with some drawbacks as well. Here are both the pros and cons of the DDR3 CPUs for you to have a better idea.

Pros

Let’s first check out the benefits you’ll get with one of these. 

Speedier Overclocking

The best thing about DDR3 CPUs is that they have a high speed overclocking. This enables the processor to keep the computer safe even if there is a heavy-duty use. Speedier overclocking also keeps the gaming arena well prepared for gamers all the time. 

Improved Gaming

DDR3 CPU is one of the best processors for gaming as it has all the right features. The presence of heat sink and thermal controls makes it even better for gaming. These processors minimize the amount of lag and buffering needed, which makes it better for gaming. 

Greater Memory

DDR3 CPU processors have a great memory as they have dual data transfer channels. As most of these are quad-core processors, they have different channels for dealing with several tasks at the same time. 

Cons

On the flip side, you will have to experience the following drawbacks:

For Latest Gaming Console Only

As DDR3 CPUs are fairly recent, they are compatible with only modern gaming accessories. They are not for users who have older versions of computers. 

Conclusion

Summing it all up, you need to have something as Double Data Rate Type 3 if you love gaming. This is an ultra-powerful computer processor that makes gaming even better. These processors not only help in gaming but also improve the overall functioning of a computer.

People Also Ask

DDR3 CPUs have not been around for a very long time, but they have gained popularity quickly. Still, there is some confusion regarding these processors that people have. Here are the answers to the most common questions to let you see a clearer picture.

Can Skylake Use DDR3?

The Skylake processors usually suit the DDR4 or DDR3L. But they can work with DDR3 as well. The compatibility is not that high, but still, it works so you can get a DDR3 CPU for Skylake too.

Is DDR4 Better Than DDR3?

Yes, DDR4 is better than DDR3 as it has a higher speed of data transfer. The DDR4 is only limited to Intel's X99, so it does not have high usability. 

What Does DDR3 Sdram Mean?

SDRAM is a memory system that has high reliability. DDR3 is one of its types, and it has greater usability than others. 

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Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.