Every year, Black Friday emerges as the prime opportunity for upgrading PC components without breaking the bank. This year’s standout deals prominently feature CPUs, making it a fantastic time for gamers looking to boost their system’s performance. While I’ve been a loyal supporter of AMD, I’m well aware that many gamers lean towards Intel, often for its seamless upgrade path or irresistible discounts.
This year’s Core i5, i7, and i9 processors have particularly tempting prices. Although newer chips have hit the market, the 12th Gen CPUs are shining in terms of value, offering strong gaming capabilities at reduced rates. Not to be outshined, some 14th Gen CPUs are also seeing markdowns.
For instance, the Core i5-12600K is currently available for just $150 at Newegg, and if you’re looking for a little more power, the Core i7-12700K is going for $188. For those aiming for the top of the line, the Core i9-12900K is now around $255.
Moving on to some of the best Black Friday deals at major retailers: Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all have significant discounts across video games and accessories. Brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo are cutting prices on laptops and desktops, with Newegg offering deals on various PC components. Meanwhile, Razer throws in free shipping, Samsung has slashed prices on electronics, and Amazon keeps rotating its offers, covering just about everything imaginable.
With record-breaking discounts on Intel CPUs, even AMD enthusiasts might feel tempted. Over my eight years tracking deals for Windows Central, Black Friday always stands out for major savings on PC parts, especially processors.
Despite AMD generating buzz with its Ryzen 7800X3D and not-so-available 9800X3D, many PC builders are hunting for alternate options. I’ve penned another piece on competitive alternatives for those still championing Team Red.
The 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs, like the i5-12600K, are heavily discounted to a historic low thanks to Black Friday specials at Newegg. Utilization of code BFEDY2A35 at checkout ensures this savings. If you prefer newer tech, the Core i5-14600K is also down, priced at $215. Similarly, the Core i7-12700K is seeing an unprecedented price drop to $187 at Amazon, offering fantastic multi-tasking capabilities with more cores.
For the ultimate in gaming performance, the Core i9-12900K has plummeted to $254.99, contingent on the use of code BFEDY2A34 at checkout on Newegg. It’s the pinnacle choice for those seeking unmatched multitasking prowess, but if you’re looking for the absolute latest, the i9-14900K is discounted as well, coming in at $424.99.
Intel’s 12th to 14th Gen CPUs share compatibility with the LGA1700 socket and support both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. This cross-generational support means fewer hassles if you opt for an older chip with future upgrades in mind.
Despite the shift with Intel’s Core Ultra lineup to a new socket—geared more for productivity than gaming—I still point gamers towards the established range for optimal performance.
Switching gears to AMD, they too are offering solid options this Black Friday, despite the absence of deals on their most sought-after CPUs, like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. For budget-conscious shoppers, Newegg is offering the Ryzen 5 7600X at $194.99, with the bonus of a free 1TB SSD if you use code BFEDY2A33 at checkout. And for those needing more muscle, the Ryzen 9 7900X is available at $326.99 with code BFDDY2A84, providing enhanced productivity capabilities thanks to its extra cores.
In conclusion, whether you’re on Team Red or Team Blue, this Black Friday offers ample opportunities to upgrade at prices bound to make any gamer smile.
