Black Friday CPU deals were pretty great last year, and there's every indication the same will be true in 2024. Even since November, we've had some really exciting CPU news on both sides, and it now looks as though we'll have another set of CPUs from Intel and AMD that are compatible with their respective motherboard sockets. That means the last generations are getting even cheaper, and that's wonderful news for deal hunters.
Did you know that according to the Adobe shopping report, November, and the weeks surrounding Black Friday, are when we typically see the biggest drop across the board on the prices of PCs and their components? That means the best CPUs for gaming are an absolute steal around Thanksgiving week, so unless you're in need of an urgent upgrade, now is the time to buy.
Below, we've rounded up our expectations for the best Black Friday CPU deals in 2024. Alongside that, we've tried to supply answers to other frequently asked questions including this year's Black Friday date so you can mark your calendar. Below that, you'll find a list of last year's best deals that should give you an idea of what was on offer and for how much.
Black Friday CPU deals: FAQs
When will Black Friday CPU deals start?
Black Friday officially begins on Friday, November 29 this year. As we've seen in previous years, Black Friday CPU deals will likely start in the weeks leading up to that day. We do see the odd deal pop up from the end of October onwards, but the best deals do start to emerge at the beginning of Thanksgiving week. Cyber Monday will happen again this year, but Black Friday usually brings around more deals, and is the safer bet.
Where will the best Black Friday CPU deals be?
In all honesty, it's fairly even in regards to where you'll be able to find the best Black Friday CPU deals. Taking past years into consideration, we saw some of the deepest discounts come from Amazon and Newegg above the majority of other retailers, so we recommend keeping a close watch on these two online storefronts in particular. Also keep an eye on Best Buy and other big-box stores, as they've been keeping up recently as well.
US:
Amazon: The biggest selection of current and previous generation chipsets
Best Buy: Regular discounts on AMD Ryzen 5000 series and Intel CPUs
Newegg: Deep discounts on must-have Ryzen models and 10th gen Intel
Walmart: Average prices with few discounts available right now
UK:
Amazon: Low prices on well-reviewed Intel and AMD Ryzen CPUs
eBuyer: Massive savings available on high AMD Ryzen chipsets
Currys: Good offers on the latest Ryzen processors
Laptops Direct: Minor but consistent deals on 9th, 10th, and 11th gen Intel
Black Friday CPU deals: What to expect
Black Friday CPU deals in 2024 are sure to be tempting for anyone who hasn't upgraded to a DDR5-compatible system yet. With the AMD Ryzen 7000 series and 13th Gen Intel CPUs both releasing in late 2022 and seeing some decent discounts during Black Friday 2023, we'd fully expect them to be the ones to watch this November. Similarly, the 12th Gen Intel chips which are still compatible with the motherboard socket the most recent generation is using will be extremely cheap. These are seriously worth keeping an eye out for if you're on a budget, but the 13th gen will no doubt be the best of both value and unlocked performance.
Elsewhere, AMD is putting out new Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs - yes, the series from 2020. That family is always popular and cheap as chips during Black Friday, so with new blood being injected into it, that could be the same case again this year.
But that's just covering the older few generations. Both AMD and Intel are set to launch AI-driven desktop processors this year, with the 8000 series AMD chips already hitting the ground. When these come out, it's going to be really interesting, especially since it could cause even cheaper deal prices when we get to November. A big indicator of what will be on offer and for how much could be the Prime Day events in the Summer and and October.
Our buying advice, however, is to try and get as recent a processor as you possibly can - as recent as your motherboard will allow, that is. That's likely going to be the hangup for people trying to upgrade because motherboard chips change fairly regularly. Take a look at what the absolute best CPU for your motherboard is, and let's see if we can't find you a deal this November. While we're on the topic of compatibility, DDR5 upgrades will also require a suitable motherboard, and no less than a 12th Gen CPU. If you're building a new rig from scratch, please do yourself a favor and try to secure parts for a future-proofed DDR5 rig - they will be better value in the long run.
Last year's best Black Friday CPU deals
Last year's best CPU deals in the UK
Complete your battle station for less with everything you need to know to get the best Black Friday gaming laptop deals and Black Friday gaming monitor deals.
You can also take a look at our Black Friday RAM deals and Black Friday SSD deals so you have all the bits and pieces you need to build a PC.
