AMD has slashed the price of its Ryzen 5 9600X to $190 on Newegg, marking a steep 32% drop from its $280 launch price. The 6-core processor now sits $10 below Intel's upcoming Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, which launches at $200. This aggressive pricing move comes as AMD faces mounting pressure from Intel's latest hybrid architecture processors.

The price cut reflects the 9600X's struggles against Intel's Core i5-14600K and Core Ultra 5 245K throughout 2025. AMD appears to be clearing inventory ahead of potential Ryzen 5 9650X refreshes while Intel prepares to disrupt the mid-range market. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus offers 18 threads through its 6 P-cores and 12 E-cores configuration, presenting a compelling alternative at the same price point.

Intel's strategy extends beyond the 250K Plus, with the Core Ultra 5 270K Plus priced at $300 to challenge AMD's Ryzen 7 9700X, 9800X3D, and 9900X. This processor essentially mirrors the 285K's specifications with slightly reduced clock speeds. The pricing war signals a heated battle in the desktop processor market as both companies vie for budget-conscious consumers seeking maximum performance per dollar.