I'm just about to renew my desktop computer. I won't use it primarily for mining but it doesn't hurt to think about making that machine somewhat profitable.
What would be your CPU choice in the mid-range?
($150-200)
ryzen 5 3600 without any doubt
it is the best in performance in this price range
and pretty well equipped for mining coins too
I disagree. Currently the more cores you have the better (for mining).
Ryzen 5 3600 has 6 cores / 12 threads.
Ryzen 7 1700 has 8 cores /16 threads and is a 65W CPU which can go to 3.6Ghz even if you pick a dud, without any overvolting.
Ryzen 7 2700 has 8 cores /16 threads and is also 65W, plus it is made with smaller 12nm process so it is a bit more power efficient than 1700.
I would focus on 1700 or 2700 for mining for this budget. Second hand is even better.