BEST CPU For RX 7700 XT [Budget, High-End, Performance]

AMD’s Radeon RX 7700 XT is one of the strongest graphics cards in the mid-range category, boasting superb gaming performance and a versatile feature set. Its excellent gaming performance in modern titles has established it as one of the best 1440p graphics cards on the market. With such an excellent performer, it is ideal to pair an equally powerful CPU to minimize bottlenecks and maximize the value for money.

Here’s a quick look at our selected CPUs for RX 7700 XT and a brief comparison of their specs:

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Getting the RX 7800 XT? Make sure to check:

• Best CPU For RX 7800 XT

Last Updated:

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• July 10, 2024: Added gaming benchmarks, average power consumption, and Cinebench scores of the processors from our test results.

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Best CPU For RX 7700 XT

Here is a selection of the best CPUs for RX 7700 XT that you can buy right now:

1. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
2. Intel Core i5 13600K
3. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
4. Intel Core i5-13400F
5. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
6. AMD Ryzen 5 5600

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Best AMD CPU For RX 7700 XT

Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6MB | Base Clock: 4.7 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.3 GHz | TDP: 105W | Unlocked: Yes

Performance: The AMD Zen 4 architecture brought monumental improvements in both instructions per clock (IPC) and performance-per-watt metrics, resulting in superior single-threaded performance across the board. With 6 cores and 12 threads boosting up to 5.3 GHz, the mid-range AMD Ryzen 5 7600X proves to be a commendable gaming partner for the Radeon RX 7700 XT, thanks to its excellent overall gaming performance.

Cooling: Although AMD specifies a rated TDP of 105W for the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, it proves to be quite an efficient performer in actual operation. In my testing with the Noctua NH-U12S, the Ryzen 5 7600X peaked at a comfortable 72C during gaming and a manageable 82C during an all-core stress test. One should look to pair the Ryzen 5 7600X with a 240mm AiO or a decent aftermarket AM5 air cooler to strike the optimal balance.

Overclocking Potential: AMD’s advantage shines through once again as the Ryzen 5 7600X comes with an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. In my testing, I managed to achieve an all-core overclock of 5.3GHz at 1.29V, which yielded noticeable performance improvements across the board. You may want to invest in a premium aftermarket cooler to handle the added thermal strain if you want to venture into manual overclocking.

What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For RX 7700 XT?

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X maximizes the gaming performance of the Radeon RX 7700 XT across multiple resolutions without going overboard on pricing, making it the best AMD CPU for RX 7700 XT.

More for Ryzen 5 7600X:

• Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 7600X
• Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 7600X
• Best RAM for Ryzen 5 7600X
• Best GPU for Ryzen 5 7600X

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Efficiency: 10/10

Intel Core i5 13600K

Best Intel CPU For RX 7700 XT

Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 14 (6P + 8E) | Threads: 20 | L2 Cache: 20MB | Base Clock: 2.6 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.1 GHz | TDP: 125W | Unlocked: Yes

Performance: Intel’s hold over the mid-range CPU market has strengthened over the past few years simply due to the superb gaming performance of its Core i5 CPUs. The Intel Core i5 13600K is another beneficiary of this trend, as it offers a total of 14 cores and 20 threads. With a high boost clock of 5.1 GHz on its 6 performance cores, the Core i5 13600K delivers admirable gaming performance at all resolutions with the Radeon RX 7700 XT.

Cooling: While it is marketed with a TDP rating of 125W, the Core i5 13600K can be slightly challenging to cool when it is operating at its maximum. My sample of the Core i5 13600K managed to peak at 76C during an all-core Cinebench R23 stress test, while under a custom loop liquid cooling solution. A 360mm AiO cooler or a premium dual-tower air cooler is a wise choice to pair with the Core i5 13600K if you plan to overclock.

Overclocking Potential: Bearing the special “K” suffix, the Core i5 13600K comes with an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. After a bit of tinkering, I settled on a P-Core frequency of 5.6GHz with an E-Core frequency of 4.4GHz at 1.330V on the VCore. This resulted in a substantial increase in temperature and power draw, which were recorded at 81C and 192W, respectively. One must invest in an appropriate cooling solution before overclocking.

What Makes It The Best Intel CPU For RX 7700 XT?

Providing more than enough gaming performance for the Radeon RX 7700 XT while being affordable and overclocking-friendly, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the best Intel CPU for RX 7700 XT.

More for Core i5 13600K:

• Intel Core i5-13600K Review
• Best Cooler for Intel Core i5-13600K
• Best Motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K
• Best RAM for Intel Core i5-13600K
• Best GPU for Intel Core i5-13600K

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Efficiency: 8/10

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Best Overall Gaming CPU For RX 7700 XT

Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 4MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.5 GHz | TDP: 105W | Unlocked: No

Performance: With the bonus advantage of the amazing 3D V-Cache technology on top of the already amazing AMD Zen 3 architecture, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D delivers superb gaming performance across a multitude of modern titles. Featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock of 4.5 GHz, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is an exceptional performer in lightly threaded applications such as gaming, especially when paired with the Radeon RX 7700 XT.

Cooling: The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D might seem like a demanding CPU if you judge it by its 105W TDP, but in fact, it is quite reasonable in its thermal output. My sample of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D peaked at around 79C during a multi-core stress test while under a Noctua NH-U12S CPU cooler. Judging by this result, it may be wise to consider a high-end air cooler or a 240mm liquid cooler for your Ryzen 7 5800X3D for comfortable long-term operation.

Overclocking Potential: One of the key drawbacks of the AMD Ryzen X3D CPUs is the lack of an unlocked multiplier, restricting manual overclocking as a result. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D also falls victim to the same trend and cannot be overclocked as a result. Unlike its Ryzen 7000 series siblings, you can’t even overclock the Ryzen 7 5800X3D using the Curve Optimizer (CO) or Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) techniques, which is another minor annoyance. 

What Makes It The Best Overall Gaming CPU For RX 7700 XT?

With tremendous amounts of L3 cache to maximize its single-threaded performance, along with support for more affordable AM4 motherboards and DDR4 memory, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the best overall gaming CPU for RX 7700 XT.

More For Ryzen 7 5800X3D:

• Best Cooler for Ryzen 7 5800X3D
• Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 5800X3D
• Best RAM for Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Efficiency: 7/10

Intel Core i5 13400F

Best Budget CPU For RX 7700 XT

Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 10 (6P + 4E) | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 9.5MB | Base Clock: 1.8 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: No

Performance: Although the Core i5 13400F is aimed at the budget segment of the CPU market, it still punches way above its weight when it comes to gaming performance. With 10 cores and 16 threads under the hood, the Core i5 13400F delivers admirable gaming performance with the Radeon RX 7700 XT without producing any significant bottlenecks. Its 4.6 GHz boost clock is respectable and helps the i5 13400F to deliver excellent single-threaded performance.

Cooling: One of the key advantages of the Core i5 13400F is its comfortable thermal performance since the CPU is incredibly efficient by design. Intel claims a reasonable 65W TDP for the Core i5 13400F, which is why my sample peaked at around 59C in an all-core stress test and 51C during gaming while being cooled by a Noctua NH-U14S. Moreover, Intel includes a reasonably competent stock cooler with the Core i5 13400F, which is surprisingly useable.

Overclocking Potential: Unfortunately, the Intel Core i5 13400F comes with a locked multiplier, which disables any manual overclocking by traditional means. You can try your hand at BCLK overclocking just like any other CPU, but that is a relatively risky method with minimal returns. Contrary to regular multiplier-based overclocking, BCLK overclocking disrupts the normal operation of other components attached to the CPU, leading to system instability.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RX 7700 XT?

At an entry-level price point, the Intel Core i5 13400F provides sufficient gaming performance and avoids any bottlenecks when paired with the Radeon RX 7700 XT, making it the best budget CPU for RX 7700 XT.

The Core i5-13400F has also won our awards for the following:

• Best CPU For RTX 4060
• Best CPU For RX 7600
• Best Budget CPUs

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Efficiency: 10/10

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best High-End CPU For RX 7700 XT

Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 8MB | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.0 GHz | TDP: 120W | Unlocked: No

Performance: Combining the excellent AMD Zen 4 architecture with the revolutionary 3D V-Cache technology is a recipe for success, and that is what AMD did with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Featuring 96MB of L3 cache along with 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D minimizes latency and maximizes single-threaded performance. Its respectable boost clock of 5.0GHz also plays a significant role in its superb performance in lightly-threaded applications.

Cooling: The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a rather average performer in terms of thermals and does not raise any significant red flags. AMD labels the TDP as 120W for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which necessitates the use of a high-quality air cooler or 240mm AiO for regular operation. In my testing with the Noctua NH-U12S, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D peaked at 84C under an all-core stress test, while the maximum gaming temperature was recorded at 68C. 

Overclocking Potential: AMD does not allow an unlocked multiplier on its 3D V-Cache processors, and the same holds true for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Although you cannot overclock this CPU by increasing the multiplier normally, it still supports performance optimization through Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and Curve Optimizer (CO) methods. Keep in mind that these techniques do yield an increase in operating temperatures as well.

What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RX 7700 XT?

Per our testing, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is one of the absolute fastest gaming CPUs available at the time of writing, thanks to its superb Zen 4 architecture and 96MB of L3 cache. Consequently, it is the best high-end CPU for RX 7700 XT.

More for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D:

• Best Cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Best RAM for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Best GPU for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Efficiency: 8/10

AMD Ryzen 5 5600

Best Value CPU For RX 7700 XT

Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes

Performance: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is one of the finest options in the budget segment, thanks to its respectable gaming performance when paired with the Radeon RX 7700 XT. Featuring 6 cores and 12 threads boosting up to 4.4 GHz, the single-threaded performance of the Ryzen 5 5600 is admirable for the price point. The underlying Zen 3 architecture and redesigned CCX layout are also responsible for the excellent all-around performance of the Ryzen 5 5600.

Cooling: As is expected from Ryzen 5 CPUs from the Zen 3 lineup, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is supremely efficient in its operation with a comfortable thermal output. AMD labels the Ryzen 5 5600 with a 65W TDP, and that translates into its temperatures. In my testing with the Noctua NH-U14S, my sample of the Ryzen 5 5600 peaked at around 52C during an all-core stress test. This result gives us an idea of the excellent thermal management of this CPU.

Overclocking Potential: Despite being a budget CPU, the Ryzen 5 5600 comes with an unlocked multiplier for manual overclocking, which is a distinct advantage of AMD CPUs. After some experimentation, I settled on an all-core overclock of 4.6GHz at 1.35V on the VCore, which yielded a noticeable improvement in the gaming results of the CPU. It is nice to have the option of overclocking on a budget CPU to squeeze more performance out of your purchase.

What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RX 7700 XT?

Since the Ryzen 5 5600 provides acceptable performance for the Radeon RX 7700 XT, along with being affordable and compatible with inexpensive motherboards and memory, it is the best value CPU for RX 7700 XT.

These components work well with the Ryzen 5 5600 too:

• Best Coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X
• Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600X

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 7/10	Efficiency: 10/10

Our Tested Benchmarks

We also tested all of these processors to make sure that our recommendations are backed by real-world performance.

Important CPU Key Terms

When in the market for a new CPU, it is easy to get confused by marketing jargon. Here are some key terms to remember.

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The primary hardware component of a computer responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations for all software applications.
2. Clock Speed: The rate at which a CPU processes instructions, measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating how many cycles it can complete per second.
3. Core: A processing unit within a CPU that can independently execute instructions, with modern CPUs having multiple cores for improved performance.
4. Cache Memory: High-speed, on-chip memory that stores frequently used data and instructions to reduce the CPU’s access time to this information, enhancing overall performance.
5. Overclocking: The practice of increasing a CPU’s clock speed beyond its manufacturer’s specifications to achieve higher performance, often at the risk of stability and overheating.
6. Hyper-Threading: A technology that allows a single CPU core to handle multiple threads simultaneously, improving multitasking performance by simulating additional cores.
7. Thermal Design Power (TDP): A measure of the maximum amount of heat a CPU is expected to generate under typical workloads, used for selecting appropriate cooling solutions.

How We Picked The Best CPU For RX 7700 XT

Choosing the best CPU for the Radeon RX 7700 XT can be tricky business, as one has to strike the perfect balance between price and performance to maximize the value aspect. Even experienced PC builders can get stumped in this process, so here are some key factors to keep in mind when picking the ideal CPU for RX 7700 XT.

• Performance: Assess benchmarks for real-world gaming scenarios at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K to ensure a balanced CPU-GPU synergy. It’s imperative to avoid CPU bottlenecks, meaning the CPU should be powerful enough to keep pace with the RX 7700 XT’s capabilities, ensuring a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
• Overclocking Support: Look for CPUs with unlocked multipliers, as they enable support for manual overclocking. Examine overclocking results from reputable sources to gauge the CPU’s potential performance gains. Additionally, consider the thermal management and power consumption of an overclocked CPU to ensure system stability and longevity while pushing for higher clock speeds.
• Power Draw: Pay attention to the CPU’s power consumption under load, as this can affect your system’s overall energy efficiency. Take into account the Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating as a guideline for heat dissipation and general efficiency. Evaluating the resulting temperatures and the type of cooling solution required is crucial to maintaining a stable and reliable system.
• Future Upgrades: In today’s technology landscape, CPU platforms, often referred to as chipsets, typically have a limited ability to support only one or two generations of a specific CPU before becoming obsolete. Consequently, this may necessitate a motherboard replacement when upgrading in the future.
• Price and Value: Take into account your budget and compare the CPU’s performance relative to its cost. It’s essential to strike a balance between performance and price to ensure you’re getting the best value for your specific gaming needs. Consider factors like platform support, performance levels, and long-term usability to make an informed decision.