Pairing an older GPU with a CPU is more confusing than challenging because of the sheer number of options available. The latest chipsets, such as the Intel 14th Gen and AMD’s 7000 series, offer excellent performance but at a higher price.
So, the question is: Is it worth it to invest in a powerful CPU to pair with a mid-range last-generation CPU? The answer is that you don’t need to purchase the latest CPUs. The previous-generation processors are still more than viable and have enough power to handle various gaming and professional tasks.
That said, we took the liberty of doing the research on this topic, conducting testing, and putting together this guide to help you make an informed decision and kick off your buying journey in the best way possible.
Products at a glance
- Best CPU for RX 6750 XT overall
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best mid-range CPU for RX 6750 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Best budget CPU for RX 6750 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : up to 4.6 GHz
- Base speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
- Best gaming CPU for RX 6750 XT
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 4.5 GHz
- Base speed: 3.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105W
How we picked the best CPU for RX 6750 XT
Choosing the best CPU for your RX 6750 XT or any GPU can be tedious. With so many options on the market, deciding which is right for you can be hard. But don’t worry—we’ve done all the research and in-house testing to provide you with a definitive list of the best CPUs to pair with your AMD GPU.
We looked at various factors, such as processor power, cost, compatibility, and more, to narrow down our selections and present the best options that offer great performance and value for money.
- Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
- L3 Cache: 24MB
- TDP: 181W
- Platform: Intel (LGA 1700)
- Excellent synthetic and real-world performance during our testing
- Competitive price point
- Compatible with PCIe 5.0
- Has a high TDP of 181W
- Requires robust cooling solutions to keep temperatures under control
- Will need a LGA 1700 socket compatible motherboard to use this CPU
Making a build with previous-gen equipment can be challenging. You want to future-proof your setup with the newer technology, but you must be careful not to overdo it and cause an imbalance.
That said, the Intel Core i5-13600K strikes a great balance between performance and value and goes great with the RX 6750 XT. During our in-house testing of the i5-13600K, it delivered a stellar single and multi-core performance, which means that it should be able to keep up with your gaming and professional demands.
In demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, this CPU delivered an average of 179 FPS, which is more than playable. Paired with the capabilities of the RX 6750 XT, you should be able to game comfortably at 1080p and 1440p with high presets.
This is because lower-resolution gaming focuses more on CPU performance than the GPU. In layman’s terms, higher resolution depends more on the GPU, whereas low resolutions put more strain on the CPU to churn out more instructions.
The Core i5 13600K is a fantastic CPU for those looking to get a great performance CPU without breaking the bank.
PC Guide
However, this shouldn’t be an issue because this CPU has a total of 14 cores, which are divided into 6 performance cores (P-cores) and 8 efficient cores (E-cores). On top of that, it supports hyperthreading, which brings the total number of threads to 20. The P-cores kick in when the task at hand requires serious power, and when the job is done, they sit back and let the E-cores handle minor and background tasks.
This gives this GPU a great synergy between performance and costs as it isn’t running at 100% all the time, saving up on energy. That said, it still has a maximum TDP of 181W, so investing in a robust cooling solution won’t hurt. If you’re interested in exploring some options, we recommend checking out our best CPU cooler guide for the top picks.
This processor also has a maximum boost clock of 5.1 GHz, and coupled with its 24 MB L3 cache, you should experience smooth performance regardless of what you put in front of it.
What users say
The Intel Core i5-13600K has a 4.8/5.0 rating, and its Amazon reviews are nothing but praiseworthy. Users found it easy to install and overclock, and how it runs cool during heavy gaming. One reviewer even said the i5-13600K “eliminates the need for a discrete GPU for everyday tasks and light gaming.” According to one review, this CPU throws “Temperature Tantrums” and requires robust cooling solutions to calm it down, which is worth considering while purchasing.
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Good thermal design due to its lower TDP
- Comparatively less expensive than our top pick
- Compatible with PCIe 5.0 devices
- Requires an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM
- Has less cores which could impact its heavy workload sustainability
Now we move onto Team Red as the Ryzen 7000 processors deliver top-notch performance, and the Ryzen 5 7600X is one of the best mid-range CPUs you can pair with your RX 6750 XT.
In our Ryzen 5 7600X review, we gave it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 because it offered great synthetic and real-world performance in applications like Blender and delivered an average of 295 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077.
This CPU packs impressive hardware under the hood, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, a max boost clock of 5.3 GHz, and a 32MB L3 cache. This means that this processor has enough power to handle gaming and professional tasks of varying difficulty.
If you want an affordable CPU in complex workstation benchmarks and can still push frames to the GPU when gaming, then this CPU is the best entry-level choice for you.
PC Guide
We found that the 7600X was directly competing with the 13600K in single-core performance and is in the range of the 7900X. This only shows how powerful and well-designed the Zen 4 AMD processors are. On top of that, this CPU should be able to handle gaming beasts like the RTX 4070 Ti Super, which means that it’s more than capable of handling the RX 6750 XT.
On the other hand, higher-resolution tasks take more time, so the CPU has time to breathe. This means that 4K gaming is more GPU-dependent, and you always want the GPU to be 100% utilized or close to it because a GPU bottleneck is easier to mediate than a CPU bottleneck.
So, the Ryzen 5 7600X should future-proof your build if you ever decide to upgrade to a newer and more powerful GPU, but going for this option might be a bit expensive in the short term. This is because the 7600X features the latest architecture, which requires an AM5 motherboard and only supports DDR5 RAM. However, it should last you a good while, and you should be able to handle various upgrades before it’s time to move it along.
To that end, we’ve got you covered with our best DDR5 RAM and the best AM5 motherboard guides for the top picks.
What users say
It shouldn’t be surprising that this CPU is well-liked among users, garnering an impressive 4.7 out of 5.0. According to its Amazon reviews, it offers exceptional performance, great value, and stellar versatility. One user said this is the “Best mid-range processor” and “Is doing great with my RX 6650 XT.” However, there are various reviews of this CPU running high but not at the expense of its performance. So, investing in a robust cooling solution is definitely recommended.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is one of the best 7000 series CPUs to pair with an RX 6750 XT, as it offers excellent performance at a comparatively lower price than the Intel Core i5-13600K.
- Has a low TDP of 65W
- Compatible with up to 3600 MHz RAM
- Comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler
- Doesn’t have any integrated graphics
Team Red’s reign continues, and their 5000 series CPUs still pack a punch and hold their own in this competitive market. The Ryzen 5 5600x is an excellent CPU to pair with your RX 6750 XT if you’re looking for a more pocket-friendly option.
Built on the Zen 3 architecture, this CPU has six cores, 12 threads, a max boost clock of 4.6 GHz, and a 32MB L3 cache. What this means is that it should have enough processing power to handle various gaming and professional tasks without compromising on performance.
Regarding motherboard compatibility, an AM4 socket is required, for which there are plenty of options. Besides that, with the introduction of the AM5 socket, the previous generation motherboards should have experienced a price drop, which is great if you’re going for a budget build.
Built on the Zen 3 architecture, this CPU has six cores, 12 threads, a max boost clock of 4.6 GHz, and a 32MB L3 cache.
PC Guide
Pair it with a 3600 MHz DDR4 RAM, and you should have a solid rig capable of gaming at 1080p and 1440p with high presets. If you’re interested in exploring some options, check out our best DDR4 RAM guide for the top picks available.
According to AMD, this processor has a reasonable TDP of 65W and a maximum operating temperature of 95°C. It does come with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which should get the job done, but depending on the ambient temperature, you might have to invest in a better CPU cooler. To that end, we’ve also got your back with our best CPU cooler guide.
Another benefit of opting for this processor is its competitive price point. At the time of writing, the Ryzen 5 5600X is going for $142.20. This means you can save up on the CPU while still getting amazing performance and use the funds to get faster RAM or expand your storage.
What users say
The user reviews of the Ryzen 5 5600X are overwhelmingly positive, and we understand why. According to most users, its standout features are its price-to-performance ratio, excellent power efficiency, and top-notch versatility in professional tasks and gaming. One user simply put it: “The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an absolute powerhouse of a processor! I upgraded to this chip for my desktop, and it has exceeded all my expectations.” That tells you everything you need to know.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 4.5 GHz
- Base speed: 3.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD (AM4)
- Amazing performance for gaming
- V-Cache technology
- Affordable due to age
- Mediocre workstation performance
- No cooler included
If you’re after a robust gaming build, then you consider going for a more gamin-oriented processor like the 5800X3D.
Now, the 5800X3D was released back in 2022, and it was the first CPU to feature AMD’s 3D V-cache technology. As you can guess, this is an AM4 chip, which means it comes with all the benefits of the socket at a very reasonable price. However, you will have to sacrifice upgrades to the newer AM5 socket.
Coming to the processor itself, the 5800X3D comes with 8 cores and 16 threads, which might sound like a lot, but they are sufficient for gaming. Plus, you get 3.4GHz base clock speed and 4.5GHz boost clock speed, which are on par with other competing processors.
The real highlight here is the 96MB L3 cache, which is divided into 2MB of standard cache and 64MB of 3D V-cache.
PC Guide
The real highlight here is the 96MB L3 cache, which is divided into 2MB of standard cache and 64MB of 3D V-cache. This configuration helps the processor deliver performance that rivals CPUs beyond its generation.
In our 5800X3D review, we saw that the CPU delivered excellent framerates. At 1080p with low settings, we got 279 FPS for Cyberpunk 2077. Clearly, this processor delivers excellent gaming performance and can process any demanding game.
However, the same cannot be said for productivity workloads, as these tasks do not make use of the V-cache. So if you want a CPU for your non-gaming workload, we’d recommend the standard 5800X.
What users say
On Amazon, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D has a rating of 4.8 stars, and it has been rated by more than 5,300 customers. As per the customer reviews, the processor is one of the best ones from the AM4 gen, delivers great gaming performance, and is fast. However, users have mixed opinions on the CPU’s heat management, with some saying that it runs a bit hot when pressured.
Features and considerations
There are a handful of factors to consider before choosing a CPU. We’ve listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision about your next CPU, regardless of application.
Compatibility
The first thing to consider is compatibility. If you go for the latest AMD processors, you’ll have to change your motherboard and RAM as well since they aren’t backward compatible. On the other hand, going for high-end Intel processors also has its limitations. The LGA 1700 is most likely reaching its end of term, and the maximum you can go for is the 14th generation on that socket, which isn’t much more powerful than the 13th generation.
Budget
The first thing you must consider is your budget, which will determine what you can and can’t get. For example, going for an Intel Core i9-13900K, which we’ve also tested in-house, might be appealing, but pairing it with an RX 6750 XT doesn’t make sense. The performance gap between the two components is substantial, and going for a mid-range Intel or AMD processor would be much better in this case.
So, filter your options according to your budget and select an option that offers the best price-to-performance ratio. It’s also worthwhile to read reviews and watch benchmark videos of the combination you’re going for.
Future-proofing
Going for a powerful CPU might make sense if you want to future-proof your build. While an overkill CPU might go underused with the RX 6750 XT, it should ensure seamless gaming at lower resolutions and high presets. However, it should also be a worthwhile investment in the long run if you upgrade your GPU to match your CPU.
