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Best CPU for RX 7600 XT in 2024 – our top picks

Here are some of our top CPU picks...
Last Updated on November 11, 2024
Amd Ryzen 7 5800x, the best CPU for RX 7600 XT, and black headphones on a desk with colorful, blurred background lighting.
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If you’re on the hunt for a new graphics card this year, AMD’s RX 7600 XT could be just the thing you’re looking for. It’s one of the mainstream GPUs from Team Red, and with generous VRAM and a high boost speed clock of 2539 MHz under its belt, you should have no problem reaching native 1440p. Needless to say, this card is definitely catered towards the gamer rather than the creative, but either way, a carefully selected CPU is vital for extracting every inch of power out of your 7600 XT.

So, we’ve established that the 7600 XT’s impressive specs and price make it a fierce competitor amongst the best budget graphics cards – but which CPU is most compatible with it? Well, we’ve done the hard work for you here and cherry-picked a lineup of processors that should make the most out of the money you’ve invested in the RX 7600 XT for your rig.

Products at a glance

How we picked the best CPU for the RX 7600 XT

Choosing the perfect CPU to pair with your RX 7700 XT needs careful thought. Here at PC Guide, we’re well-equipped to help. Our team has a deep understanding of CPUs and PC building, and we back that up with in-depth reviews. This hands-on experience lets us recommend CPUs that excel in both gaming and everyday tasks.

To pick the ideal CPU, we consider several factors. We analyze public benchmarks, alongside our own in-house testing, to see how CPUs perform with mid-range GPUs like the RX 7600 XT. We also factor in user reviews and expert opinions to get a well-rounded picture of real-world performance, cooling needs, and reliability. Ultimately, our goal is to suggest CPUs that offer the best blend of gaming power, affordability, and future-proofing for your new system.

Best CPU for the RX 7600 XT
01
  • Close-up of a computer's motherboard featuring a mounted Intel Core i5-13600K processor with visible socket and screws on a detailed circuit background.
  • Close-up of an Intel Core i5-13600K processor in focus, with a blurred blue computer case in the background.
  • An Intel Core i5-13600K processor displayed in front of a blurred computer case.
  • Intel Core i5-13600K CPU against a plain white background.
Best in ClassExcellent
Specifications
  • 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)
Reasons to Buy
  • Excellent performance for the price
  • Efficient hybrid core architecture
  • Great for gaming and multitasking
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not the best for extreme overclocking
  • You have to be mindful of its higher power consumption too

In the budget, entry-level market, balance is one of the most important aspects to check in a system – enter the Intel Core i5-13600K. This CPU exemplifies the blend of power and efficiency, thanks to its innovative P-cores and E-cores architecture. The 13600K offers  14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, plus it’s up to 5.1 GHz unlocked, making the CPU the strongest option for mid-range, entry-level users.

An excellent CPU through and through with fierce single and multi-core performance for the money.

PC Guide

The Core i5-13600K is particularly well-suited for users who want a strong-performing CPU for gaming and productivity without the high cost typically associated with top-tier processors. It’s capable of handling the latest games at high settings and also excels in multitasking and creative workloads – and that’s certainly what we found in our i5-13600K review, too.

Even in demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, the Core i5 managed an average FPS of 179FPS, with smooth frames and no stuttering to speak of. It certainly makes you question the title of ‘mid-range’, and when paired with the 7600 XT you should have a setup that can perform well above its status.

All in all, this CPU is a solid choice for those who are building a PC for the first time or upgrading an older system, offering a significant performance boost without a hefty price tag.

What users say

On Amazon, the Intel Core i5-13600K has an average rating of 4.8 stars, and over 900 people have reviewed the product. Most customer reviews spoke positively about the CPU’s performance, quality, and speed. One of the customer reviews says, “In conclusion, the Intel Core i5-13600K (Latest Gen) Desktop Processor with its 14 cores is a performance beast, capable of handling the most demanding computing tasks with ease. Its balanced combination of P-cores and E-cores, unlocked multiplier, integrated graphics, and energy efficiency make it an ideal choice for power users and gamers alike.” However, a few users were not happy with the power consumption and also mentioned that the CPU heated up a little.

Best AMD CPU for the 7600 XT
02
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D box front, Image by PC Guide
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D tray and box, Image by PC Guide
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D in front of box, Image by PC Guide
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D pads, Image by PC Guide
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on top of box, Image by PC Guide
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D pads on box, Image by PC Guide
Specifications
  • Cores: 8
  • Threads: 16
  • Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
  • Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
  • L3 cache: 96MB
  • TDP: 120W
  • Platform: AM5
Reasons to Buy
  • Best-in-class gaming performance
  • Relatively good power efficiency
  • Solid performance in multitasking too
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not the best in productivity tasks
  • Require an upgrade to DDR5 RAM and AM5 motherboard

AMD has knocked it out of the park with its latest Ryzen 9000 X3D CPU, the 9800X3D. The CPU brings a 16% IPC uplift over the 7800X3D, a processor that beat all the flagships of its generation in gaming. Along with performance improvements, which were expected from the 9800X3D, AMD has also leveled up the CPU’s thermal and power efficiency by using a 4nm process node (as compared to the 5nm used in 7800X3D).

There has also been a good increase in the CPU’s ability to handle productivity tasks like rendering and video editing. After all, it has solid specs, boasting 8 cores, 12 threads, and a boost clock speed of 5.2GHz. Plus, with an unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, you should be able to increase its productivity performance further. Of course, at the stock configuration, the CPU is outmatched by its Ryzen 9000 (X) siblings, but it is still commendable. That said, keep an eye out for the best CPU coolers for 9800X3D if you want to avoid any thermal bottlenecks for a smooth experience.

The 9800X3D’s productivity performance is not the main reason we have picked it as the best AMD CPU for RX 7600 XT; that title goes to its gaming numbers. Thanks to the massive 96MB of L3 cache, the CPU not only gives the best framerates in literally all games but also surpasses all other, more expensive, flagship CPUs currently available.

As such, if you want to get the best gaming performance out of your RX 7600 XT build, no CPU can outperform the 9800X3D. Of course, since it is based on the Zen 5 architecture, you’ll have to spend a bit more money in getting a new DDR5 RAM and an AM5 motherboard, but we think it is worth it if your plan is to future-proof your build. Down the road, if you plan to get an RTX 50-series or an RX 8000 card, you won’t have to get a new CPU. One thing to watch out for is that you should go for the best motherboard for 9800X3D, as that will ensure you get the most out of your PC.

Best high-end CPU for the RX 7600 XT
03
  • Blue and white box of an Intel Core i7-13700KF 13th gen unlocked CPU, labeled "discrete graphics required.
  • An Intel Core i7-13700K processor box on a desk with a blurred background.
  • An Intel Core i7-13700K processor in its packaging, displayed in front of a blurred background with blue hues.
  • Intel Core i7-13700K CPU on a white background.
Highly Recommended
Specifications
  • Cores: 16
  • Threads: 24
  • Platform: Raptor Lake-S
  • Base Clock Speed: 100 MHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: 5.4 GHz
  • L3 Cache: 30 MB (shared)
  • TDP: 125 W
Reasons to Buy
  • High core count of 16 cores
  • Strong gaming and multitasking performance
  • Future-proof features, this Intel CPU will last you
Reasons to Avoid
  • Requires robust cooling, as this thing is known to run hot
  • It’s got a high power consumption on it too
  • One of the best from Intel, so premium price is expected

Owning an RX 7600 XT is not just about excelling in 1080p gaming; it also unlocks the potential for higher resolutions. To effectively bridge the gap to 1440p gaming, a robust CPU is essential, and the Intel Core i7-13700K is an exemplary match. Belonging to Intel’s 13th generation and featuring a hybrid architecture that combines performance cores and efficient cores, this CPU is engineered to adeptly handle the demands of high-resolution gaming alongside a range of demanding applications.

To effectively bridge the gap to 1440p gaming, a robust CPU is essential, and the Intel Core i7-13700K is an exemplary match.

PC Guide

The i7-13700K’s technical strengths lie in its impressive array of cores and threads, of which you have 16 and 24, respectively, which guarantee smooth multitasking and seamless gaming experiences. This makes it an ideal processor for users who not only aim for superior gaming performance at resolutions surpassing 1080p but also for those engaged in content creation and other intensive computational tasks. Furthermore, its compatibility with the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe standards solidifies its position as a future-proof powerhouse, ensuring that it remains a top performer in the face of forthcoming hardware innovations.

What users say

On Amazon, the Intel Core i7-13700K has a rating of 4.8 stars, and over 1,500 people have reviewed and rated the CPU. Most customer reviews mentioned that the processor delivered good performance, was of great quality, and provided value for money. “The Intel Core i7-13700K is a top-tier processor for serious gamers, demanding content creators, and overclocking enthusiasts. Its blistering performance, PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, and overclocking headroom make it a future-proof powerhouse,” one of the customers wrote in a review. However, a few reviewers found the CPU pricey and heated up a little.

Best CPU for the RX 7600 XT for the money
04
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7600X processor with visible pins on a white background.
  • Ryzen 5 7600X review of a processor in packaging, displayed against a blurred colorful background.
  • Two AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor boxes, with a focus on the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X processor chip in front, ready for a detailed review.
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU in front of its packaging, featuring the "7000 series processor" label.
Excellent
Specifications
  • 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
Reasons to Buy
  • Good gaming performance while remaining power-efficient
  • It’s overclockable too, for super fast speeds
  • Perfect pairing for an entry-level gaming PC build
Reasons to Avoid
  • DDR5 only, which limits you to pricier motherboards
  • Limited cores for heavy multitasking, but you’ll get better performance out of gaming
  • Lacking when compared to the likes of the 4060 or 4060 Ti

The Ryzen 5 7600X is the face of the budget market in the world of AM5 technology. So if you’re looking for the best out of the new-gen without spending too much, then this one is the go-to option. This CPU offers a fine balance between performance and affordability, which makes it an excellent choice for gamers and general users alike.

The Ryzen 5 7600X is configured with 6 cores and 12 threads; this allows you to get great results in a wide spectrum of tasks, from immersive gaming experiences to diverse productivity demands. It also features a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz, with the capability to boost up to 5.3 GHz, thus ensuring quick and efficient processing.

The Ryzen 5 7600X brings big value for a small price – it performs well in gaming workloads and can hold it’s own in more productive tasks, it seems 6 cores go a long way these days.

PC Guide

The price-to-performance ratio is raved about not just in Amazon reviews, but our own 7600X review too, where we found it more than capable of gaming at the high end. Not only does this mean you’ll get excellent performance out of your 7600 XT, but you should be future-proofed for future upgrades too – especially with DDR5 under your belt.

With a TDP of 105W, it’s relatively power-efficient, and being an unlocked CPU, it offers the potential for overclocking. The processor’s support for DDR5 memory means faster data processing, although it necessitates the use of compatible and often more expensive motherboards: always something to keep in mind when upgrading your rig.

What users say

On Amazon, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X processor has a rating of 4.7 stars, and it has been reviewed by over 1,625 people. Most reviewers wrote positively about the CPU and said it delivered great gaming performance, comes with a quality build, and offers good value for the price point. “For gamers, the Ryzen™ 5 7600X is a dream come true. Its six cores ensure that modern games, many of which are optimized for multi-core processors, run seamlessly. The high clock speeds and efficient architecture contribute to low-latency gaming, reducing stutter and lag,” one of the reviewers said. On the flipside, a few reviewers said that the chip ran hot. 

Considerations for picking the best CPU for RX 7600 XT

When pairing a CPU with the RX 7600 XT, it’s crucial to choose a processor that complements the GPU’s performance. Here are a few things that you should consider.

Performance

This ensures the gaming experience is smooth and the graphics card is utilized to its full potential. The ideal CPU should have enough cores and threads to handle modern games, which increasingly rely on multi-threaded performance. While a quad-core CPU might work in a pinch, for a balanced and future-proof build, aim for at least a 6-core processor with hyperthreading (or SMT for AMD). This provides headroom for demanding titles and multitasking.

Compatibility

Ensure your chosen CPU is compatible with your motherboard’s socket type. The AM4 socket is common for AMD Ryzen processors, while Intel CPUs utilize the LGA-series sockets (e.g., LGA 1700). Double-check compatibility before purchasing to avoid any headaches down the line.

Cooling

Now, the GPU in question is not a top-of-the-line card, but it will still generate heat. The CPU you choose also contributes to the overall system’s thermal load. Consider the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the CPU. A lower TDP CPU might allow for a less powerful cooler, saving on cost and noise. However, if you plan to overclock or prioritize silent operation, a more robust cooling solution might be necessary.

How much power does the Radeon 7600 XT use?

The Radeon RX 7600 XT has a power consumption of 165 Watts. For a system incorporating this GPU, it is recommended to have a power supply unit (PSU) of at least 550 Watts. This ensures that there is enough power headroom not only for the GPU but also for other components in the system, maintaining stability and reliability under various usage conditions.

Is the Intel Core i5-13600K good for future-proofing with the RX 7600 XT?

The Intel Core i5-13600K is a solid choice for future-proofing when paired with the RX 7600 XT. Its hybrid architecture, combining Performance-cores and Efficient-cores, provides a strong foundation for both current and upcoming games. The CPU’s support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory means it’s ready to handle future technological advancements.

Eve is a writer and copy editor at PC Guide, who focuses on a broad range of topics but main interest lies in the development of AI technology.