Selecting the perfect CPU to accompany the RX 7700 XT is essential to unlocking its full potential in both gaming and productivity tasks. This next-gen GPU is powered by RDNA 3 architecture and features 54 powerful enhanced Compute Units in addition to 54 ray Accelerators. Essentially, it’s been designed to optimize frame rates and performance to provide unmatched 1440p gaming.
For those after an upgraded GPU experience for both gameplay and content creation, the 7700 XT is certainly a card to keep your eye on. However, such a GPU upgrade deserves a well-paired CPU to support it to its full potential.
We’ve reviewed several CPUs here at PCGuide and have tested each one using different benchmarking tools and games to get an idea of their real-life performance. Based on that, we’ve come up with a list of some processors that we think are a right fit for the 7700XT.
Products at a glance
- Best CPU for RX 7700 XT
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best AMD CPU for RX 7700 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
- Best budget CPU for RX 7700 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- Best high-end CPU for RX 7700 XT
Intel Core i7-13700K
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 24
- Platform: Raptor Lake-S
- Base Clock Speed: 100 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 5.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 30 MB (shared)
How we picked the best CPU for RX 7700 XT
The selection process for the ideal CPU involves thorough research into performance reviews and feedback from the user community. Plus, our team at PC Guide has tested the CPUs in-house to give you a first-hand glimpse into the processors’ performance.
By evaluating some of the CPUs on the market that are best matched for 1440p gaming and assessing the factors we found in our comprehensive review of the RX 7700 XT, we were able to have a look at what processors are up to the task of enhancing the performance of the GPU. Similarly, taking into account the best CPUs for the NVIDIA equivalent cards, such as the RTX 4060 Ti, provides a good basis to go off for finding the perfect processor for the 7700 XT.
Another important criterion revolves around future-proofing. The tech landscape evolves rapidly, and we emphasize recommending CPUs that not only perform excellently today but also have promising longevity. This takes into account factors like support for future software updates and compatibility with upcoming hardware.
- 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)
- Stellar 1440p gaming performance
- Great multitasking capabilities
- Overclocking headroom
- Requires robust cooling
- Not the most power-efficient
- Potential to be pricey
As we saw in our review, the Intel i5-13600K stands out as an excellent choice for those who want a great 1440p gaming experience. Part of the Raptor Lake family, it’s optimized to deliver performance that aligns perfectly with the RX 7700 XT’s capabilities.
This CPU isn’t just about gaming; its impressive core and thread count suggest it can handle multitasking and content creation tasks quite well, making it a versatile pick for both gamers and creators. Of its 14 total cores, 6 are performance cores and 8 are efficient cores, meaning its got versatile gaming performance. Additionally, it boasts a 24M cache and a boost clock speed of up to 5.10 GHz.
Thanks to these specs, it was able to score 830 and 9,846 points in our CPU Z single and multi-core tests, respectively. The performance was also excellent in Cinebench, where we saw the 13600K hitting 1,922 and 24,024 points.
The specifications of the 13600K speak for themselves, on paper, this CPU should be able to handle a great deal if paired with a decent GPU
PC Guide
However, while its performance credentials are certainly top-notch, the i5-13600K does ask for something in return: a reliable cooling solution. The high turbo power draw indicates that it can get toasty under heavy loads, especially when overclocking.
So, for those who plan to push this CPU to its limits, looking for the best CPU cooler is a must. Still, if you can look past the power demands and are equipped to handle it, the i5-13600K is a fantastic CPU that pairs wonderfully with the RX 7700 XT. To make sure you get the absolute top performance out of your gaming rig, pair this CPU/GPU combo with the best motherboard for Intel i5-13600K.
What users say
The Intel Core i5-13600K seems to be a favorite among Amazon users, with it averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars in the user ratings. Its appealing price range seems to be a large factor in what makes this processor so popular. Many users have taken to Amazon to express positive feedback about this product often mentioning its low price playing a major role in their satisfaction.
Potential heat issues don’t seem to be a problem for many users, with one stating, “With a good flowing case and a good cooler this CPU runs cool’ and another saying, “I’m using a 35-dollar air cooler on this, and under full load for over 10 min I never got above 68 degrees”.
- 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)
- Excellent gaming performance
- Relatively affordable
- No overclocking support
- No DDR5 or PCle 5.0
- Old gen
Our choice for the best AMD CPU that complements the RX 7700 XT, is AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D. This impressive processor boasts eight Zen 3 cores, 16 threads, and a 96MB L3 cache, making it a powerful competitor in the world of high-end CPUs. The 7 5800X3D has a base clock of 3.4 GHz which can be pushed to a hefty 4.5 GHz.
AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D is perfect for those passionate about gaming. Its multiple threads allow it to excel in complex gaming scenarios that require multitasking capabilities. In addition to this, its larger cache size allows it to boost frame rates, deliver faster response times, and provide smoother gameplay.
With its 3D V-Cache technology and a substantial 96 MB L3 cache memory, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D excels in handling the demanding nature of modern games.
PC Guide
This CPU is a great option for those looking for higher frame-rate experiences with the RX 7700 XT. However, there are some downsides that are worth mentioning. If you’re someone who likes to have control over the performance of their system, then the 7 5800X3D may not be the option for you.
Unfortunately, the processor has no overclocking support, which should not be a problem if you don’t plan on squeezing performance out of the chip. However, if you’re a power user who requires overclocking feature handy, this might be a downside.
What users say
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D, has certainly not disappointed other users who have taken to Amazon to share their ratings. The processor has received an impressive score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with most customers stating that they appreciate the performance-to-price ratio of the product.
It is also mentioned that the installation process is a major factor in customer satisfaction, with one user stating that the processor is “designed for user-friendly installation, and it took me minimal effort to replace my previous processor”.
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Excellent gaming capabilities
- Value for money
- Suitable for multitasking and light content creation
- Latest Zen 5 architecture
- AM5 platform is expensive
- Not ideal for demanding games
If you’re tight on a budget and are looking for a processor that delivers decent performance without breaking the bank, you’d want to check out the Ryzen 5 9600X. This is a part of the new 9000 series lineup and is great for budget-conscious builders. In our in-depth 9600X review, the processor managed to deliver better performance than its predecessor.
For starters, the 9600X offers the latest Zen 5 architecture, which is better than the previous Zen 4 in every way, including performance. On top of that, as the CPU utilizes the 4nm process technology, it packs more transistors on a single core, which results in better performance in multiple tasks.
We tested it in tools like CPU Z, Cinebench R23, and Geekbench. In all three tools, the CPU was able to deliver decent scores. In CPU Z, where the 7600X scored 766 and 6,192 points, the 9600X was able to hit 827 and 6,345 points. On the other hand, in Cinebench, while the 7600X had 1,923 and 13,729 points, the 9600X had a lead with 2,149 and 16,315 points.
The 9600X does better intergenerationally than it’s bigger brother, the 9700X.
PC Guide
As far as the specifications are concerned, the 9600X packs 6 cores and 12 threads. On top of that, it has a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz, which can be boosted up to 5.4 GHz. The CPU also offers an L3 Cache of 33 MB, so there’s enough space for the processor to store data that it needs to access frequently.
As it is a budget option, it is not a power-hungry CPU. It has a low TDP of 65W, and you should be more than fine with one of the best PSUs for the 9600X. On top of that, it won’t generate too much heat, but you’d still want to pair it with one of the best CPU coolers for the 9600X. This will not only help keep the CPU cool but also improve its lifespan.
Overall, the latest Zen 5 architecture, a boost frequency of 5.4 GHz, and low TDP make the 9600X a solid option for the 7700XT, especially for those who can’t afford a high-end processor.
- 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
- Supports either DDR4 or DDR5
- Overclockable
- Strong performance in productivity apps
- Higher power consumption
- Runs hot
Our best high-end option for the RX 7700 XT comes in the shape of the Intel Core i7-13700K. And our hands-on review backs the “high-end” label up with impressive benchmarks in both work and play.
This impressive processor supports 16 cores, 24 threads, and Intel’s 13th gen Raptor Lake architecture. With a base clock speed of 100 MHz, a boost clock speed of 5.4 GHz, and a 30 MB L3 Cache, this CPU provides a high performance that competes with our top pick. In our tests, the 13700K managed to hit 869 points in the CPU Z single-core test and 12,498 points in the multi-core tests. On the other hand, in Cinebench, the points were 2,095 and 30,108.
Our hands-on review backs the “high-end” label up with impressive benchmarks in both work and play.
PC Guide
For a mid-range GPU, like the RX 7700 XT, the Core i7-13700K is a great option. It’s certainly not the fastest mainstream chip and definitely not the cheapest. However, it is placed high up in the market and will work well with the RX 7700 XT if you’re looking for more in terms of performance.
The i7-13700K provides overclocking capabilities, allowing you to control its performance and stop it from overheating. Additionally, the inclusion of DDR4 support allows you to continue to use older memory sticks, meaning you won’t have to purchase extra memory on top of the already expensive price point.
What users say
Again, this processor receives great ratings from reviewers on Amazon. This product averages 4.8 stars out of 5, with many users expressing positive feedback. One such reviewer states, “This processor is absolutely incredible with no doubts”, and explains that they believe it is a solid option for anyone looking to upgrade.
Features and considerations
Here are a few things to consider before you purchase a new CPU for your build –
Intended use
When matching a CPU with the RX 7700 XT, it’s crucial to consider the GPU’s capabilities and the intended usage. The AMD GPU here is a high-performing graphics card geared towards 1440p gaming and demanding workloads. Therefore, it requires a CPU that won’t bottleneck its performance.
Compatibility
Furthermore, platform compatibility plays an essential role. For instance, certain CPUs may offer PCIe 4.0 support, ensuring faster data transfer between the GPU and CPU. Additionally, thermal design power (TDP) and the power draw should be taken into account, as they directly impact the kind of cooling solutions required and the overall energy consumption of the setup.
Overclocking
If overclocking is something you’re interested in, consider the CPU’s overclocking capabilities. Not all CPUs can be overclocked – so look for the ones with unlocked multipliers that allow for a safe performance boost. Note that overclocking requires a compatible motherboard and a robust cooling solution.
Futureproofing
As with any PC component, consider how long you plan to use your system. If you go for a newer CPU with a higher core and thread count, it can provide some futureproofing, especially if you use demanding software or games.
What CPU do I need for the RX 7700 XT?
The RX 7700 XT will work with any modern CPU. However, there are options that will complement it more. For AMD, any of the processors from the Ryzen 5000 or 7000 series will match the GPU power. Additionally, if you’re looking to purchase an Intel product, anything from its 13th gen will be suitable. For more insights, we’d suggest you read the guide above.
