Best CPU for RX 7800 XT in 2025 – our top picks
Table of Contents
The RX 7800 XT is a great choice for both 1080p and 1440p gaming. As seen in our RX 7800 XT review, the GPU’s competitive pricing and solid performance earned it a 4.5/5 rating. Well, selecting the right processor for your GPU is important, as your whole system relies a lot on the two components. That said, choosing any random processor won't do you any good, as you might be spending on something you don't need and might run into bottleneck issues.
This is important to keep in mind as these days, newer and faster processors appear almost annually. The world’s best processor for gaming and content creation, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, along with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, has launched and is also a viable option, as everyone wants the best of the best.
But ask yourself, do you need an overclockable processor that costs over $500, or can you do with the previous-gen CPU that fits your build? Opting for the new generation can bring greater value to the lower generations in the form of a price drop.
If you plan on upgrading your build in the future, then these CPUs are worth considering, but you might not need them with an RX 7800 XT. So, we recommend you also check out the newer offerings like the RTX 5070 Ti, which has better performance than the 7800 XT, or the RX 9070 XT, which has significantly better value and performance compared to its predecessors and alternatives.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, we have selected the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the best overall CPU to pair with the 7800 XT. The 7800X3D is perfect for pire gaming workloads and will support the processor perfectly. If you don’t fancy a bit of the 3D V-cache, we have outlined all the in-house tested and reviewed CPUs in this article below for quick browsing.
Products at a glance
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Best overall CPU for 7800 XT
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : up to 5 GHz
- Base speed: 4.2 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 120 W
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Best Intel CPU for RX 7800 XT
Intel Core i9-14900K
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.4GHz
- Base clock speed: P-Core 3.2GHz / E-Core 2.4GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253W
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Best AMD CPU for RX 7800 XT
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
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Overkill CPU for RX 7800 XT
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Cores: 24
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 5.7GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7GHz P-cores/3.2GHz E-cores
- L3 Cache: 36MB
- TDP: 125W base/250W max
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Best mid-range CPU for RX 7800 XT
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.5 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.8 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
How did we pick the best CPU for RX 7800 XT?
Identifying the best CPU for the RX 7800 XT isn't merely about selecting the latest or the most expensive option available. Our approach is rooted in a combination of real-world performance metrics, user reviews, and technical specifications. Then, we take a step beyond and test the CPUs in-house to get a better idea of the performance.
Firstly, we looked at some of the best CPUs currently out there for 1440p gaming, as well as some of the best CPUs for similarly performing cards, such as the RTX 4070 Super. This way, we could look deeper into the performance of the best-fitting CPUs that will use the full power of AMD's latest RDNA 3 architecture.
Our main objective is to give the GPU the best fit to perform at full speed without overkilling the machine or bottlenecking the GPU. Furthermore, you're likely to keep this CPU and GPU combo for a good few years, so we want to make sure you make a future-proof choice.
Our top picks
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : up to 5 GHz
- Base speed: 4.2 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 120 W
- Platform: AMD (AM5)
- 3D V-Cache enhancing gaming experience.
- Balanced gaming and productivity prowess.
- Massive L3 cache for better efficiency
- No overclocking with a locked multiplier.
- Carries a premium price tag.
Right at the top, we have the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a gaming powerhouse that runs on the modern AM5 socket. It has eight cores, 16 threads, a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz, which can be boosted by up to 5.0 GHz, and a massive 96MB L3 cache. On top of that, its performance in our 7800X3D review was nothing short of incredible. Now, let's look at what these technicalities mean.
The AM5 socket features the latest PCIe 5.0 connection, which means it supports 5.0 storage devices that are 2.5x to 5x times faster than the previous generation. On top of that, the eight cores and twice the amount of threads means that you should be able to experience top-notch performance regardless of what you throw at it. You could run multiple applications in parallel or games in ultra-definition, and this processor should blitz through those tasks with a smile.
However, if that isn't convincing enough, its turbo clock of 5.0 GHz should be more than enough to handle resource-intensive tasks such as rendering if you're using a CPU render engine. One thing to note is that running at high frequencies can lead to overheating – so ensure you have a cooling system in place. And if you're wondering if it can go beyond 5.0 GHz, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cannot be overclocked, but realistically speaking, there aren't many scenarios where you'll need to go above 5.0 GHz.
As far as its L3 cache is concerned, it's one of the biggest we've seen.
PC Guide
As far as its L3 cache is concerned, it's one of the biggest we've seen. How the L3 cache works is that it stores data to be shared between different cores; basically, think of it as a library that is accessible by everyone. So, whenever more cores need to be recruited to work on a task, they can access the data and get to work. So, more data is stored, which means more data can be processed, reducing the access time and workload on the CPU and resulting in more efficient performance.
A benefit of choosing team red over blue to pair with your Radeon RX 7800 XT is that when you have a complete AMD build, the AMD Smart Access Memory (SAM) comes into play. That removes the middleman from the picture and gives the CPU direct access to your graphics card. This means better performance, reduced lag, and higher framerates, and we all know a higher FPS makes you a better gamer.
Overall, this amazing CPU delivers a bang for its buck and should stand the test of time. However, if you're moving up from the previous generation, you should know that most elements can't carry forward due to the new PCIe 5.0 configuration. This means that you'll have to get new DDR5 memory to go with it, a better PSU to ensure everything has ample power, and a motherboard that supports and puts everything together.
That said, we've got you covered with our guides for the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the best DDR5 RAM. This should help make your journey easier and result in the best possible build within your budget.
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.4GHz
- Base clock speed: P-Core 3.2GHz / E-Core 2.4GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253W
- Platform: Intel Socket 1700
- Leads on performance
- Ample overclocking potential.
- Improved power efficiency on 13900KS
- Noticeably high power consumption.
- Only beneficial for the minority
- Not a huge leap in performance
For a well-rounded productivity and gaming performance, we recommend checking out the Intel Core i9-14900K. This is an excellent processor that can run hot, but nothing the best CPU cooler for 14900K can’t handle. Besides that, it blew through real-world and synthetic tests in our 14900K review, giving it a 4/5 rating from us.
This processor is based on the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture, is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, and has 24 cores divided between eight performance cores (P-Cores) and sixteen efficient cores (E-Cores), totaling 32 threads. This works because performance cores are physically larger and more powerful, handling the heavy lifting of real-time processing, whether running multiple applications or encoding videos.
That said, if the performance cores are running all the time, this will lead to more power draw, and that is where efficient cores come in. These cores handle basic but important tasks that are running in the background and call in P-Cores when something big comes along.
The “K” in its name means that its multiplier is unlocked, meaning you can overclock to your heart’s content as long as you can keep it from thermal throttling. There is a massive overhead for overclocking with Intel flagship processors. For example, the 13900K could be overclocked to 9GHz, which, realistically speaking, isn’t possible under normal circumstances, and there is no scenario where you’d need a processor running that fast, especially not in gaming.
That being said, the 14900K has a maximum turbo frequency of 5.8 GHz, and according to online testing, it has also crossed the 9GHz overclock limit. So, you can get unrivaled performance from this processor, but it’ll come at the cost of a higher power draw and thermal output.
The Core i9 14900K is very strong of course, but then so is the 13900K…and it may well be even cheaper now.
PC Guide
The 14900K has a base power draw of 125W; it can go even lower if it is idle and the E-Cores are in play, as they have a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz. This means you're saving up on energy bills when not utilizing your build's full potential. On the other hand, if you're overclocking it or using the max turbo frequency, it might even cross the 200W threshold on the power draw.
In addition, it has a 36MB L3 cache and a 32MB L2 cache. Before we get into what this means in terms of performance, the lower the number of the cache, the faster it is and the less data it holds. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, the i9-14900K's difference between L3 and L2 cache comes down to 4 MBs.
What makes this CPU even better is support for PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, meaning you can use DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. The latter will obviously have better performance and give your overall system a boost. In addition, it supports 192GB of RAM, so if your motherboard allows for that, then the sky is the limit. This future-proofs your build, as you can always upgrade your storage devices and RAM to increase the overall performance of your PC.
As for how it performs in gaming, we paired it with the RTX 4070 Ti and Counter-Strike 2 at 1080p high and Cyberpunk at 1080p low settings. It managed 336 and 219 FPS, respectively, which isn’t a massive difference from the 13900K that delivered 338 and 215 FPS. However, the 13900K is also more expensive now, making the 14900K a better choice with more value. So, this is an exceptional processor that sits at the top of the 14th generation and can trade blows with the Arrow Lake and Ryzen 9000 flagship options.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
- The best gaming CPU on the market
- Better productivity performance compared to previous X3D CPUs
- Energy efficient and can be overclocked
- No DDR4 support, and AM5 can be an expensive upgrade
- “X” variant processors would be better for non-gamers
For those looking for the absolute best gaming performance out of their RX 7800 XT build, we recommend pairing it with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This processor is the successor to the 7800X3D, and we’ve tested it for our Ryzen 7 9800X3D review. It has significantly better performance than its predecessor and competition, and greatly improved its productivity performance.
The 9800X3D can be overclocked, which wasn’t possible with the previous X3D processors. That said, the X3D processors don’t have the best productivity performance, but by overclocking them, you can improve their overall performance. However, remember that overclocking increases the base and boost frequencies of the CPU, meaning the cores will consume more power and generate more heat.
Also, depending on the region you’re based in, you’ll have to invest in an AIO or air CPU cooler to keep it from overheating. We recommend using the best CPU cooler for 9800X3D paired with the best thermal paste to ensure efficient heat transfer and dissipation.
Simply put there's nothing quite like the 9800X3D. The change in architecture has unlocked the one thing that was holding it back giving you the opportunity to overclock the CPU just like any standard processor.
PC Guide
What makes the processor so good at gaming is its massive 96MB L3 cache that is mounted beneath the CCD with a copper-to-copper die bonding technology. This gives the 9800X3D a good thermal design, and the tasks that can make use of a large L3 cache, primarily gaming, see a boost in performance. As more data can be stored in the cache, the CPU doesn’t have to allocate more resources to fetch the data, and the cores can access it directly, reducing the load and access times and improving performance and efficiency.
Regarding its multi-core performance, it was neck and neck with the Ryzen 7 9700X and even performed better than it in some tests. In CPU-Z multi-core testing, the 9700X managed 8794 points while the 9800X3D managed 8523 points. With PBO enabled, the gap was further reduced, as the 9800X3D scored 8689 points.
One thing to note is that this processor is also based on the AM5 platform, meaning it isn’t compatible with DDR4 RAM, and you’ll have to invest in DDR5 RAM and an AM5 motherboard. We recommend using one of the best motherboards for Ryzen 7 9800X3D to ensure the processor can unleash its full potential.
Overall, this processor is a gaming beast, and paired with the RX 7800 XT, it should deliver excellent performance regardless of the resolution you’re playing at.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D Cyberpunk 2077 FPS graph, Image by PC Guide
Ryzen 7 9800X3D CS2 FPS graph, Image by PC Guide
- Great temperatures even under full loads
- Impressive multi-core performance
- Plenty of cores and threads with a good split into performance and efficiency
- Not the best gaming performance
- No longer supports DDR4 like its predecessors
- Falls behind the 14900K in plenty of scenarios
The RX 7800XT is an excellent mid-range card from AMD and is one of the top-selling GPUs. On the other hand, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a high-end Arrow Lake processor that is capable of easily handling games at low resolutions as we found during our Core Ultra 9 285K review.
The Core Ultra 9 285K has 24 cores and 24 threads. We’re used to seeing more threads in Intel processors, but Team Blue made some changes to make Arrow Lake more energy-efficient. These cores have a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz. However, since this CPU is the “K” variant, you can overclock it for better performance, but remember that its TDP and thermal output will also increase. In that case, we recommend using the best CPU cooler for Core Ultra 9 285K to keep it from thermal throttling.
The Core Ultra 9 285K is a great processor there's no doubt about it. Even as it cut back on the thread count and hyper-threading I was worried about its multi-core processing power, but that seems to not be the case as it leads in benchmarks for multi-core performance.
PC Guide
As for its gaming performance, we paired it with the RTX 4070 Ti Super and ran Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low resolution. Games at low resolution are more CPU dependent, as it is easier for the GPU to process that data. The graphics card keeps asking for more instructions from the CPU, and it has to keep churning out instructions to keep up with the GPU. That said, this CPU delivered 216 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, which is good but lower than the 14900K, and the 9950X is leagues above in gaming performance.
The gaming performance of the Core Ultra 200S lineup isn’t the best, but it is standalone. This CPU’s performance was more than enough to handle any modern AAA titles, paired with the RX 7800 XT, at lower resolutions, with the GPU taking care of high-resolution gaming.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.5 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.8 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Excellent performance to value ration
- Good core and thread count for multi-threaded workload
- It has a low TDP of 65W
- It requires an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM
The RX 7800XT is a good mid-range GPU, and it only makes sense to pair it with one of the best mid-range processors. So, we recommend the Ryzen 7 9700X, which is based on the Zen 5 architecture. These components together would make for an excellent all-AMD build. That said, in our Ryzen 7 9700X review, we saw good generational improvement, which should further increase with the BIOS update.
For starters, this processor has 8 cores, 16 threads, a 3.8 GHz base clock speed, a 5.5 GHz boost clock speed, and a 65W TDP to wrap it all up. What this means is that you can comfortably throw a variety of tasks in its path without worrying about whether it’ll be able to handle it or not. The 65W TDP is the cherry on top, as its predecessor, the 7700X, had a TDP of 105W while having the same 8-core, 16-thread format. So, this is a definite design improvement while increasing the performance.
PC Guide
This CPU is very power efficient and it does hold up against it's predecessor, but we expected it to do more. There is an improvement in single-core performance, but not too much on the multi-core front.
One thing to note is that the TDP isn’t a set value, as it can fluctuate depending on the task at hand or if you’ve overclocked the CPU. So, it is possible that it could draw more than 65W, and that will also increase its thermal output as the cores are running at a higher frequency, hence drawing more power. This will be more important when the BIOS update to increase the TDP rolls out. We recommend using the best PSU and the best CPU cooler for 9700X to ensure it remains cool and adequately powered to handle intense gaming and productive sessions.
The 9700X also features integrated graphics, which are most likely RDNA-3 architecture, as the 7000 series had RDNA-2-based integrated graphics. The 9700X’s iGPU has two cores and a maximum frequency of 2200 MHz, which should be more than enough to complete basic tasks and even play games, but at lower resolutions and not very high framerates.
Overall, the 9700X should complement the graphical prowess of the RX 7800 XT, and combined, they should deliver a streamlined and interruption-free gaming and productive experience. On top of that, since the 9700X has a price tag of $359, it shouldn’t even be a huge load on the pocket.
Why you can trust us
At PC Guide, we test and review processors with a focus on performance, efficiency, and value. We try to test every CPU we recommend, using real-world benchmarks and careful evaluation. However, there are instances where we can’t review a processor but we try to get that in-house as soon as possible.
Our reviews are free from bias, and our recommendations are based on merit. So, if we suggest that as processor is the best, that is because it showcased exceptional performance during our in-house testing. Besides that, our editorial standards are uncompromising and it allows us to paint an transparent and accurate picture for our readers and enables us to recommend processors that meet our high standards because we trust them for our own use.
Features and considerations for the best CPU for RX 7800 XT
There are a handful of factors that you need to consider before choosing a CPU. We've listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision on your next CPU, regardless of application.
Compatibility
The first thing you need to look at is whether the CPU in question is compatible with your current motherboard or whether you'll have to purchase a new motherboard to cater to it. For example, the AMD Ryzen 7 7900X is compatible with the AM5 socket, and if you have Ryzen 9 5900X, which goes with the AM4 socket, you'll run into compatibility issues and will have to purchase a new motherboard. This will not only cost more, but you'll most likely have to change your RAM as well if the motherboard isn't backwards compatible with PCIe 4.0 memory sticks.
Budget
The next thing you need to keep in mind is your budget. Going for the highest option does have its appeal, as you'll get the most powerful CPU and future-proof your build, but at times, the cost you'll incur isn't worth it. You might not even use its full capabilities and could've gone with a lower or mid-range option and saved some cash that you could've invested in another component.
Overclocking
While overclocking is something that most people don't do, if you're keen on squeezing every drop of performance from your processor, then opt for a CPU that is unlocked or has a high potential to be overclocked to higher frequencies. Intel “K” processors come unlocked and can be easily overclocked if you have the right expertise, while on the other hand, AMD CPUs also offer this functionality. So, make your decision carefully whether you choose team red or blue.
FAQs
How much power does the AMD 7800 XT draw?
According to AMD, the Radeon RX 7800 XT's power draw is around 263W, which is 37W less than the RX 6800 XT. This means that you can upgrade your processor without changing your existing PSU.
Is the RX 7800 XT still good?
Yes! The RX 7800 XT is still very much capable of high FPS 1440p gaming. It's even able to play some older titles in 4K at around 60 FPS, not ideal for FPS games, but it'll do for those expansive story titles. Further, the CPU can be found for a reasonable price, thanks to the fact that it was released some time ago, making it a great GPU for mid – high-end gaming.
Is the 5800X good for the 7800 XT?
The Ryzen 7 5800X is a good processor to pair with the RX 7800 XT, as both are mid-range components and should deliver decent gaming performance at 1440p. However, in 2024, AMD released a revamped version for the 5800X, the Ryzen 7 5800XT, which has the same specifications and is based on the AM4 platform.
Final word
When it comes to gaming processors, there is no doubt that the X3D processors are the best, and for a mid-range graphics card like the RX 7800 XT, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D should pair great. Before the 9800X3D, the 7800X3D had the title for the best gaming processor in the world, and it is still capable of handling the 7800 XT without breaking a sweat, and if you feel the need, you can even upgrade to a more powerful GPU without running into any bottleneck issues.
So, taking these factors into consideration, we selected the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the best CPU for the RX 7800 XT.
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