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With graphics cards getting increasingly expensive every year, it is very good to see some budget options come out. When we tested the RX 7600, we called it a value-packed choice for 1080p gamers. Well, if you plan to get one and want the best gaming experience, you also need to pair it with an equally competent CPU. This is where our team of dedicated hardware testers and I come in – we have been researching, testing, and comparing different processors from both AMD and Intel to round up the top choices for the RX 7600, and we have finally narrowed down our selections.
Here’s a quick look at my recommended CPUs for the RX 7600:
Last Updated:
- September 19, 2024: We have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
Also, make sure to get the best variant of the RX 7600 by following our guide:
Best CPU For RX 7600
Here’s a list of all the processors I shall be covering for the RX 7600 GPU:
- Best AMD: Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best Intel: Core i5 13400F
- Best Budget: Core i3 13100F
- Best High-End: Core i5 13600K
- Best Value: Ryzen 5 5600G
Ryzen 5 7600X
Best AMD CPU For The RX 7600
Specifications: Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6MB | L3 Cache: 32 MB | Base Clock: 4.7 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.3 GHz | TDP: 105W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Amazing gaming performance
- Great performance-per-dollar ratio
- Outstanding thermal efficiency
- Easily overclockable
Cons
- No DDR4 support
The Ryzen 5 7600X offers 6 cores and 12 threads, making it a decent processor for gaming and creative tasks. Moreover, with a base clock speed of 4.7GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.3GHz, you should find no problems playing CPU-intensive games. The Ryzen 5 7600X has an acceptable thermal efficiency, showing an average of 72°C in my tests with the Noctua NH-D15S air cooler. If you wish to lower your temperatures further, you should utilize at least a 240mm AIO cooler. It is also important to note that overclocking will necessitate the use of a 240mm AIO liquid cooler.
While the Ryzen 5 7600X is a budget-oriented offering, the AM5 chipset is going to support the next couple of AMD processors, making it very future-proof. Moreover, almost all mainstream AMD processors offer manual overclocking opportunities, which also remains true for the Ryzen 5 7600X.
What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For The RX 7600?
AMD Zen 4 processors and RDNA 3.0 graphics cards can access several technologies such as Smart Access Memory, AMD’s DDR5 RAM EXPO profiles, and rage mode for instant overclocking to provide greater performance. Add all that with the Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, and you get a zero bottlenecking processor with amazing performance and a low price. As such, the Ryzen 5 7600X is truly the Best AMD CPU For The RX 7600.
- Best CPU Coolers For The Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best Motherboards For The Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best RAM For The Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best GPU For The Ryzen 5 7600X
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Efficiency: 7/10 |
Core i5-13400F
Best Intel CPU For RX 7600
Specifications: Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 6P + 4E | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 9.5MB | L3 Cache: 20MB | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Affordable
- Great performance-per-dollar ratio
- Low power draw
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
Cons
- Not overclockable
- No integrated graphics
The Core i5-13400F features 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores, totaling 10 cores and 16 threads. P-cores have base/boost clock speeds of 2.5GHz/4.6GHz, each with 2 threads. It has a shared L3 cache of 20MB and offers faster single-core performance, making it well-suited for CPU-intensive gaming. The Core i5-13400F has a modest TDP of 65W, which means the included stock cooler should suffice for the processor. Of course, you can upgrade to a better air cooler or an AIO if you are dealing with heavier workloads. Using the DeepCool AK-400 White, I achieved a maximum of 60°C under heavier loads with my Core i5-13400F.
The Core i5-13400F’s future-proofing abilities are limited by the LGA 1700 socket, which leaves the 14th gen processors as the only viable upgrade options. Moreover, it also arrives with a locked multiplier, meaning overclocking the processor for a performance uplift will not be possible either.
What Makes It The Best Intel CPU For The RX 7600?
Because we’re looking at a mid-range graphics card, the best mid-range processor in Intel’s arsenal is the Core i5-13400F. The CPU provides amazing single-core performance and works great for creative tasks. You should find minimal bottlenecking with this combo and save a lot of wattage. If you’re using a Mini-ITX case without much room for thermal improvement, the processor is the perfect addition to the rig. Therefore, all these points make the Core i5-13400F the best Intel CPU for RX 7600 graphics card.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
Core i3-13100F
Best Budget CPU For AMD RX 7600
Specifications: Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 4P + 0E | Threads: 8 | L2 Cache: 5MB | L3 Cache: 12MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.5 GHz | TDP: 58W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Decent box cooler
- Very affordable
- Low power draw
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
Cons
- Not overclockable
- No integrated graphics
Unlike higher-end 13th gen offerings, the Core i3-13100F exclusively features performance cores, boasting 4 P-cores and 8 threads. With a base clock of 3.4GHz and boost up to 4.5GHz, its on-paper specs may not stand out, but faster IPC speeds, enhanced single-core performance, and a 12MB L3 cache enhance efficiency.
Intel has rated the Core i3-13100F with a base TDP of 58W, making it very easy to cool. During my game testing, the Core i3-13100F reached a maximum temperature of 49°C. If you don’t want to spend extra money on a good CPU cooler, you can still get decent results even with Intel’s stock cooler.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For AMD RX 7600?
The performance per dollar ratio, power efficiency, and thermal efficiency are the strongest points that make the Core i3-13100F the best-budget CPU for the AMD RX 7600. During testing, I did not find any major bottlenecking issues either.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
Core i5-13600K
Best High-End CPU For AMD RX 7600
Specifications: Socket: LGA 1700 | Cores: 6P + 8E | Threads: 20 | L2 Cache: 20MB | L3 Cache: 24MB | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz | Boost Clock: 5.1 GHz | TDP: 125W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- High overclocking headroom
- Great multi-threaded performance
- Superb gaming performance
Cons
- High power draw
- Expensive
The Core i5-13600K boasts 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, totaling 20 threads. With a base clock speed of 3.5GHz and a boost up to 5.1GHz per performance core, it delivers impressive single-core and multi-threaded performance, making it ideal for gaming and productivity tasks. Despite the Core i5-13600K’s advertised 125W TDP, keeping the temperatures at a reasonable level can be challenging. In my testing with a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, the i5-13600K peaked at 70°C in Cinebench R23. Therefore, a capable 360mm AIO liquid cooler is recommended for the processor, especially if you are considering overclocking.
Given its performance, the Core i5-13600K is one of the better processors you can opt for if you intend to get the most out of the RX 7600. Furthermore, it showcases immense overclocking potential as long as it is provided with enough cooling, which will allow it to last longer compared to other offerings.
Our senior hardware tester, Nauman Siddique, was amazed by the value the i5-13600K provides, stating:
The Intel Core i5-13600K stands out as the best value gaming CPU in the market. It delivers impressive gaming performance while also excelling in overall tasks, making it a compelling choice.
What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For AMD RX 7600?
Along with remarkable single-core and multi-threaded performance, the Core i5-13600K is on par with Intel’s best processor from the previous generation. While falling under the same price range as the AMD graphics card, the Core i5-13600K is the best high-end CPU for the RX 7600.
- Read Our Core i5-13600K Review
- Best CPU Coolers For Core i5-13600K
- Best Motherboards For Core i5-13600K
- Best RAM For Core i5-13600K
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 7/10 |
Ryzen 5 5600G
Best Value CPU For AMD RX 7600
Specifications: Socket: AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | L3 Cache: 16MB | Base Clock: 3.9 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Low power draw
- Overclockable
- Integrated Vega graphics
Cons
- No DDR5 support
The Ryzen 5 5600G houses 6 cores and 12 threads. Each core has a base clock speed of 3.9GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.4GHz. Additionally, the processor has 16MB of L2 cache and 20MB of L3 cache, which improves gaming performance. While I was testing the processor, the temperature peaked at 57°C with the Cinebench R23 all-core test. AMD also provides a decent wraith stock cooler, which is enough to cool the processor if you don’t plan on overclocking. Of course, a more capable air cooler might be required if you plan on overclocking.
With no support for PCIe Gen 5, DDR5 memory, and 7000-series processors, the AM4 socket seems to be showing its age; however, the Ryzen 5 5600G can still hold its own in modern titles. You can also overclock the CPU for a performance uplift as long as you have the required thermal headroom.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For AMD RX 7600?
Along with the performance per dollar ratio, the Ryzen 5 5600G allows users to overclock their processor while staying thermally efficient. Moreover, the CPU does not consume excessive power and has a strong iGPU, which can run multiple games. All in all, for its price, the Ryzen 5 5600G is the best value CPU for RX 7600.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
Gaming Benchmarks of The Best CPUs For RX 7600
Our hardware experts conducted a series of tests to assess the gaming performance of the Best CPUs For RX 7600. Here are the results:
Important CPU Key Terms
- Cores: A CPU core is an independent processing unit within a CPU that can separately execute instructions. Modern-day CPUs have multiple cores for faster instructions.
- Threads: Threads are the smallest units of a program that can be executed separately by a processor.
- Cache: A CPU has three types of cache, L1, L2, and L3 cache. These are small amounts of fast-speed memory that save the location of directories that are opened repeatedly.
- Clock Speed: The clock speed of a CPU refers to the number of data cycles it can complete in one second. Unlike popular opinion, faster clock speeds don’t generally mean better performance.
- TDP: Also known as Thermal Design Power, TDP is the heat a processor emits. The term is used interchangeably with wattage consumption, but there’s a minor difference between both.
- IPC: Short for Instructions Per Clock, the IPC showcases the number of instructions executed by a CPU in one second. Faster IPC means better productivity and gaming performance.
- Overclocking: Overclocking is when you increase the clock speed of your CPU, GPU or RAM beyond the manufacturer’s certified speed. It is done by increasing the core voltage of the part you’re overclocking.
How We Picked These CPUs
There are various things you must consider before purchasing a processor. For example, the gaming performance, thermal and power efficiency, overclocking support, and value for money are important considerations. It can be tough to choose the best CPU, but here’s how I did it:
- Performance: Knowing which processor is best suited for a graphics card can only be possible through research. For the most part, I opted for processors with more cores, threads, and faster clock speeds. Improved IPC speeds are a bonus. Of course, I had to remember that my processor should only be strong enough to run the GPU properly and not overshadow it.
- Overclocking Support: Being able to overclock your processor is a bonus point to gain a little extra bit of performance. Therefore, while it doesn’t hold top priority, I looked for processors that can be overclocked. Most processors I chose have good overclocking support, and AMD CPUs generally utilize “rage mode”, through which you can overclock your AMD CPU and GPU with one click.
- Value For Money: Before making a purchase, you always want to check the processor’s performance per dollar ratio. You also want to check whether the CPU you wish to purchase is significantly stronger than your current CPU. Even for the most affordable processor I selected, I ensured it provided more value than its price.
- Efficiency: You don’t want to buy a CPU that requires a lot of power but provides less performance. Subsequently, you also don’t want to buy a processor that emits a lot of heat. To explain, if you purchase a budget CPU but to cool it you need a more expensive CPU cooler, it’d be better to purchase a better CPU from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The RX 7600 GPU is a great 1080P and decent 1440P gaming card. You can easily hit 144 FPS in most games at 1080P resolution.
The AMD RX 7600 is equivalent to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060. In terms of performance, however, the AMD RX 7600 is equivalent to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti.
Through our testing and benchmarks, the Core i5-13600K is the best processor to pair with the RX 7600 GPU. However, there are also other options you can find in this article.
Recent Updates
- February 11, 2024: Few text changes to improve readability.
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I\'m thinking about an upgrade from my old Ryzen 7 1700 to pair with an RX 7600. This article was really helpful. Thank you!
[Hardware Reviewer]
Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.
Get In Touch: awais@tech4gamers.com
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