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AMD’s Radeon RX 7700 XT is one of the strongest graphics cards in the mid-range category, boasting superb gaming performance and a versatile feature set. Its excellent gaming performance in modern titles has established it as one of the best 1440p graphics cards on the market. With such an excellent performer, it is ideal to pair an equally powerful CPU to minimize bottlenecks and maximize the value for money.
Here’s a quick look at our selected CPUs for RX 7700 XT and a brief comparison of their specs:
Getting the RX 7800 XT? Make sure to check:
Last Updated:
- September 14: We have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
Best CPU For RX 7700 XT
These are my recommended CPUs for RX 7700 XT:
- Best High-End: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Intel: Core i5 13600K
- Best AMD: Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best Overall Gaming: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Best Budget: Core i5-13400F
- Best Value: Ryzen 5 5600
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best High-End CPU For RX 7700 XT
Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 8MB | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.0 GHz | TDP: 120W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Best-in-class gaming performance
- Loads of L3 cache
- Reasonable power consumption
- Excellent productivity
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No overclocking support
Combining the excellent AMD Zen 4 architecture with the revolutionary 3D V-Cache technology is a recipe for success, and that is what AMD did with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Featuring 96MB of L3 cache along with 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D minimizes latency and maximizes single-threaded performance. Its respectable boost clock of 5.0GHz also plays a significant role in its superb performance in lightly-threaded applications.
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a rather average performer in terms of thermals and does not raise any significant red flags. AMD labels the TDP as 120W for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which necessitates the use of a high-quality air cooler or 240mm AiO for regular operation. AMD does not allow an unlocked multiplier on its 3D V-Cache processors, and the same holds true for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Here’s how I summarized the 7800X3D in its dedicated review after hours of testing:
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best gaming processor of this generation, which not only delivers top-notch gaming performance but performs decently in rendering and productive workloads as well. Meanwhile, it’s also one of the most efficient processors out there with a TDP of less than 150W in boost mode.
What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RX 7700 XT?
Per our testing, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is one of the absolute fastest gaming CPUs available at the time of writing, thanks to its superb Zen 4 architecture and 96MB of L3 cache. Consequently, it is the best high-end CPU for RX 7700 XT.
- Read Our Ryzen 7 7800X3D Review
- Best Cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best RAM for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best GPU for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 8/10 |
Intel Core i5 13600K
Best Intel CPU For RX 7700 XT
Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 14 (6P + 8E) | Threads: 20 | L2 Cache: 20MB | Base Clock: 2.6 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.1 GHz | TDP: 125W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- High overclocking potential
- Solid gaming performance
- Versatile chipset support
- Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
Cons
- Slightly higher power draw
- No included stock cooler
Intel’s hold over the mid-range CPU market has strengthened over the past few years simply due to the superb gaming performance of its Core i5 CPUs. The Intel Core i5 13600K is another beneficiary of this trend, as it offers a total of 14 cores and 20 threads. With a high boost clock of 5.1 GHz on its 6 performance cores, the Core i5 13600K delivers admirable gaming performance at all resolutions with the RX 7700 XT. My sample of the Core i5 13600K managed to peak at 76C during an all-core Cinebench R23 stress test, while under a custom loop liquid cooling solution. A 360mm AiO cooler or a premium dual-tower air cooler is a wise choice to pair with the Core i5 13600K if you plan to overclock.
Bearing the special “K” suffix, the Core i5 13600K comes with an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. After a bit of tinkering, I settled on a P-Core frequency of 5.6GHz with an E-Core frequency of 4.4GHz at 1.330V on the VCore. This resulted in a substantial increase in temperature and power draw, which were recorded at 81C and 192W, respectively. One must invest in an appropriate cooling solution before overclocking.
When Nauman Siddique, our CPU testing expert, got his hands on the i5-13600K, this is what he said:
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 Intel CPU For RX 7700 XT?
Providing more than enough gaming performance for the Radeon RX 7700 XT while being affordable and overclocking-friendly, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the best Intel CPU for RX 7700 XT.
- Read Our i5-13600K Review
- Best Cooler for i5-13600K
- Best Motherboard for i5-13600K
- Best RAM for i5-13600K
- Best GPU for i5-13600K
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 8/10 |
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Best AMD CPU For RX 7700 XT
Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6MB | Base Clock: 4.7 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.3 GHz | TDP: 105W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Efficient power consumption
- Unlocked multiplier
- Solid value for money
Cons
- Exclusive to DDR5 memory
- Relatively pricey AM5 motherboards
With 6 cores and 12 threads boosting up to 5.3 GHz, the mid-range AMD Ryzen 5 7600X proves to be a commendable gaming partner for the Radeon RX 7700 XT, thanks to its excellent overall gaming performance. Although AMD specifies a rated TDP of 105W for the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, it proves to be quite an efficient performer in actual operation. In my testing with the Noctua NH-U12S, the Ryzen 5 7600X peaked at a comfortable 72C during gaming and a manageable 82C during an all-core stress test.
AMD’s advantage shines through once again as the Ryzen 5 7600X comes with an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. In my testing, I managed to achieve an all-core overclock of 5.3GHz at 1.29V, which yielded noticeable performance improvements across the board. You may want to invest in a premium aftermarket cooler to handle the added thermal strain if you want to venture into manual overclocking.
What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For RX 7700 XT?
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X maximizes the gaming performance of the Radeon RX 7700 XT across multiple resolutions without going overboard on pricing, making it the best AMD CPU for RX 7700 XT.
More for Ryzen 5 7600X:
- Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best RAM for Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best GPU for Ryzen 5 7600X
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best Overall Gaming CPU For RX 7700 XT
Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 4MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.5 GHz | TDP: 105W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Superb overall performance
- Affordable AM4 motherboards
- DDR4 memory support
- Solid value proposition
Cons
- No overclocking support
- Relatively higher power draw
With the bonus advantage of the amazing 3D V-Cache technology on top of the already amazing AMD Zen 3 architecture, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D delivers superb gaming performance across a multitude of modern titles. Featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock of 4.5 GHz, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is an exceptional performer in lightly threaded applications such as gaming, especially when paired with the Radeon RX 7700 XT.
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D might seem like a demanding CPU if you judge it by its 105W TDP, but in fact, it is quite reasonable in its thermal output. My sample of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D peaked at around 79C during a multi-core stress test while under a Noctua NH-U12S CPU cooler. One of the key drawbacks of the AMD Ryzen X3D CPUs is the lack of an unlocked multiplier, restricting manual overclocking as a result. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D also falls victim to the same trend and cannot be overclocked as a result.
What Makes It The Best Overall Gaming CPU For RX 7700 XT?
With tremendous amounts of L3 cache to maximize its single-threaded performance, along with support for more affordable AM4 motherboards and DDR4 memory, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the best overall gaming CPU for RX 7700 XT.
More For Ryzen 7 5800X3D:
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 7/10 |
Intel Core i5 13400F
Best Budget CPU For RX 7700 XT
Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 10 (6P + 4E) | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 9.5MB | Base Clock: 1.8 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Respectable single-threaded performance
- Very efficient design
- Useable included cooler
- Superb value proposition
Cons
- No overclocking support
- No integrated graphics
Although the Core i5 13400F is aimed at the budget segment of the CPU market, it still punches way above its weight when it comes to gaming performance. With 10 cores and 16 threads under the hood, the Core i5 13400F delivers admirable gaming performance with the Radeon RX 7700 XT without producing any significant bottlenecks.
One of the key advantages of the Core i5 13400F is its comfortable thermal performance since the CPU is incredibly efficient by design. Intel claims a reasonable 65W TDP for the Core i5 13400F, which is why my sample peaked at around 59C in an all-core stress test and 51C during gaming while being cooled by a Noctua NH-U14S. Unfortunately, the Intel Core i5 13400F comes with a locked multiplier, which disables any manual overclocking by traditional means. You can try your hand at BCLK overclocking just like any other CPU, but that is a relatively risky method with minimal returns.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RX 7700 XT?
At an entry-level price point, the Intel Core i5 13400F provides sufficient gaming performance and avoids any bottlenecks when paired with the Radeon RX 7700 XT, making it the best budget CPU for RX 7700 XT.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Best Value CPU For RX 7700 XT
Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Impressive value for money
- Decent gaming performance
- Inexpensive AM4 motherboards
- Efficient power draw
Cons
- Platform limitation
- Exclusive to DDR4 memory
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is one of the finest options in the budget segment, thanks to its respectable gaming performance when paired with the Radeon RX 7700 XT. Featuring 6 cores and 12 threads boosting up to 4.4 GHz, the single-threaded performance of the Ryzen 5 5600 is admirable for the price point. As is expected from Ryzen 5 CPUs from the Zen 3 lineup, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is supremely efficient in its operation with a comfortable thermal output. My sample of the Ryzen 5 5600 peaked at around 52C during an all-core stress test. This result gives us an idea of the excellent thermal management of this CPU.
Despite being a budget CPU, the Ryzen 5 5600 comes with an unlocked multiplier for manual overclocking, which is a distinct advantage of AMD CPUs. After some experimentation, I settled on an all-core overclock of 4.6GHz at 1.35V on the VCore, which yielded a noticeable improvement in the gaming results of the CPU. It is nice to have the option of overclocking on a budget CPU to squeeze more performance out of your purchase.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RX 7700 XT?
Since the Ryzen 5 5600 provides acceptable performance for the Radeon RX 7700 XT, along with being affordable and compatible with inexpensive motherboards and memory, it is the best value CPU for RX 7700 XT.
These components work well with the Ryzen 5 5600:
| Performance: 7/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
Our Tested Benchmarks
We also tested all of these processors to make sure that our recommendations are backed by real-world performance.
Important CPU Key Terms
When in the market for a new CPU, it is easy to get confused by marketing jargon. Here are some key terms to remember.
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): The primary hardware component of a computer responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations for all software applications.
- Clock Speed: The rate at which a CPU processes instructions, measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating how many cycles it can complete per second.
- Core: A processing unit within a CPU that can independently execute instructions, with modern CPUs having multiple cores for improved performance.
- Cache Memory: High-speed, on-chip memory that stores frequently used data and instructions to reduce the CPU’s access time to this information, enhancing overall performance.
- Overclocking: The practice of increasing a CPU’s clock speed beyond its manufacturer’s specifications to achieve higher performance, often at the risk of stability and overheating.
- Hyper-Threading: A technology that allows a single CPU core to handle multiple threads simultaneously, improving multitasking performance by simulating additional cores.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): A measure of the maximum amount of heat a CPU is expected to generate under typical workloads, used for selecting appropriate cooling solutions.
How We Picked The Best CPU For RX 7700 XT
Choosing the best CPU for the Radeon RX 7700 XT can be tricky business, as one has to strike the perfect balance between price and performance to maximize the value aspect. Even experienced PC builders can get stumped in this process, so here are some key factors to keep in mind when picking the ideal CPU for RX 7700 XT.
- Performance: Assess benchmarks for real-world gaming scenarios at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K to ensure a balanced CPU-GPU synergy. It’s imperative to avoid CPU bottlenecks, meaning the CPU should be powerful enough to keep pace with the RX 7700 XT’s capabilities, ensuring a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
- Overclocking Support: Look for CPUs with unlocked multipliers, as they enable support for manual overclocking. Examine overclocking results from reputable sources to gauge the CPU’s potential performance gains. Additionally, consider the thermal management and power consumption of an overclocked CPU to ensure system stability and longevity while pushing for higher clock speeds.
- Power Draw: Pay attention to the CPU’s power consumption under load, as this can affect your system’s overall energy efficiency. Take into account the Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating as a guideline for heat dissipation and general efficiency. Evaluating the resulting temperatures and the type of cooling solution required is crucial to maintaining a stable and reliable system.
- Future Upgrades: In today’s technology landscape, CPU platforms, often referred to as chipsets, typically have a limited ability to support only one or two generations of a specific CPU before becoming obsolete. Consequently, this may necessitate a motherboard replacement when upgrading in the future.
- Price and Value: Take into account your budget and compare the CPU’s performance relative to its cost. It’s essential to strike a balance between performance and price to ensure you’re getting the best value for your specific gaming needs. Consider factors like platform support, performance levels, and long-term usability to make an informed decision.
Recent Updates
- July 10, 2024: Added gaming benchmarks, average power consumption, and Cinebench scores of the processors from our test results.
FAQs
AMD recommends a 700W PSU for the Radeon RX 7700 XT, although this can vary depending on the aftermarket variant that you buy. The advertised typical board power (TBP) of the RX 7700 XT is 245W.
No, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X does not cause any significant bottlenecks with the Radeon RX 7700 XT. The Ryzen 7 5800X is still a very solid gaming CPU with admirable results when paired with the RX 7700 XT, especially at 1440p and 4K.
Of course, the Radeon RX 7700 XT can run some games at playable framerates at 4K, but it is not exactly a 4K graphics card. It is targeted more towards 1440p gaming, which is where it excels even in modern games.
Technically, the Radeon RX 7700 XT supports a maximum display resolution of 8K (7680×4320), even though it is unrealistic to expect the GPU to handle games at that resolution. For gaming, the Radeon RX 7700 XT targets 1440p and high-refresh-rate 1080p resolutions.
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[Reviews Specialist]
Usman Saleem brings 8+ years of comprehensive PC hardware expertise to the table. His journey in the tech world has involved in-depth tech analysis and insightful PC hardware reviews, perfecting over 6+ years of dedicated work. Usman’s commitment to staying authentic and relevant in the field is underscored by many professional certifications, including a recent one in Google IT Support Specialization.
8+ years of specialized PC hardware coverage
6+ years of in-depth PC hardware analysis and reviews
Lead PC hardware expert across multiple tech journalism platforms
Certified in Google IT Support Specialization
Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com
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