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The Radeon RX 7800 XT is one of the best 1440p graphics cards, providing unparalleled gaming performance and modern features at a reasonable price point. Once you have secured your RX 7800 XT variant of choice, the next step is to combine it with an equally powerful CPU that will allow the graphics card to showcase its full potential.
Here’s a quick look at our selected CPUs for RX 7800 XT and a brief comparison of their specs:
Last Updated:
- September 15, 2024: We have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
Best CPU For RX 7800 XT
Here is a selection of the best CPUs for RX 7800 XT that you can buy right now:
- Best AMD: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Intel: Core i7 13700K
- Best Overall Gaming: Core i5 13600K
- Best Budget: Ryzen 5 7600X
- Best High-End: Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- Best Value: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best AMD CPU For RX 7800 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
- 3D V-Cache design
- Extraordinary gaming performance
- Solid productivity performance
- Reasonable power draw
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Expensive
AMD’s implementation of the 3D V-Cache technology has propelled the Red Team to the top of gaming performance charts for a while now, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is no different. Based on the new Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is packed with 8 cores and 16 threads, with a boost clock of up to 5.0 GHz. Coupled with the excessive amounts of L3 cache, the sky-high boost clock allows the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to deliver outstanding single-threaded performance when paired with the Radeon RX 7800 XT.
During the course of my testing, my sample of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D peaked at around 84C during an all-core stress test while being cooled by a Noctua NH-U12S. While gaming, the cores are engaged in a variable manner, and the temperatures leveled out at around 68C. AMD’s X3D processors do not typically have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and the same holds true for the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. You can, however, practice overclocking using Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and Curve Optimizer (CO). Just be advised that the results may not be all that glamorous, and you may need a hefty aftermarket cooler to stabilize the temperatures.
When Usman Saleem, our CPU expert got his hands on the 7800X3D, here’s how he summarized this beast:
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.
Here’s the Ryzen 7 7800X3D from our testing:
✅You want unparalleled gaming performance: With a unique 3D V-Cache design and exceptional single-threaded performance, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is often seen at the top of gaming charts.
What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For RX 7800 XT?
With 96MB of stacked L3 Cache and chart-leading single-threaded performance, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best AMD CPU for RX 7800 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: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 9/10 |
Intel Core i7 13700K
Best Intel CPU For RX 7800 XT
Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 16 (8P + 8E) | Threads: 24 | L2 Cache: 24MB | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.4 GHz | TDP: 125W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Superb single-threaded performance
- High overclocking headroom
- Excellent productivity performance
- Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
Cons
- Relatively high power draw
- Expensive
The Core i7 13700K by Intel comes equipped with an impressive 16 cores in total, which are divided into 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores. This arrangement results in a combined count of 24 threads for the Core i7 13700K, establishing it as a high-performance solution suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. Due to its increased power allocation and propensity for aggressive boosting, the Core i7 13700K does exhibit a tendency to generate notable heat. In my testing, the Core i7 13700K recorded a peak temperature of 75C during an all-core workload.
Being a K-series chip, the Core i7 13700K boasts a significant advantage in the form of its unlocked multiplier, granting the opportunity for manual overclocking. In my testing, using a VCore voltage of 1.350V, the sample I saw achieved a remarkable 5.7 GHz on the P-Cores, with the E-Cores stabilizing at 4.6 GHz. This achievement stands as an impressive feat, resulting in a notable 7% uplift in Cinebench R23 scores during the all-core testing.
This is what Nauman Siddique, our hardware tester and CPU expert, said about the i7-13700K in his review:
The Core i7-13700K delivers remarkable performance, outperforming its predecessors and rivaling CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7900X, thanks to its new architecture. Positioned between the i9-13900K and i5-13600K, it offers a compelling balance of gaming prowess and overall power. If you seek both gaming excellence and extra performance, the Core i7-13700K is the choice to make.
✅You want a high-performance Intel CPU pairing: In Intel’s Alder Lake product stack, the Core i7 13700K is the most ideal pairing for the Radeon RX 7800 XT in order to extract maximum gaming performance.
What Makes It The Best Intel CPU For RX 7800 XT?
Maximizing the gaming performance of the Radeon RX 7800 XT, while providing superb overclocking potential, the Intel Core i7 13700K is the best Intel CPU for RX 7800 XT.
- Intel Core i7-13700K Review
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i7-13700K
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 7/10 |
Intel Core i5 13600K
Best Overall Gaming CPU For RX 7800 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
- Relatively affordable
- Great gaming performance
- Reasonable overclocking headroom
- Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
Cons
- Slightly higher power draw
- No included box cooler
The standout feature of the Core i5 13600K lies in its exceptional single-threaded performance. This is attributed to Intel’s unique core arrangement that combines P-cores and E-cores, resulting in an impressive setup of 14 cores and 20 threads for the Core i5 13600K. Boasting an impressive boost clock of 5.1 GHz, the i5 13600K consistently ranks at the pinnacle of gaming performance charts across numerous modern titles. Even though Intel has set the Core i5 13600K’s TDP at 125W, effectively cooling this processor can present a significant challenge. Based on my testing, my Core i5 13600K unit reached its highest temperature at 76°C while running an all-core Cinebench R23 benchmark under a custom loop cooling solution.
Given the Core i5 13600K’s unlocked status, users have the option to extract additional performance from this CPU through manual overclocking. It’s important to note that engaging in overclocking requires a potent CPU cooler to manage the heat generated. After some experimentation, I settled on a P-Core frequency of 5.6GHz and an E-Core frequency of 4.4GHz, coupled with a VCore voltage of 1.330V. In our testing, our sample reached temperatures of 81°C and a power draw of 192W at peak utilization.
When Nauman Siddique tested the i5-13600K, he appreciated the CPU’s value for money, saying:
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. While the Core i9-13900K is an option, this CPU efficiently handles daily tasks and fulfills gaming and general needs admirably.
✅You want to maximize your value for money: With strong gaming performance at a reasonable price point, the Core i5 13600K maximizes the bang for the buck factor.
What Makes It The Best Overall Gaming CPU For RX 7800 XT?
Since it provides more than enough gaming performance for the Radeon RX 7800 XT, while having an unlocked multiplier and being quite affordable, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the best overall gaming CPU for RX 7800 XT.
- Intel Core i5-13600K Review
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best GPU for Intel Core i5-13600K
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 8/10 |
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Best Budget CPU For RX 7800 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
- Great overall gaming performance
- Efficient power package
- Overclockable
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Only DDR5 memory
- Relatively pricey motherboards
AMD has outfitted the Ryzen 5 7600X with 6 cores and 12 threads, differing from the Intel competitors as all of its cores are designated as “performance” cores. The commendable boost clock of 5.3 GHz further fortifies the Ryzen 5 7600X’s capabilities, translating into exceptional single-threaded performance across many of the modern gaming titles. AMD specifies a TDP of 105W for the Ryzen 5 7600X, providing the CPU with a reasonable power allocation for boosting its performance. In my test results using the Noctua NH-U14S cooler, the Ryzen 5 7600X reached a peak temperature of around 72°C during gaming sessions.
AMD holds a notable edge by offering unlocked multipliers across their entire lineup of mainstream desktop CPUs, a feature found in the Ryzen 5 7600X as well. While the overclocking capabilities of the CPU can differ from unit to unit, it’s possible to achieve worthwhile enhancements through some adjustments.
✅You want the ideal budget CPU: At an affordable price point, the Ryzen 5 7600X maximizes your value for money by providing superb overall gaming performance.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RX 7800 XT?
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is the best budget CPU for RX 7800 XT due to its ability to maximize the gaming performance of the Radeon RX 7800XT while being efficient and affordable.
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: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Best High-End CPU For RX 7800 XT
Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | L2 Cache: 16MB | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.7 GHz | TDP: 120W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Industry-leading gaming performance
- Impressive multi-core performance
- 3D V-Cache implementation
- Versatile applications
Cons
- Very expensive
- High power draw
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D aims to deliver the best of both worlds by combining unparalleled productivity performance with industry-leading single-threaded performance. To achieve the latter, AMD has used the innovative 3D V-Cache technology to minimize latency and improve gaming performance. Along with a whopping 16 cores and 32 threads, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D can boost up to a sky-high 5.7 GHz, leaving no room for compromise. Delivering unmatched performance in both single-core and multi-core applications, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the ultimate high-end pairing for the RX 7800 XT.
With extraordinary performance comes high thermal output, and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D succumbs to the same trend. Although AMD labels the Ryzen 9 7950X3D with a 120W TDP, it does have the tendency to output a lot of heat due to its aggressive boosting behavior. Of course, the mainstream overclocking potential of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D remained locked, but thankfully, the CPU remains extremely powerful even at stock settings.
✅You want the best of both worlds: With a whopping 16 cores and 32 threads, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D combines exceptional gaming performance with superb productivity performance.
What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RX 7800 XT?
Thanks to its high core count and 3D V-Cache technology, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the ultimate gaming and productivity partner for the Radeon RX 7800 XT, making it the best high-end CPU for RX 7800 XT.
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- Best RAM for Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- Best GPU for Ryzen 9 7950X3D
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Efficiency: 7/10 |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best Value CPU For RX 7800 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
- Excellent value for money
- Impressive single-core performance
- Affordable AM4 motherboards
- DDR4 memory support
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older platform
The Zen 3 architecture brought forth massive improvements in core layout and reduced latency that propelled the Ryzen 5000 series CPUs to the top of gaming performance charts. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D adds the twist of 3D V-Cache on an already well-established architecture, further improving its overall standing. With 8 cores and 16 threads boosting up to a respectable 4.5 GHz, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is still one of the fastest gaming processors on the market, thanks to its exceptional single-threaded performance.
AMD labels the Ryzen 7 5800X3D as a mid-range CPU in terms of thermal output, as evidenced by its 105W TDP. In real-life scenarios, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D performs admirably in terms of temperatures and cooling demands. AMD’s X3D processors have a locked multiplier, which is why they cannot be overclocked using traditional means. Luckily, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D delivers excellent gaming performance even at stock settings, minimizing the need for manual overclocking.
✅You want to maximize your bang for the buck: With a relatively affordable price tag, inexpensive motherboards, and last-gen memory, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D definitely maximizes the potential of your investment.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RX 7800 XT?
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the best value CPU for RX 7800 XT, since it provides tremendous value for money thanks to its affordable price point, inexpensive motherboard options, and support for DDR4 memory, along with respectable gaming performance.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Efficiency: 8/10 |
Our Tested Benchmarks
We also tested these CPUs to make sure they offer the right performance to complement the 7800 XT truly. Take a look at our results:
Important CPU Key Terms
When shopping for a CPU, here are some terms to keep in mind.
- Clock Speed: The rate at which a CPU’s internal clock generates pulses, determining the number of instructions it can execute per second.
- Core: An independent processing unit within a CPU that can execute instructions, allowing for parallel processing and improved multitasking.
- Multithreading: A technique where a single CPU core can handle multiple threads simultaneously, improving overall performance and responsiveness.
- Cache: High-speed memory located close to the CPU that stores frequently accessed data, reducing the need to fetch data from slower main memory.
- Microarchitecture: The internal design and organization of a CPU, including how its components like registers, pipelines, and execution units are structured.
- Overclocking: The practice of increasing a CPU’s clock speed beyond its official specifications to achieve higher performance, often at the cost of increased heat and power consumption.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The maximum amount of heat generated by a CPU that the cooling system must dissipate under typical workloads.
- IPC (Instructions Per Cycle): A measure of a CPU’s efficiency, indicating the average number of instructions executed in a single clock cycle, reflecting its ability to process instructions quickly and effectively.
How We Picked The Best CPU For RX 7800 XT
When choosing the best CPU for RX 7800 XT, it is important to consider various factors that can impact your gaming and computing experience down the line. Following are some of the key points that I considered when making my selection of the best CPUs mentioned above.
- Gaming Performance: Look for a CPU that can keep up with the graphics card’s capabilities, ensuring that your system doesn’t experience any bottlenecks that might hinder gaming experiences.
- Efficiency: Opting for CPUs that incorporate effective power management and possess lower thermal design power (TDP) ratings can be a smart choice in order to guarantee efficient power usage, decreased temperatures, and a dependable gaming experience.
- Overclocking: Unlocked CPUs can be pushed beyond their stock clock speeds, potentially enhancing gaming experiences. However, keep in mind that this may also impact power consumption and heat output, so proper cooling solutions are necessary.
- Platform: One should also consider the platform of their preferred CPU before finalizing the purchase decision. Nowadays, CPU platforms (also known as chipsets) can only support one or two generations of a particular CPU before they are retired. This means that the motherboard may need to be changed with subsequent upgrades, which is a key point when planning for the future.
- Value For Money: Consider your budget and the performance gains you’ll actually experience in real-world gaming scenarios. With the RX 7800 XT, there are several mid-range and budget CPUs that can also provide great gaming performance at an affordable price.
Recent Updates:
- July 10, 2024: We have included our test results to show the comparison between top picks.
FAQs
AMD recommends a 700W power supply as the minimum PSU for the RX 7800 XT. The card has a rated Total Board Power (TBP) of 263W, but aftermarket variants can increase the power limit and power draw of the card.
No, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X will not bottleneck an RX 7800 XT noticeably. There is always a minimal amount of bottleneck present with every CPU, but the Ryzen 7 5800X is still quite a fast CPU and can comfortably handle the Radeon RX 7800 XT.
Yes, the RX 7800 XT can run 4K resolution in both games and media. However, the card is better suited for 1080p and 1440p gaming in the majority of current titles.
While the Radeon RX 7800 XT technically supports a maximum display resolution of 7680×4320 (8K), it is unrealistic to expect the card to handle games at that resolution. The Radeon RX 7800 XT is well-equipped to handle 1440p and 1080p gaming in modern titles.
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[Hardware Expert]
With a major in Computer Science, Sameed is a tech enthusiast who puts his passion for gadgets into words and creates informative blogs. From comparing different hardware to reviewing the best RAMs, motherboards, and graphics cards for your next build, Sameed has covered a wide spectrum of topics that have given him a special insight into every nook and cranny of the tech world. Sameed is also a certified expert at Computer Hardware & Networking.
Get In Touch: sameed@tech4gamers.com
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