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The demand for the newly launched AMD RX 9070 series graphics cards is so crazy that it’s going out of stock moments after it’s made available to purchase. This speaks volumes of the great value-for-money factor that this card aims to deliver. These cards have created the RX 580-like situation, as that card was such a great success back when it was released. In our RX 9070 review, we saw the card deliver excellent gaming performance at both ray tracing and rasterization, it even handles 4K without breaking a sweat.
Nevertheless, the main point is that the value proposition of these cards is great, and it is important to pair them with CPUs that are capable of just as much. Now is the time and place where our team enters the scene to guide our readers regarding the best choices in CPUs for cards like these. We put each CPU to test its efficiency, thermal performance, gaming performance, and lastly, its productivity performance. Only the most capable options are included in this list.
Here you can look at the highlights of all the chosen CPUs for the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT:
I highly recommend you also check our round-up of the best power supplies for the RX 9070 and the RX 9070 XT GPUs, as we have included a variety of our tried-and-tested PSUs which top the charts.
Best CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT
These are the CPUs I would recommend pairing with the RX 9070 and the RX 9070 XT:
- Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Best Gaming: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Budget: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- Best Productivity: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
- Best Value: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best Overall CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT
Socket: AM5 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 8 MB | L3 Cache: 96 MB | Base Clock: 4.7 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.2 GHz | TDP: 120W | Unlocked: Yes | MSRP: $479
Pros
- 3D V-cache inclusion is a plus
- Improved performance in productivity
- Offers better per-watt performance
- Has an AVX-512 instruction set
- Overclocking is also possible
- Tops chart in gaming benchmarks
Cons
- Not worth buying if target resolution is 4K
- Slightly expensive
Read Our Hands-On AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D improves much further on the baseline of the previous AM5 3D V-cache processor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. This time around, the most highlighting feature that I found pleasant is the inclusion of overclocking support. Yes, you heard that right—3D V-cache processors are finally overclockable. However, you don’t necessarily need to enable it right off the bat, as the base performance is quite strong. Even with the same 8C/16T combination, as seen in our benchmarking across multiple titles. The slightly higher boost clock (now 5.2 GHz) and newer architecture help greatly in creating that gap.
Similarly, this is one of AMD’s most efficient CPUs as well if we take the per-watt performance into account. The processor kept itself cool while consuming around 118W in our 30-minute run of the Cinebench R23 test. Apart from being the best gaming processor that is currently available, the 9800X3D has also improved its productivity performance a lot, which is the one key area its predecessor, the 7800X3D lacked in.
This is how I summed up the CPU after reviewing it:
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the new gaming champ, outclassing AMD’s own Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU in our gaming charts. With its improved 3D V-cache design, combined with the Zen 5 architecture, the CPU improves gaming and productivity performance while becoming more efficient than its predecessor. At the same time, overclocking support is enabled so you can push the CPU even further! All that makes it an excellent choice for gaming or a mix of gaming and productivity.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU for RX 9070 & 9070 XT?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers the best performance in its class when the topic is gaming. On top of that, it even delivers impressive numbers in productivity benchmarks. Combine all of this with its PBO support, and it is hard to beat the Ryzen 9800X3D when it comes to being the best overall CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Future Proofing: 9.5/10 |
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best Gaming CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 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
- Future-proof platform
- 2nd best gaming performance
- Efficiency is impressive
- Cheaper alternative to 9800X3D
- Uses 3D V-cache technology
Cons
- Productivity performance is not the best
- Overclocking isn’t possible
Read Our Hands-On Ryzen 7 7800X3D Review
Next up is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which, in my opinion, is the best gaming CPU for RX 9070 series GPUs. The reason is its terrific gaming performance. In our testing, it trails the 9800X3D and maintains the 2nd position in the chart. The included 3D V-cache helps it deliver such stellar performance, otherwise, it was just another 7700X with slightly better performance. Now, those aside, it’s similar to the 7700X as it has the same 8C/16T design running at different clock speeds, which is 5.0 GHz for the boost clock on this one.
Furthermore, the processor also shines bright when it’s about being light on power consumption. It was consuming 99W during the Cinebench R23 render test, and that’s quite impressive. Although the productivity performance itself is somewhat weaker than its competition and even its non-X3D variant: 7700X. This is one of the reasons why I’m recommending it solely for gaming, as it excels on that side.
This is how we concluded the Ryzen 7 7800X3D after its review:
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 Gaming CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is built to compete with CPUs double its MSRP, and not only does it compete, but it takes a clear lead over them, falling only behind its newer generation counterpart. Simply put, its higher efficiency and stellar gaming performance enable it to be called the best gaming CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 8.5/10 |
| Features: 8.5/10 | Future Proofing: 9/10 |
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
Best Budget CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT
Socket: AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6 MB | L3 Cache: 32 MB | Base Clock: 3.9 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.4 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes | MSRP: $239
Pros
- Runs very cool
- CPU is overclockable
- AVX-512 instruction set
- Improved multicore performance
- Terrific single-core performance
- Efficiency is also greatly improved
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a cooler
Read Our Hands-On AMD Ryzen 5 9600X Review
Now, when it comes to something lighter on the wallet with no major compromises, the Ryzen 5 9600X is the absolute best, according to our thorough testing of the CPU. The CPU sports enough horsepower to deliver excellent performance when paired with an RX 9070 series GPU. Not only that, it also stays highly power-efficient as it only has a TDP rating of 65W. Our testing confirmed the aforementioned claims, and it also revealed that its 6C/12T design stops it from beating its counterparts in multicore workloads.
Since it’s a budget processor and will likely start to feel unpowered much sooner, it needs a solution. Which is the included overclocking support. You can squeeze more out of the processor by overclocking the processor via the AMD Curve Shaper. This allows the CPU to be fine-tuned for better stability and performance. Lastly, what makes this CPU more exciting is its price. That makes it a great pick when you’re on a budget.
Here’s how we summed up the Ryzen 5 9600X:
The Ryzen 5 9600X is ideal for you if you’re seeking AVX-512 support, the best single-core performance, and excellent power and thermal efficiency.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT?
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is one of the best budget CPUs right now. Simply because there’s nothing fancy, it’s pure performance and efficiency while sticking strictly to the limited budget. Such characteristics are the reason why it’s being termed the best budget CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8.5/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Future Proofing: 8/10 |
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
Best Productivity CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT
Socket: AM5 | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | L2 Cache: 12 MB | L3 Cache: 64 MB | Base Clock: 4.4 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.6 GHz | TDP: 120W | Unlocked: Yes | MSRP: $449
Pros
- Multicore performance is top-tier
- Equally great results in efficiency
- Can work with budget cooling solution
- Amazing single-core performance
- The inclusion of AVX-512
Cons
- MSRP isn’t the best
- Gaming performance is nothing exceptional
Read Our Hands-On AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Review
Best isn’t all about gaming, so let’s talk about the productivity side for a bit. If you need a strong CPU that shows great results in single/multicore workloads like productivity applications, the Ryzen 9 9900X seems like a great fit. This is because the processor features 12 cores and 24 threads that make it a literal tank to compete against the likes of 13900K & 13700K. In our review, not only did it beat the aforementioned processors in synthetic benchmarking, but it also consumed far less power.
The processor, with its currently discounted price of under $400, matches quite nicely with the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT. Moreover, with the support for higher speed memory coupled with those excellent performing cards, the whole combo will be a productivity beast in its segment. However, the insignificant gain in gaming performance over its predecessor is a bit of a letdown, albeit high enough to provide a smooth gaming experience.
Here’s what we said about the Ryzen 9 9900X in the end:
The Ryzen 9 9900X is AMD’s new flagship 12-core gaming chip but with lower base frequencies and a 120-watt rating. It impressed us in most benchmarks outside of gaming, and in gaming, the chip couldn’t even outperform the Ryzen 7 9700X. Its $449 price tag makes it compete with the 7800X3D and 13900K, but the former is a far better gaming CPU, while the latter is much better for both multi-threaded workloads AND gaming.
What Makes It The Best Productivity CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT?
The Ryzen 9 9900X offers an exceptionally good performance in pretty much every single-core and multicore-dependent application benchmark we tested. Besides that, the incredible efficiency also helps lower the overall cost. As such, it is hard to beat the 9900X when it comes to being the best productivity CPU for the RX 9070 GPUs.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 7.5/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Future Proofing: 8.5/10 |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best Value CPU For RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT
Specifications: Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.4GHz | Boost Clock: Up To 4.5GHz | TDP: 105W | L3 Cache: 96MB | MSRP: $449
Pros
- The big L3 cache is super helpful
- Decent power consumption
- Good thermals
- The value factor is great
- Incredible gaming performance
Cons
- No upgrade path
- Overclocking is disabled
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is still one of the most liked AM4 CPUs simply because it offers so much value. Firstly, the processor comes with a 3D V-cache technology that was introduced with this processor. This enables the processor to perform exceptionally better than any flagship processor in gaming titles, thanks to the enormous 96 MB of L3 cache. However, the core count remains the same as the other Ryzen 7 series processors, which is 8C/16T.
What’s more, this processor brings efficiency to the table. The consumer way less than the average 13700K or Ryzen 9 series processor, but absolutely destroys them in actual gaming. Not only that, it even competes with the likes of the Ryzen 9 7900X, as seen in our testing results. Also, don’t forget that it’s an AM4 CPU that supports DDR4 memory, so the overall value that it’s going to provide will be much higher than any current CPU. With that in mind, pairing it with the likes of RX 9070 or RX 9070 XT still makes a deadly combo.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT?
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU is the Value king because of the low maintenance as it doesn’t require a hefty cooling solution or too much power. Moreover, the performance results that it exhibits are extraordinary too. Which easily makes it the best value CPU for RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Future Proofing: 7.5/10 |
Gaming Benchmarks Of Our Tested Processors
We believe in the thorough testing of each component that we put up for recommendation for our readers. The hardware enthusiasts at Tech4Gamers spend hours testing each component across multiple benchmarks to compile a trustable result. Which we can use to suggest the right component for the right situation. As it were the CPUs this time around, here are the test results that we put them into first before picking some of them for recommendations.
Important CPU Key Terms
These are some of the crucial key terms that you must have an understanding of to make a better purchase decision.
- Cores: A CPU consists of many cores, though it is a processing unit of the CPU that fetches and executes various functions at once.
- Threads: It’s a virtual unit within a core for the execution of functions. Usually, a core consists of more than one thread to do multitasking more efficiently.
- Cache: Unlike RAM, which is a separate component, this cache memory is divided into L1, L2, and L3 parts and is present right inside the CPU. Not to mention that this cache memory is even faster than your traditional RAM.
- Clock Speed: In layman’s terms, the speed at which a processor processes instructions is called its clock speed. It’s usually measured in GHz and ranges from base clock to boost clock.
- TDP: It is the estimation of total heat that the CPU will likely generate, and it is measured in watts.
- IPC: It is the number of instructions that the CPU handles/solves in each clock cycle.
- Overclocking: Overclocking means running a component well above its rated base speed to gain additional performance.
How We Picked The Best CPU For RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT
When looking for the best CPU for RX 9070 & 9070 XT, we remembered these important points.
- Gaming Performance: The RX 9070 series GPUs are selling like hotcakes right now because of their excellent performance and affordable prices. They deserve an equally great processor to be paired with. We at T4G tested several current and slightly older generation old processors to find the best from each category to pair with either of the GPUs without the fear of any kind of bottleneck.
- Platform: We also kept the platform in mind and included mostly those options that are future-proof and provide a decent upgrade path so you don’t have to worry about swapping everything every year or so for shift to a newer CPU. However, we still bundled one older platform for great value purposes as it can survive for a few more years easily.
- Value For Money: Just like the kind of value the RX 9070 series GPUs are offering, we need CPUs that can match the value factor as well. Hence, included some budget and value-oriented CPUs so you can get the most out of your build without spending a fortune.
FAQs
Yes, we ran several gaming benchmarks at 4K across different titles with the AMD Radeon RX 9070, and the GPU performed impressively well, especially with FSR enabled.
Both are great graphics cards that are giving a hard time to their counterparts. However, the RX 9070 XT costs only $50 more than the non-XT variant and offers much better performance future-proofing, so if possible, opt for the XT variant.
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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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