Radeon RX 5700 XT is the fastest Graphics Card now from AMD. It gives better performance per watt while maintaining a healthy temperature. The hardcore enthusiast gamers are the best target of this GPU. It can help you max out the games even at 1440P. Apart from gaming, it offers clear and smooth graphics output for watching movies at HTPC. Though AMD has always released either loud or power-hungry GPUs, Radeon RX 5700 XT is better in comparison. However, there is a but for everything, right? Assume that you have this impressive GPU but the CPU you use can’t go on with its performance, or can’t give the power you need. Then, what is the benefit of this? That’s why buy the best CPU for Radeon RX 5700 XT while you can.

The Radeon RX 5700 XT comes with a high-performance new gaming RDNA architecture. It has an excellent 1440p gaming performance that comes at an affordable price. It comes with 40 computer units and it needs 225 W typical desktop power. The gaming frequency of this GPU is Up to 1755 MHz which is another reason behind the lag-free and swift gaming performances. The base frequency is 1605 MHz, and the boost frequency is more than 1905 MHz. And the minimum PSU recommendation is 600 W. It includes the GDDR6 memory type with 8GB of storage and 14 Gbps memory speed. Moreover, it has lots of features to look forward to.

This graphics card is powerful and made for high-end gaming. Of course, you would not want the CPU to bottleneck it. There are so many CPUs in the market that are compatible with RX 5700. But not every CPU is best for this. Though we’ve written down only a couple of CPUs, these can be called the best ones from which you can choose.

Table of Contents

Our Recommendations

Model Cores /
Threads
Core Clock /
Boost Clock
Price
6/12 3.6/4.2 GHz Check Price
8/12 3.7/4.6 GHz Check Price
8/16 3.7/4.3GHz Check Price
8/8 3.6/4.9 GHz Check Price
8/16 3.6/4.4 GHz Check Price

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is an adequate CPU for your Radeon RX 5700. It is an excellent deal for a processor that comes with an excellent 65W chip for small form factor users. Also, it has mostly similar performance with Intel’s Core i7 9700K in terms of single threaded performance. But it provides far better performance in multi threaded performance and that too with less power. Moreover, Ryzen 5 3600 offers almost the same overclocking performance as its counterparts at a lower price.

Truly speaking, the Ryzen 5 3600 is literally the best processor as it provides a better quality of features with less money. Intensive AAA games are better handled by this with no issues. Although the BIOS and temps produce a little problem, you can fix it with the latest drivers. It is a versatile processor with some beastly performances. It has amazing value for the price. Also, it is one of the most highly recommended processors among AMD enthusiasts. It offers awesome performance in both gaming and overclocking. After you pair this awesome processor with a compatible motherboard, you will have one of the best PCs and performances.

Yeah, you could look for 3600x or 3700x to have even more performance but, Ryzen 5 3600 is adequate for the majority of gaming and workloads. You won’t be disappointed rather you’ll be satisfied with its excellent price to performance ratio. Ryzen 5 3600 comes with 6 strong cores and 12 threads. And it serves equal performance like its predecessor with much lower power consumption. However, there is nothing much to talk about its negative sides. You should understand that there was a reason to call it the number one “Best Overall†processor at its releasing time.

Specification

CPU Ryzen 5 3600
Cores 6
Threads 12
Integrated Graphics NONE
TDP Rating 65W
Base Clock 3.6GHz
Boost Clock 4.2GHz
Socket AMD AM4

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: Ryzen 5 3600 features 6 cores and 12 threads along with a great amount of performance, and it is packed with 65W TDP. It has a total of 32MB of L3 cache and lithography of 7nm. Its base frequency is 3.6GHz, whereas the boost frequency is 4.2GHz. Moreover, it supports 2 x DDR4 memory channels with a speed of more than 3200MHz. The 24 lanes of PCIe 4.0 is another class-leading feature that you’re getting easily while saving 50 bucks.

Downsides: Ryzen 5 3600 comes with no integrated graphics and has limited headroom for overclocking. The BIOS and temps have some issues which can be solved with the latest drivers.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Impressive performance in gaming and applications
  • Supports PCIe 4.0
  • Bundled cooler
  • Lower power consumption
  • Has backward compatibility
Cons
  • Zero cheap B-series motherboards with PCIe 4.0
  • Limited overclocking headroom
  • No integrated graphics

Final Thoughts

The title of the best overall CPU had been on its side since its debut. You can find the best CPUs, but you can’t find a CPU full of amazing features at this low price. It is a suitable candidate for you if you are building a budget PC.


Intel Core i5 9600K

Intel Core i5 9600K

The Intel Core i5 9600k is a 9th generation Core i5 desktop processor. It can understand the hardware tweaking to eke out a little more performance over time. It is far better than its predecessors with 6 strong cores that offer great performance to be a mid-range Gamers’ CPU. Clearly, it carries the best performance for gaming, even though it may not be the best in terms of pricing. However, if you’re interested in productivity applications more, there are many tempting AMD alternatives. A perfect processor for gaming should be this one, as it won’t restrict you in any games. It runs really cool and the temperature barely rises at idle. The i5 9600K will save you a few bucks, unlike the i7 one.

It is compatible only with the motherboards that are based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets. Moreover, it supports Intel Optane Memory. This attractive gaming processor comes with 6 logical cores and 6 threads along with a base frequency of 3.7GHz. The single threaded performance of this CPU is impressive and the gaming performances are also candy for the eyes.

It was built based on Intel’s Coffee Lake architecture, launched in October 2018. As it is a K series processor, it is very likely to have an unlocked multiplier to make the CPU overclock easily. Along with Radeon RX 5700 XT, it requires a Z390 chipset motherboard with a decent cooler. This updated CPU comes with more power and 10 – 15% faster compared to its previous releases. If you are a hardcore gamer, this one is right to go. It is the Best gaming CPU for Radeon RX 5700 XT in this recommendation. You can also overclock it easily. However, you should skip it if you are also looking for streaming or workstation.

Cooperating with an Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU helps this CPU to clock up to 1.15 GHz. According to Intel, the Core i5 9600K has a 95W thermal design power (TDP). We have been saying this line since the beginning that it is the best gaming processor you can find. And it is a fact. You can install it easily and also it is fast and reliable for everyday work, especially for gaming. Dealing with 4K gaming is an impressive feature it holds. You can easily overclock this even to 5GHz on all cores, and of course, you must have an adequate cooling system. Even those who never OC’d before can overclock it with no questions.

Specification

CPU Intel Core i5 9600K
Cores 8
Threads 12
Integrated Graphics UHD 630
TDP Rating 95W
Base Clock 3.70GHz
Boost Clock 4.60GHz
Socket LGA 1151

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Core i5 9600K features 6/6 core/threads, integrated UHD 630 graphics, and a total TDP of 95W. It has a 4.60 GHz max Turbo Frequency and a base frequency of 3.70 GHz.Furthermore, the lithography is 14nm manufacture, and the cache is of a total of 9MB. The bus Speed is 8GT/s. Along with 16 x PCIe 3.0 lanes, i5 9600K has a maximum of 41.6 Gb/s of memory bandwidth. Moreover, it has 2 x DDR4 memory channels that support that 41.6 Gb/s memory frequency.

Downsides: With no bundled heater, Core i5 9600 works entirely only with Z series motherboards. Also, as it doesn’t come with coolers, you will have to face some extra expenses.

Pros
  • Single-threaded performance
  • Gaming performance
  • Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
Cons
  • No bundled heater
  • Requires Z-series motherboard to overclock

Final Thoughts

Intel Core i5 9600K processor is a reliable and fast CPU. You can use it for everyday use and gaming and has a reasonable price. Moreover, it is faster and cooler than its previous versions. And, it can be overclocked with perfect ease and has an excellent performance.


AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X outshines the Core i7 8700K with the improvement made with Zen+. It has shaken the CPU market with enhanced multi thread performance, and lower price. 12nm architecture was first introduced by the AMD Ryzen 2nd generation, and that’s why it is a huge deal for the best processors. Rather than Core i7 9700K, Ryzen 7 2700X even outperforms AMD Ryzen chips. It is solid, powerful, and comes with better clock speed. Moreover, it is reasonably priced which is why enthusiasts love it more. The stock CPU cooler is awesome in terms of doing its performance. However, it consumes quite a power in general.

With eight strong cores, it is absolutely a better choice for high-end performance. Yeah, it’s true that it has the same 8 core and 16 thread configuration as its predecessor but, it comes with faster and powerful performance than those. It has a speed boost because of its new 12nm Zen+ architecture. According to AMD, it provides 16% better performance than any last generation processor that runs at the same clock speed.

Ryzen 7 2700X is a great CPU for a mix of gaming and productivity. Following a dual-channel memory chip, its speed memory is up to 2933MHz. Although it can run the best with X470 motherboards, it runs well on other AM4 motherboards as it is compatible with the AM4 socket. It can even compete with some 3rd generation CPUs, which means it is an up-to-date choice of CPU.

However, it is a common thing to have a fight between Intel and AMD, where one would win in single threaded performance while the other one wins in multi threaded performance. But with Ryzen 7 2700, AMD has claimed both of the prizes of winning in single and multi thread performance. Although Ryzen 7 2700X could not beat the Intel i7 8700K in gaming, it only is a little behind, which makes it overall better.

Specification

CPU AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Cores 8
Threads 16
Integrated Graphics NONE
TDP Rating 105W
Base Clock 3.7GHz
Boost Clock Up to 4.3GHz
Socket X470

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X includes strong 8/16 core/threads, 105 W of total TDP, and 12nm FinFET of CMOS lithography. The base clock is 3.7 GHz, and the max boost clock is more than 4.30 GHz. It has a total of 20 MB of cache (L2: 4 MB, and L3: 16 MB). Also, it has 2 x DDR4 memory channels supporting up to 2933 MHz max memory bandwidth. The thermal solution it carries offers RGB LED lighting. Lastly, it has PCIe 3.0 x16 lanes.

Downsides: The installation of the cooler is a bit finicky. It consumes a lot of energy on load.

Pros
  • Dramatically improved performance
  • Reasonably priced
  • Useful included CPU cooler and software
Cons
  • Highest-energy draw on load

Final Thoughts

Although there are still some room for improvement, AMD has made an astonishing entry with this 2nd zen processor. The price is actually neither more nor less. You will get what you are paying for.


Intel Core i7 9700K

Intel Core i7 9700K

Intel Core i7, an LGA 1151 CPU that is suitable for high-end gaming and is perfect for any kind of game. It comes with some advantages such as it does not use much power which can keep it cool better than i9 9900K. Also, it would be a smart choice for its lower budget than the pricey Core i9 990K.

When we are finding a high-end and unlocked Core i7, i7 9700K enters just in time. Its dual-channel memory is capable of speed up to 2666MHz and the maximum memory bandwidth is 41.6 GB/s. With 14nm of Intel manufacture, it can give better performance. By making the memory capacity double to support more than 128GB, Intel has increased its RAM memory. The beast-like gaming performances are what a hardcore gamer is looking for and this processor absolutely has them. Apart from the gaming performances, its single-threaded performances are also praiseworthy.

The strong core/threads configuration helps it provide a stutter-free and consistent gaming performance. It is also a suitable choice for a 1080p 240Hz build. Along with providing the best 3D performance in your gaming and supports 4K resolution max at 60Hz. It offers a beast-like performance in both gaming and workloads. Core i7 9700Ks’ base frequency is 350MHz whereas the GMD frequency (Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency) is 1.20GHz. It is one of the most appreciated and preferred CPUs in the market. Also, it provides a great output with much lower consumption.

Specification

CPU Intel Core i7 9700K
Cores 8
Threads 8
Integrated Graphics UHD 630
TDP Rating 95W
Base Clock 3.6GHz
Boost Clock 4.9GHz
Socket LGA 1151

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Core i7 9700K features 8/8 cores/threads, and an integrated UHD 630 graphics engine. For easy overclocking, it also supports sports unlocked ratio multipliers. Like its all predecessor, i7 9700K has a TDP (Thermal design power) total of 95W. Along with a total of 12 MB of L3 cache, Core i7 9700K also supports 16 x PCIe 3.0 lanes. With its 8 strong cores and CPU threads, it outshines the i7 8700K which is of its generation. Furthermore, its base clock is 3.6 GHz and the boost clock is 4.9 GHz. The bus speed is 8 GT/s. Also, it includes 2 x DDR4 memory channels supporting 128GB of memory, and 41.6 Gb/s memory bandwidth.

Downsides: As there is no bundled cooler, you may have to add the additional expenses with its budget. Moreover, Core i7 9700K has no hyperthreading technology.

Pros
  • Beast-like gaming performance
  • Eight cores transgress in parallelized workloads
  • Strong single-threaded performance by high Turbo Boost clock rates
  • Improved thermal transfer by Solder TIM
Cons
  • No bundled cooler means the enthusiasts will face an additional expense
  • Null Hyper-Threading Technology
  • Relatively high price

Final Thoughts

The Intel Core i7 9700K is fast and cooler than the previous Core i7 processor. With easy overclocking skills, it offers almost the same performance as i9 990K. In terms of price, it stands between Core i5 9600K and Core i9 9900K.


AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is a significant piece of processor and it comes with only 65W of TDP. It serves a more powerful performance than its other counterparts. Since its debut, it has continuously been very popular. And, the reason behind it is its reasonable price and amazing performance. 3600 is also a great choice but for better performance in both tasks and gaming, 3700X is a better choice. It comes with a stock cooler that offers pretty much a good thermal solution. The affordable price made this processor’s value higher.

There are many reasons why this one is another one of the best processors among a huge number of people. The first reason is, it has less price than its main competitor from the Intel Core i7 processor. And the second reason is, it offers better performance with much less power consumption. Another reason is, it has an excellent price to performance ratio. However, the overall performance on the single thread is still laid out from the Intel ones.

Ryzen 7 3700X gives the ultimate beast-like performance when it comes to multi-core performance. This one is also manufactured with 7nm lithography just like all other AMD Zen 2 processors. One of the major additions to this AMD Ryzen processor is the lanes of PCIe 4.0, and this difference makes it better than the ones of Intel. Finally, it is capable of delivering a decent performance with lower power.

Specification

CPU Ryzen 7 3700X
Cores 8
Threads 16
Integrated Graphics NONE
TDP Rating 65W
Base Clock 3.6GHz
Boost Clock 4.4GHz
Socket AMD AM4

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: Ryzen 7 3700x features 8/16 core/threads which come with a great amount of performance packed with 65W of TDP. It has total lithography of 7nm and 48MB of L2 cache. The base frequency of 3700X is 3.6 GHz and the boost frequency is 4.4 GHz. Ryzen 7 3700X supports 2 x DDR4 memory channels with a speed up to 3200MHz. Furthermore, it serves PCIe 4.0 x 16 lanes.

Downsides: Although Ryzen 7 3700X wins in terms of delivering great performance in multi-threaded performance, it still falls behind Intel when it comes to single-threaded performance.

Pros
  • Incredible price to performance
  • Affordable
  • Included cooler
Cons
  • Still falls behind Intel in single-threaded performance

Final Thoughts

Ryzen 7 3700X is another one from Ryzen’s 3rd generation chips and an impressive release of AMD. This processor is capable of both multitask and gaming. So, look no further if you’re looking for this type of performance.

Closing Thought

Although there are a bunch of CPUs that can be compatible with the Radeon RX 5700 XT, only a few of them can max out all the performance. For the best CPU for Radeon RX 5700 XT, our recommended ones are quite suitable for reliable performance. Only you need to take some things into consideration before choosing.
Your choice should not be based on just only the GPU but also on the other components that can have an impact on power consumption. Moreover, your budget matters the most here. We hope that this recommendation will help you to make your buying journey easier. If there is anything in this article we’ve missed out on, please feel free to inform us through a comment or you can contact us.


GamingSpice author image
Sherman R.

I am a total tech geek! I'm obsessed with computers and anything remotely related to them -building, tinkering, upgrading...you name it. My friends are probably sick of hearing me talk about the latest hardware innovations and whatnot but, I hope you all appreciate it!