Best CPU for RX 7700 XT 2024 – top processors for gaming

With the best CPU for RX 7700 XT, you will be able to make the most out of your new graphics card without any bottleneck issues.

The RX 7700 XT comes with 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM and boasts 3456 cores, and that’s why it packs such jaw-dropping performance at 1440p resolution. Of course, all these numbers will turn pale if you don’t pair it with an equally good CPU, and that’s what this guide is all about.

With the help of Jack Howarth – our in-house CPU expert and reviewer – we were able to create this list of the best CPUs for RX 7700 XT. Our recommendations range from budget to high-end options, so rest assured that you will end up with the right deal.

The best overall CPU for RX 7700 XT is the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Being the first 3D V-Cache processor, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D packs 96MB of L3 Cache, which is significantly higher than any other processor. The extra cache is exactly why the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is considered one of the best CPUs for gaming. 

The CPU also offers 8 cores that can boost at up to 4.5GHz, giving it enough performance to perfectly complement the 1440p gaming of the RX 7700 XT. Since the Ryzen 7 5800X3D has excellent gaming performance, you might be concerned about its power consumption. Well, the CPU has a rated TDP of just 105W.

This means you don’t need a high-end CPU cooler to prevent this CPU from thermal throttling. Just a good-quality air cooler will do the job. Similarly, since the 5800X3D is based on the AM4 platform, its motherboards are more affordable than their AM5 counterparts. All things considered, the RX 7700 XT + Ryzen 7 5800 X3D duo is just perfect, and you will not have to worry about any performance issues at all.

When it comes to the best budget CPU for RX 7700 XT, the Core i5-13400F stands undefeated. Apart from its impressively low price tag, the CPU does not stand behind in performance. It features 10 cores (6-P, 4-E) and 16 threads. Such a high number of cores gives the i5-13400F an excellent advantage in multi-core performance.

Plus, its 6 Performance cores can run at 4.60GHz of boost clock, which, when combined with its 20MB cache, makes the processor an ultimate beast in gaming. The only downside of the Core i5-13400F is its lack of integrated GPU. However, this shouldn’t cause any trouble since you’re already using an RX 7700 XT.

Another reason why the i5-13400F is the best budget CPU is because it uses the LGA1700 socket. As such, you can pair the processor with both Intel 600- and 700-series chipsets. Not only that, but you also have the option to pick between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. If you’re on a very tight budget, then you can go for a 600-series motherboard and DDR4 RAM to save big bucks. While the CPU comes with an included Intel Laminar RHA1 cooler, so you don’t have to spend extra money, you can also explore our guide on the best budget CPU cooler for more options.

If you’re looking for the best premium CPU for RX 7700 XT, then the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is your best choice. Being the flagship processor of the Zen 3 architecture, the Ryzen 9 5950X offers jaw-dropping performance at high resolution, and this is exactly what you need from a CPU for the RX 7700 XT.

Packing 16 cores and 32 threads, the single- and multi-core performance of the R9 5950X stands unparalleled, and combined with its high boost clock of up to 4.9GHz, the processor handles high FPS gaming like a walk in the park. If this excellent out-of-the-box performance is not enough for you, then you can also overclock it because the CPU has an unlocked multiplier.

Make sure you have the best CPU cooler for gaming because the Ryzen 9 5950X does not come with a stock cooler. Apart from high-end performance, since the processor is based on the Zen 3 platform, you need to use an AM4 motherboard with DDR4 RAM, both of which offer better value for money than their latest-generation counterparts. All in all, if you’re after a premium gaming experience, then the AMD Ryzen 9 5960X will serve you just right.

The best mid range CPU for RX 7700 XT has to be the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X. That’s because it brings you the best of both worlds: high performance to go along with the RX 7700 XT and a good price tag. For instance, the CPU comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, and while the number of cores may seem not too exciting at first, it makes sense when you go over the clock speeds.

The Ryzen 5 7600X has a base and boost clock speed of 4.7GHz and 5.3GHz, respectively. Such high frequency allows the CPU to make the most out of its 6 cores, and once combined with its 32MB of L3 Cache, the processor becomes a gaming champion.

While there is no included cooler, the 105W TDP means you should be good to go with a high-quality CPU cooler — no need to go after expensive AIOs. Apart from that, being an AM5 CPU, it means you need the latest DDR5 RAM as well, which comes with its own performance advantages. Overall, if you’re searching for a mid range CPU that offers plenty of performance for the RX 7700 XT and does not cost a ton, then the Ryzen 5 7600 is a great choice.

The best Intel CPU for RX 7700 XT is the Intel Core i5-13600KF. Sitting in the middle of the Raptor Lake line-up, the i5-13600KF is ideal for 1440p to 4K gaming, which is exactly what the RX 7700 XT is aimed at. The processor has a very good number of 14 cores, which are a mixture of 6 Performance and 8 Efficient cores. As such, the thread count is also equally good at 20, allowing the CPU to support Hyper-Threading.

Apart from the 14 cores, it’s the clock speeds that allow the i5-13600KF to achieve such exceptional performance. For example, the 6 Performance cores can clock at up to 5.10GHz, and that’s quite an impressive number. Plus, since it is a “K” series CPU, it means you can overclock it for even more performance.

The power consumption is definitely on the upper end of the spectrum, with the max turbo power rated at 181W. As such, make sure you get the best CPU cooler for Intel Core i5-13600K to keep the CPU at optimal temperatures. All things considered, if you’re planning to pair your RX 7700 XT with an Intel CPU, then the Core i5-13600KF is the best for the job.

What CPU goes well with 7700 XT?

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a really good processor to pair with the RX 7700 XT. It has 96MB of L3 cache, which gives it an advantage in gaming performance.

How good is the AMD Ryzen 5 processor?

The AMD Ryzen 5 series is a really good option for those looking for both good performance and affordable pricing. These processors are known for being bang-for-the-buck deals.