Boasting the new RDNA 3.0 architecture, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT are the fastest and second-fastest graphics cards from AMD. However, apart from a few dialed-up specs and a $100 price bump, the CPU compatibility of the two GPUs is actually quite similar.
I have tested and reviewed a bunch of different CPUs from both Intel and AMD, and here are my recommendations for the Best CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT:
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21KtytBd+kL.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BmX5xpFrL.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BmX5xpFrL.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](jpg/41bmx5xpfrl.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cPe7cMMPL.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cPe7cMMPL.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](jpg/41cpe7cmmpl.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mf+FfowUL.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mf+FfowUL.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](jpg/41mf%2bffowul.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with AMD 3D V-Cache™ Technology](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vZRnO8hvL.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with AMD 3D V-Cache™ Technology](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vZRnO8hvL.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with AMD 3D V-Cache™ Technology](jpg/41vzrno8hvl.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21KtytBd+kL.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21KtytBd+kL.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor](jpg/21ktytbd%2bkl.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BmX5xpFrL.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BmX5xpFrL.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](jpg/41bmx5xpfrl.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cPe7cMMPL.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cPe7cMMPL.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](jpg/41cpe7cmmpl.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mf+FfowUL.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mf+FfowUL.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked](jpg/41mf%2bffowul.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with AMD 3D V-Cache™ Technology](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vZRnO8hvL.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with AMD 3D V-Cache™ Technology](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vZRnO8hvL.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with AMD 3D V-Cache™ Technology](jpg/41vzrno8hvl.jpg)
Last update on 2023-12-13
For instance, if you play 1440p games on both GPUs side-by-side, you will notice an average FPS difference of around 10 to 15%. The difference is no doubt a big deal, and given the pricing, it makes the RX 7900 XTX a better value. However, it’s not enough to change the CPU compatibility of the two GPUs. So if you’re building a gaming PC with the 7900 XTX or the 7900 XT, you get pretty much the same CPU options.
Best CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
Following are the Best CPU For RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX that you can purchase:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Intel Core i7-13700K
- Intel Core i5-13600k
- Intel Core i9-13900K
- Ryzen 7 5800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D - Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AMD-Ryzen-7-7800X3D-Best-AMD-CPU-for-RX-7900-XTX-RX-7900-XT.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D - Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](jpg/amd-ryzen-7-7800x3d-best-amd-cpu-for-rx-7900-xtx-rx-7900-xt.jpg)
Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 8MB | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.0 GHz | TDP: 120W
Pros
- Best Gaming CPU
- 96MB L3 Cache
Cons
- Locked Multiplier
- Average Productivity Benchmarks
- High Thermals
Let’s start off with the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which can easily be dubbed as the best gaming CPU, period. The performance of the Ryzen 5 5800X3D was a true success, and it paved the way for more X3D processors in the future. With the release of the Ryzen 7000 series processors, gaming enthusiasts like me had their eyes set on the X3D variants instead. Well, I finally tested the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and oh boy, it’s a beast.
The Radeon RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX are fantastic gaming graphics cards. They pack phenomenal raw performance along with a helping hand from AI to bring smooth gaming at a variety of resolutions. Therefore, if you plan to go for either of these graphics cards with gaming in mind, then the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is your best option. Yes, I am calling it even better than the flagship Ryzen 9 7950X or Ryzen 9 7950X3D, and that’s for a good reason.
First up, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes with 8 cores and 16 threads to support multi-threading. The core count is the same as the Ryzen 7 7700X, which I have also tested. However, the 7800X3D actually comes with a toned-down base and boost clock speeds of 4.2 GHz and 5.0 GHz, respectively. This is done on purpose. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D features a single die to house the 8 cores, and on top of it is the additional V-Cache die with 64MB capacity. Therefore, combined, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a whopping 96MB of L3 Cache, which is something games drool over to utilize.
The additional L3 cache is exactly why the processor has lower clock speeds. The cache die cannot withstand high voltage, and since it is stacked on top of the silicon die, AMD had to reduce the voltage for stability. As a result, the clock speeds are low, but the TDP is also quite tame at just 120W. In a nutshell, there is a clock speed tradeoff with the L3 cache. But, the clock speeds weren’t reduced a lot, and on the other hand, the L3 cache jumped from 32MB to 96MB. Since games love cache more, the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is unparalleled, making it the best gaming CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT.
There are two places where the Ryzen 7 7800X3D lacks. First, productivity tasks utilize clock speeds more. As a result, in all of my testing, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s productivity benchmarks were mediocre at best. If you’re buying the RX 7900 XTX or the RX 7900 XT to use in your video editing or streaming rig, then there are better CPUs out there. Second, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a locked multiplier, disabling the CPU from being overclocked the traditional way. While there isn’t any lack of performance or reason to overclock the 7800X3D in the first place, your only option is to use the Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and Curve Optimizer (CO).
What We Liked
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AMD-Ryzen-7-7800X3D-1-1024x576.jpg)
![AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D](jpg/amd-ryzen-7-7800x3d-1-1024x576.jpg)
In all of my tests, I was blown away by the remarkable gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Furthermore, thanks to its low TDP of 120W, the power efficiency of the processor was quite impressive as well.
What We Disliked
The high thermals are quite disappointing.
Who Is It For
If you are looking for the best of the best gaming CPU to go along with your flagship AMD graphics card, then the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is for you.
What Makes It The Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?
The Radeon RX 7900 XTX and the RX 7900 XT are very gaming-centric graphics cards. As such, the best CPU for these graphics cards should also offer outstanding gaming performance. Therefore, the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is what makes it the Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.
Other Components To Go With The Ryzen 7 7800X3D:
Intel Core i7-13700K
Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
![Intel Core i7-13700K - Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Intel-Core-i7-13700K-Best-Intel-CPU-for-RX-7900-XTX-RX-7900-XT.jpg)
![Intel Core i7-13700K - Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](jpg/intel-core-i7-13700k-best-intel-cpu-for-rx-7900-xtx-rx-7900-xt.jpg)
Socket: LGA1700 | Cores: 16 (8P + 8E) | Threads: 24 | L2 Cache: 24MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz (P-cores) | Boost Clock: Up to 5.4 GHz (P-cores) | TDP: 125W
Pros
- Great Overall Performance
- Offers Value For Money
- Overclocking Potential
Cons
- High Thermals
- High Power Consumption
If you aren’t after a solely gaming-centric CPU like the Ryzen 7 7800XD for your RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT, then I recommend the Intel Core i7-13700K. The processor strikes the perfect balance between gaming and productivity performance. Furthermore, as part of the Raptor Lake line-up, its platform cost is also better than AMD’s offering.
Let’s go over the specs first. The Core i7-13700K features an 8+8 mix of Performance and Efficient cores. These 8 P-cores alone equate to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D core count, and the additional Efficient cores are like a cherry on top. With combined 24 threads, the P-cores also support Hyper-Threading, making the i7-13700K stand out with its multitasking capabilities. As I said, the i7-13700K nails both gaming and productivity benchmarks, and that’s thanks to its outstanding clock speeds.
The P-cores have a base and boost frequency of 3.40 GHz and 5.30 GHz, and few of them can even reach 5.40 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology. Considering its price tag, the i7-13700K offers quite good value for money since it can handle both gaming and productivity tasks pretty well with the RX 7900 XT or the RX 7900 XTX. In my review of the i7-13700K, I tested the CPU over a series of software to judge its performance, and it did not disappoint me anywhere. Whether it was general tests, rendering tests, or gaming benchmarks, the CPU lived up to its name and impressed me.
However, just like other Raptor Lake processors, the power consumption and temperatures of the i7-13700K are quite up there. High power draw has become quite the norm with most components nowadays, which makes the i7-13700K’s max turbo power of 253W unsurprising. I ran a 30-min Cinebench R23 test on the i7-13700K, and the CPU drew around 210W. Combined with the RX 7900 XTX or the RX 7900 XT, you need to go for a reliable and high-capacity PSU to handle your entire rig.
The temperatures are no different, either. You will have to spend on a high-end AIO or custom liquid cooling setup to cool down the i7-13700K. The max temperature I recorded was 76°C. But, and that’s a big but, I used a custom cooling setup with a 1260mm radiator from AlphaCool, and despite that, the i7-13700K reached 76°C. This should put things into perspective exactly how much thermally inefficient these new processors are.
Being a “K” series chip, the i7-13700K can be overclocked with ease, given that you can cater to its high power draw and thermals. I managed to overclock the processor to around 5.7 GHz (All P-Cores) and 4.6 GHz (All E-Cores). However, you should expect less, like 5.5 GHz on all P-Cores and around 4.4 GHz on all E-Cores with a regular AIO.
Another good thing about the i7-13700K and other Raptor Lake processors, in general, is that they support both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. Plus, since they use the same LGA1700 socket as the Alder Lake CPUs, you can use your old 600-series motherboard as well. This backward compatibility indeed drives down the overall platform cost, which makes the i7-13700K an even better deal, especially for high-end graphics cards like the RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.
What We Liked
![Core i7-13700K](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/i7-13700K-1024x896.jpg)
![Core i7-13700K](jpg/i7-13700k-1024x896.jpg)
After testing the i7-13700K, I was really impressed by the overall performance of the processor.
What We Disliked
You will have to invest in a high-end AIO to cool down this beast.
Who Is It For
Given the performance figures that the i7-13700K has to offer, it is truly the best gaming and productivity CPU to go for with the RX 7900 XTX or the RX 7900 XT.
What Makes It The Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?
The Core i7-13700K lived up to its name in all my tests. The processor performed exceptionally well in both gaming and productivity costs. Plus, its support for DDR4 and DDR5 RAM increases the overall appeal as well. All of these reasons and more make the i7-13700K the Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.
Other Components To Go With The i7-13700k:
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i7-13700K
Intel Core i5-13600K
Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
![Intel Core i5-13600k - Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Intel-Core-i5-13600k-Best-Budget-CPU-For-RX-7900-XTX-RX-7900-XT.jpg)
![Intel Core i5-13600k - Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](jpg/intel-core-i5-13600k-best-budget-cpu-for-rx-7900-xtx-rx-7900-xt.jpg)
Socket: LGA1700 | Cores: 14 (6P + 8E) | Threads: 20 | L2 Cache: 20MB | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz (P-cores) | Boost Clock: Up to 5.1 GHz (P-cores) | TDP: 125W
Pros
- Very Affordable Pricing
- Great Performance
- Can Be Overclocked
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
Cons
- Nothing Significant
Let’s face it, all of these high-end CPUs have outstanding performance, but they can drain your wallets pretty quickly as well. Well, enter Core i5-13600K, the dream CPU of every budget gamer. Despite being very affordable, the i5-13600K still packs a powerful punch that can perfectly complement your RX 7900 XT or RX 7900 XTX. The result? Superb gaming and productivity performance without breaking the bank.
Benefitting from Intel’s hybrid architecture, the i5-13600K boasts a core count of 14 cores, with 6 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores. The thread count is 20, allowing the Performance cores to utilize Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology and nail multitasking. Along with the sheer number of cores, the clock speeds of this budget-segment processor are also impressive. The i5-13600K has a base and boost clock speed of 3.5 GHz and 5.1 GHz, respectively, for its P-Cores and 2.6 GHz and 3.9 GHz, respectively, for its E-Cores
Whether you pair the i5-13600K with the RX 7900 XTX or the RX 7900 XT, you will face zero bottlenecks, and the CPU will offer superb performance in all tasks. In all of my tests, the i5-13600K offered a better price-to-performance ratio than any Ryzen offering. I had no issues running AAA titles at 1440p with it. In most of my tests, the processor was going head-to-head with the i7-12700K, which is a good thing.
With respect to other Raptor Lake processors, the i5-13600K is actually power efficient. I ran a 30-minute Cinebench R23, and the processor’s power draw was around 180W, which is on point with its stated max turbo power. However, by i5’s standards, the power consumption is still a bit much. I guess we have to get used to these power figures as every new processor is quite power-hungry. The same goes for its temperatures as well. The i5-13600K is much easier to cool than the i7-13700K. You can get away with a fairly well-built AIO, and the processor will not suffer from thermal throttling.
Just like the i7-13700K, I overclocked the i5-13600K as well. I got the chip to clock at 5.6 GHz (All P-Cores) and 4.4 GHz (E-Cores). These are very good numbers, and I saw a ~9.69% gain in Cinebench R23. As for the power draw, the CPU was consuming around 192W at 81°C. The temperature may seem very impressive at first, but keep in mind that I used a custom water cooling setup, and you will likely get higher figures with a regular AIO.
Apart from the price tag, the i5-13600K is the best CPU for budget RX 7900 XT/XTX build in other ways as well. The processor uses the LGA1700 socket, which means it can work with DDR4 RAM and Intel 600-series chipset motherboards. Therefore, you don’t have to go for the latest components with your RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT build; you can get away with using more budget-oriented components as well.
What We Liked
![Core i5-13600K](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Core-i5-13600K-845x1024.jpg)
![Core i5-13600K](jpg/core-i5-13600k-845x1024.jpg)
The Core i5-13600K packs enough performance to go along with high-end graphics cards like RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT without any hiccups, and despite that, the processor is very affordable.
What We Disliked
Considering its low price point, it’s hard to complain about anything with the i5-13600K. Sure, the processor consumes quite some power, but it’s the new normal.
Who Is It For
If you are on a tight budget but still want to build a powerful rig with your RX 7900 XTX/XT, then the i5-13600K is for you. It is the best budget CPU you can get in 2023.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?
Despite good performance, the i5-13600K is priced very competitively. Furthermore, its support for DDR4 RAM and 600-series chipset motherboard also makes it the dream processor for budget gamers. That’s what makes the i5-13600K the Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.
Other Components To Go With The i5-13600k:
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i5-13600K
Intel Core i9-13900K
Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
![Intel Core i9-13900K - Best High-end CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Intel-Core-i9-13900K-Best-High-end-CPU-for-RX-7900-XTX-RX-7900-XT.jpg)
![Intel Core i9-13900K - Best High-end CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](jpg/intel-core-i9-13900k-best-high-end-cpu-for-rx-7900-xtx-rx-7900-xt.jpg)
Socket: LGA1700 | Cores: 24 (8P + 16E) | Threads: 32 | L2 Cache: 32MB | Base Clock: 3.0 GHz (P-cores) | Boost Clock: Up to 5.8 GHz (P-cores) | TDP: 125W
Pros
- Unparalleled Productivity Performance
- Excellent Gaming Performance
Cons
- Very Expensive
- Needs High-End Cooler
- High Power Consumption
If budget is not an issue and you want to pair your Radeon RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT with the best CPU ever, then the i9-13900K is for you. No matter how you look at it, the processor is a true powerhouse aimed at tech enthusiasts and hardcore gamers. Intel has packed the i9-13900K with as much performance as possible, and as a result, it is one of the most expensive CPUs you can buy.
However, it makes up for its massive price tag with its insane performance. For instance, the processor comes with 8-P and 16-E cores, which brings its total core count to 24. Furthermore, backed by its whopping 32 threads, the processor will not break a sweat in both intensive single-core and multi-core workloads.
Incredible seems to be the theme of the i9-13900K, as every spec it offers is, in a word, incredible. Look at the clock speeds; the P-cores can reach up to an extraordinary 5.8 GHz frequency while hovering at 3.0 GHz as their base speed. The credit for such high speeds goes to Intel’s Turbo Boost technology which ramps up the clock speed of specific cores by a lot based on workloads.
You can probably guess the result of such figures by now, but if you haven’t, then let me tell you. In all of my tests, the i9-13900K conquered its competitors by a mile. Whether it was productivity benchmarks or gaming, the processor nailed every workload I threw at it and handled it with perfection. It did not lack performance in any way whatsoever. Once paired with the RX 7900 XT or the RX 7900 XTX, you can say goodbye to worrying about bottlenecks or performance issues. Whether you play 4K games or render 8K videos, the processor will not let you down in any scenario.
Such exceptional performance comes at a cost, and the cost is high with this one. Apart from the expensive price tag, the i9-13900K is the hottest CPU I have tested. You will have to go with a top-tier AIO or a custom cooling setup to tame this beast. Furthermore, its power consumption is no different either. With a base power of 125W, the i9-13900K can draw north of 250W at intensive workloads. Such high power and cooling requirements necessitate a high-end setup, which will further drive up the cost of your finished rig.
Yes, the i9-13900K can be paired with DDR4 RAM and a 600-series motherboard, but if you are aiming for the sky by pairing it with the RX 7900 XTX, then you might as well go all in with the rest of the build too.
What We Liked
![Core i9-13900K](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Core-i9-13900K-1024x683.jpg)
![Core i9-13900K](jpg/core-i9-13900k-1024x683.jpg)
In a word, performance. I was blown away by how much performance Intel has packed into the i9-13900K. The chip is truly a powerhouse.
What We Disliked
Ultimately, you will be dropping big dollars on your RX 7900 XT/XTX build with this processor. First, the chip alone costs a ton; then, you will need a top-of-the-line cooler and chassis to cool it down. In addition to that, your PSU needs to be well-built with a high capacity as well to support the entire rig.
Who Is It For
If you are a performance enthusiast who wants the best of the best processor for your RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT, then the i9-13900K is for you.
What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?
The specs on paper, the productivity benchmarks, and the gaming performance, everything about the i9-13900K make it the Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.
Other Components To Go With The i9-13900K:
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i9-13900K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i9-13900K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i9-13900K
Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best Value CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
![Ryzen 7 5800X3D - Best Value CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ryzen-7-5800X3D-Best-Value-CPU-For-RX-7900-XTX-RX-7900-XT.jpg)
![Ryzen 7 5800X3D - Best Value CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT](jpg/ryzen-7-5800x3d-best-value-cpu-for-rx-7900-xtx-rx-7900-xt.jpg)
Socket: AM4 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 4MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.5 GHz | TDP: 105W
Pros
- Best Value For Money CPU
- Good Gaming Performance
- Low Platform Cost
Cons
- Inferior Productivity Performance
- Old Platform
You might wonder why we are recommending an old-gen CPU with the latest RX 7900 XT/XTX. Well, that’s because it is really that good. Yes, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is still a great purchase because of how much performance it packs and how little it costs. Being the first X3D variant, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the legendary CPU that changed the gaming dynamic of AMD processors.
With 8 cores and 16 threads, the core count of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is adequate to handle all AAA titles without any issues. However, its L3 capacity is where the processor really shines. AMD stacked an additional L3 die on top of the actual die to take the processor’s L3 cache capacity from 32MB to a whopping 96MB. Having that much storage this near to the actual cores brought in massive performance improvements for the 5800X3D, and that’s why the processor is considered a worthy purchase to this day.
As for the clock speeds, the processor has a base and boost frequency of 3.4 GHz and 4.5 GHz, respectively. These speeds may look pale when put next to the other processors I have listed, but the quick access to high storage makes up for it by a mile. The gaming performance is not the only reason why I am recommending the Ryzen 7 5800X3D with the RX 7900 XTX/XT. It is actually the value for money.
In all of my tests, the 5800X3D managed to handle AAA titles without any worries. It was not as good as the other latest and greatest processors, but with the RX 7900 XT or RX 7900 XTX, the processor can handle itself quite well. Despite the good performance, the pricing of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is really good. AMD has slashed it a lot, and the processor is on further discounts every now and then. When I tested the 5800X3D against other processors, no competitor came even close to having the FPS per dollar of the 5800X3D.
Apart from the processor’s pricing, the overall AM4 platform cost is also quite low, making the 5800X3D an even better deal for the RX 7900 XTX/XT. With the AM4 platform, you can use DDR4 RAM and a good affordable B550 motherboard and get yourself the best bang for the buck RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT PC.
What We Liked
![Ryzen 7 5800X3D](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ryzen-7-5800X3D-1-1024x768.jpg)
![Ryzen 7 5800X3D](jpg/ryzen-7-5800x3d-1-1024x768.jpg)
The best thing about the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is its price-to-performance ratio. The processor provides more value for money in an RX 7900 XTX/XT build than any other CPU. In every test I ran, the Ryzen 7 5 5800X3D’s FPS per dollar figures were insanely good.
What We Disliked
While the Ryzen 7 5800X3D impressed me with its gaming performance, I cannot say the same for its productivity benchmarks.
Who Is It For
If you want the most value for money out of your RX 7900 XTX/XT build, then going with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is your best bet.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?
With the release of Ryzen 7000 processors and their X3D variants, the pricing of Ryzen 7 5800X3D has seen a steep decline. However, the processor is still a solid choice for gaming because of its innovative L3 cache design. The type of performance you get out of such an affordable processor makes the Ryzen 7 5800X3D the Best Value CPU For RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.
Other Components To Go With The Ryzen 7 5800X3D:
Gaming Benchmarks Of The Best CPU For RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX
Both the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT are fantastic graphics cards for gaming. Therefore, the processors I am recommending should also pack enough performance to complement these high-end GPUs. I tested these processors through various productivity software and games to gauge them based on their performance, temperatures, and power consumption. These tests helped me recommend the best CPUs for RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX.
I paired the latest processors in my benchmarks with the MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio and XPG Lancer RGB 32GB 6000MHz Kit and got the following results:
Important CPU Key Terms
There are many technicalities revolving around CPUs. Here are a few key terms to look out for whenever you’re searching for a CPU:
- Cores: The actual execution of tasks and computation falls on the cores’ shoulders. A good gaming CPU should have 8 or more cores.
- Threads: Applications or programs issue logical instructions known as threads to the CPU cores for execution.
- Multi-Threading: Multi-Threading (AMD) or Hyper-Threading (Intel) allows a single CPU core to execute two or more threads simultaneously.
- Cache: The cache is a little chunk of quick memory that is permanently attached to the CPU die. The cache is divided into three levels: L1, L2, and L3. L1 cache is the fastest and closest to the CPU, but it also has the smallest capacity.
- Clock Speed: The amount of data cycles a processor can perform in a second is known as its clock speed. The base clock is the speed the processor will operate at all times, and the boost clock is the speed it will operate at under high workloads.
- TDP: The amount of heat generated by a processor is called its TDP. The TDP number indicates the type of CPU cooler you need. The higher the TDP, the more heat the CPU will generate, and hence, you will need a bigger cooler.
- Overclocking: By giving additional power to the CPU, you can have it run at clock speeds higher than its stock settings.
How We Picked The Best CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
The Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT are the two most powerful GPUs AMD has ever released. Consequently, it would be a shame to pair them with inferior CPUs, making the graphics cards suffer from unnecessary bottlenecks. To ensure that the CPU I recommend you are undoubtedly the best for these graphics cards, I evaluated them over several factors. Similarly, whenever buying a processor, make sure you also consider these factors to make the right purchase decision.
Performance
![Our Test Bench](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Test-Bench-1-1021x1024.jpg)
![Our Test Bench](jpg/test-bench-1-1021x1024.jpg)
I scrutinized every best CPU for RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX based on its performance more than anything. After all, if a CPU cannot live up to such a high-end graphics card, then it shouldn’t be considered the best. I ran several gaming and productivity tests to judge the performance of each CPU. This way, I had a clear picture in mind as to which processors pack the necessary performance to go with the RX 7900 XTX/XT. Similarly, whenever you’re buying a processor, make sure to search for its benchmarks and tests to analyze its performance.
Value For Money
Value for money is an important factor to consider when you are planning to get the best deal. Basically, there are other processors in the market as well that offer superb performance to go along with the RX 7900 XTX and the RX 7900 XT. However, their price-to-performance doesn’t justify buying them, and that’s why I haven’t recommended them. If you are ever in the market for processors, make sure to do thorough research into similarly priced processors and compare them based on their performance and other stats. This way, you will get the best bang for the buck CPU.
Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency
![Thermal Imaging](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thermal-imaging-motherboard.jpg)
![Thermal Imaging](jpg/thermal-imaging-motherboard.jpg)
High power consumption has become quite the norm these days. For instance, the entire Raptor Lake lineup draws more than anticipated power. High power consumption equates to high temperature, which ultimately means more AIO expenses. Well, if you are after a performance-centric build, then there is not really an escape from high temps, and you will have to go for a good quality CPU cooler.
Nevertheless, in my tests of the best CPU for RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX, I evaluated the processors based on their power consumption and temperatures as well. This way, you have an idea of the type of CPU cooler you will need with these processors.
Overclocking
While every CPU I have picked for the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT packs enough performance in its stock configuration to go along with these graphics cards, many people love to push their hardware to its absolute limits. That’s why I also tested the overclocking potential of my recommended processors. I overclocked these processors to determine the maximum stable clock speeds I could achieve, and now you also have an idea of how much performance you can get out of your CPU.
Why You Should Trust Us
With more than 10 years of experience, Tech4Gamers has built a group of enthusiasts who love to test the latest and greatest hardware. To ensure the reliability and authenticity of our tests, every review is carried out in accordance with our strict guidelines. For example, when I tested the best CPU for RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX, I ran them through more than 25 productivity benchmarks and a variety of AAA titles @ 1080p and 1440p resolution. This way, I obtained unique insights into the performance, sustainability, power consumption, temperatures, and efficiency of the processors.
In addition to testing processors, Tech4Gamers also tests motherboards, storage, CPU Coolers (Air coolers and AIOs), PC cases, RAM, graphics cards, and other PC components. Since all of our tests carry the utmost authenticity, many hardware manufacturers reach out to us for collaboration. Some of the companies that Tech4Gamers has worked with are Aerocool, ARCTIC, ASRock, ASUS, be quiet!, Cooler Master, Corsair, DeepCool, EKWB, Fractal, Gamdias, GIGABYTE, Kingston, MSI, Noctua, Orico, Razer, Sabrent, and Thermaltake. We are grateful to our hardware partners for sending us their latest products for testing.
Our readers also rely on our reviews as these guides help them build their gaming PCs. Similarly, I hope my recommendations of the Best CPU For RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT will help you pick the right processor for your next build.
FAQs
Processors like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Core i7-13700K are the best for RX 7900 XT/XTX. If you are after a budget CPU, then the i5-13600K is also a good choice.
If you are building a gaming PC with the latest AMD graphics cards like the RX 7900 XT or the RX 7900 XTX, then you should go with at least the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
The Core i5-13600K and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D won’t bottleneck the RX 7900 XTX/XT.
Also Read:
- Best CPU For RTX 4090
- Best CPU For RTX 4080
- Best CPU For Gaming
- Best CPU For Streaming
- Best CPU For Video Editing
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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.
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