AMD’s Radeon RX 590 has been one of the most successful mid-range GPUs and even though it is several years old now, if you can find one, then you are lucky because now you can play most games at 1080p high settings.
The RX 590 brings 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM which is sufficient for most graphical-intensive games and can easily let you play with 60+ fps. The only requirement is a decent CPU.
A CPU decides how much performance you are going to get with your graphics card because it is responsible for assigning instructions to your GPU. If your CPU is too slow, it will bottleneck your GPU.
On the other hand, buying a high-end CPU like an i9 or Ryzen 9 CPU will only result in a waste of money because those CPUs are overkill for mid-range GPUs.
So, here is the list of the top CPUs you should buy if you own an RX 590.
Intel Core i3 10100F
- 10th Generation Intel Core i3 Processor
- 4 Cores; 8 Threads
- 4.30 GHz Max Turbo Frequency, 3.60 GHz Processor...
- 6 MB Intel Smart Cache
Even being several years old now, for less than $90, this is currently the ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot on their CPU. An i3 10100F combined with an RX 590 will provide the best value for every dollar paid.
This entry-level CPU comes with 4 cores and 8 threads with a clock speed of 3.6-4.3GHz. As of now, 4 cores are the minimum for playing modern titles and therefore, those 8 threads will come in handy, not only for gaming but also for productivity and opening more CPU-intensive applications.
The i3 10100F is a locked CPU and won’t require an unlocked chipset which will eventually save cost on an expensive motherboard. Moreover, you won’t even need to buy an aftermarket CPU cooler as the stock cooler will be sufficient for maintaining its thermals.
Ryzen 5 4500
- Item Package Dimension: 5.43L x 5.23W x 2.87H...
- Item Package Weight - 0.95 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - COMPUTER PROCESSOR
Ryzen 4500 wasn’t launched with the first batch of Zen 2 CPUs but was released after the launch of the Zen 3 lineup. This CPU wouldn’t make sense if you own a powerful GPU like an RTX 3060 but with RX 590, this is surely one of the best if not the best CPU for even less than $90.
It features a powerful 6-core and 12-thread configuration that won’t have any problem running the latest AAA titles. It is clocked at 3.6-4.1GHz and is also overclockable. This means, with the help of a B450/B550 chipset motherboard, you can squeeze more performance out of this CPU.
It’s power efficient and won’t require any AIB cooler if you don’t want to overclock it too much. I believe that it will not only be a great gaming CPU but will also make a perfect setup for streaming games.
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
- Item Package Dimension: 5.43L x 5.27W x 2.86H...
- Item Package Weight - 0.97 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - COMPUTER PROCESSOR
Next, we have a more powerful Ryzen CPU from the 5000 lineup. This is the Ryzen 5 5500 that uses the more power-efficient Zen 3 architecture and has more L3 cache memory of 16MB which is twice the L3 cache present on the 4500.
It is insanely fast with a 6-cores/12-threads config and features even faster clock speeds. Over the 4500, you can expect a few percentage of higher performance in both gaming and productivity. Currently priced at just $100, it’s hard to find a faster CPU than the 5500 with such specs.
Intel Core i3 12100F
- Intel Core i3-12100F Desktop Processor 4 (4P-0E)...
- Item Package Dimension: 10.469L x 10.30W x 6.72H...
- Item Package Weight - 1.49 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
Last but not least, the Core i3 12100F is the best choice if you are an Intel CPU lover. It is not necessarily better than the Ryzen 5500 but it does compete with many mid-range CPUs in gaming.
Currently, priced at $100, it features 4 performance cores and a total of 8 threads to allow no compromise gaming on a budget. It is a locked chip but yet the clock speeds can boost up to 4.3GHz all the way from 3.3GHz which is insane.
You just need an H610 chipset motherboard for this CPU that can support your PC components and you are ready to go. There is no extra expenditure on an aftermarket CPU cooler or on a mid or high-end gaming motherboard.
Final Words
RX 590 8GB is a powerful graphics card for 1080p ultra gaming. Though it comes under the mid-end GPU category, it surely is enough for 60+fps in AAA titles. But if you combine it with a very low-end processor then you will face bottlenecks and on the other hand, if you combine it with a very high-end processor then you will waste your money unnecessarily.
It’s better to get a processor that will balance your whole system and will provide you with the best performance per dollar spent. The above-listed processors will do this job perfectly and in case you have any doubts, then feel free to ask in the comments section below.
