| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked... | $299.00 $194.99 | Order On Amazon | |
| Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 (6... | $329.00 $196.00 | Order On Amazon | |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop... | $459.99 | Order On Amazon |
With the introduction of the RX 6900 XT, there are many who are thinking about which CPU is going to be the best companion for the RX 6900 XT so that they are able to get the best out of their setup.
While the GPU was released 2 years ago, it still provides a fantastic value due to the recent cut in its price. Originally launched at $1000, the card is right now available for around $700 and competes with Nvidia’s RTX 3090.
However, before moving directly to our recommendation, let us first get some detailed information about the RX 6900 XT.
Radeon RX 6900 XT Overview
The RX 6900 XT is currently one of the best-value GPUs in the entire 6000 series offering 80 CUs and 5120 shader cores. However, the remaining specs, including memory speed and TDP, are the same as the RX 6800 XT therefore, you can expect more performance from the RX 6900 XT when compared to that of the RX 6800 XT.
Now apart from the specifications, the RX 6900 XT comes with the additional benefits of the RDNA 2 architecture that gives an added advantage to the users who will be using the RX 6900 XT along with the Zen 3/4 processors from AMD such as Smart Access Memory which helps the processor to utilize all the VRAM present on the graphics card.
Therefore, with all the points to be considered, we will prefer to go with the latest ZEN 4 processors from AMD which will be the best option to consider for this GPU.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- The Socket AM5 socket allows processor to be...
- Ryzen 5 product line processor for your...
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance...
- Hexa-core (6 Core) processor core helps processor...
Even though the 7600X brings the smallest specs numbers, you can literally throw almost any high-end GPU at it and still get the best gaming performance. It is not necessarily the fastest gaming CPU but it is definitely the fastest for $250.
Originally launched for $300, the 7600X comes with 6 cores and 12 threads that use Zen 4 architecture. It is made on the TSMC 5nm process node that results in better power efficiency but to unlock more power, AMD allows overclocking to the extent that you can exceed its default TDP of 105W.
It is by far the best value choice for any high-end gaming build and comes with decent clock speeds that easily stay at 5.3GHz without any stability problems. However, you will also need the best CPU cooler for 7600X if you don’t want it to overheat.
Intel Core i5 13600K
- 13th Gen Intel Core processors offer revolutionary...
- 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads
- Up to 5.1 GHz unlocked. 24M Cache
- Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
Next, we have the Core i5 13600K from Intel for the LGA 1700 platform which is crazy fast and beats the 7600X by a small margin. Whether you want to go for hardcore gaming or want to get your video rendering done faster, the 13600K is the ideal choice for $320.
It comes with a hybrid architecture that uses 6 performance and 8 efficient cores to complete tasks faster. With 20 threads in total, I don’t think you will have any problem streaming or opening multiple applications at the same time which is important for many modern high-end builds.
In gaming, it is somewhat faster than the 7600X but also costs more due to better specs. Therefore, if you are looking for something that not only excels in gaming but also in productivity, look no further to the i5 13600K.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- The world's fastest gaming desktop processor and...
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads with AMD 3D...
- 4.5 GHz Max Boost, 100 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform, can support...
When the 5800X3D was launched last year, it completely blew the competition beating all the Zen 3-based Ryzen 5000 CPUs as well as the Intel Alder Lake high-end CPUs. Even though it is made on the same Zen 3 architecture as the non-3D 5800X, it is significantly faster in gaming due to the additional 3D V-cache that sits on top of the chip.
It comes with 8 cores and 16 threads clocked at 3.4GHz with a max boost clock speed of 4.5GHz. The L3 cache on it is tripled over the non-3D edition and now your cores can enjoy direct access to the 96MB cache that benefits many games resulting in more fps.
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
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Last but not least, the 7800X3D is about to launch in a few days and is already looking solid because we have benchmarks of simulated 7800X3D on 7950X3D. It comes with a single CCX that features 8 cores and 16 threads and has 96MB of L3 cache to boost gaming performance.
Based on the Zen-4 architecture, it is super strong in both gaming and productivity but will require a decent AM5-based B650 or X670 chipset motherboard to allow overclocking.
Priced at $450, it is not only the best gaming CPU right now but will also maximize the potential of the Radeon RX 6900 XT making it possible to play games at 4K resolution.
Final Words
Considering that Radeon RX 6900 XT is a high-end GPU, you cannot settle for a $100 CPU. Even though some locked CPUs like an i5 12400F will be totally ok to use, it won’t do a balance to your rig. I suggest that you use equally powerful CPU and GPU for maximizing your performance.
