Best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT in 2024

Best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT has been introduced successfully in this new market segment with ray-tracing technology and compatibility. A lot of AMD’s battles have been fought on the CPU and GPU fronts. So far, AMD’s Ryzen 9 5000 series has dominated the CPU technology showdown. AMD’s ambitious team now plans to gain a competitive edge in the GPU market and challenge Nvidia’s tried and tested RTX lineup. Check our top picks :

Regardless of whether or not you have a GPU, CPUs can directly affect your gaming performance. The CPU and GPU must be compatible to achieve high frame rates. To assist you in saving money and maximizing your system configuration, here are the best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT.

Prices and performance of CPUs have been compared. While some processors are excellent, others may overpower GPUs. Furthermore, although some CPUs are not particularly expensive, they perform just as well as the Radeon RX 6800 XT in terms of gaming performance, and do not lead or lag during crucial game processing times. Let’s take a look at each processor so you can make an informed decision:

Our Recommendations For Best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT

1. AMD’s Best CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
2. Intel’s Best CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – Intel Core i9-10900K
3. Best Overall CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
4. Best Premium CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
5. Best Budget CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
6. Best Performance CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – Intel Core i7-10700k
7. Best Enthusiast CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
8. Best Flagship CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Benchmarks are the most important; they are the ultimate test of performance, and AMD Ryzen 9 5900X wins. Featuring PCIe 4.0 support and a tremendous 70MB of cache, this processor is compatible with the Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics card. With this combination, you can play most games at 1080p over 100 frames per second.

There is no doubt that this is one of the finest processors available today. With this CPU, enthusiasts can get the fastest processor on the market with a lot of threads. Video editing, gaming, and streaming are easily handled by this processor. It features outstanding multi-core and single-core performance. As reported by some test benches, it is capable of reaching 5.0 GHz.

You would be wasting your money if you bought this CPU and an AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT as fast as this CPU. If you wish to play games at Ultra settings at 1080p resolution with 100+ frame rates and want the absolute best in the market, this is the best option. A single processor can handle basic video encoding as well as hardcore online gaming with simultaneous streaming.

Bottom Line

Considering the incredible power output of this processor, we believe it will be a great option for content creators, streamers, and competitive gamers. Achieving 100+ fps at 1080p would cost too much money. On the market, there are more budget options that do not bottleneck the GPU during gaming. Even though it is a good processor, it is the best cpu for Radeon RX 6800 XT.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: AMD | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Lithography: 7nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.8 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Effective Cache: 70 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches

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2. Intel Core i9-10900K

This year’s top processor is the Intel Core i9-10900K. Gaming on this system is seamless and will not cause any bottlenecks. This processor uses Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) to boost its frequency up to 5.3 GHz on a single core, and 4.9 GHz across ten CPUs. Keeping a processor running at such high frequencies, however, requires cooling.

Based on benchmark results comparing it with Radeon RX 6800 XT, it appears to be compatible. Intel’s Core i9-10900k has enough power to support the GPU. As a result, the GPU will lag behind the CPU in this case. In addition to being able to run most AAA titles at 100+ frames per second in 1080p, this processor can also run some games at 200+ frames per second.

This will also fit only in a 400 series motherboard with the LGA1200 socket, like the other Comet Lake-S processor. Overclocking is difficult with Z490 chipsets, so it’s best to use them for overclocking. Alternatively, if you do not wish to overclock, you can choose an ASRock chipset such as the H410, B460, or H470.

Bottom Line

A gaming rig in the top tier can give you a competitive advantage over your opponents if you use this processor. If you are a streamer, you should choose a processor that offers multi-tasking capabilities. However, if you use the Radeon RX 6800 XT’s FreeSync technology for a 1080p screen running at 144hz or even 240hz, you can have flawless victories with good skills.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Lithography: 14 nm | Socket: LGA1200 | Max. Frequency: 5.3 GHz | TDP: 125 Watts | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Effective Cache: 20 MB | PCIe Version: 3 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.24 x 6.1 inches

You may also love to read: Best X570 Motherboard

3. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

With its ability to run any game at 4K resolution, this CPU is overkill for most GPUs. While both AMD AM4 and Intel’s LGA1200 processors arrived at similar release dates, AMD AM4 proved to be more powerful. AMD’s innovation in gaming processors is without a doubt outstanding. A BIOS update is all it takes to make it work with most motherboard chipsets.

Having 8 cores and 16 threads, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor is perfect for video renderers, scoring 2607 on Cinebench R15. Furthermore, it has the best price/performance ratio of all Intel processors. By increasing cache to 36MB, it has reduced bottlenecking issues significantly. Compared to Intel, it has a questionable single-core performance, but is unbeatable when it comes to multiprocessing.

On this processor, content creators can encode video to their heart’s content. Using a Radeon RX 6800 XT in conjunction with this CPU will not result in any performance degradation. Due to the lack of an inbox, it is an excellent choice for those who already have an AIO cooler for the AM4 socket, but those purchasing AMD CPUs should be aware of the additional cost.

Bottom Line

AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X is the fastest processor currently available. This processor consumes 105 watts when overclocked to 4.7 GHz, which makes it too powerful for any AAA game today. Video games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Valorant run smoothly at 1080p resolution with an average frame rate of over 100fps. When this processor is under peak load, its temperature remains at 68oC.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: AMD | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Lithography: 7nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.7 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Effective Cache: 36 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches

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4. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

AMD’s Ryzen 9 5000 series of processors has defeated Intel in the processor war. As a single- and multi-core processor, it outperforms most Intel processors on the market. AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X processor delivers speeds exceeding 5GHz, so it’s a fantastic choice for enthusiasts and high-end PC owners.

AMD has once again outdone itself. The company is staying true to its promise to not change the socket and improve performance. It maintains low power consumption by using 7nm lithography. The way the cache is accessed has been enhanced significantly. The way the cache is accessed is important to the performance of games. Processors can access data faster when the cache is larger. As a result, they are reducing the high latency caused by multiple accesses to the main memory.

This processor does not offer much gaming performance compared to the 5900x. Both single- and multithreading applications have been outperformed by AMD. Performance with one thread is sufficient for Cinebench. Despite the outstanding gaming performance under overclocked conditions, the 5900x is a better choice for gamers because of the amount of money you will spend. In contrast, the faster encoding will be appreciated by content creators.

Bottom Line

Results indicate that Ryzen 5000 processors outperform Intel and produce less heat than Intel after overclocking. AMD’s GPUs are equipped with Smart Memory Access technology that enhances performance of data transfer between CPUs and GPUs. To get the best performance from your gaming rig, you should pair the Radeon RX 6800 XT with a Ryzen 9 5000 series processor and a 500-series motherboard. It will amaze you how well it performs.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: AMD | Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Lithography: 7nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.9 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts| Base Clock: 3.4 GHz| Effective Cache: 72 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches

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5. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 

When it comes to gaming and application loads, this processor crushes Intel. The price, however, is a bit higher than its predecessor. It even outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900k chip, which is considered the company’s flagship processor. It runs all the AAA titles at 100+ frames per second, and does all this for a fraction of the cost of its competition.

Any brand of processor can boast a power efficiency rate similar to AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. Performance and power consumption of this processor are superior to all of its competitors. 

Combining the Radeon RX 6800 XT with AMD’s own graphics card can allow you to game at speeds as high as 100 frames per second (fps). In addition to the 19% improvement in IPC, the chip has six cores and 12 threads.

In AMD’s new lineup of processors, Ryzen AM4 socket based chip owners will be satisfied since their existing motherboards can be upgraded to support AMD’s new processors with just a simple BIOS update. This processor is now supported by the majority of motherboard manufacturers out of the box. If you are starting from scratch, you should choose the B550 lineup, since it offers the best value.

Bottom Line

Suppose you want the best CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT on the market with the least investment and reasonable price, then this is your best option. From compatibility with most GPUs to its single-tasking and multitasking capabilities, everything about it is true. In terms of value for money, it occupies the sweet spot of performance. Its 65W TDP power efficiency is unparalleled in its class. Using this chip will help you save money.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: AMD | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Lithography: 7 nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65 Watts | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Effective Cache: 35 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: Wraith Stealth | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches

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6. Intel Core i7-10700k

Price/performance ratio of the Intel Core i7-10700k is better than that of other 10th generation Intel processors. Most applications run more smoothly with Intel’s single-core performance. In contrast, AMD’s multitasking performance is well known. You need a high performing cooling kit to accommodate this processor’s ability to operate at high frequencies when overclocked. The procomes without a cooling unit cooler.

Its performance is still good even though PCIe 4.0 is not supported due to Intel’s cache management. It runs any AAA title smoothly due to its support for 128GB of RAM and DDR4 overclocking. Using this CPU and GPU combination, you can play 4K games at 60+ frames per second.

The Intel Core i7-10700k is designed for midrange PCs. It may not need a lot of processing power to run games. There are eight cores and 16 threads, making it sufficient for gaming. In general, multi-core processors cannot be used by regular applications, so Intel is a better choice for gaming. The single-core performance of Intel would be appreciated by average office users.

Bottom Line

Due to indirect costs, the processor with Radeon RX 6800 XT has a high overall price. The CPU is undoubtedly suitable for not only gaming, but also coding and graphics designing. An integrated graphics card is also included in the K variant of the processor. Those who work at home and like to play video games will appreciate this feature. It has the capability of running the processor-intensive games of 2024, but it can be easily overclocked.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Lithography: 14 nm | Socket: LGA1200 | Max. Frequency: 5.1 GHz | TDP: 125 Watts | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Effective Cache: 16 MB | PCIe Version: 3 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 4.65 x 4.17 x 1.89 inches

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7. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

The gaming community and reviewers have given it high ratings. Though this has a few more cores than the 3900x, 4 to be precise. AMD’s decision to omit a cooler in the box for these extra cores is a smart one, because it will not be able to dissipate the heat generated by the 105-watt TDP. At some points, the chip exceeded 4.7 GHz without any difficulty.

AMD remains true to its L3 cache of 64MB on this one and gives you access to 24 lanes of PCIe 4.0 interface. SSDs and, most importantly, graphics cards benefit from the PCIe 4.0 interface. When combined with a Radeon RX 6800 XT, this processor will enhance gaming performance. Power consumption and thermal design power are not directly related. The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is more powerful than the overclocked 3900X, yet it’s less energy-efficient, which is surprising since the 3950X has more cores.

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X belongs to the upper midrange PCs. This processor is the right choice if you want low power consumption while still getting excellent performance. Also, for content creators who need their computational device 24/7, the extra capital expense is not a concern compared to the 3900x. For overclocking, it is recommended that you use better AIO cooling solutions.

Bottom Line

3000 series processors have their drawbacks. It may not extract the full potential of AMD’s 6000 series GPUs, even though it is high-speed in terms of multicore performance. This processor does not support smart access memory, which is a feature of the Radeon RX 6800 XT. Despite its low price, it is still the right choice for next-generation gamers, as it provides high performance at a high setting with 100+FPS.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: AMD | Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Lithography: 7nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.7 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock: 3.5 GHz| Effective Cache: 72 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches

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8. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

In AMD’s processor, AMD has included a massive game cache along with good overall management which helps reduce frequent data transfers between the processor and RAM. The wraith cooler is included out of the box with the CPU, so even though the processor runs hotter than the other AMD 3rd generation processors, it can still accommodate the heat.

In March 2018, AMD released its first processor built on 7nm technology, the Ryzen 9 3900X. Ryzen 3000 chips are backward compatible with the majority of AM4 motherboards that support the x570 chipset. There is a beefy wraith prism stock cooler, solid thermal interface material, and AI-based overclocking capabilities that result in lower pricing per core. With all this, it supports the Radeon RX 6800 XT’s PCIe 4.0 interface.

Gaming PCs should use this processor. Although there is some headroom for overclocking, we recommend using a better AIO cooling solution. Despite the wraith cooler’s capability, overclocking cannot be done to the maximum. Your power bill will be kept within reasonable limits by the low power consumption. For the average computer user, using all 12 cores would be an overkill, so it is not recommended.

Bottom Line

This processor might not be able to utilize the full potential of AMD’s RX 6800 XT GPU, however. When benchmarking the game it can be seen that the AMD 3000 series does not ship with smart access memory which can improve GPU and CPU communication. The processor is capable of maintaining 100+ frames per second at 1080p resolutions with a high setting. Nevertheless, it supports PCIe 4.0, which is the same as the GPU.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: AMD | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Lithography: 7 nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.6 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Effective Cache: 70 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: Wraith Prism LED | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches

You may also love to read: How Does Vertical Mount GPU Work?

Conclusion

There are many advanced GPUs available on the market, including the Radeon RX 6800 XT. RTX 3080 Ti graphics cards provide a lot of memory, making them competitive with Nvidia’s top products. There is a significant demand on CPUs from the ray-tracing series. This market has been specifically targeted by AMD with its Smart Access Memory technology. All leading AAA titles perform 11% better with AMD’s new tech, according to the company. You can get the most from your graphics card by pairing it with a Ryzen 5000 series processor from AMD. 

Intel CPUs do not support PCIe 4.0, so this feature will not be available. AMD’s new technology fully harnesses the huge bandwidth offered by this protocol. The fast single processing of Intel, however, makes it suitable for application use. This is in the event that the GPU is used. According to industry experts, the Ryzen 5000 series is the best CPU for Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics cards.

Buying Guide For The Best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT

In our buying guides, you can find out which is the Best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT.

Cache

RAM is not directly accessed by the central processor unit. Data is stored in cache memory for later use. At present, CPUs have multiple layers of cache memory. These layers perform calculations faster than RAM does. In the cache, data is stored and the CPU is instructed to retrieve the data from ram. This makes the data available for retrieval.

RAM

In a computer system, RAM is the main memory that stores data from the user. Random access memory is also called volatile memory since it is accessed only with electricity. The abbreviation RAM stands for random access memory. There are static and dynamic forms of random access memory. CPUs do not recognize this central storage. Data is provided to the CPU only when it is needed.

Overclocking

A gaming PC must have overclocking capabilities. The CPU multiplier on AMD and Intel CPUs can both be overclocked readily. Even so, you should consider two things before buying an unlocked CPU. Make sure you consider the additional cooling required for the CPU before choosing a cooler. 

Additionally, unlocked CPUs usually do not have built-in graphics, which means you will still need an external GPU even if you are not gaming.

AMD vs. Intel

The dispute between Intel and AMD is by far the oldest and most contentious in the gaming industry, even more so than AMD vs. Nvidia. Without conducting a comprehensive investigation, we wouldn’t select a company based on a few negative reviews. In their respective niche markets, both companies offer high quality processors at comparable prices. Since AMD’s strength is multitasking, they are primarily focused on content, whereas Intel is still focused on gaming.

FAQs

What is the best CPU for RX 6800 XT?

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is the best option for high-end PC gamers, as it features smart access memory, which takes advantage of PCIe 4.0’s high bandwidth to reduce lag between the GPU and CPU. Whenever needed, the GPU is able to access frequently fetched data. This CPU is the Best CPUs for Radeon RX 6800 XT because of its low power consumption and good price/performance ratio.

Does the Ryzen CPU work best with the Radeon RX 6800 XT?

Ryzen 9 5950X is the best of the best in terms of processing performance for the Radeon RX 6800 XT. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it beats anything Intel offers and has a 70MB cache. In any game that is significantly processor-intensive, no bottlenecking should occur. GPU-to-CPU communication is blazingly fast due to PCIe 4.0 support.

How should I pair RX 6800 XT with a CPU?

It is one of the best CPUs to pair with the RX 6800 XT, AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X, which is more budget-friendly. The GPU performance will be boosted by 11%, resulting in higher frame rates in game. Prices are fair for such a good deal in terms of performance. The Wraith cooler will be included inside the box, as AMD has always offered customer-friendly policies.