Best CPUs for RX 5600 XT in 2025 – our top picks
Looking for the best CPU to pair with the RX 5600 XT? Look no further.
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The RX 5600 XT offers everything you want in a 1080p GPU: high frame rates, a low price tag, and fantastic efficiency. AMD truly outdid themselves with the 5000 series GPUs, and this is clearly reflected in the RX 5600 XT. However, every GPU, no matter how powerful, needs a CPU behind it to dictate what information to process and when. This makes it essential to pair a CPU and GPU that complement each other and work in synergy, ensuring neither bottlenecks the other.
That said, everyone has different needs, requirements, and preferences, and finding the right CPU amidst the vast sea of options can be overwhelming, especially for those not heavily into tech. To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best CPUs for the RX 5600 XT. Our picks not only offer the best options but also cater to those seeking a gaming-focused rig or a more future-proof setup. So, without further delay, let’s jump right into it.
Products at a Glance
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Best Overall CPU for RX 5600XT
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
- Core (Threads): 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
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Best latest Intel CPU for RX 5600XTIntel Core Ultra 7 265K
- Core configuration: 20 (8+12)
- Threads: 20
- P-Core Speed: 5.4 GHz (boost) 3.9 GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: 4.6 GHz (boost) 3.3 GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: DDR5 @ 6400 MT/s
- TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (extreme): 125W / 250W / 250W / 250W
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Best High-end CPU for RX 5600XTAMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.8GHz
- Core (Threads): 12/24
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 105W
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Best gaming CPU for RX 5600XT
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- TDP: 105W
How we picked
Since the 5600 XT is an entry-level card, we wanted to give our readers the option to not only pick the best CPU but also consider a processor that, while it might be overkill today, will save them from needing to upgrade their CPU for a while and allow them to focus on upgrading their GPU. We scoured through publicly available benchmarks, specifications, and technical details of these CPUs, user reviews, and even went a step further by testing all of our picks in-house to ensure that what we’re recommending truly delivers the performance needed in real-world scenarios. If you’re interested in learning more about our testing process, check out our dedicated page on how we test CPUs.
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
- Core (Threads): 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
- Unlocked?: Yes
- PCIe Version: PCIe 4.0
- Total L2 Cache: 3MB
- Total L3 Cache: 32MB
- CMOS: TSMC 7nm FinFET
- Max Temps: 95°C
- Efficient, thanks to a low TDP
- Great value for money
- Strong gaming performance even in 2025
- Choosing this CPU means sticking with the AM4 platform
- No integrated GPU
The Ryzen 5 5600X is a perfect match for the 5600 XT and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a balanced gaming rig for optimal 1080p gaming performance. With 6 cores and 12 threads, this CPU not only excels at gaming but can also handle light workstation tasks. We’ve featured the 5600X as either the best or best budget option in many of our recommendations because it offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios on the market.
In terms of clock speed, the 4.6GHz core speed ensures the 5600X performs well in gaming, and as we know, a CPU’s maximum core speed directly affects its gaming performance. Many games still rely heavily on a few cores for processing, so the 5600X shines in this area. Additionally, the 5600X is highly efficient, consuming just 65W of power, which is a bonus for environmentally-conscious gamers and those looking to save on electricity bills. Once you install this CPU, you’ll immediately notice the performance, much like we did.
When we reviewed the RX 5600 XT, it delivered incredible gaming and synthetic performance, with impressive scores in tests like Cinebench and CPU-Z, and high FPS in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and more. Another reason we recommend this CPU is that it uses the AM4 socket standard. For those already on this platform, this is great news. For newcomers, it’s still a good option, as there’s a wide availability of AM4 hardware, which means you can find good deals on second-hand parts and AM4 motherboards.
- Core configuration: 20 (8+12)
- Threads: 20
- P-Core Speed: 5.4 GHz (boost) 3.9 GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: 4.6 GHz (boost) 3.3 GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: DDR5 @ 6400 MT/s
- TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (extreme): 125W / 250W / 250W / 250W
- Strong multi-core performance
- Notable efficiency improvement over last-gen Intel CPUs
- More cost-effective for multi-threaded workloads
- Poor gaming performance for its price point
- No generational improvement in many scenarios
- LGA 1851 motherboards are expensive
Another mid-range, future-proof option we recommend for the RX 5600XT is the Core Ultra 7 265K, which offers substantial improvements over its predecessor, the Core i7 14700K, along with generous performance uplifts, especially in terms of efficiency. This CPU and GPU combination is a practical choice for those seeking a productivity-focused rig with the ability to play some titles when the mood strikes, but where gaming isn’t the priority. This becomes clearer when you look at its real-world performance.
In terms of specifications, the Core Ultra 7 265K comes with 20 cores and 20 threads, as Intel has dropped hyperthreading with the latest Arrow Lake series. There are also several other improvements, such as its manufacturing process shrinking from 10 nm to 3 nm, which offers up to 35% better efficiency, as per Intel. The multi-core performance of this CPU is impressive, outperforming other processors and putting up strong competition against the 14700K. However, it doesn’t deliver as much of a performance boost as you’d expect in this price range, especially in gaming scenarios, where it struggles to keep up with options like the 7800X3D.
| Metric | CS2 | Days Gone | Doom Eternal | Horizon FW | Frost punk 2 |
| Score (FPS) | AVG: 212.8 99%: 137.9 | AVG: 212.8 99%: 137.9 | AVG: 495.7 99%: 347.8 | AVG: 192.2 99%: 139.3 | AVG: 85.7 99%: 65.3 |
| AVG temp (package) °C | 49 | 46 | 51 | 49 | 47 |
| Max temp (package) °C | 57 | 51 | 55 | 52 | 51 |
| Average PPT (W) | 96.66W | 61.88W | 119.85W | 102.55W | 82.32W |
Overall, the 265K is a solid choice for those seeking strong multi-core performance for tasks like rendering, encoding, or other parallelized applications. However, if single-core speed for gaming or applications that don’t fully utilize multiple threads is a priority, other options on the market, like the 9700X, may be better suited. Another factor to consider is the cost of upgrading to the LGA 1851 socket. Since these 15th-gen processors require a complete motherboard upgrade, finding affordable options can be challenging, and you’ll need to spend quite a bit just to make the CPU compatible.
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.8GHz
- Core (Threads): 12/24
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 105W
- Unlocked?: Yes
- PCIe Version: PCIe 4.0
- Total L2 Cache: 6MB
- Total L3 Cache: 64MB
- CMOS: TSMC 7nm FinFET
- Max Temps: 90°C
- High multicore performance
- Solid future-proof option
- Great for gaming and productivity
- Overkill for the RX 5600XT
- Requires CPU cooler
The Ryzen 9 5900X was one of the best-performing CPUs from AMD’s 5000 series, and despite being 4 years old, it remains a top recommendation in many builds. For the RX 5600 XT, we’ve positioned this CPU as a high-end option, and for good reason. Its powerful specs, including 12 cores, 24 threads, and a total L3 cache of 64MB, make it great for a wide range of use cases. It’s an ideal choice for anyone planning to upgrade to a more powerful GPU down the line and wants to be set in the CPU department for a while.
In our review of the 5900X, we tested it on a variety of synthetic benchmarks. In Geekbench, it scored 2,163 in the Single-core test and 11,803 in the Multi-core test. In CPU-Z, the 5900X scored 645 in Single-core and 9,470 in Multi-core. Even in demanding gaming titles in 2025, the 5900X delivered excellent performance, with 147 average FPS in Far Cry 6, 154 in Starfield, and 383 in Average FPS.
From these numbers, it’s clear that the 5900X isn’t just a good gaming processor, but it also holds its own for creative workloads, making it an excellent choice for those who switch between gaming and productivity tasks. The 5900X is not only a solid pairing with the RX 5600 XT but also performs well with other GPUs like the 6600 XT or 4060 Ti, ensuring its future-proof potential is high.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- TDP: 105W
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base clock speed: 3.4GHz
- Max boost speed: 4.5GHz
- Total L3 cache: 96MB (64MB 3D V-cache)
- Default TDP: 105W
- TSMC: 7nm FinFET
- Socket: AM4
- Memory type: DDR4
- Better gaming performance than the 5800X and 12900K
- Great for those on AM4
- Leverages the power of X3D V-cache
- Runs hot
- Poor multi-core performance
- Not great for productivity
If you’re looking for a CPU that, when paired with the RX 5600 XT, delivers ultimate gaming performance, the 5800X3D is a standout choice. As one of the best gaming processors on the market, it features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a massive 64MB 3D V-cache, offering unmatched gaming performance at its price point. It’s also an excellent option for those already on the AM4 platform who don’t want to spend extra on upgrading to the latest hardware. Despite being on an older platform, the 5800X3D doesn’t just look powerful on paper—it delivers excellent real-world performance, even outpacing Intel’s i5-12900K and AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X in several gaming benchmarks.
Performance-wise, the 5800X3D is a gem, and gaming enthusiasts will be thrilled with what it brings to the table. For example, we tested its capabilities in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings to minimize GPU bottlenecking, and it delivered over 150 FPS, edging out the 12900K by a single frame. In Days Gone, the 5800X3D outperformed the 5800X by 5.31%, even though the 5800X has higher clock speeds. However, outside of gaming, this chip is less impressive. In our synthetic benchmarks, the 5800X3D struggled to consistently outperform the 5800X in Cinebench multi-core workloads, and the 12900K dominated both chips in these tests.
Every chip has its downsides, and for the 5800X3D, these are its subpar synthetic performance and high TDP, which results in higher temperatures. However, X3D chips aren’t designed for productivity; instead, they prioritize gaming performance by focusing on faster cache retrieval for improved data access. Pairing this powerful gaming chip with the RX 5600 XT can be a solid investment for gamers, as it provides their entry-level GPU that extra push needed to maximize FPS and gaming performance.
Things to consider
When it comes to finding the right CPU and GPU, pairing is important because it ensures that the two components are working together efficiently and effectively. A mismatch between the CPU and GPU can result in a bottleneck, where one component is not able to keep up with the other, leading to reduced performance. Additionally, a well-matched CPU and GPU pairing can also help to reduce power consumption and thermal throttling, which can occur when one component is working harder than the other.
Another factor to consider is how much you are willing to spend on your CPU purchase. This is an important question to ask yourself, as it helps you narrow down your options to a few good choices that fit within your budget. This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by the wide range of options and ensures you focus on CPUs that meet your requirements.
Final Word
The 5600X is undoubtedly the best CPU for the 5600 XT, thanks to its efficiency, low cost, and impressive future-proofing. It allows the 5600 XT to deliver excellent 1080p performance and even handle 1440p in some scenarios. However, for those who want not only the best for this GPU but also a CPU that will remain reliable for years, opting for the 5900X or 5800X3D is a wise choice. If you’re still unsure which CPU suits your needs, try determining your primary use case. For example, if you’re looking for a purely gaming-focused chip, the 5800X3D is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you want a more balanced CPU that delivers strong performance in both gaming and productivity tasks, the 5900X is the one to consider. Similarly, for those seeking a more productivity-focused rig where gaming isn’t a priority, we’ve also highlighted an option from Intel’s Arrow Lake series that might work for you if it’s within your budget.
