Best CPUs for RX 6600 XT in 2025 – Our top picks
Looking for a CPU befitting a 6600 XT? Look no further
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The RX 6600 XT is AMD’s answer to the RTX 3060, and it’s an efficiency beast designed for 1080p gaming. There aren’t many options that can compare to the 6600 XT’s price-to-performance ratio. We gave this GPU a 4-star rating for its impressive gaming performance at 1440p, tough competition to the RTX 3060 Ti, and overall suitability for a variety of builds. However, to get the most out of any GPU, you need a good CPU to support it. And if you’re not deeply into tech, you might be wondering: What’s the best pick?
When building a gaming rig for the first time, it’s easy to bottleneck your system with poorly suited components, especially without proper guidance. This can lead to inefficient performance and a frustrating gaming experience—something no one wants. To help clear up any confusion, we’ve taken matters into our own hands and compiled a list of top recommended processors for the RX 6600 XT. We’ve selected options from both the Red and Blue teams to provide a variety that suits everyone. So, without further ado, here are our top picks.
Products at a Glance
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Best Overall CPU for the RX 6600 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
- Core (Threads): 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
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Best Intel CPU for RX 6600 XT
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Core configuration: 14
- Threads: 20
- Base core speed: 3.5 GHz (P-core) / 2.6 GHz (E-core)
- Boost core speed: 5.1 GHz (P-core) / 3.9 GHz (E-core)
- DDR5 support: 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 125 W / 181 W
-
Best gaming CPU for RX 6600 XT
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Cores:: 8
- Thread: : 16
- Boost speed: : 5.0GHz
- Cache:: 96MB
- TDP: : 120W
How we picked
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our recommended CPUs, it’s essential to understand how we made these picks. Since the CPU and GPU are two of the most important components of any gaming rig, it’s crucial to take the time to figure out what works best. And that’s exactly what we did. We put all of our recommendations through in-house testing to see how well they perform in real-world scenarios, using benchmarks to get a complete picture of their performance. We also made sure that bottlenecking is kept to a minimum, as it can be a major dealbreaker for gamers who want the best FPS.
That said, we only recommend products that have been tested by us or reviewed by trusted and reputable third-party sources that highlight both the positives and negatives. In addition to performance testing, we thoroughly examined the specifications and technical details of these CPUs, along with user reviews, to get an honest perspective on how these processors perform in everyday use. 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
- Great value for money
- Works exceptionally well with the RX 6600 XT
- Unlocked overclocking
- Doesn’t have an iGPU
The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the best price-to-performance CPUs available, making it incredibly suited for the 6600 XT. Its respectable 6-core, 12-thread configuration allows it to handle light multi-threaded loads with ease, and the 4.6GHz core speed ensures it can manage any demanding gaming workload without issue. The 5600X pairs excellently with the 6600 XT, creating a setup with virtually no bottleneck. Both components complement each other’s capabilities perfectly without holding either one back.
Additionally, the 5600X is an efficient powerhouse, with low power consumption being another factor that makes it a viable choice for the environmentally conscious gamer. For context, its TDP is 65W—almost 200W less than the Raptor Lake Intel flagship. As for performance, whether it’s the stress tests in Cinebench R23 or handling single-core demands in Cyberpunk 2077, this chip excels across the board. No wonder we gave it a 4.6-star rating in our review.
With the 5600X, you won’t have to worry about upgrading your hardware if you’re using an AM4 motherboard, adding to its cost-effectiveness. Even if you don’t, finding an affordable AM4 motherboard is quite easy, and solid second-hand components are also available. While AM4 has since been succeeded by the new AM5 motherboard, this combination still performs well today and can handle almost anything you throw at it.
What users say
Over at Amazon, the Ryzen 5 5600X boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating with over 27,000 reviews and has sold more than 6,000 units in the past month. Reviews are filled with positive praises with one reviewer saying “Serving me well for all my gaming needs!”
- Cores:: 8
- Thread: : 16
- Boost speed: : 5.0GHz
- Cache:: 96MB
- TDP: : 120W
- One of the best gaming processors money can buy
- Unbeatable gaming performance
- Stacked V-Cache
- Poor multi-core performance
- Not great for productivity
- Runs hotter than 5600X
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is one of the best gaming CPUs to pair with the RX 6600 XT. As noted in our review, it’s an excellent choice for pure gaming enthusiasts, as its 8 cores, 16 threads, stacked 3D V-Cache, and fast clock speeds allow it to handle any gaming workload with ease. While it may be overshadowed by the newer Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the 7800X3D remains a fantastic gaming processor that will continue to deliver top-tier performance for years to come.
What about the benchmarks? During our gaming tests, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D consistently exceeded expectations. In CS2, it achieved an impressive average of 348 FPS, and in Days Gone, it managed an average of 248 FPS. Thermal performance was also respectable, with package temperatures averaging between 52°C and 65°C depending on the game. Power consumption remained efficient, peaking at just 68.4W during our Doom Eternal benchmark.
Whether the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is worth it boils down to your priorities. For gamers, particularly those focused on high-refresh-rate titles, the 7800X3D remains one of the best gaming CPUs available.
WePC
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is widely praised for its exceptional single-core performance. Few chips at this price point can rival its gaming capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that the 7800X3D is primarily focused on gaming and lacks balanced productivity performance. If you’re looking for a more versatile option, a processor like the Intel Core i9-14900K might be a better choice for this budget.
Pairing the 7800X3D with the RX 6600 XT may seem unconventional due to the added cost of the AM5 platform. However, if you can manage the extra investment, this chip will give you a gaming rig with outstanding performance and future-proofing on the CPU front, allowing you to focus on upgrading your GPU down the line.
Here’s why we didn’t go for the 5800X3D
- Cores: 14
- Threads: 20
- Base speed: P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
- Boost speed: P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
- Cache: 20MB
- TDP: 125 W / 181 W boost.
- High core count for an entry level CPU
- High base and boost speeds
- Efficient
- Backwards compatible with 12th gen motherboard
- Runs very warm
The Core i5 13600K stands out as an attractive option for pairing with the RX 6600 XT graphics card, especially for gamers who seek a balance between performance and affordability. While it may not outperform higher-tier processors in gaming performance, it offers a practical and budget-friendly choice for the vast majority of gamers. This is particularly relevant as gaming performance is predominantly dependent on the graphics card, and the RX 6600 XT is a capable GPU that can significantly benefit from a powerful yet cost-effective CPU.
As mentioned in our Core i5 13600K review, the processor is positioned as a solid value pick, offering better price-to-performance than the higher-tier i7-13700K. In fact, we gave it a 5 out of 5-star rating, as it showed impressive gaming and productivity benchmarks, outperforming one of AMD’s 7000-series favorites, the Ryzen 5 7600X, in synthetic workloads, while also delivering notable improvements in gaming performance.
Overall, the i5 13600K provides performance that meets the demands of smooth and enjoyable gaming sessions. While the i7 13700K might offer slightly higher frame rates, the i5 13600K is more than capable of handling modern games, ensuring responsiveness and immersion. This makes it a practical choice for gamers who don’t necessarily need the absolute highest frame rates but prefer to maintain a balanced budget without compromising gaming quality. Pair that with the RX 6600 XT, and you have a cost-effective gaming setup powered by an attractive, well-rounded CPU.
Things to consider
- Compatibility: Ensure that the CPU is compatible with your motherboard’s socket and chipset. Verify that your motherboard supports the CPU you’re considering, as different generations and models of CPUs may require specific motherboard features and chipsets.
- Performance Balance: Look for a CPU that provides a good balance of performance with the RX 6600 XT. The CPU should be powerful enough to avoid becoming a bottleneck for the GPU, but you don’t need to overspend on a high-end CPU unless you have other demanding tasks like content creation or 3D rendering.
- Single-Core Performance: Gaming performance is often dependent on single-core performance. A CPU with strong single-core performance will ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. Check benchmarks to see how the CPU performs in single-threaded applications and games.
- Multi-Core Performance: If you plan to use your system for content creation, video editing, or other multi-threaded tasks, consider a CPU with good multi-core performance. Modern games are increasingly optimized for multi-core CPUs, and this can provide a smoother experience in multitasking scenarios.
- Budget: Set a budget for your CPU, and try to find the best CPU within that range. Remember that you need to allocate funds for other components, like RAM and storage, to build a balanced system.
- Cooling and Power Consumption: Different CPUs generate varying levels of heat and power consumption. Ensure that your CPU choice can be adequately cooled by your system’s cooling solution and that your power supply can handle the CPU’s power requirements.
- Future-Proofing: Consider whether you want a CPU that will remain relevant for future gaming and software demands. Overinvesting in a high-end CPU can offer longevity, but it may not always be necessary for your specific needs.
Final word
For the majority of you looking for a balanced rig, the 5600X is the ideal processor for the 6600 XT, as there’s virtually no bottlenecking between the two at 1080p, meaning both will be fully utilized during gaming. This is the resolution the 6600 XT is designed for, though you could also experiment with higher resolutions using SAM and FSR. If you have the budget for maximum performance, you might consider a more powerful chip like the 7800X3D. Don’t let that deter you from choosing one of the Intel CPUs we’ve selected, as the 13600K also pairs fantastically with the RX 6600 XT and leaves room for future GPU upgrades. Ultimately, the final choice is yours, so be sure to carefully review your needs and requirements, and take advantage of the points in our “Things to Consider” section to make the perfect decision.
