Best CPU for RX 6800 XT in 2024 – our top picks
Best CPU for the Rx 6800 XT
Share this article...
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Wondering what the best CPU for the RX 6800 XT is? You’re not alone. The RX 6800 XT is in the high-end 6000 series GPUs from AMD. The 6800 XT specifically is targeted at 4K gaming and will require a CPU that can keep up with this beat’s computing power. So with that being said, what CPU has the power to push all the data the 6800 XT needs? What’s the best CPU for RX 6800 XT?
We here at WePC have the knowledge and the expertise to guide you through the best CPU for the RX 6800 XT. Every GPU needs a CPU behind the scenes feeding data to it. Everybody knows that a GPU cannot work independently, what everybody doesn’t know, however, is that a bad combination of parts in the PC can hinder your GPU’s performance with a bottleneck. So, we need a CPU that’s not going to bottleneck the Rx 6800 XT.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, we have you covered. We have chosen the Ryzen 9 7900X as the best CPU for the RX 6800 XT. All thanks to its incredible multi-core performance and performance in gaming and single-core workloads. The Ryzen 9 7900X is more than enough to support the RX 6800 XT in anything it may need.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, we recommend the Ryzen 9 7900X as the best CPU for the 6800 XT.
What is the best CPU for RX 6800 XT in 2024
The best CPU for the RX 6800 XT is a CPU that can support PCIe Gen 4.0 or higher, and one with a respectable single-core performance matric. Gaming relies on single-core performance, whereas computing tasks rely on multi-core performance. We have lined up the best of the CPUs to be paired with the 6800 XT, a very powerful 4k capable GPU from AMD.
The best all-around pick for RX 6800 XT – Ryzen 9 7900X
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
Cores
12
Threads
24
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.6GHz
Cache
L3 64MB
Socket
AM5
- Incredible performance
- High performance pew Watt
- Interesting IHS
- Cooler than other 7000 series CPUs on average
- A little pricey
- Hard to keep cool
The AMD Ryzen 7900X, based on the Zen 4 architecture, is the best CPU to pair with the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. The Zen 4 architecture brings a host of improvements, including PCIe Gen 5 support, which ensures the best and fastest communication between the CPU and GPU, leveraging the high bandwidth of the PCIe Gen 5 interface.
The Ryzen 7900X boasts an impressive 5.6 GHz boost clock speed, promising excellent single-core performance. Thanks to the Zen 4 architecture and doubled cache size per core (1MB per core), the processor delivers enhanced performance across both single-core and multi-core workloads.
Despite its high clock speeds and performance capabilities, the Ryzen 7900X is designed to operate efficiently. This means it delivers robust performance without excessively draining power or clocking a ridiculously high TDP. However, it’s worth noting that the TDP is 170W at the base, so a robust cooling solution will be essential to maintain optimal performance. With that being said, the CPU does run hot.
Efficient choice AM4 CPU for RX 6800 XT – Ryzen 7 5800X
The best AM4 CPU for the RX 6800 XT is the Ryzen 7 5800X.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Speed
3.8GHz/ 4.7GHz
Core (Threads)
8/16
Socket
AM4
TDP
105W
- Very good gaming performance
- AM4 compatible
- Excellent value for money
- Unlocked overclocking
- More expensive than Intel alternative
- Requires CPU cooler
The Ryzen 7 5800X is the best CPU for the job, it’s efficient and powerful. Making it the perfect CPU for the RX 6800 XT. Especially during 4k gaming.
The 5800X has very respectable 8-Cores and 16-Threads to work with, making it a monster in multi-core workloads. This CPU can do it all. It’s more efficient than the 5900X when you measure performance per watt, and won’t choke your 6800 XT as much in 4k.
The gaming performance lends its hand to the 4.7GHz max core boost speed. As we all know, A CPU’s max core speed can have a huge effect on how that CPU will perform in-game. That’s why, for gaming, we prefer CPUs with higher-core clocks.
The 5800X has a TDP of 105W, which is a lot higher than the lower-end Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, but it’s very efficient for the amount of power it consumes and the amount of processing power it provides.
The bottleneck of the 6800 XT whilst using the 5800X is minuscule in 4K, less than 3%. That’s why this is the ideal CPU for the job. The 5800X is the best CPU for the RX 6800 XT.
Best Budget CPU to pair with RX 6800 XT – Ryzen 5 5600X
We think that the Ryzen 9 7900X is the best CPU for the job, however, if you want to save a few bucks you can opt for the 5600X.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
Core (Threads)
6/12
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
- Set to out-perform the 10600K
- Great value for money
- Unlocked overclocking
- Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
- Requires CPU cooler
We like the efficiency of the 5600X, it pumps out a lot of performance for the amount of power it consumes. Not only that, but it costs a fraction of the price of some of the higher-end options out there. You still have access to AMD technologies like SAM. Enabling you to get more for your money out of your GPU when paired with a 5000 series CPU. However, if you opt for the 5600X, there will be a worse bottleneck. But it’s not the end of the world as you can always upgrade your CPU later.
Is the RX 6800XT worth it?
Nvidia has since released the RTX 4070, and people were surprised to see that the RX 6800 XT from AMD was outperforming it. You can pick up a 6800XT for way less than you can an RTX 4070, for obvious reasons. So if you ask us if the card is worth it, we say yes. The value of the RX 6800 XT is better, as you can pick one up for around the same money, or maybe less, and get a little bit more performance out of it.
The 6800 XT stacks up a little worse against the likes of the 4070 Ti and the 4070 Ti super, but the 6800XT costs far less than those two GPUs. Making it a better value for money.
FAQs
What is a good budget CPU for RX 6800XT?
The Ryzen 7 5800X is the best budget CPU for the job, it’s efficient and powerful. Making it the perfect CPU for the RX 6800 XT. Especially during 4k gaming.
Do I need a new CPU for the RX 6800XT?
That depends on what CPU you currently have and on what platform. We wouldn’t recommend anything lower than a Ryzen 7 3700X or a 111600K, as this will cause CPU bottlenecks on some CPU intensive games.
Final Word
The Ryzen 9 7900X is a fine choice for the RX 6800 XT, this CPU seems like it was made to be paired with a high-end pixel pusher such as the RX 6800 XT. Also, its number of cores, core speed, and power efficiency make it a damn good choice for most systems. If you want to save a buck or two, you can opt for the Ryzen 6 5600X, but lose some performance in the process.
You are now armed with the knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of selecting the best CPU for a GPU. These principles can be applied to any CPU and GPU combo and should serve you well until something major about the process changes. But you’ll always have WePC to guide you through the process should you ever get stuck.
