Best GPU for Ryzen 9 5900X & 5950X: our top graphics cards for the 5900X and 5950X
The top end of the AM4 needs a good match in the GPU department, so here are the best graphics cards for the 5900X and 5950X
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Choosing the best GPU for your Ryzen 9 5000 series processor can be a bit of a challenge, not because the 5900X or 5950X lacks power, but because they are getting on a bit now. As these CPUs are based on Zen 3, they are limited to 500 series and below on the motherboard front, luckily, a lot of these motherboards are still PCIe Gen 4, making them compatible with basically the best GPUs out there.
Matching the top choice for your Vermeer AM4 processor means a lot of potential power to pair with. Although now an older platform, it still brings plenty of value and capability, so it’s still a viable choice for a budget build or if you need an upgrade. AM4 has had a long line of support spanning almost 8 years, and it shows no signs of giving up just yet.
There is nothing wrong with an old CPU. So you want something great to pair with the CPU and a great graphics card to also power your computer well. With a wide range of options now available be it with RX 7000 and RTX 40 series there is a lot to decide from and we try to make that choice a bit easier. So what is the best GPU for Ryzen 9 5900X & 5950X?
Products at a glance
- Best GPU for 5900X and 5950X
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
- Core Clock Speed: 1.5 GHz base, 2 GHz game, 2.4 GHz boost
- Stream processors: 5,376
- Memory Size: 20GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 276 x 135 x 51mm
- PSU Required: 750W
- TBP: 315W
- Next Best GPU for 5900X and 5950X
Gigabyte RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB WINDFORCE V2
- Core clock speed: 2,550MHz boost, 2,295MHz base
- CUDA cores: 10,240
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 330 x 136 x 58 mm
- PSU required: 750W
- TBP: 320W
- Best Value GPU for 5900X and 5950X
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Super OC
- Core clock speed: 2565 MHz boost, 1980 MHz base
- CUDA count: 7,168
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 301 x 139 x 63 mm
- PSU required: 750W
- TBP: 220W
- Best Budget GPU for 5900X and 5950X
AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Core clock speed: 2,430MHz boost, 2,124MHz game
- Stream processors: 3,840
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 267 x 111 x 50mm
- PSU required: 600W
- TBP: 263W
How we test the best GPU for 5900X & 5950X
At WePC, we push every GPU to its limits when paired with the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X processors. Our rigorous testing process is designed to give you the most accurate recommendations possible. We run each GPU through a variety of benchmarks because our goal is to ensure that the hardware we suggest is the absolute best fit for your build.
For the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X, we focus on testing GPUs under real-world conditions, using both synthetic and in-game benchmarks. This lets us see how well the GPU performs in a range of scenarios – from gaming and creative work to intensive multitasking. We analyze frame rates, rendering times, and overall performance, ensuring each GPU can handle the powerful Ryzen CPUs without creating any bottlenecks. If you want to know how we test GPUs specifically, you can check out our page.
Once testing is complete, we look beyond just raw performance, factoring in important aspects like power efficiency, thermals, and build quality. All of this is essential to help us recommend the perfect GPU for the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X, giving you the information you need to make the best choice for your setup.
Best GPU for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X
Here we have a selection of what we believe to be the best GPUs for the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X. If you have either of these CPUs, you can rest assured that any one of these GPUs would pair perfectly with your CPU. Let’s dive into our expertly chosen GPU picks.
- Core Clock Speed: 1.5 GHz base, 2 GHz game, 2.4 GHz boost
- Stream processors: 5,376
- Memory Size: 20GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 276 x 135 x 51mm
- PSU Required: 750W
- TBP: 315W
- Memory Clock: 20 Gbps
- Memory Bus: 320-bit
- Card Bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output: 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP 2.1, 1x USB-C
- Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin
The 7900 XT is but one from the top of current AMD GPUs on the market, though likely not for long. This GPU is capable of native 1440p gameplay and it can stretch to 4k if you accept the help of upscaling. This GPU is one of the best value high-end GPUs on the market if you care about price and power efficiency.
- A cheap basic alternative without any extras on top
- Simple and basic design without any additions
- Lower quality build with plastic builds
Now if you’re looking to match it with something from the newer generation, the RX 7900 XT is the one for it. It offers up the top end of what AMD’s Radeon RDNA 3 can perform and can match the top spec of the CPUs too. With great 4K ability yo u can get all you need from this GPU.
In particular, the specs of the RX 7900 XT come with 5,376 Stream Processors, 84 Compute Units, 336 TMUs, 192 ROPs, and 84 RT cores. As it features the MCM design it contains both the 5 and 5nm TSMC node process which combine to create the different chips to create the GPU. It offers up a 300W total TDP and it runs with a base clock of 1,387MHz, 2,025 MHz shader and game clock, and a boost of up to 2,394MHz. Although many custom models overclock this like the XFX reaching a little higher on the base and boost clocks. For the memory on the graphics card, it features 20GB of GDDR6 with a 320-bit bus clocked at 20Gbps for a total bandwidth of 800GB/s.
We took a look at the capabilities of the GPU in our 7900 XT review and we saw the great performance it has to offer. It even shoots into triple digits for 4K gaming and certainly reaches high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p. It does provide an all-round good choice. Although compared to Nvidia the ray tracing and rendering capabilities are a lot less in AMD.
- Core clock speed: 2,550MHz boost, 2,295MHz base
- CUDA cores: 10,240
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 330 x 136 x 58 mm
- PSU required: 750W
- TBP: 320W
- Memory clock: 23 Gbps
- Memory bus: 256-bit
- Card bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output : 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x FP 1.4a
- Power connectors: 1x 16-pin
The RTX 4080 is obviously one of the higher-end GPUs we could have picked, and that’s why it takes the top spot. DLSS 3 and a whole lot of power are going to get you through practically any AAA game, with capabilities dabbling in the 4k range of resolutions.
- $200 less than 4080
- Second to top performance for less
- Well thought out design expecially considering power connector
- Still on AD103 and only 16GB of VRAM
- Still an expensive 80 series GPU
From Nvidia’s lineup, the greatest combo for the 5900X or 5950X is the 4080 Super. It brings the latest features and tech from the market leader ensuring you get the best out of what your PC can bring. Although the value of them might be a tougher sell in general, the Super certainly improves over what the original had to offer.
The card comes with 10,240 CUDA cores, 320 TMUs, 112 ROPs, 80 SMs, 320 Tensors, and 80 RT cores. With the clock rate at 2.25GHz, and 2.55GHz boost clock along with a 16GB GDDR6X memory capacity that has a 256-bit bus that clocked at 23Gbps and a total bandwidth of 736GB/s. At the same time, requiring a power capacity of 320W that does require the 16-pin power connector.
We put the 4080 Super through the paces in our review, and it does show off its incredible power. With hundreds of FPS across the board in all resolutions, it does make it a great choice for performance across the board. This is also the case for ray tracing and rendering that Nvidia CUDA and cores have to offer, but also in particular the frame generation allowing DLSS 3 usage does make it an even stronger option.
- Core clock speed: 2565 MHz boost, 1980 MHz base
- CUDA count: 7,168
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 301 x 139 x 63 mm
- PSU required: 750W
- TBP: 220W
- Memory clock: 21Gbps
- Memory bus: 192-bit
- Card bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output : 1x HDMI 2.1a, 3x DP 1.4a
- Power connectors: 1x 16-pin
The RTX 4070 Super is a fantastic card if you’re talking value for money. It offers so much better performance from more budget cards such as the 4060, it’s also about on parr with the 7800 XT. Once again you have DLSS 3, and fantastic Ray Tracing performance.
- Great build quality and design
- Strong value for the performance with 1440p and above resolutions
- A high cost model as it is much higher than MSRP
- Requires 16pin power connector and so an adapter is needed that has been hazardous
- Large size card can be harder to fit all cases
The Nvidia RTX 4070 Super is the perfect value pick for anyone pairing it with the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X processors. Delivering impressive mid-range performance, this card offers excellent bang for your buck. Built with the AD104-350 processor, the RTX 4070 Super features 7,168 CUDA cores, 12GB of GDDR6X memory, and a base clock of 1.98GHz, boosting up to 2.47GHz—perfect for handling demanding tasks without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re gaming at 1440p or pushing it to 4K, the RTX 4070 Super delivers smooth framerates and a great gaming experience. It excels in 1440p gaming, easily hitting over 119 FPS in titles like AC Mirage, as we showed in our review, while still holding strong at 4K with 74 FPS in the same game. Plus, its efficient power consumption at 220W TDP makes it a balanced option for performance and energy use.
With the Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X, the RTX 4070 Super is the ideal choice for anyone looking for top-tier gaming performance and workstation power at a more accessible price point.
- Core clock speed: 2,430MHz boost, 2,124MHz game
- Stream processors: 3,840
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 267 x 111 x 50mm
- PSU required: 600W
- TBP: 263W
- Launch price: $499
- Availability: September 6th, 2023
- GPU Name: NAVI 32
- Architecture : RDNA 3
- Process size: 5 nm
- Die size: 346mm
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- Bandwidth: 624.1 GB/s
- Memory Bus: 256 bit
- Compute units: 60
- RT Cores: 60
The base 7800 XT is a great pick for anyone looking to pair a GPU with a 5900X or 5950X. The access to FSR makes 1440p gaming a breeze, and you’re going to want to be aiming for 1440p to avoid a heavy CPU bottleneck.
- Axial tech and opposite spin fans provide plenty of airflow for cooling with cutouts for it
- Metal build provides good convection and rigidity to the build
- More expensive choice in the range of models
Now for something a bit cheaper but still a strong option, the RX 7800 XT is a top-value choice to match your 5900X and 5950X. A late addition to the RDNA 3 family, it fills the gap of a top-choice graphics card for gamers. Bringing the price down significantly to a strong contender for a top-choice GPU.
It features the Navi 32 processor still featuring the MCM layout. It does bring 3,840 stream processors with it along with 240 TMUs, 96 ROPs, 60 CUs, and 60 RT cores. Along with a 16GB GDDR6 memory setup with a 256-bit bus and a bandwidth of 624GB/s. As for the clock speed, you get a base clock of 1,295MHz, a game clock of 2,124MHz, and a boost up to 2,430MHz, in total, the TDP comes to 263W.
Looking at the likes of the 7800 XT review from Techspot, we see the performance available from the card. It doesn’t quite match up to what the top-end cards available but it still is plenty powerful. It still brings a 4K 60 FPS average at least, as it is marketed as a 1440p choice anyway. But that still doesn’t hold it back and makes it a strong contender for your best GPU.
What GPU is good with a Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X?
For those utilizing the top-tier AM4 platform CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X, you’ll want a GPU that can keep up with their performance. In this case, we recommend pairing them with the RX 7900 XT, a powerhouse that complements the AMD platform and delivers impressive 4K performance. Alternatively, the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super offers a solid option for those who prefer Nvidia, making it a great match for either CPU. If you’re after a more budget-friendly choice, the RX 7800 XT offers excellent performance at a significantly lower cost.
Do you need a GPU for 5900X or 5950X?
Yes, neither CPU has onboard graphics and so doesn’t have a graphical output that you can use to get access to your system. An add-in graphics card is required so you get a graphical output especially as a proper gaming GPU will perform much better than any APU as it is dedicated and so you get a much better performance using one.
Final word
So what should you pair with your Ryzen 9 5000 series CPU? No matter what GPU you pick from this page, you’ll be selecting a compatible graphics card that will complement the CPU perfectly. While the 5000 series may be getting on a bit now, it’s still a viable choice for those who want to save a few bucks on a perfectly capable CPU. You’re going to want to run your games in 1440p if you’re a gamer, to avoid the CPU bottleneck, all of these GPUs are capable of 1440p, some natively, others with the help of upscaling.
