Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RX 9070 XT by Cores
Four processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 7 7700 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
The RX 9070 XT is fast enough that an eight-core chip is the minimum to avoid limiting it. Every pick has eight or more cores and cost $450 or less, ordered by core count.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Intel Core i7-14700KF
8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i7-14700K
The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
A lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Zen 5 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked. | Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 5 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 4
Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. It matches the Core i7-14700K on L3 cache (33MB). It matches the Core i7-14700K on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i7-14700K at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700K at 125W. Like the Core i7-14700K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket.
It also comes with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 7700 and below the Ryzen 7 9700X at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 33MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 28
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 4
Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-14700K runs on LGA1700 with high clocks and 20 cores.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is a strong high-refresh option for Intel owners with a compatible board and a capable cooler. It matches the Core i7-14700KF on L3 cache (33MB). It matches the Core i7-14700KF on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 125W. Like the Core i7-14700KF, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket. It also comes with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards.
It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 7 9700X the nearest cheaper option. Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 7700 covers it better at 65W.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 33MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 20 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 28
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 7700 (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if boost clock matters most to you; the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.3GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 65W. Like the Ryzen 7 9700X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i7-14700KF uses an LGA1700 socket.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i7-14700KF the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- A lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked
Cons
- Boost clock trails the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz)
Strong Alternative4 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7700 comes in at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 on rated power (65W). It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 7700; the Core i7-14700K goes with an LGA1700 socket.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Its price falls between the Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-14700K, based on our last check. If L3 cache is your priority, the Core i7-14700KF (33MB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Core i7-14700KF (33MB)
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Core i7-14700KF to the Ryzen 7 9700X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Core i7-14700KF for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores; the Core i7-14700K for the top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 12 efficient cores; the Ryzen 7 7700 for a lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 7700 ($150 to $250) to the Core i7-14700K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for the RX 9070 XT by Cores
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 7 9700X to 33MB on the Core i7-14700KF. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if L3 cache decides it.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 5.3GHz on the Ryzen 7 7700 to 5.6GHz on the Core i7-14700KF. The Core i7-14700KF is the pick for boost clock.
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 9700X to 20 cores on the Core i7-14700KF. Start with the Core i7-14700KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-14700K list DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 9700X list DDR5. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-14700KF, the Core i7-14700K and the Ryzen 7 9700X go without; the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
How to Choose a CPUs for the RX 9070 XT by Cores
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores | Core i7-14700KF | 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Core i7-14700K | The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
| Getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money | Ryzen 7 7700 | A lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want Zen 5 architecture | Ryzen 7 9700X | The Zen 5 architecture |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i7-14700KF leads on L3 cache at 33MB, ahead of the Core i7-14700K at 33MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-14700K | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick and the Core i7-14700K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Ryzen 7 9700X, Core i7-14700K |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Core i7-14700K add over the Ryzen 7 7700?
On paper it adds L3 cache (33MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.6GHz against 5.3GHz) and core count (20 cores against 8 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 7700 still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 7 7700 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Ryzen 7 7700 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for a lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked. It suits getting Wraith Prism cooler in the box for the least money.
Do the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 7 7700 differ on socket?
The Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-14700K use LGA1700; the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 9700X use AM5.
What extras do the Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-14700K include?
The Core i7-14700KF: 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. The Core i7-14700K: 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. The Ryzen 7 7700: a Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Who should choose the Core i7-14700K?
The Core i7-14700K carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. It ranks second of 4 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-14700KF, chosen for 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. Look at the Core i7-14700K for the top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 12 efficient cores, the Ryzen 7 7700 for a lower price than the Core i7-14700KF and the rest when we checked and the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture if those matter more to you.
Check the BIOS version for support before installing a new chip.