Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RX 7600 and RX 7600 XT
Six budget processors for an RX 7600 or RX 7600 XT, compared on cores, bundled coolers and platform cost.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RX 7600 and RX 7600 XT use the same chip; the XT adds 16GB of memory. Both are 1080p cards, so a budget six-core processor is enough.
We compared six processors on cores, cache, bundled coolers and platform cost, using AMD and Intel specifications. We did not benchmark them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Match for an RX 7600
AMD Ryzen 5 5600Six AM4 cores with a cooler in the box.
Best for: Budget 1080p builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Lowest-Cost Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5500Six cores with a bundled cooler at the lowest price here at the time of writing.
Best for: The tightest budgets.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM5 Pairing
AMD Ryzen 5 7600Six AM5 cores with a cooler included.
Best for: New builds that want an upgrade path.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Budget Pick
Intel Core i5-12400FSix LGA1700 cores with DDR4 support.
Best for: Low-cost Intel builds.
Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Current Intel Pick
Intel Core Ultra 5 225FTen cores on LGA1851.
Best for: Intel builds on B860.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Drop-In
AMD Ryzen 5 5600XSix AM4 cores that fit B450 and B550 boards after a BIOS update.
Best for: Refreshing an older AM4 PC.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for an RX 76001 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Budget 1080p builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 5 5600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Core i5-12400F on boost clock (4.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 7600, the Core i5-12400F and the Ryzen 5 5600X at 6 cores. Like the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5600X, it has an AM4 socket, while the Core Ultra 5 225F uses an LGA1851 socket. You also get DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap.
It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 225F and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-12400F cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Lowest-Cost Pick2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The Ryzen 5 5500 is the cheapest six-core chip here.
Best for
- The tightest budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It has a smaller 16MB L3 cache and runs PCIe 3.0, which matters little for a budget graphics card. On L3 cache it trails the group at 16MB, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.2GHz, while the Ryzen 5 7600 offers 5.1GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 7600, the Core i5-12400F and the Ryzen 5 5600X on core count (6 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 5 5600X; the Core i5-12400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. It undercut the Core Ultra 5 225F and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 16MB
- Max boost
- 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- One of the cheapest six-core desktop chips
- Six cores with a bundled cooler at the lowest price here at the time of writing
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB.
Best AM5 Pairing3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the six-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Stealth cooler included.
Best for
- New builds that want an upgrade path.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
The cooler saves money on a first AM5 build. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600X at 32MB. Its 5.1GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 5 225F comes next at 4.9GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 5500, the Core i5-12400F and the Ryzen 5 5600X on core count (6 cores). You get an AM5 socket here, which sets it apart from the Core i5-12400F and its an LGA1700 socket. It shares DDR5 memory with the Core Ultra 5 225F; the Ryzen 5 5500 goes with DDR4 memory.
It also offers the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 5 5600X.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- 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
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Best Intel Budget Pick4 of 6
Intel Core i5-12400F
The Core i5-12400F is a six-core LGA1700 chip at a low price.
Best for
- Low-cost Intel builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
This is the OEM pack, so budget for a cooler; it suits a low-cost gaming build with DDR4. Its 18MB L3 cache ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 on boost clock (4.4GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Core Ultra 5 225F at 125W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Ryzen 5 7600 has an AM5 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 5 5600X, which has DDR4 memory.
It also offers six performance cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and 600- and 700-series chipset support. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 5600 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 5600X cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 18MB
- Max boost
- 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- Six performance cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- 600- and 700-series chipset support
- L3 cache of 18MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
Best Current Intel Pick5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a locked ten-core LGA1851 chip.
Best for
- Intel builds on B860.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits a budget Intel build that will pair with a B860 board. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 20MB: the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB, and the Ryzen 5 5500 comes in at 16MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.9GHz: the Ryzen 5 7600 offers 5.1GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500 comes in at 4.2GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 10 cores core count; the Ryzen 5 5600 comes closest at 6 cores. It matches the Core i5-12400F on rated power (125W). You get an LGA1851 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 7600 and its an AM5 socket.
It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 5 7600; the Ryzen 5 5500 goes with DDR4 memory. It also offers 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, PCIe 5.0 support and Intel 800-series chipset support. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5600, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 20MB
- Max boost
- 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads
- 10 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 10
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- L3 cache of 20MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400F
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 5600 (65W)
The catch
If rated power is your priority, the Ryzen 5 5600 (65W) is the stronger choice.
Best AM4 Drop-In6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is a six-core AM4 chip that still suits DDR4 builds.
Best for
- Refreshing an older AM4 PC.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It fits older B450 and B550 boards after a BIOS update. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Ryzen 5 7600 offers 5.1GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500 comes in at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Core i5-12400F on core count (6 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 5 5500; the Core i5-12400F goes with an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards.
It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Core i5-12400F and the pricier Ryzen 5 7600, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 225F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
The trade-off is core count; for more, the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 10 cores.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 9 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Ryzen 5 5600 to the Ryzen 5 5600X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 5 5600 for six AM4 cores with a cooler in the box; the Ryzen 5 5500 for six cores with a bundled cooler at the lowest price here at the time of writing; the Ryzen 5 7600 for six AM5 cores with a cooler included.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Ryzen 5 7600 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for RX 7600
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5500 to 32MB on the Ryzen 5 5600, a 100% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 5600 sets the ceiling at 32MB.
How much boost clock you need
The Ryzen 5 7600 tops boost clock at 5.1GHz and the Ryzen 5 5500 sits lowest at 4.2GHz. The Core Ultra 5 225F comes second at 4.9GHz, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Ryzen 5 7600.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open How much core count you need
Across these 6 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 5600X) to 10 cores (the Core Ultra 5 225F). Start with the Core Ultra 5 225F if core count decides it.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5600X list DDR4; the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Core Ultra 5 225F list DDR5; the Core i5-12400F lists DDR4 or DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 5 5600X have it; the Core i5-12400F and the Core Ultra 5 225F go without. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 4 and 2.
How to Choose a CPUs for RX 7600
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget 1080p builds | Ryzen 5 5600 | Six AM4 cores with a cooler in the box |
| The tightest budgets | Ryzen 5 5500 | Six cores with a bundled cooler at the lowest price here at the time of writing |
| New builds that want an upgrade path | Ryzen 5 7600 | Six AM5 cores with a cooler included |
| Low-cost Intel builds | Core i5-12400F | Six LGA1700 cores with DDR4 support |
| Intel builds on B860 | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ten cores on LGA1851 |
| Refreshing an older AM4 PC | Ryzen 5 5600X | Six AM4 cores that fit B450 and B550 boards after a BIOS update |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 5600 leads on L3 cache at 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 32MB | 5.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-12400F | 18MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 225F | 20MB | 4.9GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 5500, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 5 7600 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Core Ultra 5 225F |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Core i5-12400F, Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 5 7600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core Ultra 5 225F compare with the Ryzen 5 7600 on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.1GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600 against 4.9GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F, a 4% difference. The Ryzen 5 5500 closes the ranking at 4.2GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 225F ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600 on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 225F leads at 10 cores, with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 5 7600 worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5500?
On paper it adds L3 cache (32MB against 16MB) and boost clock (5.1GHz against 4.2GHz). The Ryzen 5 5500 sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Ryzen 5 7600 in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600 the Best AM5 Pairing?
It carries the badge for six AM5 cores with a cooler included. The Ryzen 5 5500, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at new builds that want an upgrade path.
Do the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 7600 differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5600X use AM4; the Ryzen 5 7600 uses AM5; the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700; the Core Ultra 5 225F uses LGA1851.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5500 apart?
The Ryzen 5 5600: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 5500: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 7600: the Zen 4 architecture.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the best-value partner for either card. The 5500 saves a little more, the Ryzen 5 7600 opens AM5, and the i5-12400F or Core Ultra 5 225F suit Intel builds.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Budget CPUs
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 1080p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for the RX 7600 XT
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsHow to Choose a Motherboard for Your PC Build
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for the RX 6750 XT
- Topic hubAll processors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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