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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Match for an RX 7600
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Six AM4 cores with a cooler in the box.
Best for: Budget 1080p builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest-Cost Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Six cores with a bundled cooler at the lowest price here at the time of writing.
Best for: The tightest budgets.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Best AM5 Pairing
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
Six AM5 cores with a cooler included.
Best for: New builds that want an upgrade path.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Budget Pick
Intel Core i5-12400F
Six LGA1700 cores with DDR4 support.
Best for: Low-cost Intel builds.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-12400F (opens in a new tab)
Best Current Intel Pick
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
Ten cores on LGA1851.
Best for: Intel builds on B860.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Drop-In
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Six AM4 cores that fit B450 and B550 boards after a BIOS update.
Best for: Refreshing an older AM4 PC.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for an RX 76001 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 game 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.
When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 225F and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-12400F cost more. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Key dimensions & 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
Lowest-Cost Pick2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Best AM5 Pairing3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 game 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. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 has it.
Key dimensions & 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
Best Current Intel Pick5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5600, based on our last check. If rated power is your priority, the Ryzen 5 5600 (65W) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & 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)
Best AM4 Drop-In6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 game 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.
On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Core i5-12400F and the pricier Ryzen 5 7600, at the time of writing. The trade-off is core count; for more, the Core Ultra 5 225F offers 10 cores.
Key dimensions & 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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
What to Look for in a CPUs for RX 7600
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
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.