Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RX 7700 XT
Six processors for an RX 7700 XT at 1080p and 1440p, compared on cores, cache and platform cost.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RX 7700 XT is a 12GB card for 1440p and high-refresh 1080p. A six-core processor keeps it busy; eight cores help if you stream.
We compared six processors on cores, cache and platform cost, using manufacturer specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Match for an RX 7700 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 7600XSix Zen 4 cores with a 5.3GHz boost.
Best for: New AM5 builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3DThe largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 for Streaming
AMD Ryzen 7 5700XEight cores at 65W on AM4.
Best for: Streaming on a DDR4 platform.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Value
AMD Ryzen 5 5600XSix AM4 cores with a cooler in the box.
Best for: Budget AM4 upgrades.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Value
Intel Core i5-14400FTen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support.
Best for: Intel builds on a budget.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Current-Socket Intel
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KFFourteen cores on Intel's current platform.
Best for: New Intel builds.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for an RX 7700 XT1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is a six-core Zen 4 chip rated at 105W.
Best for
- New AM5 builds.
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 clocks slightly higher than the 7600 but has no cooler in the box. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5600X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.3GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes next at 5.2GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 5600X at 6 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes in at 125W. Like the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket.
It also comes with the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. It was priced above the Core i5-14400F and below the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
- 5nm process
- PCIe 5.0 support on AM5
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600X; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600X has it.
Largest Game Cache2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. It matches the Core i5-14400F on boost clock (4.7GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600X at 6 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5600X at 65W. Like the Ryzen 5 7600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Core i5-14400F uses an LGA1700 socket. Like the Ryzen 5 7600X and Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has DDR5 memory, while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses DDR4 memory.
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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. Only the Ryzen 7 5700X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600X; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600X has it.
Best AM4 for Streaming3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The Ryzen 7 5700X gives AM4 builds eight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Streaming on a DDR4 platform.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It suits players who also stream or edit on a DDR4 platform. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600X on boost clock (4.6GHz).
On core count it sits mid-pack at 8 cores: the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores, and the Ryzen 5 5600X comes in at 6 cores. Like the Ryzen 5 5600X, it has an AM4 socket, while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses an AM5 socket. Like the Ryzen 5 5600X, it has DDR4 memory, while the Core i5-14400F uses DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
It also offers PCIe 4.0 support. 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 Ryzen 5 5600X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform
- PCIe 4.0 support
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- 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 5600X; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600X has it.
Best AM4 Value4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is a six-core AM4 chip that still suits DDR4 builds.
Best for
- Budget AM4 upgrades.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It fits older B450 and B550 boards after a BIOS update. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 7 5700X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X at 4.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D on core count (6 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5700X; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with an LGA1851 socket. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the Core Ultra 5 245KF and the Ryzen 7 5700X, based on our last check.
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 245KF
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
If boost clock is your priority, the Ryzen 5 7600X (5.3GHz) is the stronger choice.
Best Intel Value5 of 6
Intel Core i5-14400F
The Core i5-14400F is a locked ten-core LGA1700 chip with no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel builds on a budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. On L3 cache it trails the group at 20MB, while the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 4.7GHz.
Its 10 cores core count ranks second of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores). It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on rated power (125W). You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 5700X and its an AM4 socket.
DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses DDR5 memory. It also comes with 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 7600X was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 20MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 10 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700X
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB) is the stronger choice.
Best Current-Socket Intel6 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The Core Ultra 5 245KF gives LGA1851 builds fourteen cores without integrated graphics.
Best for
- New Intel builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the entry point to Intel's current unlocked chips. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 24MB: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB, and the Core i5-14400F comes in at 20MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Ryzen 5 7600X offers 5.3GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600X comes in at 4.6GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 14 cores, ahead of the Core i5-14400F (10 cores). It matches the Core i5-14400F on rated power (125W). You get an LGA1851 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 7600X and its an AM5 socket.
It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 5 7600X and Ryzen 5 7600X3D; the Ryzen 7 5700X goes with DDR4 memory. It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600X, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 14
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W)
The catch
If rated power is your priority, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W) is the stronger choice.
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side 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 7600X to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 5 7600X for six Zen 4 cores with a 5.3GHz boost; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D for the largest L3 cache here (96MB); the Ryzen 7 5700X for eight cores at 65W on AM4.
- Price range
- From the Core i5-14400F to the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a CPUs for RX 7700 XT
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Core i5-14400F sits lowest at 20MB. For less, the Ryzen 5 7600X is the runner-up at 32MB.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 6 picks boost clock spans 4.6GHz (the Ryzen 5 5600X) to 5.3GHz (the Ryzen 5 7600X). The Ryzen 5 7600X is the pick for boost clock.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count
Across these 6 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 5600X) to 14 cores (the Core Ultra 5 245KF). For less, the Core i5-14400F is the runner-up at 10 cores.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Core Ultra 5 245KF list DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5600X list DDR4; the Core i5-14400F lists DDR4 or DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 6 picks to 3 or 2 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 5700X, the Core i5-14400F and the Core Ultra 5 245KF go without; the Ryzen 5 5600X has it.
How to Choose a CPUs for RX 7700 XT
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New AM5 builds | Ryzen 5 7600X | Six Zen 4 cores with a 5.3GHz boost |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
| Streaming on a DDR4 platform | Ryzen 7 5700X | Eight cores at 65W on AM4 |
| Budget AM4 upgrades | Ryzen 5 5600X | Six AM4 cores with a cooler in the box |
| Intel builds on a budget | Core i5-14400F | Ten cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support |
| New Intel builds | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Fourteen cores on Intel's current platform |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 5 7600X compare with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D on L3 cache?
Between the top two, it is 96MB on the Ryzen 5 7600X3D against 32MB on the Ryzen 5 7600X, a 200% difference. The Core i5-14400F closes the ranking at 20MB.
Is the Ryzen 5 7600X ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF on boost clock?
The Ryzen 5 7600X leads at 5.3GHz, with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 5.2GHz. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5600X at 4.6GHz.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245KF ahead of the Core i5-14400F on core count?
The Core Ultra 5 245KF leads at 14 cores, with the Core i5-14400F at 10 cores. The Ryzen 5 5600X is at the other end of this group with 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 5 7600X3D worth paying more than the Core i5-14400F?
On paper it adds L3 cache (96MB against 20MB) and rated power (65W against 125W). It does not win everywhere: the Core i5-14400F still leads on core count (10 cores). Both sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, so the gains in L3 cache and rated power cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600X the Best Match for an RX 7700 XT?
It carries the badge for six Zen 4 cores with a 5.3GHz boost. It gives up core count (6 cores against 10 cores) to the Core i5-14400F, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for new AM5 builds.
Do the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 7 5700X differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D use AM5; the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5600X use AM4; the Core i5-14400F uses LGA1700; the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses LGA1851.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 5 7600X is a good match for an RX 7700 XT on AM5, with the 7600X3D for high-refresh play. The 5700X and 5600X suit AM4 upgrades, and the i5-14400F or Core Ultra 5 245KF cover Intel.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPUs Under $300
- Related guideThe Best Mid-Range Ryzen CPUs
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsMotherboard Chipsets Explained
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- 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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