Are you confused with the question, Which CPU should be used with RX 5600 XT, then you’re at the right place, While the RX 5600 XT is definitely a solid GPU for gaming, it is still dependant on the rest of your system to help it put out maximum performance
Overview of the RX 5600 XT :
AMD RX 5600 XT

- Memory: 6GB GDDR5
- Base Clock Speed: 1235 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1750 MHz
- Power Consumption: 150W
RX 5600 XT Specifications:
Radeon RX 5600 XT | ||
---|---|---|
Architecture (GPU) | RDNA (Navi 10) | RDNA (Navi 10) |
Shading Units | 2,304 | 2,304 |
Texture Units | 144 | 144 |
ROPs | 64 | 64 |
Base Clock Rate | 1,235 MHz | 1,515 MHz |
Game Clock Rate | 1,460 MHz | 1,675 MHz |
Boost Clock Rate | 1,620 MHz | 1,750 MHz |
Memory Clock | 12 GBps | 14 GBps |
Memory Capacity | 6GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
Memory Bandwidth | 288 GBps | 448 GBps |
L2 Cache | 4MB | 4MB |
TDP | ? | ? |
Transistor Count | 10.3 billion | 10.3 billion |
Die Size | 251 mm² | 251 mm² |
Best CPU for RX 5600 XT in 2022:
While the RX 5600 XT is definitely a solid GPU for gaming, it is still dependant on the rest of your system to help it put out maximum performance. As at times the GPU is bottlenecked by the CPU you pair it with. So to ensure that you get the best performance possible out of your system, we have made a list of the 6 best CPUs that you can pair with this GPU.
CPU | CPU Speed | CPU Socket | Cores/Threads | Power | Cache |
Core i5-9400f | 2.9 GHz | LGA 1151 | 6/6 | 65W | 9MB Intel Smart Cache |
Core i5-9600k | 3.7 GHz | LGA 1151 | 6/6 | 95W | 9MB Intel Smart Cache |
Core i7-8700k | 3.7 GHz | LGA 1151 | 6/12 | 95W | 12MB Intel Smart Cache |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600x | 3.6 GHz | AM4 | 6/12 | 95W | 12 MB L3 Cache |
AMD Ryzen 7 3700x | 3.6 GHz | AM4 | 8/16 | 95W | 32MB L3 Cache |
Core i7-10700k | 3.8 GHz | LGA 1200 | 8/16 | 125W | 32MB L3 Cache |
Intel Core i5-9400f

- CPU Speed: 2.9 GHz
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Cores/Threads: 6 Cores/6 Threads
- Power Consumption: 65W
- Cache: 9mb Intel Smart Cache
Architecture: | Coffee Lake |
Number of CPU Cores: | 6 |
Number of Threads: | 6 |
Processor size: | 14nm |
Max. Boost Clock: | 4.10 GHz |
Base Clock: | 2.90 GHz |
Cache: | 9MB |
Memory Type: | DDR4 |
Default TDP: | 65 W |
Unlocked for Overclocking: | Yes |
CPU Socket: | LGA 1151 |
Max. Operating Temperature: | 100°C |
First up on our list is the Intel Core i5-9400F, it is a 9th generation Intel Core i5 CPU that was first released on the 7th of January, back in 2019. This GPU generally gets mixed reviews as it somewhat lacks consistent performance when it comes to productivity-based tasks. That being said, it does still put out impressive gaming performance that more than makes up for its shortcomings.
Currently, it is the most affordable Intel processor on this list, which makes it very appealing but that lower price point also means that it is the least powerful Intel processor on our list.
Gaming Performance:
On average the Intel Core i5-9400F when paired with the RX 5600 XT, puts out 1080p performance at 83.3 FPS, 1440p performance at 61.2 FPS, (Ultra-wide) 1440p performance at 52.7 FPS, and 4K performance at 36.9 FPS, all while running on ultra-quality settings.
Intel Core i5-9600k

- CPU Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Cores/Threads: 6 Cores/6 Threads
- Power Consumption: 95W
- Cache: 9mb Intel Smart Cache
Architecture: | Coffee Lake |
Number of CPU Cores: | 6 |
Number of Threads: | 6 |
Processor size: | 14nm |
Max. Boost Clock: | 4.60 GHz |
Base Clock: | 3.70 GHz |
Cache: | 9MB |
Memory Type: | DDR4 |
Default TDP: | 95 W |
Unlocked for Overclocking: | Yes |
CPU Socket: | LGA 1151 |
Max. Operating Temperature: | 100°C |
Description:
Next, we have the Intel Core i5-9600K, which is a high-performance processor made by Intel and was first released to the public on the 19th of October, back in 2018. The fact that it is a relatively older CPU may be concerning for some users as it does feature relatively older technology and an unusual thread or core ratio. However, this CPU was designed to put out good performance and due to the fact that it is an older model, its general cost of purchase has gone down to the point where it is almost a steal of a purchase.
That being said, you will see the downsides to the older technology and fewer than average threads when you use it for multitasking and productivity-based tasks.
Gaming Performance:
On average the Intel Core i5-9600K when paired with the RX 5600 XT, puts out 1080p performance at 85 FPS, 1440p performance at 62.9 FPS, (Ultra-wide) 1440p performance at 53.8 FPS, and 4K performance at 37.6 FPS, all while running on ultra-quality settings.
While the following shows its performance while running some mainstream games at ultra-quality settings:
Intel Core i7-8700k

- CPU Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Cores/Threads: 6 Cores/12 Threads
- Power Consumption: 95W
- Cache: 12mb Intel Smart Cache
Architecture: | Coffee Lake |
Number of CPU Cores: | 6 |
Number of Threads: | 12 |
Processor size: | 14nm |
Max. Boost Clock: | 4.60 GHz |
Base Clock: | 3.20 GHz |
Cache: | 12 MB |
Memory Type: | DDR4 |
Default TDP: | 95W |
Unlocked for Overclocking: | No |
CPU Socket: | LGA 1151 |
Max. Operating Temperature: | 100°C |
Description:
While it is an even older model, the Intel Core i7-8700 is no slouch when it comes to performance. This CPU was first released on the 5th of January, back in 2017.
This CPU puts out performance that was almost on par with its more expensive Intel Core i7-8700K variant while coming at a much more affordable price point. This feat alone makes it deserving of a place on this list, but to take things a step further, it also features HyperThreading technology and 12 threads to put out not only good gaming performance but also impressive productivity-based performance.
Unfortunately, to keep the “K” variant relevant, Intel made this CPU unable to be manually overclocked to put out better performance.
Gaming Performance:
On average the Intel Core i7-8700 when paired with the RX 5600 XT, puts out 1080p performance at 83.3 FPS, 1440p performance at 61.6 FPS, (Ultra-wide) 1440p performance at 52.7 FPS, and 4K performance at 36.9 FPS, all while running on ultra-quality settings.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600x

- CPU Speed: 3.6 GHz
- CPU Socket: AM4
- Cores/Threads: 6 Cores/12 Threads
- Power Consumption: 95W
- Cache: 16mb L3
Architecture: | Zen+ (Pinnacle Ridge) |
Number of CPU Cores: | 6 |
Number of Threads: | 12 |
Processor size: | 12nm |
Max. Boost Clock: | 4.2 GHz |
Base Clock: | 3.6 GHz |
Cache: | L1: 576KB, L2: 3MB, L3: 16MB |
Memory Type: | DDR4 |
Default TDP: | 95W |
Unlocked for Overclocking: | Yes |
CPU Socket: | AM4 |
Max. Operating Temperature: | 95°C |
For our first AMD CPU, we have the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, which was first released on the 19th of April, back in 2018. This CPU provides well enough gaming performance and can run just about any game you throw at it, but the place where it truly shines is its multi-processor performance for productivity-based tasks. Which combined with its inexpensive price point, really makes this CPU great value for money.
You might have noticed that Intel processors generally struggle and feel almost sluggish at times when you use them for productivity-based tasks, however, AMD processors do not seem to have this problem as they have better thread counts and multitasking technology.
Gaming Performance:
On average the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X when paired with the RX 5600 XT, puts out 1080p performance at 73 FPS, 1440p performance at 54 FPS, (Ultra-wide) 1440p performance at 46.2 FPS, and 4K performance at 32.3 FPS, all while running on ultra-quality settings.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700x

- CPU Speed: 3.6 GHz
- CPU Socket: AM4
- Cores/Threads: 8 Cores/16 Threads
- Power Consumption: 65W
- Cache: 32mb L3
Specs:
Architecture: | Zen 2 (Matisse) |
Number of CPU Cores: | 8 |
Number of Threads: | 16 |
Processor size: | 7nm |
Max. Boost Clock: | 4.4 GHz |
Base Clock: | 3.6 GHz |
Cache: | L1: 64KB, L2: 512KB, L3: 32MB |
Memory Type: | DDR4 |
Default TDP: | 65W |
Unlocked for Overclocking: | Yes |
CPU Socket: | AM4 |
Max. Operating Temperature: | 95°C |
Finally, we have the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, which is a 3rd generation AMD Ryzen CPU, that was released on the 7th of July, back in 2019. This CPU is known to generally outperform the Intel i7 series in terms of gaming capabilities but carries the old AMD tradition of being ever so slightly less consistent than its Intel counterparts.
That being said, it is still an excellent CPU that justifies its relatively higher price point, with its impressive performance in terms of both single-processor and multi-processor-based tasks.
Gaming Performance:
On average the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X when paired with the RX 5600 XT, puts out 1080p performance at 85.5 FPS, 1440p performance at 63.2 FPS, (Ultra-wide) 1440p performance at 54 FPS, and 4K performance at 37.8 FPS, all while running on ultra-quality settings.
Intel Core i7-10700k

- CPU Speed: 3.80 GHz
- CPU Socket: LGA 1200
- Cores/Threads: 8 Cores/16 Threads
- Power Consumption: 125W
- Cache: 16mb Intel Smart Cache
Architecture: | Comet Lake |
Number of CPU Cores: | 8 |
Number of Threads: | 16 |
Processor size: | 14nm |
Max. Boost Clock: | 5.10 GHz |
Base Clock: | 3.80 GHz |
Cache: | 16 MB |
Memory Type: | DDR4 |
Default TDP: | 125W |
Unlocked for Overclocking: | Yes |
CPU Socket: | LGA 1200 |
Max. Operating Temperature: | 100°C |
Finally, the last CPU that we have from Intel is the Intel Core i7-10700K, which was released about a year ago on the 30th of April, back in 2020. This is probably the most expensive CPU on our list, and the main reason for this is that this CPU changed the game, by providing performance that is just about on par with the much more expensive Intel i9 series of CPUs.
The Intel Core i7-10700K is an absolute processing beast as it features some of the best technologies currently available to boost its performance and manage its power accordingly. However, it may be overkill to pair it with just an NVIDIA GeForce RX 5600 XT, especially when you bring its cost into consideration
Gaming Performance:
On average the Intel Core i7-10700K when paired with the RX 5600 XT, puts out 1080p performance at 87.2 FPS, 1440p performance at 64.5 FPS, (Ultra-wide) 1440p performance at 55.1 FPS, and 4K performance at 38.5 FPS, all while running on ultra-quality settings.
How to Choose the Right CPU for RX 5600 XT?
Generally speaking, all the above-mentioned CPUs are impressive in their own ways. This is why choosing the right CPU for your AMD RX 5600 XT, really comes down to what you need or want to do with your system. As each CPU on our list is made specifically to do some things better than the rest.
The following 5 points are the main things to consider while making a purchasing decision.
Intel or AMD
Now you will notice that the two main companies that manufacture CPUs and most other computer hardware components are Intel and AMD. Both companies have been around for a while and have their own fan bases which will give you a million reasons as to which company provides better products.
So to avoid getting into biased fan-base opinions we have studied the general strengths and weaknesses of both companies and present to you the following points.
- Overall Intel provides more efficient and consistent CPUs compared to AMD.
- AMD’s processors cram in a lot of cores and threads into their CPUs which results in better multitasking performance, whereas Intel’s fewer cores being of higher quality are better at single-core tasks.
- AMD with its Ryzen series tends to offer better value for money when compared to Intel’s i-series.
Now based on these points you can make a decision of which company’s CPU seems to be more suited to your needs. However some other things you should also consider when making a purchasing decision are:
Clock Speed:
The overall performance of the CPU is generally determined by the clock speed at which it runs. There are generally two clock speeds listed on every CPU, the first being base-clock speed. This is a relatively lower clock speed and your CPU will generally put out this clock speed as standard because it is normally all you need to get you through everyday tasks and does not consume much power. While the second clock speed is known as turbo or boost clock speed, which is used to provide better performance when needed for tasks such as gaming. As a result of the boost in performance, the CPU needs more power, better cooling, and makes more noise.
So it is very important to know the numbers of clock speed that you are getting so that you can know what you can run with them and make adjustments to your system to support them.
Cores and Threads:
The cores inside CPUs are what process all the incoming and outgoing data and information used to execute and run programs. Generally, you would think that having more Cores would result in better overall processing performance, however, quality is just as important as quantity.
Intel is known for providing their CPUs with fewer cores that are of higher quality and as a result, provide better performance in single-core-based tasks such as gaming. While the sheer quantity of AMD’s cores reduces the load of productivity-based tasks and as a result, they give better performance.
Generally, every single core of a CPU has a minimum of two threads. These threads are essentially just virtual components, which have no physical body but instead exist in the form of codes that divide a CPU into multiple virtual cores. Generally the higher the number of Threads that a CPU can handle means the better it will perform while multi-tasking or running programs that require multiple cores to run.
Cache:
Finally, we have cache memory. This memory serves as storage space on the CPU that temporarily holds data that is expected to be required by the CPU for processing. It greatly improves the processing capabilities of the CPU and the greater the storage space of the cache memory the better, as new behavior learning technologies that modern CPUs use make it possible for the cache to hold data that it expects you to need to process ahead of time, based on your patterns of usage.
Final Verdict:
Personally, I would recommend getting the Intel Core i7-8700 as it is the best all-rounder when it comes to CPUs for the NVIDIA RX 5600 XT. As it is affordable and reliable and prevents the GPU from bottlenecking.