The RX 6800XT is a powerful graphics card, and it needs an equally mighty processor. Pair the 6800XT with the top processors of 2024 and you should be able to play your favorite games at the maximum graphics setting possible at ultra fast frame rates. You only want the best CPU in when compared and ranked so you can get the maximum performance.
There are a lot of CPUs to choose from, the best one comes from AMD so you can take advantage of their Smart Access Memory feature. The Ryzen 9 5900X Desktop Processor is a 12-core, 24-thread beast that pairs perfectly with the 6800XT. The Ryzen 7 5800X CPU, with a slightly lower core count of 8 with 16 threads is an excellent alternative at a lower cost and ideal for those who are on a budget.
Best CPU for 6800XT: Quick Comparison
BEST RATED  |
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Processor
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AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU
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Intel Core i9-10900K Desktop Processor
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AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Processor
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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Desktop Processor
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Intel Core i5-11600K CPU Processor
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Top Processors for RX 6800XT 2024: Reviewed & Ranked
1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Desktop Processor
Best CPU for the RX 6800XT
The 12 cores and 24 threads of this CPU take multitasking to the next level.
The latest Ryzen chips are optimized for single-core performance making them ideal for gaming. Its peak clock speed can reach up to 4.8GHz, allowing you to pump out the frames of your favorite esports or AAA titles.
Pairing the RX 6800XT with the 5900X gives you access to Smart Access Memory, an AMD exclusive feature that unlocks more gaming performance. The synergy between your AMD CPU and GPU should give you a significant framerate boost on most games.
Pros
- Gaming performance at par with Intel Core i9 CPUs
- Excellent motherboard compatibility
- Efficient with low TDP
- Smart Access Memory performance boost
Cons
- Price is higher compared to last gen
2. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU Processor
Runner Up and Best Overall Value CPU for 6800XT
One of the reasons that it comes close behind the 5900X is its versatility, capable of handling both productivity and gaming workloads.
If you’re a casual gamer, both the 5800X and the RX 6800XT can be a bit too powerful. However, as a gamer and enthusiast, the pair can match the framerate and graphics quality of more powerful builds.
The 5800X boasts 8 cores and 16 threads with boost speeds clocking in at 4.7GHz. Although not as fast as Intel’s 5GHz frequencies, it’s certainly as close as you can get. The framerates should be close on equal hardware.
Going for an all AMD build also gives you access to Smart Access Memory, which should give you a much smoother gameplay experience.
Pros
- Solid gaming processor
- Low power consumption
- Great multi-core performance for productivity
- Still uses Zen 3 architecture for compatibility
Cons
- Does not come with a cooler
3. Intel Core i9-10900K Desktop Processor
Best Intel Processor for the 6800XT
Its boost clocks are also the fastest capable of reaching up to 5.3GHz.
One of the reasons why the Intel Core i9-10900K did not make it to the top of the list is it lacks the Smart Access Memory feature.
You will not get the extra boost of up to 15% in gaming performance that you get with an all AMD build.
This chip is also not the coolest or the most efficient and the 5900X beats it in this category handily.
If you’re willing to spend on a high-performance cooler, sticking with Intel’s Core i9 should work for you.
Pros
- Top notch single-core and gaming performance
- Solid thermal efficiency
- High overclocking potential
- Great CPU for productivity and content creation
Cons
- Still falls behind Ryzen 3000 processors in benchmarks
4. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Unlocked Desktop Processor
Best High-Performance CPU for the 6800XT
The 5950X comes with 16 cores and 32 threads allowing you to do CPU-intensive tasks like 3D modeling and video rendering.
Its max boost frequency of up to 4.9GHz is certainly enough for gaming.
However, it does bottleneck the 6800XT and you would get gaming performance similar to the 5900X, even the 5800X.
If you’re an enthusiast or a creative that works with intensive workloads and plays games, building a rig with these specs is the best fit for you.
Pros
- Outperforms high-end desktop chips
- Strong gaming performance
- Efficient for its power output
- Perfect for productivity workloads
Cons
- Not ideal for gaming-centric build
5. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU
Best Budget Processor for the 6800XT
It’s a midrange CPU that’s perfect for gamers who are on a tight budget.
The 5600X offers excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance.
As long as it’s paired with a powerful GPU like the 6800XT, you should be able to enjoy high framerates on the highest graphics settings.
It’s also one of the more efficient chips you can get so you don’t have to spend a lot on a cooling solution.
This is the processor to get for building a gaming rig that you can also use for everyday productivity.
Pros
- Solid overall performance in gaming, productivity, and content creation
- Excellent value for its price and capabilities
- Compatible with AM4 motherboards
- High overclock potential
Cons
- No integrated graphics
6. Intel Core i5-11600K CPU
Best Gaming CPU for the RX 6800XT
However, the chip does fall short in overall multi-core performance.
It’s advantage though is a much improved integrated graphics processor.
The CPU allows you to play light games even without a dedicated graphics card. If you’re still on the lookout for a great deal on GPUs, this is the chip to get and not miss out on some of your favorite games.
The 11600K is also the more affordable option compared with AMD’s 5600X, making it truly the budget CPU for gamers.
Pros
- Strong single-core performance for gaming
- Comes with integrated graphics for light gaming
- Does not need aggressive cooling
- More affordable compared to its AMD counterpart
Cons
- Not as fast in overall performance as 5600X
RX 6800XT CPU FAQ
Will 5600X Bottleneck 6800XT?
The 5600X is a powerful gaming processor, and it should bottleneck just about any GPU including the 6800XT. Although the bottleneck should not be that significant where you will notice it in how your system runs.
The bottlenecks will not be visible since your system should push 200 or more frames per second. The 6800XT is an equally powerful graphics card and you should be able to push everything on Ultra and still have high frame rates.
Is 6800XT Good for Gaming?
AMD’s RX 6800XT is a beast of a graphics card. It outperforms the RTX 3080 as long as you have ray tracing turned off. It should handle 4K gaming on the maximum graphics settings without breaking a sweat. You do get extra tons of extra legroom here for future games.
The GPU does need some additional ray tracing performance. However, it is decent enough that turning it on should not be really much of a choice for you.
Final Words About Best CPU for 6800XT
You do have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the best CPU for the 6800XT in 2024. If you have a rig that constantly works with intensive content creation tasks, a CPU like the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is an excellent fit.
Another top rated processor to pair with the RX 6800XT is the Ryzen 7 5800X Desktop Processor. It does come with a lesser core count than the 5900X, but offers similar gaming performance. You can also use it for productivity as it’s solid in that arena.
Compared and ranked, these AMD processors are the best ones you can pair with a beast of a GPU like the 6800XT. Budget gamers can also think about getting the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, as it’s more affordable option for gaming.
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