The RX 580 is still a great GPU to build a budget gaming PC. Finding the right CPU to pair with it is essential, and so we have put up this list covering the top-rated processors which are compatible. Some of them are more powerful than others, but this leads to a bit of a bottleneck, so you need to think about whether you will only play games or use the CPU for other tasks.
In a rush? We got you covered. In short, the best CPU you can get to power your RX 580 in 2024 is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. It bottlenecks just a bit, but its performance is impressive. If you want to pay a bit less, then we can’t recommend anything other than the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X.
Best CPU To Pair With RX 580: Quick Comparison
BEST RATED  |
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU Processor
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RUNNER UP  |
AMD Ryzen 5 1600X Processor
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Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor
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Intel Core i5-8400 CPU
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Intel Core i7-7700 Processor
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Top Rated Processors For RX 580 GPU 2024: Reviews
1. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor
Best CPU For RX 580
The powerful CPUs of the last few years will most certainly reach a high level of bottleneck, so it is no use picking them.
To be honest, even this model will reach a certain level of a bottleneck (check the FAQ to learn more).
However, users who tested this combination still report great results because of this CPU’s speed, especially when overclocked. Let’s check what it has in store for you:
First of all, this model comes with a cooler, so this is good news as you won’t need to spend with a cooler for your CPU.
In terms of technology, one of the most notable developments in this generation of Ryzen is the evolution in the lithography of transistors on the ground 7 nm FinFET. The second enhancement is to the PCIe rails, with no fewer than 24 on the CPU supporting the PCIe 4.0 bus.
This model also included improvements to the CPU’s or PCH’s I/O interface, dubbed Infinity Fabric by AMD.
It is in charge of communicating with RAM and improving everything it does (this used to be the weak point of Zen architecture).
It also has lower latency than previous models and a higher maximum capacity of up to 128 GB Dual Channel at 3200 MHz.
Furthermore, depending on the model, it can support factory overclocking of memories up to 4400 or even 4800 MHz.
Pros
- Good price for its performance
- Better than Intel Core i5-9600K in applications
- 10% of gaming improvement over the previous generation
Cons
- Not great single-thread performance
2. AMD Ryzen 5 1600X CPU Processor
Runner Up
The cores operate at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and can reach a maximum frequency of 4 GHz in turbo mode.
When only one core is used, the XFR technology raises the frequency above the turbo speed.
There is also a total of 16 MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 95W.
To achieve the 6 cores, AMD has resorted to deactivating one core of each of the CCX complexes that comprise the processor die, a practice that has been practiced for years to use dies that have some defects that render them unusable.
For faster access to stored data, AMD Ryzen employs an integrated memory controller (IMC) compatible with DDR4 in the dual-channel configuration.
It officially supports memories with speeds of up to 2,400 MHz, but thanks to AMP technology, it is possible to use much faster modules with speeds of up to 4,000 MHz.
Pros
- Amazing cost-benefit
- Less than 1% bottleneck with RX 580
- Impressive multi-core performance
Cons
- No power efficiency when overclocking
3. Intel Core i5-9400F CPU
A CPU that comes with its IGP deactivated, and that is oriented to gaming equipment with an improvement in frequency compared to the 8400 and a TDP of only 65W to move its 6 cores without HyperThreading.
The great advantage of a CPU of this type is that the performance in games is very similar to monsters like the i9-9900K or even the AMD Ryzen 3000, and its price is very competitive today.
In it, 6 cores are installed with 6 processing threads working at a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and a maximum of 4.10 GHz.
You won’t find Intel HyperThreading multithreaded technology, since this is only available in high-performance processors with K specification and an unlocked multiplier.
Its L1 cache is made up of 32 KB L1D and 32 KB 8-way L1I blocks. Each core will have its own L1D and L1I blocks.
At the second level, you find a 256 KB 4-way L2 cache for each core, making a total of 1,536 KB. Finally, the L3 cache has 9 MB and SmartCache technology.
You should keep in mind that its predecessor processor, the i5-8400, had a frequency of 2.8/4.0 GHz and a cache memory of 9 MB. So the difference is not great.
In fact, the 65W TDP and the 8 GT/s bus remain exactly the same, and also the capacity of 128 GB of RAM at 2666 MHz in Dual Channel.
Finally, this CPU can work up to a maximum temperature of 100 degrees and supports Intel VT-x virtualization technologies.
Pros
- No bottleneck
- Amazing performance for games and professional apps
- 9th generation of Core series
Cons
- Low base speed for multi-core processing
4. Intel Core i5-8400 CPU
Great Cost Intel Core Processor For RX 580
This model is manufactured through Intel’s 14nm ++ Tri-Gate Lithography.
Moreover, this model (as all the Coffee Lake processors) is natively compatible with DDR4-2666 MHz memory and also with the Intel Optane cacheable storage unit.
The 6 cores and 6 threads of the Intel Core i5-8400 operate at a clock frequency of 2.7 GHz in the base mode that can be boosted up to 4 GHz in turbo mode on a single core via Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. Its consumption is quite moderate and comes with a default TDP of only 65W and 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache L3.
Although you won’t need the iGPU, it comes with Intel UHD 630. In case your main GPU gets defective, you can resort to this iGPU while you wait for your new GPU to arrive. Or, you can set some lighter applications to run on the integrated graphics and save energy.
Pros
- Impressive multi-thread performance
- Affordable
- Stock cooler included
Cons
- No HyperThreading
5. Intel Core i7-7700K
Powerful Intel Core For RX 580
The Core i7 also has a higher operating frequency and more L3 cache.
One of Intel’s key approaches to this generation is hardware accelerated video capabilities.
The chips are also optimized to handle the VP9 used on YouTube, reducing processor usage of an ultra-low voltage chip (U-line for ultrathin) from up to 80% to below 20%.
The features which were a novelty of the seventh generation Core make the processors able to more quickly reach the appropriate clocks for the situation, either by lowering clocks to save energy or increasing to perform processes faster, and there is also a reduction in processor overheat when running videos in 4K thanks to hardware acceleration.
The main advantage for those who want to invest in this CPU is being ready for Intel Optane technology.
This form of data storage combines storage capacity with data access speeds capable of rivaling those of volatile memories such as DRAM.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Clock speed is amazing both in base and turbo mode
- Less than 1% of bottleneck
Cons
- Rather expensive
RX 580 Build FAQ
Will Ryzen 5 2600 Bottleneck RX 580?
AMD Ryzen will bottleneck RX 580 but only a bit. The expected average bottleneck for this combination of CPU and GPU is 8,24%.
Will Ryzen 5 3600 Bottleneck RX 580?
Yes, Ryzen 5 3600 will bottleneck RX 580. Since AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is even more powerful, the bottleneck will be greater, around 11.41%.
Final Words About The Best CPU For RX 580 Graphics Card
It is not hard to find the best CPU to pair with the RX 580. Right now, plenty of processors offer just the power it needs. If you want a very powerful option to go along with your GPU, then go with the AMD Ryzen 5 3600.
If you are willing to go for just a bit less powerful option, then the also top-rated AMD Ryzen 5 1600X seems the right choice. Sure, if you like Intel Core processors, the Intel Core i5-9400F will be the best addition to your build.
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