Pairing an older GPU with a CPU is more confusing than challenging because of the sheer number of options available. The latest chipsets, such as the Intel 14th Gen and AMD’s 7000 series, offer excellent performance but at a higher price.
So, the question is: Is it worth it to invest in a powerful CPU to pair with a mid-range last-generation CPU? The answer is that you don’t need to purchase the latest CPUs. The previous-generation processors are still more than viable and have enough power to handle various gaming and professional tasks.
That said, we took the liberty of doing the research on this topic, conducting testing, and putting together this guide to help you make an informed decision and kick off your buying journey in the best way possible.
Products at a glance
- Best CPU for RX 6750 XT overall
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best mid-range CPU for RX 6750 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : 5.3 GHz
- Base speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Best budget CPU for RX 6750 XT
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : up to 4.6 GHz
- Base speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
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Best Intel CPU for RX 6750 XTIntel Core i5-13400F
- Cores: 10 (6P-4E)
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed: P-Core 4.6GHz / E-Core 3.3GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 2.5GHz / E-Core 1.8GHz
- L3 Cache: 20MB
- TDP: 148W
How we picked the best CPU for RX 6750 XT
Choosing the best CPU for your RX 6750 XT or any GPU can be tedious. With so many options on the market, deciding which is right for you can be hard. But don’t worry—we’ve done all the research and in-house testing to provide you with a definitive list of the best CPUs to pair with your RX 6750 XT.
We looked at various factors, such as processor power, cost, compatibility, and more, to narrow down our selections and present the best options that offer great performance and value for money.
Best CPU for RX 6750 XT
- Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
- L3 Cache: 24MB
- TDP: 181W
- Platform: Intel (LGA 1700)
The Intel Core i5-13600K has top-notch performance and should make a powerful pair with the RX 6750 XT for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
- Excellent synthetic and real-world performance during our testing
- Competitive price point
- Compatible with PCIe 5.0
- Has a high TDP of 181W
- Requires robust cooling solutions to keep temperatures under control
- Will need a LGA 1700 socket compatible motherboard to use this CPU
Making a build with previous-gen equipment can be challenging. You want to future-proof your setup with the newer technology, but you must be careful not to overdo it and cause an imbalance.
That said, the Intel Core i5-13600K strikes a great balance between performance and value and goes great with the RX 6750 XT. During our in-house testing of the i5-13600K, it delivered a stellar single and multi-core performance, which means that it should be able to keep up with your gaming and professional demands.
In demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, this CPU delivered an average of 179 FPS, which is more than playable. Paired with the capabilities of the RX 6750 XT, you should be able to game comfortably at 1080p and 1440p with high presets.
This is because lower-resolution gaming focuses more on CPU performance than the GPU. In layman’s terms, higher resolution depends more on the GPU, whereas low resolutions put more strain on the CPU to churn out more instructions.
The Core i5 13600K is a fantastic CPU for those looking to get a great performance CPU without breaking the bank.
PCWer
However, this shouldn’t be an issue because this CPU has a total of 14 cores, which are divided into 6 performance cores (P-cores) and 8 efficient cores (E-cores). On top of that, it supports hyperthreading, which brings the total number of threads to 20. The P-cores kick in when the task at hand requires serious power, and when the job is done, they sit back and let the E-cores handle minor and background tasks.
This gives this GPU a great synergy between performance and costs as it isn’t running at 100% all the time, saving up on energy. That said, it still has a maximum TDP of 181W, so investing in a robust cooling solution won’t hurt. If you’re interested in exploring some options, we recommend checking out our best CPU cooler guide for the top picks.
This processor also has a maximum boost clock of 5.1 GHz, and coupled with its 24 MB L3 cache, you should experience smooth performance regardless of what you put in front of it.
What users say
The Intel Core i5-13600K has a 4.8/5.0 rating, and its Amazon reviews are nothing but praiseworthy. Users found it easy to install and overclock, and how it runs cool during heavy gaming. One reviewer even said the i5-13600K “eliminates the need for a discrete GPU for everyday tasks and light gaming.” According to one review, this CPU throws “Temperature Tantrums” and requires robust cooling solutions to calm it down, which is worth considering while purchasing.
Best mid-range CPU for RX 6750 XT
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is one of the best 7000 series CPUs to pair with an RX 6750 XT, as it offers excellent performance at a comparatively lower price than the Intel Core i5-13600K.
- Good thermal design due to its lower TDP
- Comparatively less expensive than our top pick
- Compatible with PCIe 5.0 devices
- Requires an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM
- Has less cores which could impact its heavy workload sustainability
Now we move onto Team Red as the Ryzen 7000 processors deliver top-notch performance, and the Ryzen 5 7600X is one of the best mid-range CPUs you can pair with your RX 6750 XT. In our Ryzen 5 7600X review, we gave it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 because it offered great synthetic and real-world performance in applications like Blender and delivered an average of 295 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077.
This CPU packs impressive hardware under the hood, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, a max boost clock of 5.3 GHz, and a 32MB L3 cache. This means that this processor has enough power to handle gaming and professional tasks of varying difficulty.
We found that the 7600X was directly competing with the 13600K in single-core performance and is in the range of the 7900X. This only shows how powerful and well-designed the Zen 4 AMD processors are. On top of that, this CPU should be able to handle gaming beasts like the RTX 4070 Ti Super, which means that it’s more than capable of handling the RX 6750 XT.
If you want an affordable CPU in complex workstation benchmarks and can still push frames to the GPU when gaming, then this CPU is the best entry-level choice for you.
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This is great because a snappier CPU means you should be able to game at lower resolutions without the CPU bottlenecking the GPU. CPU bottleneck happens when it can’t handle the simultaneous processes and gets overwhelmed. At lower resolutions, the GPU can process graphical computations quickly and requires the next instruction from the CPU; if the CPU can’t keep up, the GPU’s performance gets restricted.
On the other hand, higher-resolution tasks take more time, so the CPU has time to breathe. This means that 4K gaming is more GPU-dependent, and you always want the GPU to be 100% utilized or close to it because a GPU bottleneck is easier to mediate than a CPU bottleneck.
So, the Ryzen 5 7600X should future-proof your build if you ever decide to upgrade to a newer and more powerful GPU, but going for this option might be a bit expensive in the short term. This is because the 7600X features the latest architecture, which requires an AM5 motherboard and only supports DDR5 RAM. However, it should last you a good while, and you should be able to handle various upgrades before it’s time to move it along.
To that end, we’ve got you covered with our best DDR5 RAM and the best AM5 motherboard guides for the top picks.
What users say
It shouldn’t be surprising that this CPU is well-liked among users, garnering an impressive 4.7 out of 5.0. According to its Amazon reviews, it offers exceptional performance, great value, and stellar versatility. One user said this is the “Best mid-range processor” and “Is doing great with my RX 6650 XT.” However, there are various reviews of this CPU running high but not at the expense of its performance. So, investing in a robust cooling solution is definitely recommended.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is one of the best 7000 series CPUs to pair with an RX 6750 XT, as it offers excellent performance at a comparatively lower price than the Intel Core i5-13600K.
Best budget CPU for RX 6750 XT
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : up to 4.6 GHz
- Base speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
- Platform: AMD (AM4)
Despite being a last-generation AMD processor, the Ryzen 5 5600X packs enough punch to handle various gaming demands.
- Has a low TDP of 65W
- Compatible with up to 3600 MHz RAM
- Comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler
- Doesn’t have any integrated graphics
Team Red’s reign continues, and their 5000 series CPUs still pack a punch and hold their own in this competitive market. The Ryzen 5 5600x is an excellent CPU to pair with your RX 6750 XT if you’re looking for a more pocket-friendly option.
Built on the Zen 3 architecture, this CPU has six cores, 12 threads, a max boost clock of 4.6 GHz, and a 32MB L3 cache. What this means is that it should have enough processing power to handle various gaming and professional tasks without compromising on performance.
Regarding motherboard compatibility, an AM4 socket is required, for which there are plenty of options. Besides that, with the introduction of the AM5 socket, the previous generation motherboards should have experienced a price drop, which is great if you’re going for a budget build. Pair it with a 3600 MHz DDR4 RAM, and you should have a solid rig capable of gaming at 1080p and 1440p with high presets. If you’re interested in exploring some options, check out our best DDR4 RAM guide for the top picks available.
According to AMD, this processor has a reasonable TDP of 65W and a maximum operating temperature of 95°C. It does come with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which should get the job done, but depending on the ambient temperature, you might have to invest in a better CPU cooler. To that end, we’ve also got your back with our best CPU cooler guide.
Another benefit of opting for this processor is its competitive price point. At the time of writing, the Ryzen 5 5600X is going for $142.20. This means you can save up on the CPU while still getting amazing performance and use the funds to get faster RAM or expand your storage.
What users say
The user reviews of the Ryzen 5 5600X are overwhelmingly positive, and we understand why. According to most users, its standout features are its price-to-performance ratio, excellent power efficiency, and top-notch versatility in professional tasks and gaming. One user simply put it: “The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an absolute powerhouse of a processor! I upgraded to this chip for my desktop, and it has exceeded all my expectations.” That tells you everything you need to know.
Best Intel CPU for RX 6750 XT
- Cores: 10 (6P-4E)
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed: P-Core 4.6GHz / E-Core 3.3GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 2.5GHz / E-Core 1.8GHz
- L3 Cache: 20MB
- TDP: 148W
While this Intel Core i5-13400F can’t be overclocked, its base specifications should be enough to complement the RX 6750 XT adequately.
- Maximum operating temperature of 100°C
- Low thermal output during workload
- 65W TDP makes it energy efficient
- It can’t be overclocked for enthusiast builds
- Requires to be paired with a discrete GPU as it doesn’t have integrated graphics
For our last pick, we went with the younger sibling of our top pick – the Intel Core i5-13400F. This CPU is one to pair with an RX 6750 XT.
For starters, this CPU has ten cores, divided between six performance cores (P-cores) and four efficient cores (E-cores). What this means is that you should get enough power to fuel your creative and gaming sessions without experiencing a drop in performance.
This processor has the “F” moniker, which means it can’t be overclocked. However, given its maximum turbo frequency of 4.60 GHz and 20MB L3 cache, its processing power shouldn’t leave much to be desired.
In addition, it supports a maximum memory of 192GB, which means you can stack those RAM sticks and give your overall system a significant boost without being restrained by compatibility issues. Another great aspect of this CPU is its compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, which means you can use DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 SSD for lightning-fast performance.
The Intel Core i5-13500F has a TDP range of 65W to 148W with a maximum operating temperature of 100°C. This means that it should be fine under heavy loads and offer good power efficiency while idle or handling low-effort tasks. However, a good thermal paste and a robust cooling solution are always recommended. To that end, check out our best thermal paste guide for the top picks and how to remove and apply the thermal paste guide for clean instructions.
Overall, given its price, performance, and PCIe 5.0 compatibility, the Intel Core i5-13400F is one of the best CPUs for RX 6750XT. It should complement the performance of this GPU and deliver solid in-game results at 1080p and 1440p.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews of the Intel Core i5-13400F, it is a solid option for gaming, easy to install, and its 65W TDP helps keep its temperature under control. One Amazon user showcased its excellent thermal design by saying, “The temperatures do not exceed 60 °C despite only using air cooling,” while another said, “For the price this is an amazing mid to high range CPU.” This only shows that its 4.8 out of 5.0 rating isn’t just for show.
How to select the best CPU for RX 6750 XT
There are a handful of factors to consider before choosing a CPU. We’ve listed some of those factors below so you can make an informed decision about your next CPU, regardless of application.
Budget
The first thing you must consider is your budget, which will determine what you can and can’t get. For example, going for an Intel Core i9-13900K, which we’ve also tested in-house, might be appealing, but pairing it with an RX 6750 XT doesn’t make sense. The performance gap between the two components is substantial, and going for a mid-range Intel or AMD processor would be much better in this case.
So, filter your options according to your budget and select an option that offers the best price-to-performance ratio. It’s also worthwhile to read reviews and watch benchmark videos of the combination you’re going for.
Future-proofing
Going for a powerful CPU might make sense if you want to future-proof your build. While an overkill CPU might go underused with the RX 6750 XT, it should ensure seamless gaming at lower resolutions and high presets. However, it should also be a worthwhile investment in the long run if you upgrade your GPU to match your CPU.
So, take this into consideration and choose an option accordingly. One thing to note is that if you go for the latest AMD processors, you’ll have to change your motherboard and RAM as well since they aren’t backward compatible. On the other hand, going for high-end Intel processors also has its limitations. The LGA 1700 is most likely reaching its end of term, and the maximum you can go for is the 14th generation on that socket, which isn’t much more powerful than the 13th generation.
Is RX 6750 XT good for gaming?
The RX 6750 XT is designed to handle 1440p games with ease. Given its higher VRAM capacity, it’s poised to meet the increasing performance demands of games in the coming years, ensuring a future-proof gaming experience for enthusiasts.
