Best CPUs for RX 6900

If you’ve ever built a PC, you know it’s a time-consuming and challenging task. To attain peak performance, all of the components must work perfectly together. Even if one of the critical components is mismatched, the rig will under-perform at best and perhaps will not boot up. For PC game players, the GPU is the most effective and vital component. If you choose a top-of-the-line GPU and the best CPU for RX 6900 ( Amazon ), you will have one of the most dominant gaming machines. A strong CPU with an optimal number of cores will ensure that your PC’s performance isn’t harmed in any manner due to a lack of processing power.

AMD RX 6900 is the most potent graphic processor from AMD at the moment. It features a similar memory (16 GB), base clock (2015 MHz), and boost clock (2250 MHz) as the 6800 XT. The stream processors are increased by around 10%; however, the TDP is kept at a similar 300W limit as the predecessor. The benchmarks show the effect of additional stream processors while gaming. We achieved around 5-8% boost in 4K frame rates compared to 6800 XT, which can differentiate between playable and stuttering games as you push the graphic quality to ultra-high. The graphics card has even opened the door to 8K gaming, but this may be just a marketing gimmick until we see games developed for 8K.

Would you look at our buying tips to help you choose the best CPU for 6900 for unstoppable 4K gaming?

Quick Shopping Tips:

Cores/Threads: The CPU cores and threads have a significant impact on their output. Eight cores are recommended to run the top 2021 games in 1080p on the highest settings. Enthusiasts and high-end PC builders, on the other hand, will even pay for minor performance increases in games beyond and opt for an even higher number of cores for gaming. Professional work requires multiple cores for creative projects such as compressing, multi-dimensional modeling, and rendering, which require more than eight cores to maximize output.

CPU Clock: Game performance is primarily affected by the CPU clock. Clock speed may be increased in several ways by CPU designers. AMD does it by increasing CPU clock speed using AMD’s PB and PBO technologies. In contrast, Intel Thermal Boost technologies allow the frequency to reach up to 1.5x the base clock. The same is valid for overclocking: However, choosing a CPU with a higher frequency is more advantageous as it requires less cooling.

Overclocking Ability: Top gamers are predictably dissatisfied with the CPU speeds that come with the system. Processor power may be increased through overclocking, which involves expanding CPU clock rates above usual norms. Overclocking generally requires the use of high-performance CPU cooling to keep the CPU within a safe temperature range. Since unlocked CPUs do not have a built-in GPU, you will need an external GPU and an extremely efficient cooler to keep your overclocked CPU cool while overclocking.

AMD or Intel: As far as the gaming sector is concerned, AMD versus Intel has been a topic of intense controversy for the better part of a decade. Since AMD produces the greatest multitasking CPUs, its primary focus is on content production. However, it is gaining pace to beat Intel at its own game, i.e., producing the best gaming CPUs. According to a market survey, both companies provide the highest-quality processors at competitive rates and provide excellent warranty services.

Best CPUs for RX 6900 at a glance:

  1. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
  2. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
  3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  4. Intel Core i9-10900K
  5. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
  6. Intel Core i7-10700k
  7. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
  8. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

The Best CPUs for RX 6900 You Can Buy Today

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (Image credit: Amazon)

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Best Premium CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores/Threads: 16/32 | Base Frequency: 3.4 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 4.9 GHz | TDP: 105W

REASONS TO BUY

Suitable for HEDT

AM4 socket compatible

AMD VR Ready Premium

REASONS TO AVOID

No encryption support

No thermal solution provided

Ryzen Pro, AMD’s high-performance processor, has created long-lasting ripples in the professional creative market. Although they were designed for servers and workstations, their unique socket prevented them from being widely used in the mainstream market. AMD changed that by providing their consumer market alternative best CPU for 6900. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X attempts to deliver AMD’s enormous processing capability to the general market for one-stop gaming and creativity projects. Multi-purpose CPU also helped people to invest in all-purpose rigs rather than multiple PCs for different tasks.

The 5950X outperforms some well-known high-end desktop processors in a variety of multi-threaded tasks. HEDT CPUs from Intel’s Core-X family also compete like the AMDs Threadripper for market share. The powerful 16-core CPU excels in video compression, 3D graphics designing, and rendering workloads. Its competitive advantage is the absence of the need for a unique chipset and massive motherboards. For the most refined gameplay with the best premium CPU for RX 6900, simply put it into a standard AM4 socket, and you are good to go.

This CPU is simply too powerful for just a basic gaming PC. It contains twice as many cores as you would typically need to play 1080p or 2K games. Increasing the number of cores will only provide you with minimal performance improvements, but the price per core will rise exponentially. We only suggest it for performance enthusiasts who want to construct a benchmark testing setup or an elite gaming machine. The rig will evolve into an all-in-one system that you can use in your studio for work and 4K gaming when you have leisure.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (Image credit: Amazon)

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

Best Overall CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores/Threads: 08/16 | Base Frequency: 3.8 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 4.7 GHz | TDP: 105W

REASONS TO BUY

Precision Boost 2

AMD Store MI technology

Extensive IPC developments

REASONS TO AVOID

No AMD PRO security

No Memory Guard technology

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X has a phenomenal 08 cores and 16 threads, built on a Zen 3 architecture, which allows the cores to be intrinsically linked to the L3 cache for greater speeds and lower latencies. Ryzen 7 is the best overall CPU for RX 6900 due to its higher core speed and IPC (Instructions Per Clock). It’s one of the finest processors for productivity and gaming that AMD has ever produced for the consumer market.

AMD’s Zen architectural adventure began in 2016 with the introduction of Zen architecture. AMD’s future is symbolized by the Zen 3 architecture, the third upgrade cycle of its cutting-edge CPU design. The boost clock has been extended to 4.9 GHz, and throughput has been enhanced by approximately 20%. Additionally, Core per CCX has been double to 8 cores per die which has almost doubled the available bandwidth and multi-core performance. The cache has also been doubled to improve processing performance further.

Despite 5800X having impressive improvements and exceptional multitasking performance, Intel’s flagship has the highest peak frequency and possibly better benchmarks in CPU-centric titles like Microsoft Simulator. Nonetheless, it’s still the best CPU for 6900 as it also has impressive multi-thread performance that is far better than Intels. The AMD 6900 can deliver killer graphics and blazing-fast action in 4K and at least 60+ FPS in demanding titles from top 2021 games. Its impressive benchmarks in gaming and professional software like Cinebench make it a popular choice for enthusiasts.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (Image credit: Amazon)

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

AMD's Best CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: AM4 motherboards | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores/Threads: 12/24 | Base Frequency: 3.7 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 4.8 GHz | TDP: 105W

REASONS TO BUY

AMD Master Utility

Unlocked for overclocking

Precision Boost Overdrive

REASONS TO AVOID

No Integrated GPU

No Secure boot option

Intel is competing hard for sustaining its market share in the gaming market. Its processors are used to remain the top gaming processors. However, AMD has turned the tables with AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, the AMD’s best CPU for RX 6900, and marketed as the best CPU for gaming with a substantially improved multi-core architecture. The GPU is perfect for 4K gaming with razor-sharp graphic details and enjoyable framerates.

Newer 7 nm AMD Ryzen 5000 series chips have taken over the market by surprise. With eight cores directly linked to the L3 cache for quicker communication and improved overall graphics performance, also these processors use AMD’s newest Zen 3 architecture. Additionally, they contain a PCIe 4.0 slot that delivers approximately twice the bandwidth of a PCIe 3.0 slot that isn’t present in Intel. Intel CPUs would be left in the dust if they didn’t incorporate it soon. However, for now, there’s no need to panic as the performance gains from the newer PCIe slot are barely noticeable.

AMD launched the Ryzen 5 in question to dethrone Intel’s Comet Lake flagship as the top gaming processor employed in hardcore gaming, benchmark testing, and benchmark software standardization. The 5800X is perhaps the most suitable alternative for testing rigs, capable of gaming and professional application benchmarks, assuring it to be the best CPU for RX 6900. AMD’s CPU is the perfect option for elite players who demand unrivaled gaming capability or creative workers who require the most incredible multi-threaded throughput for quicker project execution.

Intel Core i9-10900K (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i9-10900K

Intel's Best CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: LGA 1200 | Architecture: Comet Lake | Cores/Threads: 10/20 | Base Frequency: 3.7 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 5.3 GHz | TDP: 125W

REASONS TO BUY

Thermal Velocity Boost

Best for high FPS gaming

Advanced network chipset

REASONS TO AVOID

No PCIe 4.0

Needs high-end cooler

Everyone has heard of the best gaming processor from the tenth generation, which created waves in the gaming business. The Intel Core i9-10900K is perhaps the most popular and in-demand gaming processor, as well as the Intel’s best CPU for RX 6900. Its maximal boost speed of 5.3 GHz outperforms AMD’s flagship CPU, and its outstanding single-core performance has very few rivals in the gaming industry.

Multi-threaded performance has always been the soft spot for Intel, where AMD has strengthened its place. Intel is trying hard to catch up on the multi-core front and is still trying to break the 7nm chip fabrication techniques. Simply speaking, the bigger 14nm Intel processors are more power-hungry and dissipates a huge headload. The CPU alone can dissipate 300W of heat while overclocking. So don’t forget to invest in a high-capacity air or liquid cooler if you plan on overclocking or face throttling.

100+ FPS gaming on UHD is possible on numerous top gaming titles like Civilization IV and COD Modern Warfare. Not many processors are around that can say the same for themselves. AMD’s leading processors have yet to achieve the level of single-core performance Intel offers at such a reasonable price. The ten-core multi-threaded chip is a powerhouse and is the best CPU for 6900. It can raze through intensive and demanding games on 2K and 4K without a hint of slowdown.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Image credit: Amazon)

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Best Budget CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores/Threads: 06/12 | Base Frequency: 3.7 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W

REASONS TO BUY

Resizable BAR

One-touch BIOS activation for PBO

Wraith Stealth CPU Cooler included

REASONS TO AVOID

No SEV support

No 8K gaming provision

There was a time when mid-range processors were not very capable, and their gaming performance was mediocre at best. AMD changes the stereotype with its cost-effective Ryzen processors. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the best budget CPU for RX 6900, capable of 2K gaming with 100+ frames per sec, and doesn’t miss a beat on fast action games. Its six cores are integrated with dual threads per core and are ideal for mid to high-end gaming machines.

AMD is gaining fast on Intel with the Zen 3 architecture and produces competent gaming processors in addition to their already established professional creators market. The more minor 7nm chip is highly powered efficient and consumes a mere 65 Watt at full load. Extreme overclocking is already out of the question at this price due to the reduced margin. However, the bundled cooler is an added plus that can accommodate the CPU even if you overclock it slightly.

When we compared the AMD CPU with Intel’s flagship processors, the results were surprisingly impressive. Intel’s CPU is only 7-10% better in gaming while costing twice as much; it ensures AMD supremacy as the best CPU for RX 6900 for budget gaming. The improvements in the newer architecture are to be praised for such impressive performance improvements in the mid-range category. Average gamers will never complain about this CPU as it will meet all their requirements and then some.

Intel Core i7-10700k (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i7-10700k

Best Performance CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: LGA 1200 | Architecture: Comet Lake | Cores/Threads: 8/16 | Base Frequency: 3.80 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 5.10 GHz | TDP: 125 W

REASONS TO BUY

Hyper-Threading qualified

Advanced Thermal Monitoring

Excellent single & multi-thread performance

REASONS TO AVOID

No Thermal Velocity Boost

No support for ECC memory

The direct Intel contender for the high-end market competing against AMD’s 5800X is the Intel Core i7-10700k. Despite offering a higher-priced 8-core CPU, the AMD still lacks this Intel’s 8-core due to its exceptional gaming performance and overclocking capacity. It is the most common and the most sought out best performance CPU for RX 6900 due to its accessibility and value-centric pricing. The overall impressive single-core output of this CPU can leave behind many high-end rivals in the dust due to upgraded TB 2.0.

The practical output difference between 10700K and Intel’s flagship is barely a few percent. However, the price boost is around 30%, which is enormous. The marginal performance improvements are not worth it for most game players as that money can be better spent on upgrading the GPU, which constitutes more towards gaming performance. However, if you already have the best gaming GPU, and need the extra frames for maintaining your elite status in the gaming world, simply overclock this CPU and enjoy a flagship-like performance.

Everything is good for the most part. However, Intel CPU’s performance segment doesn’t own TVB and is comparatively sluggish in its multi-core capabilities. The AMD high-end processors like 5800X are far better at tasks demanding multi-core processing like professional graphics editing and designing software. But if your sole purpose is top-class gaming or esports, this is the best CPU for 6900 that can deliver comparable to 10900K with overclocking, so you can enjoy the taste of being on the top without paying the premium.

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (Image credit: Amazon)

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

Best Enthusiast CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 2 | Cores/Threads: 16/32 | Base Frequency: 3.5 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 4.7 GHz | TDP: 105 W

REASONS TO BUY

Optimized for liquid cooling

Dual-channel memory support

DDR4 up to 3200MHz memory

REASONS TO AVOID

No Multiprocessing support

No Secure Memory Encryption Technology

Zen architecture was a gamechanger for AMD that shaped its future in the CPU industry. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X was the highest performing and the best enthusiast CPU for RX 6900 of its time, featuring the upgraded Zen 2 chip. The Zen 2 chips were already 10% better in single-core performance, while the multi-core performance was improved by around 12% compared to the original Zen chips. It is the perfect server and production house solution.

The Zen 2 features a multi-core complex design that features up to 4 cores per complex. Fabricating multiple cores on a single die directly connected to the L3 cache works wonders to reduce communication lags. The result is enhanced instructions per die and faster individual core output. The best CPU for RX 6900 also got a massive DDR4 upgrade that supports up to 3733 MHz for a 1:1 CPU/RAM ratio and 5133 MHz for a 2:1 ratio.

So the question arises, are the older Zen 2 chips still relevant with the inrush of the economical and better performing Zen 3 chips covering every market segment? The answer is yes! With the increase in popularity and demand, AMD decided to launch the Zen 3 processors with bumped up prices than the previous gen. Furthermore, the prices dropped on the year-old ryzen processors raising their performance to price ratio, making 3950X an absolute bargain for elite gaming and high-demand professional tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (Image credit: Amazon)

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Best Flagship CPU for RX 6900

SPECIFICATIONS

Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores/Threads: 12/24 | Base Frequency: 3.8 GHz | Max Boost Frequency: 4.6 GHz | TDP: 105W

REASONS TO BUY

PBO for overclocking

Cooling solution with RGB

Doubled Floating Point performance

REASONS TO AVOID

No Zen-3 architecture

No support for Microsoft device guard

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X will let you know what the premium gaming experience feels like with the best flagship CPU for RX 6900 from the Zen 2 showroom. The CPU offers a massively influential design featuring a build on four core complexes (CCX), where one core is not activated on each complex, leaving a total of 12 AMD cores. It is the younger brother of 3950X with comparable flagship performance at an economical price suitable for workstations.

Aside from core and 15% IPC improvements, the best CPU for 6900 has also upgraded the bus bandwidth from 128 bit to 256 bit, doubling the lane size and enhanced the bus speed to 2.3x. Being a massively powerful CPU, it’s a feat that it only consumes 105W. In simple words, it means you can work with an average capacity cooler like Wraith Prism to cool it saving both on upfront cooler charges and ongoing energy costs.

AMD has improved a lot since the Zen processors launch. The newer core structure led it to reach Intel’s 9th Gen flagship performer benchmarks, a gaming king of its time. The creative segment is where it leaves Team Blue far behind with outstanding 40% better scores. The AMD CPU is one of the most effective solutions for 1080p and 1440p gaming and high-end content modeling/rendering jobs simultaneously.

Conclusion

RX 6900 is the most powerful gaming processor from the AMD at the moment. It was meant to take the top spot from RTX 3090, the Nvidia’s forerunner, and offers some amazingly innovative technology. RX 6900 is a no slacker and is the best bet for 4K and some 8K gaming in the market. Any CPU that doesn’t keep up with this outstanding GPU will only limit its best performance, and the GPU will hinder any significantly more powerful CPU. So as a user, your goal should be to find the sweet spot where both CPU and GPU perform at their maximum to achieve a common goal, i.e., super-realistic graphics and buttery-smooth gaming experience.

Out of all the recommendation we have shortlisted, a few does stand out. If you are a professional creator and your hobby is gaming or vise versa, you should go with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X. It is the best CPU for RX 6900 due to its powerful ten cores provide an impressive 4K gaming experience and exceptional performance in productive applications and tasks. If you only aim to get the highest possible frames on demanding modern games, with crisp graphics and vivid imaging, 10900K is a no-brainer. Its thermal velocity boost technology can push the cores to 5.3 GHz, only confined to core i9 processors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, RTX 3080 vs. 6900?

RTX 3080 belongs to Nvidia’s 2nd generation of RTX fabricated on Ampere architecture. The AMD 6900, on the other hand, is built on Radeon DNA 2 architecture on a 7nm chip. Both GPU share similar processing powers and delivered almost identical gaming benchmarks. A gaming processor like 10700K is your best bet at gaining the best gameplay and ultimate user experience.

What is the best CPU for 6900?

Intel 10900K is the best CPU for 6900 if you plan on building an elite-level gaming PC. It has by far the most impressive benchmarks for 4K and 2K gaming on AAA games and offers the most exclusive overlocking ability Intel is famous for. It also contains Intel’s Thermal Velocity Boost and Turbo Boost 2.0 technologies for auto boosting CPU clocks within the thermal band.

Which is the best Rx 6900?

Sapphire Nitro+ RX 6900 is the best 6900 GPU among all available options. The GPU has boosted memory clock and features game mode and burst mode to switch between fast and extreme performance profiles. You can combine it with AMD Ryzen 5 5800X, which is almost equally capable as the 6900, and both offer flagship-like performance within modern games.

Does Rx 6900 have ray tracing?

Fortunately, there is a piece of good news that RX 6900 does offer Ray racing technology from DirectX; however, it doesn’t support Deep Learning and Super Sampling (DLSS). But since 8K gaming is still on the horizon, we don’t need to worry just yet. The 6900 also offers 2K and 4K gaming framerates with the powerful Intel Core i7-10700k. It’s an amazingly great overlocker, and the best value buy.