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Best CPU for RX 580 (AMD, Intel, Budget, 8GB, Gaming)

When using the RX 580, people prefer to have a good processor so we gathered a few of the Best CPU for RX 580. This graphic card may be old and best suited for 1080p resolution, but it still is a great option for beginners. If you have a very old RX 580 graphic card and are looking to get a decent upgrade, the RX 580 is the way to go. Processors play an important in the performance of the GPU and don’t bottleneck it. So, the users need to have a modern CPU that can work well with the RX 580 and grant an amazing experience to the users.

Some factors play an important part in a processor that should be present for it to work smoothly. Firstly, the boost clock of the processor should be analyzed as it affects the performance of the video adapter and the system overall. Secondly, the core and thread count are significant if the user wants to play heavy games and use the gaming PC system for software development. Thus, the ideal number of cores and threads is 6 and 12 accordingly so that the customer gets the most of performance per core/thread as needed. PCIe 4.0 support is the commonly present interface in these CPUs; this is responsible for granting high bandwidth and low latency rates.

Moving on, the motherboard’s socket type is important as the CPU goes inside it. AM4 socket seems to be compatible with half the AMD CPUs in this list, whereas Intel’s LGA 1700, 1150, and 1151 are compatible with the brand’s processors. A few processors have a bundled cooler that helps emit heat away from the component and increases performance. All the gaming CPUs listed in this article come at a reasonable price tag, so the customer doesn’t have to worry about the cost and can easily make an informed decision.

To summarize all that has been stated, a few aspects of the CPU must be present so that the RX 580 can work smoothly in the system. Hence, scroll down for a detailed review of these CPUs to choose the best fit for your system.

Our Recommended list of the Best CPU for RX 580 (AMD, Intel, Budget, 8GB, Gaming)

  1. Intel Core i5-12600KF Desktop Processor
  2. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor
  3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Desktop Processor
  4. Intel Core i7-4790K Desktop processor
  5. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Desktop Processor
  6. Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor

CPU Requirements for RX 580

  • Minimum of 4 cores and 8 threads
  • 4400 MHz boost clock rate at minimal
  • 8 MB Cache at minimum
  • At least DDR3 memory
  • PCIe 3.0 minimal required

RX 580 vs. RX 470 

  • 2304 vs. 2048 CUDA cores
  • 1257 MHz vs. 926 MHz core clock speed
  • 1340 MHz vs. 1206 MHz boost clock speed
  • 185W vs. 120W TDP
  • Both cards share GDDR5 memory 
  • Both share the same architecture namely Polaris
  • 8000 MHz vs. 6600 MHz memory speed

1. Intel Core i5-12600KF Desktop Processor

Intel Core i5-12600KF Desktop Processor

One of the Intel’s great the Core i5-12600KF processor which is built using the Alder Lake S architecture is best overall CPU for the RX 580. Consisting of 16 threads and 10 cores, this CPU is capable of working with the RX 580 graphic card. Base frequency starts at 3.7 GHz and can achieve the highest boost rate of 4.9 GHz which is ideal for fast-paced gameplay. In addition, PCIe 5.0 support is present that also provides amazing performance as well as increased bandwidth to the users. Unlocked for overclocking, this processor can provide more speed which is advantageous for competitive gamers. 

For quick task handling and processing, dual-channel DDR5 and DDR4 memory are supported by this CPU. TDP of 125W is measured in this processor, so there is a need to use a CPU cooler. Cache of 16 MB is present which adds to the speedy data transfer rate. LGA 1700 socket should be present in the motherboard so this processor can sit inside perfectly, so the user is free to choose from a wide variety of i5-12600KF motherboards. Virtualization and 4K gaming gave excellent performance upon testing this CPU, making it a good choice for customers. 

Overall, the Core i5-12600KF is great for gaming and content-creating purposes as it has several notable attributes. Cost-wise, this is also in the middle category making it one of the best CPU for RX 580 graphic card.

Comparison:

Here, we review the Core i5-8400 against the Core i5-12600KF as they have similar features. Though the former CPU has a low TDP, is less expensive and has a CPU cooler included, the 12600KF has extra core and thread count and has better thread and core performance.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Great performance overall
  • LGA 1700 socket
  • High boost frequency
  • DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support

Cons:

  • Requires CPU cooler

2. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor

When building a PC on budget from scratch, users often try to get components that can fulfill their needs. Here, we review the Ryzen 5 3600 in best budget CPU category. Which contains 12 threads and 6 cores and can work well with several graphic cards. Base clock starts at 3.6 GHz and can obtain the peak boost clock rate of 4.2 GHz, which is an improvement over its predecessors. In addition, PCIe 4.0 support is present in this component, which increases the bandwidth and system performance. 

Memory supported by this processor is DDR4 which is great for saving power, all the while improving the processing speed of the memory. A cache of 32 MB is offered in this processor, which makes sure the information fetch retrieval rates are higher than average. One of the plus points of this CPU is that it comes with the Wraith Stealth cooler, which keeps the heat levels of the component in check. Talking about the gaming performance, this CPU gives results in Stockfish and 100+ fps in games like Far Cry 5 and Final Fantasy XV. 

Overall, the Ryzen 5 3600 is a well-performing CPU that gamers prefer and is a good choice to use with the RX 580 card.and this is also compatible with Geforce GTX 1630 CPU, RX 6600 CPU Furthermore, as this processor fits inside an AM4 socket, it opens the user to a wide range of motherboards like x570 chipset-based ones. Furthermore, coming at a low price, this processor is a budget-conscious user’s dream come true. Moreover, over time this processor can be upgraded easily by the users. 

Comparison:

We review the Ryzrn 5 2600X against the Ryzen 5 3600 as they consist of similar attributes and are made by AMD. However, some reasons the Ryzen 5 3600 is better than the former CPU are that it is cheaper, has better thread and core performance, and has low TDP.

Pros:

  • Amazing gaming performance
  • Affordable
  • PCIe 4.0 support
  • Consumes less power
  • Includes a bundled cooler

Cons:

  • No integrated graphics
  • Limited overclocking ability

3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Desktop Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Desktop Processor

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the AMD’s best CPU to pair with an RX 580 8GB 2048sp. This 6-core, 12-thread processor delivers excellent performance in both gaming and productivity applications thanks to AMD’s Zen 3 architecture.

With a boost clock up to 4.6 GHz, the Ryzen 5 5600X offers fast single-core speed which is ideal for high frame rates in games. The six physical cores and twelve threads also provide great multi-threaded throughput for tasks like video editing, streaming, and content creation.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is more than enough CPU horsepower for gaming to avoid bottlenecking an RX 580. Even in CPU-intensive games, this processor will enable the RX 580 to stretch its legs and deliver strong 1080p performance with high settings. Smooth gameplay is assured across popular titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, GTA V, and Call of Duty.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is also a wise choice for longevity. Its PCIe 4.0 support and excellent IPC (instructions per clock) make it capable of handling even the most powerful GPU upgrades in the future. AMD also promises long-term socket compatibility for future Ryzen releases.

For RX 580 builds, the Ryzen 5 5600X is hard to beat. It delivers excellent all-round performance today and gives confidence that your CPU won’t be outdated anytime soon. Pair it with a B550 or X570 motherboard, 16GB of fast DDR4 RAM, and a decent cooler like the Cooler Master Hyper 212, and you have a gaming PC that will handle anything you throw at it.

If your budget can’t stretch to the Ryzen 5 5600X, consider the previous generation Ryzen 5 3600. It still beats Intel’s Core i5s for multi-threaded workloads while gaming performance is very close. However, for the ultimate AMD gaming CPU that will maximize your RX 580’s potential, the Ryzen 5 5600X is highly recommended.

Pros:

  • Stunning gaming performance
  • Includes a CPU cooler 
  • Power efficient 
  • PCIe 4.0 support
  • Overclockable

Cons:

  • No integrated graphics 
  • Needs AIO for best performance

3- Intel Core i7-4790K Desktop processor

Intel Core  i7-4790K Desktop processor

Moving on to Intel, we discuss the Core i7-4790K an other good processor for RX 580, also known as “Devil’s Canyon.” Featuring a quad-core and 8-thread count processor, this is built using the Haswell architecture, which saves power as well as has graphical expertise. Boost clock rate can obtain the highest clock rate of 4400 MHz, whereas the base speed begins at 4000 MHz. Intel HD Graphics 4600 allows this GPU to reach the highest speed of 1250 MHz and is more than enough for normal work. TDP of 88W is measured in this component which does not overheat the system much.

DDR3 memory is used in this processor that maintains the data transfer rates as well as more bandwidth than DDR2. Cache of 8 MB is present that is great for fast loading of recently opened information. LGA1150 sockets must be available in the motherboard so that this processor can be used, so series 8 and 9 motherboards are compatible with this processor. Games like F1 2013 and Bioshock Infinite performed well using the i7-4790K processor which is better than CPUs like the Core i5-4690K. 

Some additional attributes of the Core i9-4790K include TSX (Transactional Synchronization Extensions) and VT-d (virtualization). These features are responsible for granting great performance to programmers during software development. Costing less than its opponents, this CPU is a great choice for users who want to stay within a budget. 

Comparison:

Intel’s Core i7-4790K can be compared against the Core i7-3770K since they contain homogenous attributes. Although the 3770K is less expensive and has a low TDP, the 4790K has improved overall performance and has better workstation value than the latter CPU. 

Pros:

  • Class-leading performance
  • Cooling mechanism
  • Affordable
  • LGA 1150 socket support 
  • Virtualization technology

Cons:

  • Graphics are not improved 

4- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Desktop Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Desktop Processor

People prefer to use a processor that can handle their demanded tasks and queries. Thus, AMD introduced the Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, which contains 12 threads and 6 cores. Built using Zen architecture, this processor has low latency rates and ensures less power is consumed. Base clock starts at 3.4 GHz and can achieve the highest boost clock speed of 3.9 GHz, which is great for the smooth execution of games and heavy software. In addition, a PCIe 3.0 version is used in this component, providing users with more bandwidth. 

For increased performance and high data integrity, DDR4 dual-channel memory is integrated into this CPU to fulfill the stated tasks. A total cache of 16 MB is present in this CPU which increases the data fetching and retrieval rates. Motherboards containing AM4 sockets are compatible with this processor, so the X470 and 300 series of motherboards can be selected. Games like Dawn of War III gave 100+ fps at 1080p resolution which is great for novice gamers. Bundled cooler is provided in this CPU that ensures the overall temperature of the component remains low. 

Ryzen 5 2600 performed greatly during the Adobe Creative Cloud suite with Photoshop, XD, Illustrator, deep learning and more in the bundle. Lastly, this processor’s price is competitive compared to its competitors. Making it a nice choice for budget-conscious customers and people building a system from scratch for the first time.

Comparison:

For comparison purposes, we take the Ryzen 5 1400 with the Ryzen 5 2600 as they both belong to AMD. Though the 1400 processor is cheaper, 2600 has more core and thread count, high CPU frequency, and boosted clock speeds. 

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Affordable
  • Low TDP
  • Bundled cooler
  • Energy efficient processor

Cons:

5- Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor

Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor

Least expensive option in this list, the Intel Core i5-8400 consists of 6 cores and 12 threads that can provide increased performance to the users. Based on Intel’s Coffee Lake architecture, it can easily handle RX 580 graphic card. Beginning at 2.8 GHz base frequency, the boost clock rates can obtain a peak speed of 4.0 GHz, which is great for the fast-paced working of different processes. In addition, a low TDP rate of 65W is a bonus point of this processor that ensures the heat levels are at a minimum. GPU consists of Intel UHD Graphics 630 with a speed range between 350 MHz and 1050 MHz.

DDR4 and DDR3 memory are supported by this processor which grants more bandwidth and fast memory processing, increasing the system’s overall performance. Total L3 cache of 9 MB is available in this component, which improves the performance of data retrieval rates. To fit inside the motherboard, an LGA 1151 socket should be present, which makes this processor compatible with only 300 series chipset-based motherboards. Optane Memory support makes your PC system faster with a smart memory mechanism that provides a smooth gaming experience. 

Giving great performance in games like Doom (Vulkan), the Core i5-8400 is a great option for gamers and such people. Moreover, a bundled cooler is provided in the CPU that emits heat from the device to maintain its performance. One of the cheapest processors, this can be one of the best CPU for RX 580 8GB card.

Comparison:

Here we compare Intel’s Core i5-7600T and Core i5-8400 as they contain alike traits. Having cheaper cost and low TDP, the Core i5-7600T is a good option. However, Core i5-8400 has more cores and threads as well as increased boost clock rates.

Pros:

  • Amazing performance in gaming
  • Budget-friendly 
  • Includes CPU cooler
  • Great performance in applications 
  • Six cores

Cons:

  • Ratio multiplier is locked

Best CPU for RX 580 Buying Guide

People building PC systems from scratch make sure to use the beneficial components for their tasks. Whether for gaming, business, or personal use, the system should be capable of giving amazing performance and productivity. AMD Radeon RX 580 is a good graphic card that is available in 8GB size, has 8 Gbps memory speed, and can support 4K resolution easily. Our suggested CPU for this video card is the Intel Core i5-12600KF processor, which has several stunning features best suited for RX 580 video adapter. Some aspects of a CPU that should be considered before making an informed design are discussed below.

Cores

This is an important feature as the multiple cores are supposed to multitask simultaneously while increasing the system’s performance. Thus, if you are a game developer or competitive gamer, your processor should at least have an 8-core count so that the tasks can operate smoothly.

Cache

Cache is responsible for quick data retrieval rates so that the efficiency of the system is improved. For people using RX 580, 8 MB cache is enough to obtain the stated output as well as for swift reaction to high-speed gaming.

Clock Speeds

High graphic rendering is made possible if the CPU has high clock rates. In this list of CPUs, the boost clock rates range between 4400 MHz and 3.9 GHz which are great for granting more game frame rates. Our recommended option, the Core i5-13600KF has a boost clock of 4.9 GHz, providing the needed output to the customers. 

Socket Type

Processors fit inside the motherboard, and it contains a socket that holds the processor chip. AM4 is the commonly occurring socket type while sockets like Intel’s LGA 1151 and 1150 are also mentioned in this list. Hence, this list of CPUs grants the user the freedom to choose from a wide variety of motherboards. 

Cooling Mechanism

Some CPUs come with a bundled cooler that lowers the heat levels of the PC system at high rates. Unfortunately, as the computation power increases, the heat levels of components like graphic cards and CPUs also increase. So processors like Core i5-13600KF need some cooling mechanism like a CPU to keep the heat levels in check.

FAQs

Is Ryzen 5 3600 and RX 580 bottleneck?

No, the Ryzen 5 3600 and RX 580 8GB do not cause any significant bottlenecking. The 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 3600 has more than enough horsepower to keep up with the RX 580 GPU without limiting its performance.
In 1080p gaming, the RX 580 8GB will generally be the limiting factor before the Ryzen 5 3600 CPU. The 3600 provides smooth frame rates and good 1% lows even in demanding titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Shadow of the Tomb Raider when paired with the RX 580.
The Ryzen 5 3600 has plenty of headroom for future GPU upgrades as well. Its 6 cores and 12 threads will easily handle more powerful graphics cards like the RTX 3060 Ti without bottlenecking. So overall, it’s an excellent match for the RX 580.

Is RX 580 good for Ryzen 5?

Yes, the RX 580 8GB is an excellent graphics card to pair with a Ryzen 5 CPU. AMD Ryzen 5 processors like the 3600 provide great multi-threaded performance that won’t limit the RX 580’s capabilities in gaming workloads.
The RX 580 is a very capable 1080p gaming GPU. When matched with a suitable Ryzen 5 CPU, it can handle eSports titles at very high frame rates and also run demanding games at 60fps+ on high settings. This makes it a cost-effective GPU for smooth 1080p gaming with Ryzen 5 CPUs.
Additionally, the RX 580 will not bottleneck most Ryzen 5 processors due to their high core and thread counts. And it leaves plenty of room for future upgrades. So in summary, the RX 580 8GB is an ideal graphics card to match with Ryzen 5 CPUs for smooth 1080p gaming performance.

Author

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  • Areesha

    Areesha is a tech enthusiast and a freelance writer who loves to share her insights on the latest gadgets and innovations. She has been reviewing tech products for over five years, covering everything from smartphones, laptops, cameras, smartwatches, headphones, and more. She enjoys testing out new features, comparing different models, and giving honest feedback to her readers. Areesha’s reviews are always informative, engaging, and easy to understand. Whether you are looking for a new device, a gift idea, or just curious about the tech world, Areesha’s reviews will help you make the best decision. You can find her work on various websites and blogs, such as [TechCrunch], [CNET], [The Verge], and [Gizmodo]. You can also follow her on [Twitter] and [Instagram] to get the latest updates on her reviews and projects. Areesha is always open to suggestions and feedback from her audience, so feel free to contact her anytime. She is looking forward to hearing from you!

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