Best CPUs for AMD RX 6900 XT

Top 15 CPUs ranked by performance and balance with the AMD RX 6900 XT at 1440p. Balanced pairings ranked by power, then by bottleneck %.

1
Intel Core i9-12900
Score: 81/100Socket: LGA1700$359.99
Balanced ~10%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
2
Intel Core i5-14500
Score: 80/100Socket: LGA1700$359
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
3
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Score: 80/100Socket: AM4$261.63
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
4
Intel Core i7-12700F
Score: 80/100Socket: LGA1700$325.37
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
5
Intel Core i7-12700
Score: 80/100Socket: LGA1700$263.46
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
6
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX
Score: 80/100Socket: sWRX90$3,799.99
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
7
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX
Score: 80/100Socket: sWRX90$2,549
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
8
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX
Score: 80/100Socket: sWRX90$7,404
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
9
Ryzen 5 7400F
Score: 80/100Socket: AM5$113.99
Balanced ~9%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
10
Intel Core i5-14400F
Score: 79/100Socket: LGA1700$187
Balanced ~8%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
11
Intel Core i5-12600K
Score: 79/100Socket: LGA1700$174.95
Balanced ~8%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
12
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX
Score: 79/100Socket: sWRX90$9,899.99
Balanced ~8%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
13
Core i5-14400
Score: 79/100Socket: LGA1700$187
Balanced ~8%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
14
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Score: 78/100Socket: AM4$179.83
Balanced ~7%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf
15
Intel Core Ultra 5 235
Score: 78/100Socket: LGA1851$266.21
Balanced ~7%Buy on AmazonNewegg
CPU
GPU
~FPS 1440p:59Ultra|85Bal|117Perf

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CPU for the AMD RX 6900 XT?

The Intel Core i9-12900 is the best CPU for the AMD RX 6900 XT with only a 10% bottleneck at 1440p. It costs $359.99 and has a gaming score of 81/100.

What is the cheapest CPU that won't bottleneck the AMD RX 6900 XT?

The Intel Core i9-12900 at $359.99 is well-balanced with the AMD RX 6900 XT (only 10% bottleneck at 1440p).

Does the AMD RX 6900 XT need a high-end CPU?

Not necessarily. The AMD RX 6900 XT has a gaming score of 71/100, so a mid-range CPU will pair well. You don't need the most expensive CPU to avoid bottlenecking.

Check Your Own Combo

Test any CPU/GPU pair with our free bottleneck calculator.