Given its low cost and high performance, the RX 580 is a fantastic choice for a graphics card. However, it can only perform well if you pair it with a high-end CPU. The right CPU will allow you to experience better performance when playing games at higher settings.
Therefore, investing in a good CPU is essential if you are planning to update your device or build a new one. It can assist you to achieve maximum efficiency. We have the complete guide to finding the best CPU for RX 580, as well as some great recommendations on what to buy.
5 Best CPUs for the RX 580
- Intel Core i5-8400 – Top Choice for Gamers
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – Best CPU for the RX 580
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – Best Value CPU for RX 580
- Intel Core i7-4790K Processor – Powerful Intel Core i7 CPU for RX 580
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700X – Most Reliable CPU for RX 580
1. Intel Core i5-8400 – Top Choice for Gamers
Intel Core i5-8400
The Intel Core i5-8400 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cheap and fast processor. It is the latest member of Intel’s Coffee Lake family and is manufactured using the company’s 14nm Tri-Gate lithography. It supports DDR4-2666 memory and is compatible with Intel’s Optane storage unit.
Pros: Cons:
Intel’s Core i5-8400 features six cores and six dual-core threads. Also, it can be upgraded to 4 GHz through Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, and its consumption is moderate. Its maximum registered memory is 32 GB, and its default thermal design is 65W.
Even though you won’t need an iGPU, you can use the Intel UHD 630. It is a great alternative if your main GPU gets defective. You can also use it to run lighter applications to reduce energy consumption.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – Best CPU for the RX 580
AMD Ryzen 5 2600
The Ryzen 5 2600 is a fantastic all-around CPU for gaming. It’s perfect for individuals on a tighter budget who yet want to up their game. The 2600 is also great for those looking to get the most out of their gaming rig, especially if they have an expensive GPU like the RX 580.
Pros: Cons:
The standard version of the Ryzen 5 2600 is similar to the 2600X. It features six cores and twelve threads and can handle tasks that require a lot of power. The difference between the two is the base and maximum clock speed.
The base version of the Ryzen 5 2600 clocks at 3.4 GHz, while the higher-end model, the 2600X, has a base speed of 3.7 GHz and an overclocking option of 4.2 GHz.
Additionally, the low-end variants of the Ryzen 5 2600 are great for handling mid-range gaming setups. They can also work seamlessly with the RX 580. If you’re planning on playing some of your favorite games at 4K, you might want to throttle up the CPU.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – Best Value CPU for RX 580
AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Although the Ryzen 5 3600 isn’t a high-end CPU, it is still worth investing in if you want to build a budget-friendly gaming PC. The Ryzen 5 3600 is capable of delivering smooth gaming performance. It features six cores and 12 threads, and you can boost its speed up to 4.2 GHz to eliminate the bottleneck that can occur with the RX 580.
Pros: Cons:
The low price of the Ryzen 5 3600 makes it an ideal choice for those looking to save money on an RX 580 8GB GPU.
The low-cost CPU cooler that comes with the Ryzen 5 3600 is also much better than those available in the market. One of the most vital factors the processor has is its 32MB of L3 cache, which helps it perform at its best.
The low-cost price and the ability to boost performance with the AMD RX 580 make the Ryzen 5 3600 an ideal choice for budget-conscious users.
4. Intel Core i7-4790K Processor – Powerful Intel Core i7 CPU for RX 580
Intel Core i7-4790K Processor
We are taking a step back in time to talk about the 4th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU, which worked seamlessly with the RX580. The Core i7 4790K provides smooth performance when playing games that need multiple threads.
Pros: Cons:
The i7-4790K retains its place as a superb gaming CPU even though it has lost its true position due to Intel’s new rugged units. If you’re planning on getting an 8 GB CPU that can work with the RX580, you should go with the i7-4790 K.
We decided to include the i7-4790K in our list due to its single-core performance. That is because, unlike other processors, all its cores are clocked at 4.0 GHz. Thus, Intel should be commended for making the best CPU for gaming and content creation.
Since only four cores are used in this CPU, you might not experience the same performance when running applications that rely on more than four cores. However, this is still acceptable.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X – Most Reliable CPU for RX 580
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Compared to Intel’s latest generation processors, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X delivers better overall performance. It also comes with eight-core counts for an affordable price.
Pros: Cons:
The higher clock count of AMD processors has been a major factor that has caused Intel to lose out on some of its high-end gaming units. The latest generation of Ryzen 7 2700X, which is an exceptional performer, outperforms most of the company’s own products.
It’s ideal for gaming with eight cores and twelve threads and can clock up to 4.3 GHz. Its higher frequencies give it an advantage over its competitors, such as the Core-i7 8700K.
This multi-core CPU is very impressive when it comes to gaming. Its performance can be boosted by connecting it to an RX 580. When paired with an RX 580, it can provide a boost in performance when playing video games.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best CPU for RX 580
Selecting a new central processing unit (CPU) is not always easy. There are a few considerations to make before making a final purchase. You can use these to determine which one suits your requirements best.
Frequency
People value fast processors, and nobody likes a device that performs slowly. Therefore, CPU frequency should be taken into account as it ensures that the device performs at a higher level.
Cores
The number of cores your device has will determine its multi-processing capability. Each core will have to perform and respond efficiently to different commands the system sends. Having multiple cores is important if you’re a heavy user who tends to multitask a lot.
Compatibility
Socket compatibility is an overlooked aspect when buying a new CPU. This is because people tend to get excited about the specifications of the device, and they forget to check if it’s compatible with the motherboard.
Usage
Processors will vary depending on your usage. One of the most crucial factors you should consider is how much of a heavy user you are. If you are an entertainer, gamer, heavy user, or someone with many usages, a device that can handle heavy tasks is ideal.
Price
This is also a crucial factor, as it will help you narrow your options to the best one. If you’re on a tight budget and need a good unit that’s reasonably priced, then you might want to go with AMD processors. But, if you’re flexible and can afford to spend more, then Intel processors are ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best CPU for RX 580
Is the RX 580 great for gaming?
Yes! Despite its low frame rate, the Radeon RX 580 is still considered one of the best cards for gaming at high resolutions.
Is the RX 580 better than the 480?
Compared to the 480, the RX 580 has better gaming capabilities. Its higher core clock speed and texture mapping units deliver better pixel performance. In addition, its shader performance is significantly superior.
Which is the best processor for my RX 580 graphics card?
This article focuses on the RX 580 and has reviewed the top 5 processors for this card. Before settling on one, you should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option carefully.
Conclusion
The two main components of a computer’s performance are its processor and graphics cards. Ensure that these two are compatible before proceeding. If you want to buy an RX 580, you can pick from various models.
We hope this article will help you find the best CPU for your needs and requirements regarding the RX 580. Thus, we’ve listed the best processors compatible with the RX 580.
Before you make a decision on which one to buy, it’s important to think about the budget that you have available. Some of these come with integrated graphics, while others don’t. However, with the help of an RX580, you can run various applications and play games you want.
