by Malcolm Woods
Building a computer setup is no joke. You need to consider a lot of things, and a major factor amongst them is choosing the CPU. You need to choose the CPU in such a way that it doesn't face any bottleneck.
One of the main ways of making sure your CPU isn't bottlenecked is cross-checking its compatibility with your GPU. The RX 580 is one of the most widely used GPUs out there. Here, we'll find the best CPU for RX 580 graphics cards.
So, let's get started!
Contents
Just Follow This Table For Take A Quick Decision
| Product Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
 | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | 4.8 / 5.0 | Price Check |
 | Intel Core i5-9400F | 4.5 / 5.0 | Price Check |
 | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | 4.8 / 5.0 | Price Check |
 | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | 4.5 / 5.0 | Price Check |
 | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | 4.6 / 5.0 | Price Check |
CPU, also known as the processor, must be present in every computer to make them perform even the most basic functions. What matters is that you need to choose a suitable CPU for RX 580.
There are different benefits of using the right CPU for RX 580. Now, we'll discuss how using the right CPU for RX 580 can benefit you.
One of the major benefits that you'll receive by matching the CPU to your RX 580 is that there will be no bottleneck, and this reason is enough alone.
A bottleneck is a term that denotes whether any of your components are being drawn back by another one.
For example, let's say that your GPU is capable of driving a particular application to the fullest. However, your CPU can't provide the necessary power to do so. In this case, your GPU is getting bottlenecked by the CPU.
When choosing a CPU for the best RX 580 8GB for either gaming or workflow, you need to eliminate the bottleneck. Choosing the right CPU not only means that the GPU won't be bottlenecked by the CPU, but it also means that the GPU won't end up being a bottleneck for the CPU.
Choosing the right CPU for RX 580 can be a hassle, especially with all the newer generations of processors on the market. In our top picks, we've included CPUs that will result in zero wastage, while some of them will leave space for upgrading.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-rack CPU for your RX 580 GPU, then you should definitely get the Ryzen 5 3600 AMD. This was awarded as the best overall CPU back in 2020, and it's still considered as one of the best ones on the market, despite the launch of the newer generation of CPUs.
Although the R5 3600 is considered as a cutdown version of the 3600X, in practice, it performs more or less the same while costing around $50 less. It performs great at both gaming and overclocking.
This multi-core CPU offers six cores and 12 threads, and like every other AMD CPU, this one's great at multitasking.
With proper cooling, you'll be able to push the clock of this CPU to 4.2 GHz. It also supports DDR4 3200MHz RAMs for greater performance. Plus, the 35MB cache is great for gaming.
The only downside of this CPU is the cooling system. This CPU heats up to an alarming temperature when it's put under stress, and this can lead to lower performance due to heating. The performance will also become inconsistent in most cases.
You'll surely get a stock cooler with this CPU, but it's always recommended that you get an aftermarket cooler. Overall, this one's definitely a top choice for the best CPU for RX 580.
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If you're looking forward to building an Intel system, then this is the one you should go for right now. The Core i5 9400F is from an older 9th Generation. Even then, this is considered one of the best processors of this time.
The i5 9400F offers a 6-core and 6-thread architecture. Needless to say, this processor isn't capable of providing a multitasking performance as good as the r5 3600. Still, this one performs better in gaming and some productivity applications.
This processor runs at a base clock of 2.90GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. Due to the amazing heat dissipation technology, this processor can be pushed further than that. However, it's quite impractical to try that, as the cooling system will cost a lot, and the result won't be worth spending the money on.
One drawback with this CPU is that it supports only the B360, H370, H310, Q370, H370, and Z390 chipset from Intel. This means that if you didn't have any of these motherboards on your computer earlier that support only the 9th Generation of CPUs from Intel, you'd have to buy a new one.
Plus, you'll have to get yourself a completely new motherboard should you upgrade from this CPU. Other than that, this is a beast of a CPU and offers great value for the price.
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Next up, we have the Ryzen 5 2600 from AMD. This CPU was launched at a similar price point to the R5 3600, but the price has lowered considerably since the launch of the 3600 and the newer 5600X from the 5000 series. The reduction in the pricing only makes it a better product.
One of the best things about this CPU is how much upgrade headroom it offers. You can use this on any AM4 motherboard. If you're looking forward to a temporary upgrade, then you should definitely consider this CPU. Why?
Because this CPU will allow you to upgrade to any advanced CPU, even the likes of the 5900X! However, you'll still need to get a B450 or X570 motherboard for that.
In most AAA games, you'll find a mild difference of 10-15 FPS between the R5 3600 and the R5 2600. This is because you'll be using the RX 580, and the R5 2600 provides enough power to help you drive that to the fullest potential. It means that there will be zero bottlenecks.
This CPU also offers the StoreMI feature of the latest Ryzen processors, and this will allow you to load things much faster. You'll also be able to control different functions using the Ryzen Master Utility software.
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If you're looking for an affordable processor for your RX 580 that provides amazing multitasking performance, then you should definitely get the R7 2700X from Ryzen 7 series.
The specialty of this processor is that it offers an architecture of 8 cores and 16 threads. Does that make it better than every other CPU on this list? Not really.
This only means that the R7 2700X will provide better multitasking performance than any other CPU on this list, even the R5 3600. However, it will lag behind in gaming performance than both the R5 3600 and the i5 9400F to some extent.
Made in the 12nm manufacturing process, this CPU is very efficient and can be pushed up to 4.3GHz of boost clock. It will rest at a surprising 3.7GHz base clock when the computer is idle. Also, it offers a huge 20MB cache pool.
Unlike the CPUs from the R3 and R5 series, the 2700X belongs to the R7 series, which means that you'll get an upgraded CPU cooling fan with this. The Wraith Prism provides amazing performance, and it also offers a beautiful RGB outlook.
Like the other Ryzen CPUs, you'll get the SenseMI, StoreMI, and Ryzen Master Utility features from this one, making your journey a lot more convenient.
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The Ryzen 5 2600X is actually a product that was launched before the non-X version of 2600. Needless to say, this one comes at a bit higher price than the 2600 and costs a few bucks less than the 3600.
What makes this product an interesting offer is that it provides far superior performance than the 2600 and stands a bit lower than the 3600. For the extra money, you'll get a higher boost clock! This CPU is capable of pushing as far as 4.3GHz on the stock cooler!
As for the operating temperature, you'll be able to run it smoothly unless it hits the 95-degree Celsius mark. If you run this at that temperature, then your computer might crash, and the health of the component will decay over time.
Even though it comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler out of the box, it's capable of running the CPU at a cooler temperature than the limit, even when it's overclocked. So, you won't have to spend any extra for getting more advanced cooling systems.
This processor is quite good for gaming, and it performs well at multitasking as well. You won't get as a performance benchmark that's as good as the R5 3600, but you'll definitely be able to drive even the best RX 580 for gaming to the fullest extent.
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If you're willing to get a processor that will help you run the computer without the necessity of a graphics card, then you should certainly get the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G.
The processor comes with integrated graphics belonging to the Vega series of AMD. With this particular processor, you'll get a Vega 8 GPU. This GPU isn't the best out there, but it's enough to drive competitive games and some older AAA titles.
Now, you may ask why the 2200G? You already have the RX 580 GPU, so the integrated GPU won't provide any benefit, right? To some extent, yes. However, if you're a person who would upgrade the GPU soon, then getting the 2200G is your safest bet.
This CPU doesn't cost much, and it will allow you to run your computer without a GPU. With this feature, you can always sell your existing GPU and wait for a new one. You won't have to keep your computer inactive while waiting for a new GPU, or in case your GPU gets damaged somehow.
Due to this, we highly recommend taking the Ryzen 3 2200G. Is this CPU for everyone? No. Rather, this one's for those who would like to change their RX 580 GPU soon.
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Finally, we have the AMD Ryzen 5 1600. This one comes from the very first lineup from the Ryzen series, and while this one had some issues being the first series, 1600 was among the safer CPUs to pick from.
This is a very old CPU; that's true. However, that doesn't mean that it's not worth buying. As it's already considered pretty backdated, you'll be able to grab some sweet deals from the vendors. If you can get this at a low price, which most likely you will be able to do, then it's a great CPU.
Then again, this CPU was released at a time concurrent to the RX 580 release. This means that this CPU is good enough for handling the RX 580. You won't face any bottleneck with the CPU or even the GPU if you get this processor. This is another reason why we recommend this to RX 580 users.
So, this is actually a value pick. If you're looking for a CPU that you'll be able to buy without spending much, then you should definitely look for this. Try to get this CPU as soon as you find it in stock. As we've said, it's quite backdated now, and it isn't being produced anymore. So, you'll need some luck finding it in stock.
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Choosing the right CPU for the RX 580 will certainly be a tough job. You can try making this procedure easier by considering some factors. Here, we'll discuss how you can choose the right CPU for RX 580.
Needless to say, the number of cores on the CPU matter a lot. The greater the number of cores, the heavier workload the CPU will be capable of handling. For the RX 580, getting a CPU of 6 cores will serve you best.
You'll also get great performance out of this GPU using a 4-core CPU. Getting an 8-core CPU might end up bottlenecking it, depending on the generation of the CPU.
However, it doesn't mean that a CPU will provide better performance. Why? You'll find out in the next section.
The generation of the CPU is another important factor that must be considered. How well a CPU will perform depends greatly on the generation of a CPU. When it comes to Intel, you'll find 11th Gen and 10th Gen are the latest.
On the other hand, the 3000 and the 5000 series are the latest when it comes to AMD Ryzen based CPUs.
A different generation means a different architecture, different instructions per cycle performance, different wattage, and much more. Even if two CPUs have the same number of cores, they might perform drastically differently if they are from different generations.
The RX 580 GPUs are quite old now, so it's not completely necessary to get a CPU from the latest generation. Still, we'll recommend you get a decent CPU, as you'll have the opportunity to get a better GPU later on without facing any bottleneck.
The wattage is another important factor to consider. You need to check the rating of your power supply first, and then you'll need to check the power rating of your GPU.
Usually, the power consumption of the RX 580 is considered to hang around 140watts. However, this can't be said for certain, as better models such as the fastest RX 580 can consume greater power.
This is why you should consider the power consumption rating of your RX 580 first. Then, you better consider the power rating on your power supply. Calculate how much power will be left for your CPU after the GPU consumption. Get a CPU that consumes a power lower than what's available.
The key is to get a power supply that offers a bit higher power than what the components required. Doing so will keep ensuring that your computer remains safe.
PUBG is a bit more intensive on the CPU part. This game was created on the Unreal Engine, and Unreal Engine is known for being taxing on the CPU more than other game engines.
It also requires a decent amount of power from the GPU, but it's nothing the RX 580 can't handle.
Yes, a 550-watt power supply will be enough for RX 580 no matter what CPU you're using with it.
Going for the R5 3600 CPU is a great choice. This CPU isn't only capable of driving the GPU to the fullest, but it'll also leave some headroom for upgrading to a modern GPU.
Yes, and no. You'll be able to drive modern AAA games like Cyberpunk on low or medium settings. However, you won't be able to use some amazing features like Ray Tracing or DLSS, as these aren't supported by the RX 580. The games will be playable at least.
When it comes to competitive games, you can be sure that you'll have a great time. Competitive games aren't usually very heavy, and you'll be able to get a constant frame rate of 75 FPS.
No, the RX 580 is comparatively older than the models that support the Resizable Bar function. Only the RX 6000 series from AMD and RTX 3000 series from NVIDIA support the resizable bar feature.
These were the top choices that you have right now. When choosing the best CPU for RX 580 among these, it's important to make the right decision so that you aren't forced to upgrade soon.
All the products we've mentioned above are capable of driving your RX 580. Still, you should definitely get one of the more recent ones if you want to upgrade your setup further. Please refer to our buying guide to clarify any doubt!
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor with Wraith Prism LED Cooler - YD270XBGAFBOX - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler - YD2600BBAFBOX - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.0 GHz LGA 1151 300 Series 65W - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Intel Core i7 i7-4790K Quad-core (4 Core) 4 GHz Processor - Socket H3 LGA-1150 Pack - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Processor with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics - YD2200C5FBBOX - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Processor with Wraith Spire LED Cooler - YD2700BBAFBOX - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
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About Malcolm Woods
Malcolm Woods is a blogger who enjoys writing about technology and solar power. He has a passion for learning new things, and loves to share his knowledge with others. Malcolm is also an advocate for sustainable living, and believes that everyone has a responsibility to do their part in preserving our planet.
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