Best CPU for the Radeon RX 6500 XT

Processors for the Radeon RX 6500 XT at each resolution

At 1080p the cheapest processor that keeps the Radeon RX 6500 XT within 10 percent is the Ryzen 3 1200 (launch price $109), with a gaming index of 20 on the AM4 socket. Next in the list is the Ryzen 3 2200, which is 32.8% more than the card can use.

At 1440p the cheapest processor that keeps the Radeon RX 6500 XT within 10 percent is the Ryzen 3 1200 (launch price $109), with a gaming index of 20 on the AM4 socket. Next in the list is the Ryzen 3 2200, which is 50.2% more than the card can use.

At 4K the cheapest processor that keeps the Radeon RX 6500 XT within 10 percent is the Ryzen 3 1200 (launch price $109), with a gaming index of 20 on the AM4 socket. Next in the list is the Ryzen 3 2200, which is 69.4% more than the card can use.

What it costs and what it fits

For reference, the fastest chip we track, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (index 100), is 85.9% faster than the Radeon RX 6500 XT needs at 1080p.

The picks sit on AM4 (4) sockets, released between 2017 and 2026.