What CPU Should You Buy for the RX 570?

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching and writing about budget PC hardware combinations, specifically focused on pairing older or mid-range graphics cards with CPUs that maximize value. The RX 570 remains a popular choice for 1080p gaming in 2026 because of its low cost and solid performance in esports titles and older AAA games. However, many builders make the mistake of pairing it with a CPU that holds the card back, or they overspend on a processor that offers no real benefit at this GPU tier. This guide is built on a careful analysis of how each CPU interacts with the RX 570’s capabilities, drawing from manufacturer specifications and community-reported gaming behavior.

I do not rely on hypothetical benchmarks or wishful thinking. Instead, I evaluate each processor based on its core count, thread count, clock speed, platform cost, and how those factors translate into real-world gaming scenarios at 1080p resolution. Every product listed here has been selected because it either removes the CPU bottleneck entirely or provides the best possible balance of cost and performance for a specific builder profile. My goal is to help you avoid wasting money on a CPU that is too weak or too strong for this card, and to give you a clear path forward whether you are building new, buying used, or planning a future upgrade.

How we researched

To determine the best CPUs for the RX 570, I evaluated each processor against a set of criteria that matter most for a budget 1080p gaming build. The primary factor was whether the CPU would become a bottleneck in modern games at 1080p with medium to high settings. I considered the single-thread performance needed to keep frame rates smooth, the multi-core capability required for newer titles that use more than four threads, and the overall platform cost including motherboard and memory. I also weighed the upgrade potential each CPU offers, since a good pairing should not force a complete rebuild when the GPU is eventually replaced.

I did not run physical tests or use a lab. Instead, I analyzed manufacturer-stated specifications such as core count, thread count, base and boost clocks, and architecture generation. I cross-referenced these specs with known performance characteristics of the RX 570, which is a capable 1080p card but is limited by its 4 GB or 8 GB VRAM and its Polaris architecture. For each CPU, I considered how its strengths and weaknesses align with the RX 570’s capabilities, and I identified at least one honest limitation that a buyer should be aware of. The result is a set of recommendations that are grounded in the hardware’s stated features and the practical realities of budget PC building.

Ryzen 5 3600 – Best CPU to Pair with the RX 570

The Ryzen 5 3600 is technically overqualified for the RX 570, which is exactly why it works so well. By ensuring the processor is never the bottleneck, the RX 570 reaches its full performance in every game without exception. This means that frame rates will be limited only by the GPU itself, providing consistent and predictable performance across a wide range of titles. The six Zen 2 cores and twelve threads handle modern games that demand more than four cores, and the strong single-thread performance keeps frame rates smooth in esports titles like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2.

The 3600 provides future value if the GPU is upgraded later, meaning the CPU investment remains useful well beyond this card’s lifespan. If you eventually swap the RX 570 for a more powerful card like an RX 6600 or an RTX 3060, the Ryzen 5 3600 will still be a capable partner. This makes it the smartest long-term choice for builders who want to spread their upgrade costs over time. The AM4 platform also offers a wide range of affordable B450 and B550 motherboards, keeping the total build cost reasonable.

One real limitation of the Ryzen 5 3600 is that its performance advantage over cheaper options like the Ryzen 3 3300X may not be noticeable in every game at 1080p with the RX 570. In GPU-bound scenarios, the extra cores and threads of the 3600 go unused, meaning you are paying for headroom you may not immediately need. However, for anyone who plans to keep the CPU for several years and upgrade the GPU later, this headroom is a worthwhile investment.

Intel Core i5-9400F – Best Legacy Intel for RX 570

The Core i5-9400F delivers six cores without Hyper-Threading and a 4.1 GHz boost clock that handles the RX 570’s requirements with ease. The F variant lacks integrated graphics, which is irrelevant in a discrete GPU build, and this omission lowers the price on the secondhand market. On an LGA 1151 B365 or H310 motherboard, platform costs are minimal, making this an attractive option for builders sourcing parts from the secondhand market to build the most affordable complete PC possible.

For builders who prefer Intel and are comfortable buying used, the i5-9400F offers a straightforward path to a six-core system without the complexity of Ryzen memory tuning. Its six physical cores provide enough processing power for most modern games, and the 4.1 GHz boost clock ensures that the RX 570 remains the performance limiter in almost all scenarios. The lack of Hyper-Threading is not a significant drawback at this GPU tier, as the RX 570 itself is the primary constraint.

A real limitation of the Core i5-9400F is its locked multiplier, which prevents overclocking. This means you cannot squeeze extra performance from the CPU to compensate for any future GPU upgrade. Additionally, the LGA 1151 platform is a dead end, with no upgrade path beyond the 9th generation Core processors. If you ever want a faster CPU, you will need a new motherboard and potentially new memory.

Ryzen 3 3300X – Best 4-Core AMD CPU for RX 570

The Ryzen 3 3300X is a 4-core, 8-thread Zen 2 processor with a unique dual-CCX design that gives it lower latency and better gaming performance than many 6-core competitors from the same era. Its single-thread performance is strong enough to ensure the RX 570 is GPU-limited at 1080p in nearly all scenarios, and the low price makes it a practical fit for tight-budget builds. AM4 compatibility and relatively low motherboard costs further enhance its value proposition.

This CPU is a hidden gem for builders who want maximum gaming performance per dollar without spending on cores they will not use. In titles that are not heavily multi-threaded, the 3300X can match or even outperform the Ryzen 5 3600 because of its lower latency and higher clock speeds. For a pure gaming build with no plans for heavy multitasking or content creation, this is arguably the most efficient pairing for the RX 570.

One real limitation of the Ryzen 3 3300X is that it has only four physical cores. In newer games that are optimized for six or eight cores, the 3300X may show stuttering or lower minimum frame rates compared to a six-core processor. This is not a problem for most current titles, but it could become an issue as game development continues to scale with core count. Additionally, the 3300X can be difficult to find at a reasonable price on the secondhand market due to its limited production run.

Intel Core i3-10100 – Best Budget Intel for RX 570

The Core i3-10100 matches the Ryzen 3 3300X closely in gaming workloads and is available at very low secondhand prices on LGA 1200 boards. Four cores with Hyper-Threading and a 4.3 GHz boost clock handle 1080p gaming titles without issue alongside the RX 570. For a complete system built entirely from secondhand parts to minimize cost, the i3-10100 on an affordable LGA 1200 board is one of the cheapest ways to get a capable gaming experience.

The i3-10100 benefits from Intel’s strong single-thread performance and a mature platform that is easy to build on. Its Hyper-Threading helps in games that use more than four threads, providing a smoother experience than older quad-core processors without SMT. The 4.3 GHz boost clock is high enough to keep the RX 570 fed in most scenarios, and the low power draw means a basic cooler and power supply are sufficient.

A real limitation of the Core i3-10100 is that its four cores can become a bottleneck in heavily multi-threaded games or when running background applications like Discord or a browser. If you tend to multitask while gaming, you may notice occasional stutters or frame drops. Additionally, the LGA 1200 platform offers only a limited upgrade path to 10th and 11th generation Core processors, which are not significantly faster for gaming.

Ryzen 5 1600 AF – Lowest Cost 6-Core CPU for RX 570

The Ryzen 5 1600 AF is a revised version of the Ryzen 5 1600 built on the 12nm Zen+ die, delivering near-3600-level gaming performance at a fraction of the cost. Six cores and twelve threads at 3.2 GHz base with 3.6 GHz boost pair adequately with the RX 570 for 1080p gaming. It is the lowest-cost 6-core option for an AM4 system and pairs with budget B450 or A320 boards to create a full gaming platform for very little money.

For builders who prioritize core count over single-thread speed, the 1600 AF is an excellent choice. Its six cores and twelve threads handle modern games that scale well with multi-threading, and it provides enough processing power for light streaming or multitasking while gaming. The 12nm Zen+ architecture is mature and well-supported, with plenty of affordable motherboards and memory kits available on the secondhand market.

One real limitation of the Ryzen 5 1600 AF is its lower single-thread performance compared to newer processors. In games that rely heavily on single-core speed, such as older titles or esports games at very high frame rates, the 1600 AF may hold the RX 570 back slightly. Additionally, the 3.6 GHz boost clock is modest, and overclocking is limited by the stock cooler and the chip’s power delivery. For a pure budget build, this is a fair trade-off, but it is not the best choice for competitive gaming at high refresh rates.

What to look for

• CPU bottleneck potential: The most important factor when pairing a CPU with the RX 570 is ensuring the processor does not limit the GPU. At 1080p, the RX 570 is the weaker component, so a CPU with strong single-thread performance and at least four cores is ideal. Avoid CPUs that are too weak, as they will cause stuttering and lower frame rates.
• Platform cost and upgrade path: The motherboard and memory cost can exceed the CPU price in a budget build. Look for platforms like AM4 or LGA 1200 that offer affordable boards and a clear upgrade path. A CPU that allows you to reuse the motherboard for a future GPU upgrade is a better long-term investment.
• Core count versus single-thread speed: For pure gaming, four fast cores are often better than six slower cores. However, modern games increasingly benefit from six cores, especially for minimum frame rates. Balance your choice based on the types of games you play and whether you multitask while gaming.
• Secondhand availability and pricing: Many of the best CPUs for the RX 570 are older models that are widely available on the used market. Check local listings and reputable online marketplaces for deals. Be prepared to buy a separate cooler if the CPU does not include one, as stock coolers from older processors may be worn or missing.
• Power draw and cooling: The RX 570 itself is not a power-hungry card, but a CPU with a high TDP may require a better cooler and a more expensive power supply. Stick to processors with a 65W TDP or lower to keep the build simple and affordable. Aftermarket coolers are cheap and can improve noise and temperatures.

The verdict

The Ryzen 5 3600 stands out as the best overall CPU to pair with the RX 570 because it completely eliminates the CPU bottleneck and provides a clear upgrade path for the future. If your budget is extremely tight and you are building entirely from secondhand parts, the Ryzen 5 1600 AF offers six cores at the lowest possible cost. For Intel fans, the Core i5-9400F is a solid legacy choice, while the Core i3-10100 and Ryzen 3 3300X deliver excellent value for builders who prioritize single-thread gaming performance. Whichever you choose, the RX 570 will be the star of your 1080p build, and any of these CPUs will let it shine.