The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the budget processors released as part of the Zen 3 Vermeer launch back in November 2020. It is part of the lower-priced options of AM4 making it an excellent choice for those looking to put together a budget PC build.
The Ryzen 5 5600X is definitely an attractive processor when you piece together what it’s good at. While it only has 6 cores and 12 threads, it can still perform well with light multithreaded tasks such as streaming, and it performs exceptionally well in a gaming PC.
We’ve diligently assessed all the potential graphics cards that can accompany the Ryzen 5 5600X so you don’t have to. Each of these graphics cards will run exceptionally well with minimal bottlenecks during demanding gaming sessions
In a hurry? No worries, I’ve compiled the list in a table down below!
Best NVIDIA Graphics Cards for The Ryzen 5 5600X
NVIDIA graphics cards are celebrated by gamers globally due to their capability to render top-notch visuals and seamless operation. For those seeking the best graphics card to couple with their Ryzen 5 5600X, NVIDIA is an outstanding selection.
This section of the blog post will provide a summary of the best NVIDIA graphics cards for the Ryzen 5 5600X, along with insights on their efficacy and characteristics.
NVIDIA RTX 4080 | High End GPU for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 2205 MHz(base) 2505 MHz(boost)
- Core Count: 9728
- Microarchitecture: Ada Lovelace
- Memory: 16 GB
- TDP: 320W (base) 700W (turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Huge performance increase compared to its predecessor (RTX 3080)
- Top Tier Raytracing performance
- DLSS 3.0
- Ideal for 4k gaming
Reasons To Avoid
- Expensive
- No displayport 2.1
- Huge which raises clearance concerns.
Review
The RTX 4080 is a distinct upgrade from the RTX 3080, and it is a phenomenal partner for the Ryzen 5 5600X. It possesses a higher core clock frequency along with increased cores and memory than the RTX 3080, but it also has a much greater TDP, likely a result of the increase of cores and clock speed.
This renders the RTX 4080 an ideal selection for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks, and the Ryzen 5 5600X processor is more than capable of handling the immense performance of the RTX 4080, thus making it an outstanding pairing.
The utilization of DLSS 3 is possible with the RTX 4080, and it’s a direct upgrade from DLSS 2.0. Introducing AI-driven Frame Generation, when Frame Generation is enabled, the graphics card is able to render additional frames with an impressive level of precision, without any detriment to performance, albeit with a minor addition of input latency.
The RTX 4080 offers a remarkable degree of ray tracing proficiency in comparison to its predecessor, the RTX 3080. This is my favorite attribute of the card, as it bestows a unique degree of realism in gaming. Furthermore, with the integration of DLSS 3.0 technology, the RTX 4080 is able to create higher-resolution visuals alongside raytracing with minimal performance loss.
The RTX 4080 is undoubtedly a formidable graphics card, however, its hefty size, extortionate cost and lack of DisplayPort 2.1 support make it somewhat underwhelming. Its dimensions make it incompatible with many PCs, while its price point of around $1100 may be unobtainable to many budget-sensitive users. Furthermore, its lack of DisplayPort 2.1 technology reduces your ability to connect monitors or displays, which is especially disconcerting considering its premium-level price tag.
NVIDIA RTX 3070 | Mid Range GPU for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 1500 MHz(base) 1725 MHz(boost)
- Core Count: 5888
- Microarchitecture: Ampere
- Memory: 8 GB
- TDP: 220W (base) 550W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Slimmer than its successor (RTX 4080)
- Great 2K performance
- DLSS 2.0 is good as it doesn’t use AI frame insertion
- Decent raytracing performance
Reasons To Avoid
- Still hard to buy
- Huge power requirements
Review
The RTX 3070 is a substantial improvement over the RTX 2070, providing remarkable performance enhancements. It is an optimal selection for those desiring to construct a 2K gaming PC, boasting a remarkable price-to-performance ratio.
The RTX 3070 pairs optimally with the Ryzen 5 5600X, enabling the creation of a respectable mid-high tier gaming build with a noteworthy performance. More than twice the performance of the RTX 2070 is available with the RTX 3070, thus facilitating an effortless gaming experience.
The RTX 3070 exhibits a more reasonable physical profile than its progenitor series, the RTX 4000 series, thus accommodating a greater assortment of builds, including those of the Small Form Factor (SFF) variety.
This renders it a particularly attractive proposition for gamers constrained by the physical specs of their case yet eager to avail themselves of a mid to high-powered GPU. Moreover, the RTX 3080’s slender outline facilitates enhanced airflow and cooling, promoting optimal operation and reducing the system’s general bulk, thus allowing for easier transportation.
Despite the fact that it is now 2023, the availability of the RTX 3070 at an affordable cost remains elusive due to the persistent demand for the powerful graphics card, which outstrips the supply. Nevertheless, with patience and vigilance, there is potential that you can buy it at an acceptable price.
NVIDIA RTX 3060 | Budget GPU for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 1320 MHz(base) 1777 MHz(boost)
- Core Count: 3584
- Microarchitecture: Ampere
- Memory: 12 GB
- TDP: 170W(base) 450W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Runs cool and quiet
- Perfect for 1080P
- Good for light 1440P Gaming
- DLSS can make gaming at higher resolutions possible
- 12GB of memory
Reasons To Avoid
- Little upgrade value from the 20 series cards
Review
The RTX 3060 is an optimal mid-range graphics card that comes at a reasonable price tag and offers great performance. It is an ideal alternative for those who wish to pair their Ryzen 5 5600X processor with a dependable graphics card that won’t put a strain on their budget.
The RTX 3060 delivers outstanding gaming performance and is able to effortlessly manage 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Additionally, it has satisfactory ray tracing performance at 1080P, therefore allowing users to enjoy the newest lighting effects with this card.
The RTX 3060 has been engineered to optimally provide 1080P gaming with the ability to generate high frame rates with modern titles. It has the potential to perform exceptionally at 1440P; however, there may be difficulty in maintaining a continual frame rate of 60 fps, depending on the game and in-game settings.
For those wanting to game at 1440P, it is advisable to adjust the graphical settings to ensure a smooth gaming experience, or to play less graphically intensive titles such as CSGO or World Of Warcraft. Or you always have the choice to enable DLSS upscaling for more performance with a small hit on the quality
The RTX 3060 provides marginal improvement in comparison to its predecessor, the RTX 20 series, which isn’t ideal. While an excellent option when starting from scratch, it fails to yield a considerable performance boost if transitioning from an RTX 20 series card, thus failing to meet the expectations of those seeking an upgrade.
Best AMD Radeon Graphics Cards for Ryzen 5 5600X
The pairing of an AMD GPU and CPU, with the Ryzen 5 5600X processor as the ideal choice, cannot be underestimated. Its Zen 3 architecture enables exceptional performance, making it an excellent option for gaming and content creation.
To optimize the Ryzen 5 5600X, you must select a graphics card; fortunately, AMD provides a varied selection. Subsequently, this section will provide the best Radeon graphics cards for the Ryzen 5 5600X, from economical variants to those delivering the most elevated performance.
AMD Radeon 7900 XT | High End GPU for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 1500 MHz(base) 2394 MHz(boost)
- Core Count: 5376
- Microarchitecture: RDNA 3.0
- Memory: 20 GB
- TDP: 300W (base) 700W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- On par with the RTX 3090 TI
- Standard 8 Pin connector
- Supports Displayport 2.1
- Large memory support
Reasons To Avoid
- Gets loud and hot
Review
The RX 7900 XT is a direct upgrade from its predecessor which is the RX 5900 XT. The performance is on par with the RTX 3090 TI which ultimately makes the RX 7900 XT a perfect pair for 4K gaming at 120 FPS.
The RX 7900 XT offers a notable advantage over the RTX 4080 in its incorporation of Displayport 2.1, granting users a broader range of connectivity options for their monitors/displays. In contrast, the RTX 4080 does not provide for this feature, rendering the RX 7900 XT the superior selection for those necessitating Displayport 2.1.
The RX 7900 XT incorporates the customary 8-pin connection, which is a huge bonus. This implies that it is compatible with a broad assortment of power supplies, so you don’t have to acquire a unique power supply connector to use it like RTX 30 and 40 series cards.
Moreover, the 8-pin connector is an exceptionally reliable connector, so you can be sure that your card will acquire the power essential without any difficulties. Finally, the 8-pin connector is significantly smaller and easier to manage than the 12-pin connector, thus making it simpler to route the power cables in your case.
Despite the fact that the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is a powerful graphics card, it does possess certain drawbacks. During intensive operations, the card has been known to become quite noisy and generate a significant amount of heat, which is a concern for most.
Not only is the fan noise intrusive, but the elevated temperatures can also lead to damage to the card or other components in the system. In order to prevent this, it is recommended that additional cooling components or a larger casing are procured in order to maintain the card at an optimal temperature.
AMD Radeon 6800 XT | Mid Tier GPU for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 1825 MHz(base) 2250 MHz(boost)
- Core Count: 4608
- Microarchitecture: RDNA 2.0
- Memory: 16 GB
- TDP: 300W (base) 700W (turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Ideal for 1440P gaming
- Can game at 4K in some scenarios
- Cheaper than the RTX 3080
- 16GB of VRAM
Reasons To Avoid
- Fans run loud
- Underwhelming raytracing performance
Review
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is an optimal selection for those seeking to attain an enthralling gaming experience at 1440P resolutions, as its capabilities are remarkable yielding satisfactory frame rates. When paired with the Ryzen 5 5600X, a mid-range processor, the 6800 XT is able to provide users with an unforgettable gaming experience.
Furthermore, the 6800 XT also features a high-bandwidth memory controller and 16GB of VRAM, both of which are indispensable for a seamless and uninterrupted gaming experience with memory-intensive titles such as open world and modded games.
The RX 6800 XT is a high-performance graphics processor, optimized for 1440P gaming and capable of delivering a smooth and consistent framerate and resolution. Although it cannot operate all titles at their most demanding settings when running in 4K, the RX 6800 XT can still be utilized in 4K with either decreased settings or through FSR.
This procedure renders frames at a lower resolution and then upscales them to 4K, allowing the RX 6800 XT to attain playable frame rates while preserving the 4K resolution. Consequently, the RX 6800 XT is a great choice for gamers who demand a powerful graphics card for 1440P gaming, as well as a viable option to run games in 4K.
My biggest problem with the RX 6800 XT is the fact that it can get pretty loud, this is annoying especially when you’re in a competitive gaming match. I found that the best way to deal with this issue is to ensure that your PC case is properly ventilated by allowing hot air to escape, and allowing cool air from outside in.
And my last issue with this graphics card is that it is unable to utilize ray tracing to the competence of some NVIDIA graphics cards. The RX 6800 XT is less efficient than its NVIDIA counterpart which is the RTX 3080, but the RX 7000 series graphics cards are definitely a step up in the ray tracing department.
AMD Radeon 6700 XT | Budget Tier GPU for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 2321 MHz(base) 2581 MHz(boost)
- Core Count: 2560
- Microarchitecture: RDNA 2.0
- Memory: 12 GB
- TDP: 230W (base) 550W (turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Highly efficient graphics card
- Great bang for your buck
- Great performance at 1440P
- 12GB of VRAM
Reasons To Avoid
- Can get noisy and hot
- Not a huge upgrade
Review
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT is an optimal mid-tier graphics card that is highly compatible with a mid-tier CPU such as the Ryzen 5 5600X. It delivers superior value for money with robust 1080p and 1440p gaming performance.
Those who are not inclined to break the bank and seek something to satisfy their gaming needs should contemplate the 6700 XT. It provides great performance, an advantageous cost point, and is definitively a prime selection for those aspiring to upgrade or build a fresh gaming PC.
The RX 6700 XT is particularly renowned for its slim, lightweight construct, enabling it to be comfortably housed in a variety of systems such as SFX and mini-ITX cases. Additionally, its reduced weight ensures a minimal risk of GPU sag, while simultaneously preserving the optimal airflow that is paramount for efficient performance.
The RX 6700 XT is impressive and powerful however, this is hindered by its tendency to get hot and create a lot of noise when under load. This is caused by a combination of its construction and energy requirements.
Also, the performance distinction between the RX 6700 XT and the RX 5000 series is not as prominent as some may conceive, which could be disenchanting for those anticipating a more substantial improvement in performance. If building from the ground up, it is recommended to consider this card; however, I would not upgrade a system to it if utilizing an RX 5700 XT.
Picking A Graphics Card
In this section, we’re going to give you quick tips and certain things you should watch out for when picking a graphics card. Hopefully, this will clear up any questions you may have in the future as I personally had difficulties picking the right GPU before.
Cores & Clock Speeds
GPUs have THOUSANDS of cores whereas general CPUs only have a few. The reasoning for this is that GPUs are able to process a small subset of data extremely quickly. The clock speed of these cores operates in the MHz range.
The clock speed at your GPU cores operate is an important factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s a misunderstanding that higher clock speeds = more performance/FPS, the truth is that’s only half the story.
More Cores/Lower Clock Or Fewer Cores/Higher Clock is a common debate. If GPU 1 has 1500 cores operating at 1.5GHz, and GPU 2 has 2000 cores operating at 1.3GHz, GPU 2 would still perform better
What Is Graphics Card RAM/Memory?
If you didn’t know already, graphics cards actually have onboard memory which goes by the name of Video RAM(VRAM). The graphics card memory is responsible for storing and rendering each pixel you see on the screen. Specifically, the VRAM will be storing data such as geometry, texture and terrain data.
The type of memory used by graphics cards is GDDR which stands for (Graphics double data rate). GDDR has similarities to DDR, but GDDR is built for higher bandwidth due to its wider memory bus.
Power Consumption
Graphics cards are one of the most power-hungry hardware devices in your system, so you must ensure that your power supply has enough juice to spare. Nowadays, graphics cards will use between 100-700Watts of power.
You can check the power consumption of your GPU by checking the specifications, it will usually tell you the minimum wattage recommended. With that being said, make sure your power supply unit is good enough to power your GPU. For example, if your GPU consumes 250W, a 800W PSU would be good enough.
Graphics Card Design & Aesthetics
The design is an aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to graphics cards. The design of the graphics card covers features such as size and clearance, reference vs aftermarket cooling, and outputs & connectors.
When it comes to aesthetics, it’ll make or break a system depending on how important it is to you. Many tend to prioritize aesthetics as they’re going for a flashy/niche-type build, whereas others prioritize the specification/performance side of things more.
Reference Vs Non-Reference GPU
Reference GPU cards are graphics cards straight from the manufacturer (AMD or NVIDIA), it has the standard cooler, usually a blower cooler. They basically have stock everything, stock cooler, stock specs, and stock design.
Non-reference GPUs are graphics cards made by partners of AMD and NVIDIA. Although they have the same chip underneath, they come with better coolers and some are pre-overclocked out of the box.
Reference GPUs are good as they’re the original design of the GPU made by the manufacturer. Since everything is stock, it comes with excellent stability also, you have the stock PCB which means installing aftermarket coolers and custom water cooling loops is much easier.
Non-reference graphics cards out of the box are better than reference GPUs since they’re equipped with advanced coolers, and they sometimes come pre-overclocked. On top of that, they’re relatively cheaper.
Size & Clearance
Making sure you have enough case clearance can save you a lot of time. Doing this is basically ensuring that your graphics card of choice can physically fit in the case you’re using.
Full and mid-ATX cases rarely suffer from this issue however it would be smart to ensure that your graphics card has enough clearance. The issue of clearance usually happens with micro and mini ITX cases.
To ensure that your graphics card is compatible with your case, ensure that the length of your graphics card fits within the case’s max graphics card clearance spec.
The specifications of the graphics card and the PC case can be found on their website or spec sheet respectively.
Outputs & Connectors
You’re probably wondering, where do I insert my GPU and, how do I power it? Well, all dedicated graphics cards are inserted into PCIe slots, and you’re most likely going to use the PCIe 16x for the extra bandwidth.
However, just plugging it into the designated slot won’t be enough to power it, the graphics card actually requires power from the power supply. You’ll be using a 6 or 8 pin cable straight from the power supply to supply the GPU power.
Most decent power supplies from recent times should come with all the necessary cables to power your GPU. Some older power supplies may lack certain cables.
Your graphics card is going to output the data it is fed via the many video outputs it has. The most popular video outputs modern graphics cards come with are HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and VGA. Don’t always expect VGA ports, it is old and some GPUs do not support them anymore.
Since you’re most likely going to use a monitor, DisplayPort or HDMI are your best output sources since they are relatively new, and provide the best video and audio output. DVI is still relevant, but it doesn’t provide any audio, and resolutions are low.
AMD VS NVIDIA
The AMD Vs NVIDIA war never ceases to exist, this is because they are two massive competitors in the graphics card market. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and there are compelling reasons to go for either one of them.
It is often said that AMD is for budget users who want an affordable GPU, and NVIDIA is for high-end users that want the most performance. Let’s test this statement and see how true it is.
What’s The Cheapest Option?
The cheapest option isn’t as clear as it was back in the day, it used to be NVIDIA producing the pricier cards, and AMD producing the affordable option. However, things have changed and since competition is fierce, it seems that NVIDIA is now providing more affordable cards.
A good way to look at this is to take a look at the price-to-performance ratio of the latest graphics cards. Whilst AMD still dominates the top spot with the Radeon RX 570, NVIDIA has a few amazing budget cards such as the GTX 1650 SUPER, and the GTX 1660.
Always check the MSRP of a graphics card to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
What’s The Most Powerful Option?
As for the most powerful option, NVIDIA still dominates with their most powerful cards being the RTX 2080 TI and the TITAN RTX. These cards do not come cheaply ranging between $1-2K, but that’s the price you pay for the best performance on the market whether it’ll be for gaming or video editing at 4K.
This doesn’t mean AMD doesn’t provide us with some powerful GPUs, the Radeon VII is more than capable of doing whatever job you want it to do, and so is the Radeon RX 5700 which is not far behind.
How To Choose A GPU For Gaming
Many people believe that you need a powerful GPU to play games effectively, this is only true when you’re gaming at high resolutions (4K & 8K) with all the graphics settings cranked to the max. This is especially true when you’re playing demanding games.
What Games Do You Play?
There are different types of games, and not all of them demand the latest GPU to run for example, CSGO. CSGO can do find with a low-mid tier GPU, even at 1440P(2K). If you decide you’re going to play games such as Battlefield, you will most likely need a decent mid-top tier GPU to run it smoothly.
In fact, you can check games’ minimum hardware specifications to see what kind of game you’re dealing with and if your hardware is sufficient enough. Or if that’s not enough, there are youtube videos showing how a game will run with a specific GPU, not very hard to find these videos.
What Type Of Screen Are You Using
Important monitor/screen factors to consider are the refresh rate and the resolution. The best thing you can do before you buy a graphics card is to match your screen’s resolution. The most common resolutions nowadays are 1080P,2K, and 4K.
The refresh rate of a monitor is the number of times your monitor updates the screen a second. A 144hz monitor will update 144 times a second. This also correlates to the number of frames a screen can display per second. A 60hz screen will only show 60 frames per second no matter how many frames you’re generating.
| Resolution | Recommended Spec |
| 1080P (1920 x 1080) | You don’t need a powerful GPU at these low resolutions, you’ll most likely require a low/mid range GPU to get the job done. 1080P monitors tend to come with very high refresh rates, which can be achieved relatively easily. |
| 2K (2560 x 1440) | 2K is a decent balance between performance and quality, a decent mid/top range GPU will work effectively. The most common refresh rate for 2K monitors is 144hz, which offers very smooth gameplay once achieved. |
| 4K (3840 x 2160) | 4K is considered to be one of the most difficult resolutions to game at, you’ll most definitely need a top tier GPU to game smoothly. |
Is SLI/Multiple GPUs Worth it For Gaming
The thought of having multiple GPUs in one system sounds amazing, 2 GPUs = Double the FPS, right? SLI does definitely increase the performance, but it isn’t quite double. You can expect around a 50% performance increase.
Before you get into the SLI hype, there are a few things you need to know. SLI requires identical GPUs, there are no mix and matching, and only in extreme cases, this works. And not every game is SLI optimized, some games don’t even acknowledge a second GPU.
SLI is one of those things which should be used in very extreme cases, the ordinary gamer probably has no business messing with SLI.
SLI doesn’t make sense when you’re gaming at modest resolutions such as 1080P & 1440P. There are many single GPUs that can handle these resolutions with ease.
What Is Raytracing & Is It Worth It?
Raytracing is a new graphical advancement that has got people wondering if they need an RTX card to play games for the future. It offers beautiful realistic lighting effects thanks to their all-new Turing cores.
While it’s nice to have RTX, it is still in its infant stages, and not many games have RTX implemented. Perhaps we can see a rise in popularity in the next few years but for now, RTX isn’t all that necessary.
