Best CPU & GPU Combos to Buy in 2024
When attempting to gauge the performance of your PC, the CPU and GPU are undoubtedly the most important parts to consider, as they act as the driving forces that dictate the overall speed and power of any system. Therefore, if you want to build a powerful PC that can tackle a range of tasks with minimal effort, then the processor and graphics card within your system need to be well-balanced to prevent one component holding the other back.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect CPU and GPU pairing for your next PC, we’ve got you covered. In this buyers guide, we’ll be breaking down the best CPU and GPU combinations for various budgets and activities, offering a detailed explanation as to why the chosen processors and graphics cards are the best in their class.
The Best CPU & GPU Combos
All of the CPU and GPU combinations have been ordered from cheapest to most expensive.
1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X & AMD Radeon RX 7600
For those on a tight budget, combining AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X processor with their Radeon RX 7600 graphics card will provide your PC build with performance that punches above its weight. Systems with this combination can be configured for well below $1000, offering price-conscious buyers with an affordable entry-level into PC gaming.
Both the Ryzen 5 5600X and Radeon RX 7600 are great for 1080p gaming in modern titles, whilst also offering an introduction to 1440p gaming when pushed to their limit. Though there are some productivity limitations, mainly in regards to demanding tasks such as video editing, the 5600X and 7600 can comfortably handle most daily tasks and allow consumers to dip their toe into more demanding productivity applications.
The biggest concern with this pairing surprisingly comes from the GPU. Even though the CPU we’ve picked out is from AMD’s older Ryzen 5000 generation, the 8GB of VRAM on the RX 7600 is more likely to cause technical issues, as some blockbuster titles will require more memory to run as intended. Lots of budget GPUs suffer from a similar issue, but it could be worth spending more on another card that is good for 1080p gaming and comes with increased video memory.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 7600 & AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
Both the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 and Radeon RX 6700 XT offer incredible value to consumers, so it only makes sense for them to join forces in a PC build that gives consumers great bang for their buck. Sitting in the middle of the market, both parts are fantastic for 1440p gaming.
For a long time, the RX 6700 XT in particular was considered one of the best value for money graphics cards on the market, and the arrival of AMD’s Radeon 7000 replacements has done little to change that statement. Paired with the Ryzen 7600, a processor that also offers strong performance at a reasonable price, this creates a solid foundation for an excellent 1440p gaming rig.
Though this combination is one of the cheapest ways to forge a mid-range build, upgrading to parts with even better performance is fairly cheap. For example, the GPU can be replaced with the RX 6750 XT for less than $50, and the Ryzen 5 7600X that enables overclocking is only marginally more than its non-X counterpart.
3. AMD Ryzen 7 7700X & AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
If you’re looking to build a PC filled with the latest hardware while trying to stick to a reasonable price tag, then the pairing of AMD’s Ryzen 7 7700X processor and Radeon RX 7800 XT is a strong starting point. These components are capable of running the latest games and applications at the highest settings, allowing you to complete a range of tasks without having to worry about hardware restrictions.
For gaming, the 7700X and 7800 XT are excellent choices for anyone that wants competitive frame rates at 1440p, as well as some capacity for 4K gaming. Both parts are capable of running demanding workstation applications, but you may stumble across some performance limitations every now and then. Whilst this combination won’t provide the optimal levels of performance available with flagship components, it will be more than enough for most builders to use their system without having to deal with technical difficulties.
Considering you can pick up the 7700X and 7800 XT for well under $1000, you can easily build around these exceptional components for less than $2000, which is a great investment for the performance you get in return.