The Ryzen 7 3700X is one of the best CPUs in AMD’s Zen 2 lineup for multi-threaded workloads like gaming, productivity, and content creation. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it is built on the 7nm node, resulting in efficient power consumption and better performance.
Bundled with the Wraith Prism RGB cooler, it provides a bit of overclocking headroom too. Unfortunately, it lacks an integrated GPU. So, if you’re planning to build a gaming and streaming PC, you’ll need a dedicated GPU from AMD or Nvidia. In this article, you’ll find some solid options.
Ryzen 7 3700X Specs
Here are the specs for the Ryzen 7 3700X:
- Socket: AM4
- Cores and Threads: 8C/16T
- Max. Memory Capacity: 128GB DDR4-3200
- Integrated Graphics: No
- Boost Clock: 4.4 GHz
- TDP Rating: 65W
- Cooler Included: Wraith Prism
When choosing a GPU, it’s important to keep these specs in mind if you want to avoid a bottleneck. So, now, let’s dive into the list…
Top 5 Best GPUs for Ryzen 7 3700X in 2022:
1. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3070 LHR Ventus – Best Overall
SPECS:
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- CUDA Cores: 5888
- Base Clock: 1.50 GHz
- Boost Clock: 1.75 GHz
With 8GB GDDR6 memory and 5888 CUDA cores, the RTX 3070 is a gaming and streaming beast. It’s right up your alley if you’re using a 1080p monitor running at 165Hz or 240Hz. You can also use it for 1440p or 4K gaming, albeit at a lower refresh rate. You can check out gaming benchmarks with the 3700X here.
This unit from MSI packs features on top which sweeten the deal. It has a higher max boost clock, going from 1.73 GHz to 1.75 GHz. For cooling, you get two MSI TORX 3.0 fans. This might seem limited compared to the many triple-fan monsters out there, but if your PC has good airflow and you don’t have the itch to apply crazy overclocks, it’ll work just fine.
In terms of output ports, you get three DP v1.4a ports and one HDMI 2.1 port. So, it’s a good pick for a multi-monitor setup too. Overall, the RTX 3070 is a good GPU to use with your Ryzen 7 3700X. Both components complement each other well and it’ll make up for a well-balanced PC for gaming and streaming.
Pros
- Low-noise and effective cooling with dual fans and thermal pads
- Stealthy and sleek design
- Good build quality with brushed-finish backplate
Cons
- Overpriced
2. XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS XXX Edition – Best on a Budget
SPECS:
- Memory: 8GB GDDR5
- Stream Processors: 2304
- Base Clock: 1.25 GHz
- Boost Clock: 1.38 GHz
Launched in 2017, the RX 580 still rocks in 2022. This dual-slot card from XFX measures 10.5 inches long and features two fans along with a metal backplate. When it comes to output ports, it features three DP, one HDMI, and one dual-link DVI-D port.
This card has also been factory overclocked. It’s been pushed from the original boost clock of 1.34 GHz to 1.38 GHz. You can take a look at some gaming benchmarks here.
To sum it up, although the RX 580 won’t really take full advantage of your Ryzen 7 3700X, it’s not bad if you’re on a budget or if you’re looking for a temporary option. It works decently in most games and will let you stream without any hiccups too.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- VR-ready
- Cool and sporty design
Cons
- Not much of a performance jump from the RX 480
3. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 Twin Edge OC – Best Value for Money
SPECS:
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- CUDA Cores: 2560
- Base Clock: 1.55 GHz
- Boost Clock: 1.78 GHz
The RTX 3050 is one of the best 1080p value GPUs available in the market today. Paired with a CPU as powerful as the Ryzen 7 3700X, you’ll be able to tear right through any AAA title with a 144Hz 1080p monitor along with most content creation or professional workloads.
This overclocked unit from Zotac has a higher boost clock, going from 1.78 GHz on the reference card to over 1.80 GHz. Can’t complain about temps and noise output either, thanks to two 88mm fans and a metal backplate.
Although some argue that the RTX 2060 offers better value for money, if you’re interested in the latest RTX 3000 series, this is the GPU to go for. Don’t buy it with the expectation of 1440p and 4K gaming, because it’ll definitely struggle there. But at 1080p, it’s the king of the hill.
Pros
- Ample output ports (three DP and one HDMI port)
- Effective cooling
- Includes 80 Tensor and 20 RT cores
Cons
- Lacks RGB
4. Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Phoenix Fan Edition – Best for SFF Build
SPECS:
- Memory: 6GB GDDR6
- CUDA Cores: 1408
- Base Clock: 1.53 GHz
- Boost Clock: 1.80 GHz
Sporting a single 90mm fan and measuring just 174mm long, the Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Phoenix is a great Mini-ITX card. It has 6GB GDDR6 memory, 1408 CUDA cores, and a higher boost clock of 1.80 GHz compared to the reference card at 1.78 GHz.
With that in mind, this is by and large a 1080p card. It lacks raytracing and DLSS, which you get to see in RTX cards. In terms of display outputs, you get one HDMI 2.0B, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one DVI-D port.
The biggest gripe most users have about this card is overheating and noise. There’s only one fan and a flimsy aluminum heatsink. You get the GPU Tweak II utility, which allows you to tweak GPU core clocks and voltage settings, but you’ll probably have to use it to throttle the GPU to lower temps. On top of that, idle fan stop isn’t included either.
Everything considered, the Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Phoenix might be suitable for those going for a small-form-factor build. If you can look past high temps and noise level, it provides decent performance and will pair well with your Ryzen 7 3700X.
Pros
- Compact design perfect for SFF builds
- Includes software utilities like GPU Tweak II, XSplit Gamecaster, and WTFast
- Clean design
Cons
- Weak cooling system; struggles with high temps and may need to be throttled
5. Sapphire AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Toxic – Best Liquid-Cooled GPU
SPECS:
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Stream Processors: 5120
- Base Clock: Not Stated
- Boost Clock: 2.36 GHz
The first thing you’ll notice about the Sapphire AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Toxic is that it has a 360mm radiator! Being equipped with a total of four fans—three on the radiator and one on the card—results in an impressive performance boost. Let’s talk numbers.
It comes with a boost clock of 2,365 MHz, an upgrade from 2,250 MHz on the reference card. Plus, let’s not forget about the one-click overclock: you can enable Toxic Boost using the Trixx software, which cranks up the boost frequency to a whopping 2,600 MHz!
Occupying around two-and-a-half slots and measuring 269mm x 131mm x 44mm, this thing is pretty big. Overall, the Sapphire RX 6900 XT Toxic is AMD’s most powerful GPU dialed up to eleven.
Pros
- Unique design
- Vibrant ARGB lighting on unit and fans
- Includes Trixx software for overclocking, switching BIOS, and RGB customization
Cons
- Pump noise can be annoying
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Way to Personalize a GPU?
Being a streamer, personalization should be your priority when developing the ‘Ultimate’ setup. If you want to change the look of your GPU, I’d recommend you get a custom backplate. You can get one from companies like V1Tech and Knight Owl. You can either design one yourself with custom text or just choose from the variety of available designs.
Does GameCache Boost Ryzen 7 3700X Gaming Performance?
When buying the 3700X, you might’ve seen the term “GameCache” being thrown around quite a lot. Basically, the 3700X has 512KB L1, 4MB L2, and 32MB L3 cache. AMD lumps this together into 36MB of “GameCache” to make it easier to understand. If you want to learn about the purpose of cache and how it is designed in Zen 2, check out this article by Vortez.
Wrap Up
Even though it came out in 2019, the Ryzen 7 3700X is still fairly future-proof. Next-gen consoles like Xbox Series X and PS5 feature the same 8-core configuration with custom Zen 2 architecture. Developers will definitely optimize their upcoming titles based on that.
So, buying the right GPU is important if you want to take full advantage of the available processing power in your gaming/streaming PC. I hope this list helped you narrow down your search for the perfect GPU in your setup. Here’s a summary of the lineup:
- MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3070 LHR Ventus is Best Overall
- XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS XXX Edition is Best on a Budget
- ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 Twin Edge OC is Best Value for Money
- Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Phoenix Fan Edition is Best for SFF Build
- Sapphire AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Toxic is Best Liquid-Cooled GPU
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