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If you’re in the market for the best CPU for RTX 4080 then we’re here to help.
The RTX 4080 Super is out and we’ve compiled a list of top-performing processors that are the perfect partners for the hotly anticipated GPU refresh. This roundup includes options from both AMD and Intel so you can get the full rundown of what’s available and what’s right for you.
That’s because there’s no one size fits all option as far as the best CPU for RTX 4080 Super is concerned and that’s why this guide goes through a top performer from AMD and Intel as well as a best value pick to suit most budgets. For more on Nvidia’s upcoming graphics card, we’re also showing you where to buy RTX 4080 Super GPUs as well as providing you with the RTX 4080 Super release date, specs, and price. What’s more, we’re even comparing RTX 4080 vs RTX 4080 Super so you can decide which model’s right for you.
Best CPU for RTX 4080 Super – the options in brief
1. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D – Best AMD CPU for RTX 4080 Super
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D
Cores
12
Threads
24
L3 Cache
140MB
Base clock
4.4 GHz
Boost clock
Up to 5.6 GHz
Socket
AM5
- Powerful gaming performance
- Fast base and boost clock
- Leading L3 Cache
- No support for DDR4 RAM
- On the pricier side
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is our number one pick for the best CPU for RTX 4080 Super and it comes down to a couple of key reasons. Firstly, the high-end Zen 4 chipset features leading L3 Cache (the company’s second-generation 3D V-cache) which allows for faster access from the chip to the GPU die for significant gaming performance leads over its non-3D variants. In our testing, we found that this processor has been outstanding for both gaming and productivity tasks, too.
While the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D carries an MSRP around the $600 / £450 mark, it can commonly be found around $500 which offers strong value for money from a price-to-performance perspective, hence why it takes the lead ahead of the pricier AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. What’s more, the chipset is running with a surprisingly low TDP of just 120W down from the non-3D variant’s 170W TDP. This means it’ll run cooler while offering up excellent performance for gaming.
Aleksha’s editor notes
I’ve been using this CPU for last several months and it’s been a game-changer when paired with a high-end GPU. Based off my own testing, it should be an excellent fit for the RTX 4080 Super if its performance with my RTX 4090 is any indication.
2. Intel Core i9-14900K – The best Intel CPU for RTX 4080 Super
Intel Core i9-14900K
Cores
24 (8P + 16E)
Threads
32
L3 Cache
36MB
Base clock
3.2 GHz ( P-core) ; 2.4 GHz (E-core)
Boost clock
5.6 GHz (P-core) ; 4.4 GHz (E-core)
Socket
LGA 1700
- Tons of threads and cores
- High boost clock potential
- Powerful performance
- Relatively high TDP
- Iterative over 13900K
While the Intel Core i9-14900K isn’t exactly a massive leap over the original Raptor Lake model, it’s still faster and the price remains the same. Taking this into consideration, we’re confident recommending the latest i9 processor as the best Intel CPU to pair with the RTX 4080 Super. This is in large part to the leading core and thread count, as the third-generation hybrid microarchitecture offers generational improvements, bolstered by a boost clock nearing the 6 GHz mark.
If you are afraid of bottlenecking then the Intel Core i9-14900K should put these fears to bed. While the RTX 4080 Super is only expected to be around 2-3% faster than its non-Super version, this can mean a decent framerate bump in certain titles, and one that could make all the difference in high-end 1440p and high-end 4K gaming. You should have enough overhead to be able to push Team Green’s latest GPU without worry, which is something we couldn’t say about the most recent i7 and i5 processors by comparison. This chipset doesn’t come cheap, though, expect to pay around $650 / £600, but sales are becoming more commonplace.
3. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D – The best value CPU for RTX 4080 Super
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Cores
8
Threads
16
L3 Cache
96MB
Base clock
4.2 GHz
Boost clock
5.0 GHz
Socket
AM5
- Agressive pricing
- Tons of L3 Cache
- Strong multi-thread performance
- Relatively low boost clock
- No support for DDR4 RAM
While the two processors above are going to be ideal for the RTX 4080 Super, they do come in at quite a high price point and that’s where the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in clutch. As the second generation mid-range chipset from Team Red to feature 3D V-cache, this AM5 upgrade offers generational improvements while keeping the cost conservative. You can expect to pay around the $450 / £350 which offers exceptional price-to-performance.
For your money, that nets you a high-end processor rocking eight cores and 16 threads which should be more than enough for the demands of the RTX 4080 Super then further bolstered by 96MB of L3 cache. From a purely gaming perspective, you’ll get higher framerates in 1440p and 4K than the non-3D variant but loss a little productivity functionality as a trade-off. That’s in part due to a lower TDP, which we think’s a plus, down to 120W from the AM5’s standard 170W. With the price and performance in mind, this chip is the value pick.
Best CPU for RTX 4080 Super – FAQs
We’re here to answer all your burning questions for the best CPU for RTX 4080 Super so you can buy with confidence ahead of the GPU’s launch later this month.
What is best CPU to pair with the RTX 4080 Super?
We think that the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is the best overall CPU to gear up for the RTX 4080 Super, and the Intel Core i9-14900K is the best from Team Blue.
What do I need to run an RTX 4080 Super?
Nvidia recommends a minimum PSU of at least 750W to be able to run an RTX 4080 Super. However, we recommend investing in either an 850W or 1000W model to have enough overhead for the future.
Is the RTX 4080 Super better than the 4080?
According to Nvidia, the RTX 4080 Super will be around 2-3% faster than the base model with its USP being the fact it’s $200 / £180 cheaper than the original variant. So yes, while it will technically be better, it’s not as dramatic of an upgrade as we’ve heard with the RTX 4070 Super or RTX 4070 Ti Super.
Image Credit: Nvidia / Intel / AMD
