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01Best overall CPU for RTX 3070 TiBest CPU for RTX 3070 Ti (runner up)
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03Best premium CPU for RTX 3070 Ti – Intel Core i5-13900K
If you want to pair the best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti, then look no further.
The RTX 3070 Ti is a highly capable GPU that is a great choice if you want to game at 1440p. It can even handle 4K gaming, though this requires the right monitor and CPU. That’s where we come in. Choosing the right CPU for your RTX 3070 Ti is an important decision if you want to avoid bottlenecks and maximize the efficiency of the rig.
Best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti at a glance
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Core Count
8
Thread Count
16
CPU Speed
4.5 GHz
TDP
105W
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
32MB
TDP
105W
Intel Core i5 13600K
Cores
14
Threads
20
Base speed
P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
Cache
20MB
TDP
125 W / 181 W boost
The RTX 3070 Ti is one of the most efficient graphics cards released by Nvidia. It’s a very desirable GPU to have today thanks to its fantastic price-to-performance ratio. With that in mind, we’ve found three CPUs that complement it well. Expect to see AMD’s X3D CPUs, plus premium choices from Intel.
With that in mind, we’ve included a selection of CPUs from both AMD and Intel. While it’s been tempting to put AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 X3D CPUs in the mix, we’ve resisted, instead opting for value.
However, if you’re curious as to how the Ryzen 7 5800X3D compares to Ryzen 7 9 7950X, then check out our comparison!
With our spiel out the way, let’s jump to it – here are the best CPUs for RTX 3070 Ti.
Best overall CPU for RTX 3070 Ti – AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Core Count
8
Thread Count
16
CPU Speed
4.5 GHz
TDP
105W
- Game Performance Surpasses i9-12900K
- Good Value
- 3D V-Cache
- Runs Hot
- Slightly Poorer Single-Core Performance
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a brilliant CPU for demanding workloads and games. It boasts 8 cores, 16 threads. As a general rule, more CPU cores allow for better performance since the processor can handle more tasks simultaneously.
Read More: Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 7900X3D (AIO, budget, quiet)
Most excitingly, it has AMD’s new 3D V-cache technology. It was AMD’s very first CPU to use this technology and utilizes a dedicated high-speed memory buffer to cache vertex data. It results in faster rendering times and increased overall performance for 3D graphics-intensive workloads.
Overall, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D offers a great balance between performance, efficiency and value.
Best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti (runner up) – AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
32MB
TDP
105W
- Incredible Single-Core Performance
- Very Power Efficient
- Surpasses Other CPUs With More Cores
- Runs Very Hot
AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X is a brilliant value option for those looking for a happy blend between price and performance.
The Ryzen 5 7600X has a clock speed that has range between 4.7 and 5.3GHz, specifically gearing it for powerful gaming performance. While its 6 cores might appear a little modest, AMD’s new Simultaneous Multithreading technology allows each core to process two instructions simultaneously. This effectively means you’ll be working with the power of 12 cores, making a huge difference to your gaming experience.
Read More: Best motherboard for Ryzen 5 7600
It lacks AMD’s 3D V-cache technology, but this does mean it’s less vulnerable to overheating.
It does, however, come with the newest standards in PC components, including DDR5 memory.
If you’re looking at investing in this chip, you’ll need to buy a suitable AM5 motherboard. While this does incur additional costs, it does mean your gaming set-up will be future-proofed for years to come.
Intel Core i5 13600K
Cores
14
Threads
20
Base speed
P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
Cache
20MB
TDP
125 W / 181 W boost
- Good Boost Clock
- Generous Core Count
- Runs hotter than Core i5 12600K
The Intel Core i5-13600K is a versatile CPU with 14 cores and 20 threads, making it a fantastic choice for demanding tasks such as gaming or professional workloads.
With the help of hyperthreading, this CPU can handle today’s most demanding titles without bottlenecking. We’re especially keen on its compatibility, which supports both DDR5 and the more budget-friendly DDR4, as well as PCie 5.0. It’s also equipped with the UHD 770 graphics chipset, which is adequate for basic tasks like light gaming and general PC use.
Read More: Best thermal paste for CPU and GPU – top picks for graphics cards and processors
At its current price point of roughly $320 depending on the seller, the 13600K is not just a worthwhile option, it’s an extremely competent one. If you’re a fan of games like Sons of the Forest (which only recommends an i7-8700K), you’re going to have absolutely no performance issues at all, provided you’ve paired it with a decent GPU, which we’ve already covered.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3070 Ti good enough for gaming?
Yes, the RTX 3070 Ti is highly capable for gaming. Just make sure you pair it with the right CPU to avoid bottlenecks, like the Intel Core i5-13600K.
Can I game in 4k with the 3070 ti?
Technically, yes, the 3070 ti can handle 4k gaming. However, we recommend keeping the fps rate at a mid-range (around the 60fps mark) if you’re going to try 4k.
