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If you’re looking for the best CPU for the RTX 3080, then we’ve got you covered right here with our top picks.
The RTX 3080 may be from the previous generation of Nvidia graphics cards, but it is still an incredibly high-performance piece of gaming tech, easily one of the best GPUs for raytracing. However, as is common in the tech world, there is no point in having one component far more powerful than all the others.
Best CPU for RTX 3080 at a glance
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.6GHz
Cache
L3 64MB
TDP
170W
Intel Core i9-13900K
Architecture
Raptor Lake
Core Count
24
Thread Count
32
Boost Speed
5.8GHz
Cache
36MB
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base speed
3.4GHz
Boost speed
4.5GHz
Cache
96MB
Boost TDP
105W
It would be a mistake, for example, to have one of the best GPUs for 1440p if you don’t also have a great 1440p monitor.
The same is true for your CPU. If you want to get the most out of your RTX 3080, you’ll want the right CPU for it. Now is a great time to upgrade since AMD recently releasing their new X3D range of incredibly powerful CPUs which are specifically geared towards gaming.
We’ve got three options for you here, with a detailed description of each product. At the end of the day, you know your needs best but this should give you a helping hand to get a sense of which CPU makes the most sense for you. Let’s get into our picks.
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.6GHz
Cache
L3 64MB
TDP
170W
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a powerful 12-core/24-thread processor that is an excellent choice for professionals who always challenge their setup with demanding tasks.
It has a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz that can boost up to 5.6 GHz and a cache of 70MB, these characteristics make the 7900X handle even the most demanding workloads with ease. In terms of gaming, the 7900X is one of the most popular choices on the market, with the ability to deliver smooth and fluid gameplay in even the most demanding titles.
Read More: Ryzen 9 vs Intel i9
Its features also make it a great choice for multi-tasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. For professionals and creatives we’re sure this is something that will feature in your choice making since it impacts work flow.
Overall, the Ryzen 9 7900X is a top performer that offers an excellent price/performance ratio price. In combination with an RTX 3080, it certainly won’t make you regret more expensive choices, always guaranteeing a high level of smoothness and excellent reliability.
So we can definitely affirm that if you’re a professional or a gamer looking for an optimal match for their RTX 3080 and you don’t have an exaggerated budget but you still want a quality solution, this CPU is the right choice for you.
Intel Core i9-13900K
Intel Core i9-13900K
Architecture
Raptor Lake
Core Count
24
Thread Count
32
Boost Speed
5.8GHz
Cache
36MB
Our next option for you is the Intel Core i9 -13900K.
This is a high-end processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, making it an excellent choice for gaming and professional applications.
Furthermore, it has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and can boost up to 5.8 GHz, making it one of the fastest processors on the market.
The Intel i9-13900k performs very similarly to the AMD Ryzen model mentioned above, so it goes without saying that it has excellent gaming performance and the ability to handle even the most demanding professional task without any sort of problems. In addition, its fast clock speeds and support for DDR5 memory also make it a great choice for applications that require fast data transfer speeds.
Read More: Best cooler for i9-13900K
Without having to go into further technicalities, we can say that the i9-13900K is an excellent choice for anyone who wants top-of-the-line performance and it will certainly be a great ally in combination with an RTX 3080.
However, it comes with a higher price than the Ryzen 7900X. Nonetheless, if a specific feature of this model caught your eye, the i9-13900K is definitely worth considering despite the slightly higher price tag.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base speed
3.4GHz
Boost speed
4.5GHz
Cache
96MB
Boost TDP
105W
Our last option for you is the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
With an 8-core/16-thread processor this CPU represents a great alternative for anyone who wants a good balance of performance and value.
The 5800X3D is a good performer in both gaming and professional applications and its relatively low price compared to the price of the other two CPUs of this guide (around $450) makes it an attractive option for anyone who wants good performance with a low budget.
Read More: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core i9 13900KS
It’s certainly not as powerful as the 7900X or the i9-13900K, but it offers excellent value for its price.
That being said it is worth noting that since this is a more mid-range option than the other two, it might not be the best match for an RTX 3080. If this is a deal breaker for you we recommend focusing more on our previous options.
On the other hand, if you’re a gamer or professional who wants good performance without spending a lot of money, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the option to consider.
At the end of the day, which CPU to go for will depend on you and your specific requirements. However, all the options provided in this guide should give you a good idea of where to get started in your search.
Frequently asked questions
Does CPU affect GPU performance?
Yes, your CPU and GPU both work together for gaming performance. While the GPU handles graphics the CPU handles other important parts of the game such as NPC logic and player interactions.
Will an RTX 3080 bottleneck my CPU?
This is a possibility. By getting the best CPU for the RTX 3080, you can avoid this issue entirely.
What does GPU stand for?
GPU stands for Graphics Processing unit. A GPU is a circuit made up of multiple cores that allows it to process large amounts of data quickly.
