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If you’re looking for the best CPU for RTX 4090, we’ve got you covered right here with our top picks.
The RTX 4090 is an incredibly powerful bit gaming kit. One of the best GPUs for 1440p and 4K, it can easily run any new release. However, there is no point in having a top-end GPU, if it’s only to be bottlenecked by the rest of your hardware.
A powerful CPU is one of the most important things you need to really let your GPU rip. It’s been a good year for powerful processors too with the release of AMD’s new X3D range, which features some of the most powerful processing chips ever.
We’ve provided a detail description of each of our picks so you can get a complete overview and know which one you want to go for.
Let’s get into it, here are our choices for the best CPUs for the RTX 4090.
Best CPU for RTX 4090
Intel Core i9-13900K
Intel Core i9-13900K
Architecture
Raptor Lake
Core Count
24
Thread Count
32
Boost Speed
5.8GHz
Cache
36MB
The Intel Core i9-13900K is one of the most powerful processors currently available on the market. With its 24 cores and 32 threads and a boost clock speed up to 5.8 GHz, we can affirm without any doubt that it represents an excellent choice to work with high-power video interfaces such as the RTX-4090.
This CPU offers all the latest technology available on the market, guaranteeing such a high level of performance and reliability that we don’t even stop for too long to list its specifications individually.Â
The only point we highlight is its energy consumption, it has a TDP of 125W, which means that it’s not very energy-consuming considering its level of performance and at this level of power even if the number in general may seems high, we guarantee you that in relation to this market category, it is a very low number.
Read more: Best cooler for i9-13900K
In terms of compatibility, the Intel Core i9-13900K is an excellent choice for an RTX 4090, as we said before, for such a high-quality graphics interface as the RTX-4090, this CPU represents an excellent option being also part of the highest range of intel lineup, so we can guarantee that the combination of these two pieces of hardware will run smoothly and at the same time it will be one of the most reliable combinations you can find on the market.
However, the Intel Core i9-13900K is also one of the most expensive options on the market but it goes without saying that for a person who is looking for a CPU to combine with his RTX-4090, the price shouldn’t be a problem, however, we leave the budget evaluation to you.
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 another high-end processor that is well-suited to powering an RTX 4090, representing AMD’s best alternative to Intel i9-13900.
Thanks to its 12 cores and 24 threads and its base clock speed of 4.7 GHz that boosts up to 5.7 GHz, this CPU offers great performance in all types of tasks both professional and gaming.Â
One of the main disadvantages compared to its Intel rival is its TDP of 170W, which is slightly higher than the Intel Core i9-13900K so It’s always a good idea to calculate the capacity of your power supply well before proceeding to buy this CPU.
Read more: Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 7900X3D
As regards the combination together with the RTX 4080, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is also an excellent choice, guaranteeing excellent performance and system stability, you will not find any problems in this regard.
It is slightly more affordable than the Intel Core i9-13900K/KS, making it a good option for those on a budget. However, it is worth noting that the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X may not be quite as powerful as the Intel Core i9-13900K/KS in some areas, such as single-threaded performance.
so it’s up to you if you want to best go with the intel but at the same time, if you want to save some money, the AMD 7900X is a choice that you will not regret it.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
32MB
TDP
105W
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a more mid-range processor that features 6 cores and 12 threads, a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 5.3 GHz.
In terms of compatibility with the RTX 4080, we have to say that it is significantly more affordable than either of the other options, making it a good choice for those on a tight budget.
However, this model guarantees a much lower level of performance than the other two models in this comparison, and considering that this guide concerns the combination with the RTX-4080 which is a high-end video interface, we certainly have the obligation to say that this processor is definitely not an optimal choice.
Read more: Best CPU for Sons of the Forest
Likewise, if you’re on a particularly tight budget, it could still be an interesting alternative, but to make the most of all the power that a graphic interface like the RTX-4090 can offer, we still advise you to aim for high-end CPUs.Â
