Are you looking for the perfect CPU to pair with your RTX 3080-based PC build? You’ll want a processor that can keep up with your GPU’s GDDR6X memory, support ray tracing, and ability to handle deep learning tasks.
If you’re into gaming or content creation, you’ll require ample cores, cache, and overclocking support. But then, some CPUs have the right core count but confusing hybrid architecture, while others may have unrealistic TDP values.
With these pain points in mind, I conducted a thorough test on 11 CPUs that work with the 3080 GPU. My objective was to evaluate their performance across various parameters. As a result, I have compiled a list of 6 recommendations.
6 Best CPUs for RTX 3080 in 2023
Each selection underwent thorough testing, which took approximately three weeks to complete. As I have taken into account various scenarios, I have incorporated models from different categories. The top performers are listed first, followed by mid-range options and budget options towards the end.
So let us dive right in and explore each CPU, one at a time!
1. Best AMD CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- The world's best gaming desktop processor, with 12 cores and 24 processing threads
- Can deliver elite 100-plus FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- Cooler not included, high-performance cooler recommended. Max Temperature- 90°C
- 4.8 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 70 MB of cache, DDR-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is arguably the top CPU for 3080, all thanks to its amazing performance and widespread motherboard compatibility. In simple words, you would not need a new chipset if you simply wanted to upgrade to this CPU.
I tested the same against the powerful Ryzen 7 5700X, only to find that the additional four cores in the Ryzen 9 5900X easily made my games and apps run at least 30% faster.
Performance
Specifications-wise, the Ryzen 9 5900X features 12 cores, led by an excellent single-core Cinebench performance score of 261.
If you are unsure as to how the single-core score of the Ryzen 9 compares against its peers, do note that it is the highest in the class, trumping even the likes of Ryzen 7 5800X and Intel Core i9-10900K.
There are 24 threads to help you with multitasking. At 3.7 GHz, the base frequency is good enough for most low-intensity tasks like web browsing and more. However, you can overclock the processor to 4.8 GHz if and when required.
Another winning point has to be the 64 MB L3 cache memory, helping load games and apps at crazy speeds. And finally, its 105W TDP is in line with the likes of Ryzen 9 3900X and lower than most Intel counterparts, adding to its power efficiency.
If you are interested in gaming, I have some deets for you to go over. I tried to play the Far Cry 6 on this one and could experience close to 75 FPS, consistently at 1440p. Easy-to-handle games like the Metro Exodus could return 100 FPS consistently at 1440p ultra. At the same resolution, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt returned close to 65 FPS.
Also, if you want the PC to handle something more than gaming, I would recommend this for hardcore video editing and 3D modeling, courtesy of the single-core and multi-core excellence.
Design and Warranty
The Ryzen 9 5900X follows the Zen 3 architecture, which is a lot like the Zen 2 and identifies with the 7nm lithography standards.
But then, the new-gen architecture focuses on better IPC performance and improved efficiency. Zen 3 is the reason why there is a larger L3 cache chunk available and why the Ryzen 9 5900X boasts lower latency.
Compatibility-wise, the chipset can work alongside the X570 motherboard and doesn’t require a separate investment. You can also use this processor with the B550 motherboard series without significant BIOS updates.
The AM4 socket support makes room for the PCIe 4.0, corresponding to the X570 and B550 motherboards. This way, you can pair a DDR4-3200 MHz RAM with the CPU, doing as high as 128 GB. The dual-channel memory support makes the Ryzen 9 5900X one of the better CPUs for all the new-gen setups.
The Ryzen 9 5900X lacks an integrated GPU and the Wraith cooler. So if you are into gaming, it is better to pair an AIO liquid cooler, preferably a 240mm, with the same. However, investing in an aftermarket cooler can push the prices higher. Finally, you get AMD’s standard, 3-year warranty on this one.
Conclusion
In case you are ready to shell out close to $400 for a processor and the aftermarket cooler, the Ryzen 9 5900X is the best AMD CPU for 3080, purely on the basis of performance. What works in its favor is the excellent single-core performance, making it one of the better picks.
And unlike some of the other options I would be reviewing, this Ryzen 9 variant doesn’t need you to invest in a separate motherboard.
Pros
- Class-leading single-core performance
- Manageable TDP levels
- Comes with 64MB of L3 cache for faster app access
- Doesn’t require a new motherboard
- Supports dual-channel memory
Cons
- On the costlier side
- Doesn’t include a cooler
Alternative Recommendation:
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X might be a pretty good option if you have additional processing requirements, courtesy of its 16-core architecture. Plus, it comes equipped with 32 cores, making multitasking feel like a walk in the park.
It still follows the Zen 3 architecture but has a higher TDP of 105W, making it almost necessary to pair with a high-end liquid cooler.
2. Best Intel CPU: Intel Core i9-11900K
- The processor features Socket LGA-1200 socket for installation on the PCB
- 16 MB of L3 cache rapidly retrieves the most used data available to improve system performance
- 14 nm design offers great efficiency for computing, delivers nimble processing with balanced cost, performance, and power
- To boost graphics and visual quality, the chipset has a built in Intel UHD Graphics 750 controller. Supports up to 3 monitors.
If you prefer Intel over AMD, you might want to get the Core i9-11900K to pair with your RTX 3080. I even tried comparing it with the i9-10850K, only to find the 11900K performs better in regards to gaming and hardcore multitasking.
Performance
The i9-11900K features 8 powerful cores capable of translating into excellent single- and multi-core performances.
While the single-core base clock speed is a respectable 3.5 GHz, what stands out is the ability of this chipset to support overclocking at 5.3 GHz — making room for some powerful games and apps. It is the Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 that makes all of that possible.
There is 16 MB of cache memory in play, good enough for booting up most games and apps in a heartbeat. The TDP level of 125W is a tad higher compared to the Ryzen 9. However, Intel i9-11900K is still power-efficient, provided you pair it with the right aftermarket cooler.
For evaluating the gaming performance, I tested the Intel Core i9-11900K and RTX 3080 to play games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1440p. I could get 60fps and 75fps, respectively, for the mentioned games rather consistently. At 1080p ultra, I could play both games at over 100fps with ease.
In addition to top-notch gaming performance, the i9-11900K is also good enough for preparing AI models, 3D rendering, and other demanding tasks, courtesy of Deep Learning Boost and support for Optane memory.
Design and Warranty
When it comes to the architecture, the i9-11900K identifies with the 14nm Cypress Cove architecture. The IPC performances and power-efficiency levels are better than the older iterations.
Memory-wise, it supports PCIe 4.0, allowing you to work with DDR4 RAM modules. You can go as high as 128 GB when it comes to the RAM memory. The processor supports the LGA 1200, making it fit enough to be used with most Intel 400 and 500-series motherboards.
Notably, there is no integrated cooler in place, and to make the most of the processor’s abilities, you are better off pairing the same with an AIO liquid cooler. And like any other RTX 3080-friendly processor, even this one comes with a standard 3-year warranty. However, overclocking can void the same.
Conclusion
If you are not just a gamer but also a productivity-centric individual who prefers using the CPU for 3D rendering and Machine Learning, i9-11900K is a great pick.
Even though it offers few cores compared to the Ryzen 9 I recently reviewed, its ability to handle AI tasks better makes it a cut above the rest of the CPUs compatible with RTX 3080.
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Supports PCI4.0 modules
- Boosted clock speed is on the higher side
- Compatible with older 400 and 500 series motherboards
- Can handle professional tasks better that its contemporaries
Cons
- Requires robust cooling
- Draw a lot of power courtesy of a higher TDP count
3. Best for Gaming: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- The world's fastest gaming desktop processor and first gaming processor with 3D stacking technology
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads with AMD 3D V-Cache technology
- 4.5 GHz Max Boost, 100 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards
- Cooler not included, high-performance cooler recommended
If you are only looking for a powerful gaming processor to complement the RTX 3080, Ryzen 7 5800X3D has everything needed to make a difference. It is one of the few CPUs to offer Ryzen 9-like performances at a lower price.
When I tested this processor against the likes of Ryzen 9 5950X, only in regards to gaming, the 5800X3D came out with better performances, especially when game loading speeds and lower latency are concerned.
Performance
Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes loaded with 8 cores and 16 threads. The base clock speed of 3.4 GHz is more than adequate for most basic tasks like web browsing and more, whereas the boosted clock speed of 4.5 GHz takes care of gaming and multitasking requirements — all thanks to the Precision Boost 2 technology.
The processor boasts a TDP level of 105W, which is in line with the TDP levels projected by other AMD Ryzen 9 processors. However, it is the 96 MB L3 cache memory that separates the 5800X3D from other RTX 3080 compatible CPUs.
Termed the 3D V-Cache, this technology lends additional speed to your games and even lowers the overall latency and lag. There is 4MB of L2 cache, taking the overall cache memory count to 100 MB.
For games, I tested the Spider-Man Remastered with the 3080 and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D as the feature components. At 1440p, I could experience close to 140 FPS without having to tweak anything at all. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Siege returned close to 370 FPS at 1440.
Besides helping you push some additional fps-specific performance, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D doesn’t actually offer a lot of content-specific edges, with performances relatively similar to the Ryzen 7 5800X.
Design and Warranty
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D features the Zen 3 architecture, the 7nm processor lithography, and the AM4 socket compatibility. This way, you can use this processor with a broad range of motherboards — X470, B450, and others.
PCIe 4.0 connectors are supported, allowing you to pair DDR4-3200 MHz RAM modules to the PC, going as high as 128GB across dual channels. As far as the processor warranty is concerned, you get three years’ worth of the same.
Conclusion
If you are interested in getting the best possible gaming processor to have with the RTX 3080 graphics card, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D fits the bill. While the 96 MB of L3 cache memory is a good enough reason for the same, it stands out from other products on the list courtesy of its VR-ready support.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Competitive Pricing
- Manageable TDP levels
- Reliable multi-threaded performances
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a bundled cooler
- Lacks an integrated GPU
4. Best for Normal Use: Intel Core i7-12700K
- Built for the Next Generation of Gaming. Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s performance hybrid architecture on an unlocked processor.
- Integrated Intel UHD 770 Graphics
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Intel Core i7 3.60 GHz processor offers more cache space and the hyper-threading architecture delivers high performance for demanding applications with better onboard graphics and faster turbo boost
- The processor features Socket LGA-1700 socket for installation on the PCB
Not every processor comes with a hybrid architecture as good and reliable as the Intel Core i7-12700K. With four efficiency cores, this is one of the better CPUs that you can use with the 3080, provided you want something that can handle the basic tasks.
I compared it with the i9-12900K — a chipset that is way more overpowered on paper and discovered that the i7-12700K essentially delivers the same gaming performance. However, in my tests, the i7 easily bested the Ryzen 7 5800X and even the Ryzen 9 5900X when it comes to handling processing tasks.
Performance
The i7-12700K comes equipped with 12 cores — 8 of which are the usual performance cores and 4 being the efficiency cores. Multitasking isn’t an issue either, with 20 threads present to shoulder the heavy workload.
At 3.6 GHz, the base clock speed is more than adequate for tasks other than gaming. Yet, with Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology, the clock speeds can be pushed to 5.0 GHz, precisely for handling the most demanding PC-specific tasks.
The thermal design power rating is set at 125W, which is still on the higher side and can be best addressed with an additional AIO cooler. However, the i7-12700K has a slight edge over its immediate competitors courtesy of the 25 MB cache memory, best suited for handling gaming needs.
There is also the standard 12MB L2 cache support for your basic tasks. It’s best-suited for tasks like browsing, content consumption, and more as efficiently as the high-bandwidth tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, and more.
When it comes to gaming, I tested the i7-12700K + RTX 3080 setup alongside Forza Horizon 5, only to experience close to 109 FPS at 1440p ultra. Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p ultra was a cakewalk, with me getting an average of 61fps in terms of performance.
Apart from gaming, I even tested the Intel Core i7-12700K for some content creation tasks like rendering, only to see it beat the likes of Core i5-12600K to handle a 10-minute 4K file.
Design and Warranty
The i7-12700K is based on the 10nm architecture and the Intel 7 lithography standards. As far as the socket compatibility goes, the LG1700 support makes the processor fit into the Intel 600-series motherboards with ease. However, for me, the best trait has to be the support for PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 connectors, allowing you to even pair DDR5 RAM modules with the same.
Intel offers a 3-year warranty on this device, covering you for most manufacturing issues if and when they show up.
Conclusion
The i7-12700K is an absolute beast for its price range. While it easily bests most 11th gen processors, it is the support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM and the inclusion of 4 efficient, battery-saving cores that make it stand out from the rest.
Therefore, if you are a gamer who also wants to use the PC for other home and office-based tasks, the i7-12700K is the one to get.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing
- Support for DDR5 RAM modules
- Can be overclocked
- A sizable chunk of L3 memory
- Comes with battery-saving efficiency cores
Cons
- TDP level is on the higher side
- Motherboard compatibility is restricted
5. Best Value Pick: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- The Socket AM5 socket allows processor to be placed on the PCB without soldering
- Ryzen 5 product line processor for your convenience and optimal usage
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance with maximum productivity
- Hexa-core (6 Core) processor core helps processor process data in a dependable and timely manner with maximum productivity
- 6 MB L2 plus 32 MB L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
If you are in the market for the value for money processing unit, Ryzen 5 7600X is the one to consider. Boasting the Zen 4 architecture, multithreading support, and a sizable L3 cache memory, this CPU is a worthy addition to any PC running the RTX 3080.
I even compared it with the Ryzen 7 5700X, but the DDR5 RAM support offered by the Ryzen 5 quickly took things to a whole new level.
Performance
The Ryzen 5 7600X does things a bit differently when it comes to processing performances. First of all, unlike some of the other products on the list, it includes 6 cores and 12 threads.
However, what shows is the high base clock speed of 4.7 GHz, making it a good enough CPU for every PC-based task. As it is unlocked for overclocking, you can push the clock speed limits to 5.3 GHz with ease and even beyond that if needed.
The processor also comes equipped with 38 MB of total cache, with 32 MB of L3 memory taking center stage. This feature comes in handy if you are interested in reducing the access time for loading games and demanding apps. The TDP at 105W is slightly on the higher side for a sub-$250 processor.
Regarding the gaming performances, I indulged in the likes of COD Warzone and Fortnite at 1080p and ended up getting close to 170 FPS and 210 FPS, respectively.
Content and productivity-specific tasks felt easy as I paired a DDR5 RAM module to make everything faster. The excellent single-core benchmark results validate the exceptional task-related performance, trumping the likes of Intel Core i5-12600K.
Design and Warranty
The innovative Zen 4 architecture associated with the Ryzen 5 7600X brings in the 5nm design process. The processor works with the AM5 modules.
A compatible motherboard would then be the X670, which is also the most affordable one around with AM5 support. And even though the Ryzen 5 7600X supports PCIe 5.0 connectors, the AM5 motherboards only support DDr5 RAM modules, making the entire setup fast yet pricey.
It is worth noting that you can also look for other 600-series motherboards if you have the budget. Warranty-wise, AMD covers the manufacturing concerns for 3 years.
Conclusion
If you want to future-proof your mid-range gaming and professional setup, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a great pick. However, the Zen 4 architecture and the massive L3 cache support stand out, especially for a price tag of under $250.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Latest Architecture
- Competitive Pricing
- Single-core performance is out of the world
- High base clock speed
Cons
- Only supports DDR5 RAM modules
- High TDP level
6. Best Budget Option: Intel Core i5-12600K
- Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s performance hybrid architecture on an unlocked processor.
- Integrated Intel UHD 770 Graphics
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Intel Core i5 Deca-core (10 Core) 3.70 GHz processor offers hyper-threading architecture that delivers high performance for demanding applications with improved onboard graphics and turbo boost
- The Socket LGA-1700 socket allows processor to be placed on the PCB without soldering 16 MB of L3 cache rapidly retrieves the most used data available to improve system performance
Intel Core i5-12600K is easily the most affordable CPU that can handle RTX 3080. It boasts the hybrid architecture, allowing you to do justice to the high-end GPU and even to some of the more basic PC-specific tasks like sending emails, browsing the web, and more.
Even though this is an “unlocked for overclocking” PC, I tested it against a comparable i5-12400F, with additional cores and a lower TDP value. However, the i5-12600K, courtesy of its higher clock speed threshold, could handle the most demanding tasks related to content creation with ease.
Performance
The i5-12600K comes equipped with 6 performance and 4 efficiency cores. As for the threads, there are 16 to work with, capable of handling all your multitasking needs like a breeze. Next, you have the base clock frequency of 3.7 GHz, which is synonymous with the Performance cores.
The turbo boost max 3.0 technology ensures that the P-cores can go as high as 4.9 GHz for gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. Next in line is almost 30 MB of cache memory, comprising 9.5 MB of L2 cache and 20 MB of smart cache.
All of that adds to the processing capabilities of the CPU. The TDP, however, is on the higher side at 125W, cutting some of the power-efficiency points for the same.
When it comes to actual real-time performances, the Intel Core i5-12600K excels with exceptional encoding benchmark results, better than the likes of Ryen 5 5600X and the Intel i9-11900K.
Gaming-wise, I tested the same with Battlefield 2042 at 1080p ultra. And I could easily churn out an average of 125 FPS, with ease. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 at Ultra 1080p with ray tracing and DLSS turned on could get me an average FPS of 90, which is more than acceptable for the given price point.
Design and Warranty
The Intel 7 lithography stands out, followed by the LGA 1700 socket compatibility. This way, you can pair this CPU with most 600-series motherboards.
This CPU supports for PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 connectors, allowing you to work with DDR4 and DDR5 RAM modules according to your requirements. As for the warranty, Intel offers the standard 3-year boilerplate with the same.
Conclusion
If you have your eyes set on a budget, but you still need an excellent gaming processor, the Intel Core i5-12600K can work really well. What stands out is the affordability in play, despite the hybrid architecture.
Pros
- Out-of-the-world gaming performances
- Hybrid architecture for increased efficiency
- Excellent content creation performance
- A sizable chunk of smart cache memory
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5 RAM modules
Cons
- High TDP level
- Only six performance cores can limit rendering and 3D modeling performances
That sums up our individual reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
First of all, there is no specified limit to how many cores a processor should have to accommodate the RTX 3080. However, just to be on the safe side, a hexa-core processor makes sense, something like the Intel Core i5-12600K.
This way, it becomes easier to navigate issues related to processor-GPU bottlenecks, gaming lags, and more.
An RTX 3080 can be bottlenecked by the processor, depending on the type of tasks you want it to accomplish. In case you want the PC to handle gaming at high resolution — 2K or 4K — the graphics card becomes the limiting factor.
This is when you can consider getting a mid-range processor like a Ryzen 5 5600X or even the Intel Core i5-11600K. However, if your focus is on CPU-intensive tasks and high 1080p gaming performance, it is better to pair your RTX 3080 with the likes of Ryzen 9 5900X or any other high-end processor.
Yes, the Ryzen 9 5900X is an excellent processor to pair with the RTX 3080. What makes it good is the availability of 12 cores and 24 corresponding threats. Notably, the multi- and single-core performances are also top-notch.
With the Ryzen 9 5900X, you can easily explore the capabilities of the RTX 3080 to the fullest, regardless of streaming, gaming, or even multitasking.
According to the reviews, the i5-12600K is the most affordable CPU that you can get for your 3080. Despite the sub-$230 price point, this CPU boasts hybrid architecture, excellent turbo performances, and support for DDR5 RAM.
Verdict
I hope you were able to make an informed decision and find the best processor for your 3080 graphics card. If you’re still confused, here are my final suggestions, depending on specific use cases:
- If you want the best CPU-GPU compatibility for your PC, with a focus on exceptional gaming and content creation tasks, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a pretty good option.
- In case you want a chipset with the latest Zen 4 architecture and AM5 socket compatibility, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X makes a lot of sense.
- Finally, if you prefer Intel chipsets and that too on a budget, the Intel Core i5-12600K seems like the perfect option.
In addition to these handpicked choices, you can pick any other variant by reviewing the long list of reviews. That way, you can pick a CPU that aligns with your workload, professional needs, brand preferences, and, obviously, budget.
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