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Are you finding it hard to locate the right CPU for your RTX 3070? I understand you might be looking for excellent gaming performance, multitasking capabilities, manageable power consumption, and a balanced price.
While the requirements are quite clear, there are a few pain points to navigate. These include sifting through a wide range of choices, finding the right balance where the GPU doesn’t get bottlenecked by the CPU limitations, and choosing between Intel and AMD variants.
Having used over 15 CPUs that work with RTX 3070, I shall review my top 7 picks that performed great in various parameters like core count, cache, overclocking power, cooling support, etc.
Contents
- 7 Best CPUs for RTX 3070 in 2023
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
7 Best CPUs for RTX 3070 in 2023
I put together this curated list of RTX 3070-friendly processors by checking the benchmarks & real-time performance of each. And considering different types of users, I’ve included enough choices catering to varying needs and budgets.
So let us get the review discussion started right away:
1. Best Overall: Intel Core i9-12900K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.2 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.2 GHz
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 24
- Socket: LGA 1700
Intel Core i9-12900K is one of the best Alder Lake processors, boasting the hybrid core architecture. As the processor involves both performance and efficiency cores, you can use it for both high-end and basic stuff with comparable ease.
I tested the same with the i9-11900K, but the Performance cores on the former fared way better than the 11-gen counterpart.
Hardware Performance
The Intel Core i9-12900K comprises 8 high-speed performance cores, each offering 1.25MB worth of L2 cache. Plus, 8 efficiency cores are perfectly suitable for low-hanging tasks like browsing, media consumption, and more.
The E-cores and the integrated GPU also share 30 MB of cache memory between them, taking the total cache count to 44MB — L2 and Smart Cache included. Plus, 24 threads in play allows you to handle most multitasking gigs easily.
The E-cores take the load off the P-cores, helping the PC achieve better multi-threaded performances. Also, this PC boasts the Intel 7 processor lithography, making it one of the newest picks to try out.
And while the base clock speed on this one is a respectable 3.20 GHz, you can readily push the performance up by using the turbo mode at 5.20 GHz.
The power consumption metric is hardly conservative as the Intel Core i9-12900K has an MTP level of 241W. Therefore, if you consider using it with the RTX 3070, you might have to consider a 1200W PSU over anything else.
Do note that the unlocked K-series chipsets allow you to maximize performance by supporting overclocking while gaming. Per the benchmarks, the single-core performance of the Intel Core i9-12900K exceeds that of the Ryzen 9 5950X.
I tested the rig with the RTX 3070 and the Intel Core i9-12900K, running Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and could get close to 100fps at ultra 1080p settings. For Apex Legends at 1080p ultra, I could get close to 150fps with relative ease.
Therefore, using the Intel Core i9-12900K for playing games at 1080p is more than obvious. As for the quality, you can consider playing most games at 1080p and some even at 1440p, if needed in a professional capacity.
Design and Warranty
As mentioned previously, the i9-12900K follows the Intel 7 processing architecture. The 10nm aesthetics ensure excellent per-watt performance. Plus, the LGA-1700 socket compatibility makes you choose the ideal motherboard for the same.
You can use Intel’s 600-series motherboard to house the 19-12900K. As for the memory support, you can pair both DDR4 and DDR5 variants with the same.
If speeds are concerned, you can get a memory module that can clock at 4800MHz, without impacting performances.
Regarding CPU-GPU synergy, graphics card-specific tasks, like gaming, come with a 12% GPU bottleneck at 1080p. However, there are zero bottlenecks in play for processor-intensive tasks.
And finally, Intel offers three years’ worth of warranty on the Intel Core i9-12900K, covering most manufacturing issues with promptness.
Conclusion
If you leave the cooling concerns out, courtesy of the high MTP, the i9-12900K, with its 16 cores and 24 threads, comes across as an excellent processor for gaming with RTX 3070.
While the single-threaded performances are out of the world, this CPU makes more sense due to its overclocking capabilities.
Yes, there is some gaming bottleneck, but this shouldn’t be a stretch for a semi-professional gamer. Despite the not-so-affordable price tag, the performance sets it apart from other CPUs compatible with RTX 3070 graphics card.
Pros
- Eight efficiency cores amplify the overall PC performance
- Can be overclocked
- Supports DDR5 memory courtesy of PCIe support
- Comes with a built-in thread director for prioritizing workloads
Cons
- Pricey
- Heats up a bit more than expected
2. Best Runner-Up: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.8 GHz
- Cores: 12
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM4
If you are interested in another top-tier CPU that isn’t as costly as the Intel counterpart, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X certainly makes sense.
Based on the Zen 3 layout, this processor is meant to work really well with the RTX 3070 GPU. Compared with the likes of the Ryzen 7 5800X, the Ryzen 9 5900X wins hands down courtesy of more cores and threads.
Hardware Performance
Leading the hardware performance is the availability of 12 high-power performance cores. Each core comes with 512KB worth of L2 cache memory, totaling 6MB. The L3 shared cache of 64MB is yet another performance-specific feature, boasting faster data access and efficiency.
There are 24 threads in play to handle multitasking skillfully. The Ryzen 9 5900X experiences a significant boost in terms of single- and multi-core performances over the Ryzen 7 5800X.
Plus, the base clock speed of 3.7 GHz followed by the Precision Boost speed of 4.8 GHz ensures that this processor can work across a wide range of scenarios, from gaming to basic web surfing without breaking a sweat.
I paired the same with the RTX 3070 GPU to experience impressive gaming performances — close to 100 FPS at 1080p ultra model.
Games like COD: Warzone can go as high as 150fps for the same settings. For gaming, though, the GPU feels a tad weaker compared with the Ryzen 9, with an 8.3% GPU bottleneck. However, there is no bottleneck in play if you are interested in processor-intensive tasks like sound editing.
Design and Warranty
The Ryzen 9 utilizes the AM4 chipset ensuring compatibility with B550 and even X570-series motherboards. Also, the 7nm manufacturing processor ensures low power consumption, courtesy of a TDP rating of 105W. However, without a powerful cooling setup, the arrangement still runs hot.
As far as memory support is concerned, there is no DDR5 functionality in play. The processor supports PCIe 4.0, translating into DDR4 3200MHz as the max limit. However, you can even go up to 3600MHz by overclocking the same. Also, AMD offers a 3-year warranty on its powerful desktop chipset.
Conclusion
You can purchase the Ryzen 9 5900X as a top-tier gamer or a content creator in search of the best possible AMD CPU for the RTX 3070. The excellent power efficiency sets it apart from the rest, courtesy of the 7nm architecture and lower TDP levels.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- The CPU design is power-efficient
- Wider motherboard compatibility
- 24 threads for efficient multitasking
- 70MB cache for faster data access
Cons
- The price tag is still above $300
- Runs a bit hot during high-end professional tasks
- No PCIe 5.0 support
3. Best Flagship CPU: Intel Core i9-10900K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.3 GHz
- Cores: 10
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA 1200
If you want to go with a 10th gen processor that is significantly cheaper than the i9-12900K, the Intel Core i9-10900K makes sense.
What makes it a suitable CPU to pair with RTX 3070 is the minimal 0.8% graphics bottleneck, which means that the CPU’s power aligns perfectly with the GPU’s capabilities, unlike the i9-129000K.
I even compared this unit to the Core i9-9900K, but the Intel Core i9-10900K clearly stood out courtesy of the higher thread and core count.
Hardware Performance
There are 10 high-speed cores, with 256KB of L2 cache memory associated with each. Plus, the L3 cache support of 20MB is worth noting as it allows for faster data access, provided you want games and apps to load in a heartbeat.
There are 20 threads, allowing the Intel Core i9-10900K to handle every multitasking gig comfortably.
The base clock speed of 3.7GHz is more than adequate for most basic tasks. However, the CPU also supports the Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 mode, allowing you to achieve boosted clock speeds of up to 5.3GHz for demanding games and tasks.
When it comes to the benchmark tests, the i9-10900K surpasses the likes of the Ryzen 9 3900X regarding single and multi-core performances.
Regarding gameplay, I tested the CPU with the RTX 3070 and Fornite at 1080p ultra settings and could reach close to 200fps with ease. The bottleneck here was my monitor, which couldn’t handle such a high FPS count.
Even something as demanding as Red Dead Redemption could achieve 100fps at 1080p ultra settings, making the Intel Core i9-10900K one of the better processors in the category.
Design and Warranty
The processor uses the Intel 7 lithography but still utilizes the 14nm architecture. Therefore, it might not be as power-efficient as the Ryzen 9 I just reviewed.
At 125W, the TDP levels are high, meaning that you might have to go beyond a 1000W PSU. The i9-10900K supports the LGA 1200 socket, making it compatible with the likes of Intel 400-series chipsets.
The i9-10900K supports the DDR4 RAM modules, supporting clock speeds of 2933 MHz. However, you can achieve a higher RAM speed by overclocking the processor. The 3-year warranty from Intel is yet another noteworthy feature.
Conclusion
If you are a semi-professional gamer who believes in the best GPU-CPU alignment, the Intel i9-10900K is the processor to go with.
And even though it might not be as energy efficient as some of the other CPUs on the list, it still makes it the best flagship variant courtesy of the minimal GPU bottleneck and excellent single-core performances, making it a gaming beast.
Pros
- One of the best single-core performances among the CPUs on the list
- Supports overclocking
- Negligible bottleneck with the RTX 3070 GPU
- Helps achieve excellent fps levels while gaming
Cons
- Older 14nm architecture
- No hybrid architecture involving efficiency cores
- Consumes a lot of power
4. Best Mid-Range CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.8 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.7 GHz
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
If you are in the market for a Ryzen CPU that is powerful and competitively priced, I recommend checking out the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.
As a CPU unlocked for overclocking, the Ryzen 7 5800X can do most of the things the 5900X can do but at a better price.
I even compared this CPU with Intel’s i7-10700K but found the AMD variant to be better regarding multitasking capabilities. Also, the higher IPC count of the Ryzen variant helps with better gaming performance.
Hardware Performance
There are 8 powerful cores, translating into 16 threads, and an L2 cache support of 4MB. The L3 cache memory extends to 32MB, making the total cache support stand steady at 36 MB. This is supposed to help with faster app and game access.
Regarding clock speeds, the Ryzen 7 5800X can operate at a base frequency of 3.8 GHz. The boosted speed can go as high as 4.7 GHz, making it possible for most games to run smoothly.
Another highlight has to be the 7nm processing architecture making it possible for this CPU to assume lower TDP levels of 105W. Therefore, despite the AMD tag, you wouldn’t require an overwhelming cooling setup to manage the heat.
I also used the RTX 3070 and the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X setup to run games like Overwatch Ultra, only to get a consistent output of 200 FPS at ultra 1080p settings.
Design and Warranty
The featured CPU is AM4 compatible, making it suitable for an X570 and B550-series motherboard. The processor supports PCIe 4.0 connectors, a feature allowing you to pair most SSDs, RAM working at 3200 MHz, and other powerful components.
Do note that you can enhance the capabilities of the paired RAM by heading over to the BIOS and the XMP section. As for the warranty, AMD offers three years’ worth of coverage against manufacturing defects.
Conclusion
At under $250, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X perfectly balances price and performance. When paired with the RTX 3070, it can blow most other CPUs out of the water if you are consistently looking at experiencing 150 FPS or more at 1080p.
And its sleek architecture and lower TDP levels add to its credibility as a power-efficient CPU, which helps it stand out.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Consumes low power
- Stellar gaming performance with RTX 3070
- Works with a diverse range of motherboards
Cons
- Not as powerful as the Ryzen 9 5900X
- Doesn’t support PCIe 5.0 connectors
5. Best for Power Users: Intel Core i7-12700K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.6 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.0 GHz
- Cores: 12
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA 1700
As a power user, if you value content creation and games the same way, the Intel Core i7-12700K is a great CPU to use with RTX 3070.
And while the sub-$300 price point might be a reason enough to look at this behemoth, I feel that the compatibility with most Intel 600-series motherboards makes it an ideal fit for different PC cases and setups.
Hardware Performance
The i7-12700K boasts a hybrid architecture comprising 8 performance and 4 efficiency cores. While the performance cores can easily handle most games and tasks, the efficiency cores ensure that the i7-12700K can even handle less demanding tasks like office work and web browsing without feeling underwhelmed.
As for the clock speeds, the base value is set at 3.6 GHz, whereas the boosted clock speed of 5.0 GHz seems more than enough for most tasks and processes.
Also, this processor comes equipped with hyperthreading technology, helping you get access to 20 threads for seamless multitasking performances. You even get 25 MB of L3 cache support to expedite most processes.
Regarding games, I tested the same with Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p ultra and consistently experienced close to 70 FPS. Intel even brings in the deep learning boost for this processor, a feature allowing the processor to offload certain tasks to the GPU when needed.
Design and Warranty
The i7-12700K is built per the 14nm architecture. And despite the Intel 7 lithography, the TDP levels are around the 125W mark. This means you would want to have a powerful cooling setup to go with the same.
Also, as it supports the LGA 1700 socket, you can pair it with a wide range of motherboards like the ROG Maximus Z690 Hero and more. Another exciting thing about the i7-12700K is its support for PCIe 5.0 connectors, making it suitable for DDR5 RAM modules and clock speeds of up to 4800MHz.
You even get support for Thunderbolt 4 connectors and the latest Wi-Fi 6. And yes, Intel offers three years’ worth of coverage for manufacturing defects.
Conclusion
If you prefer Intel over AMD but aren’t looking to pay more than $300 for your RTX 3070 CPU, the i7-12700K works just fine. And its deep learning functionality, followed by support for PCIe 5.0, is what makes it a standout performer.
Pros
- Excellent multi-core and single-core performances
- Compatible with most Intel 600-series chipsets
- Supports PCIe 5.0 connectivity
- Comes with Deep Learning offloading support
Cons
- A tad pricey for budget users
- It might not work with older motherboards
6. Best Value for Money: Intel Core i5-10600K
- CPU Base Speed: 4.1 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.8 GHz
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Socket: LGA 1200
Next on the list is the Intel Core i5-10600K, an excellent mid-range processor capable of handling most games at over 60 FPS. However, purchasing this makes more sense to content creators who aren’t professional gamers but hobbyists.
Compared to the i5-9600K, this one packs more processing heat, courtesy of the higher thread count. This feature makes it a better bet to complement the RTX 3070.
Hardware Performance
The i5-10600K makes way for 6 cores and 12 threads, focusing on excellent single and multi-core performances. At 4.1GHz, the base clock speed is more than enough to handle most content-specific tasks with minimal effort.
However, thanks to Intel’s Turbo boost feature, you can push through and get 4.8GHz as the boosted clock speed to handle gaming and editing tasks as well.
Then again, the i5-10600K is unlocked for overclocking, allowing the processor even to reach 5 GHz when absolutely necessary.
The 14nm architecture means that the TDP levels are synonymous with the 125W mark, making a decent cooling setup absolutely necessary. Do note that this TDP level is higher than that of the Ryzen 5 5600X.
As far as gaming performances are concerned, this CPU, along with the RTX 3070, allows you to run the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at 1080p ultra settings, with close to 80fps in terms of output.
Design and Warranty
Socket-wise, the i5-10600K is compatible with the LGA 1200, making it fit enough for most Intel 400-series motherboards. However, it doesn’t effectively support the PCIe 4.0 connectors, thereby making it feel a bit dated per modern standards.
Regarding the RAM functionality, you can pair a standard DDR4 model, supporting a max clock speed limit of 2666 MHz. However, some motherboards like the Z490 can allow you to overclock the RAM module, per your needs.
Finally, Intel offers a 3-year standard warranty on the Intel Core i5-10600K to cover most manufacturing worries.
Conclusion
Budget seekers can certainly look at the i5-10600K, courtesy of its tried and tested performances with the RTX 3070.
And while it can handle most tasks with ease, it specifically excels when single-threaded tasks like web browsing, text editing, and more are concerned.
Therefore, the Intel Core i5-10600K is one of the few CPUs that doesn’t just handle gaming but can really fit in regarding standard office work.
Pros
- Offers excellent value for money
- Reliable single-threaded performances
- Supports overlocking with ease
- Perfect for power users and content creators
Cons
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 support
- Memory speed is lower than most competitors
- Consumes more power than some of the AMD counterparts
7. Cheapest Option: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.6 GHz
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an affordable yet efficient CPU that can handle RTX 3070. It’s also best known for its excellent cache memory allocation. When compared with Intel’s i5-10600K, the Ryzen 5 even comes across as more power efficient, courtesy of lower TDP levels.
Hardware Performance
The Ryzen 5 5600X boasts 6 powerful cores and 12 threads — capable of handling most gaming tasks and basic processes without breaking a sweat.
The base clock speed of 3.7GHz makes life easier for any standard user, whereas the boosted clock speed of 4.6 GHz is meant to handle more complex tasks easily. Plus, there is 35 MB of cache memory to speed up your app-accessing capabilities.
This CPU comes integrated with a reliable AMD Wraith cooler, known for its lowest possible noise and excellent heat dissipation.
Besides that, this AMD processor comes forth with a manageable and efficiency-focussed TDP level of 65W. This feature makes the Ryzen 5 5600X less cooling dependent than the likes of i5-10600K.
Another functional trait has to be the “Precision Boost Overdrive” technology allowing for automatic clock speed adjustments.
And finally, when gaming performances are concerned, this CPU-GPU arrangement can run the likes of Battlefield V and Apex Legends at 1080p ultra settings, with close to 120fps, consistently.
Design and Warranty
As far as the layout-specific traits are concerned, this processor supports the AM4 socket making it compatible with X570 and B550 motherboards.
In addition to that, the 3-year warranty from AMD takes care of most manufacturing issues when the CPU is operated per the mentioned specifications.
Plus, the CPU is known to support PCIe 4.0 connectors, allowing you to pair DDR4 RAM modules with base clock speeds of up to 3200 MHz. You can even overclock the RAM-specific capabilities per your requirements.
Conclusion
Not many CPUs can offer cooling support and clock-speed toggling capabilities for something as low as $150 unless it is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. And while these are reasons enough to consider this processor for your RTX 3070, the unexpected power efficiency, courtesy of the 65W TDP, makes it a standout performer.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing
- Supports auto performance tuning
- Features a built-in wraith stealth cooler
- Excellent boosted clock speeds
- Low TDP value for power efficiency
Cons
- No integrated GPU
- Not meant for professional gaming
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the RTX 3070 GPU is hardly overkill and is one of the best graphics cards for high-res gaming. This GPU allows you to handle most heavy-duty games like Battlefield V and more at 1080p while even opening arms to 1440p gaming, provided there is the right processor to assist.
Not at all. The Ryzen 7 5800X is an extremely powerful processor, boasting excellent performance and gaming. With this processor, you can unlock almost every capability of your RTX 3070 GPU for gaming or content creation. And do note that the Ryzen 7 5800X is even unlocked for overclocking, making it a great asset for gaming at higher resolutions like 1080p and even 1440p.
Firstly, the RTX 3070 doesn’t have any specific core-related requirements. However, just for the sake of CPU hunting, you might want to look for something with six cores and 12 threads as the bare minimum.
Yes, an i7 processor, like the i7-12700K, is good enough to work with the likes of the RTX 3070. Do note that with i7, there are hardly any processing bottlenecks to account for. Also, the right i7 processor allows you to make the most of the GPU’s capabilities, ensuring that you can even play games at 1440p.
Verdict
Each processor that I reviewed can work effortlessly with the RTX 3070 GPU. However, if you are still unsure as to which ones really fit well, here are a few curated picks that make the most sense to me:
- If you want something future-proof that doesn’t only handle games at 1440p but can also manage any kind of content creation workload without lags, the pricey Intel Core i9-12900K is the best one to get.
- If you want something mid-range for most games and tasks but for under $250, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is a great pick.
- And finally, if you want a budget CPU with performance tuning support and a built-in low-profile cooler, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the one to go with.
While these are my favorites, you can read through all the individual reviews once more to pick one that aligns with your budget, preferences, and GPU-related tasks.
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