NVIDIA’s RTX 3090 is a very powerful GPU with 2nd Gen Ray tracing and DLSS. For a GPU with Ampere architecture, it is imperative to choose the right CPU. You can never go wrong with the flagship processors, but do you actually need one?
For gamers, there are so many other expenses like gaming-friendly monitors, chairs, RGB lights, and most importantly, cooling setups that eat up half the budget. But then, not everyone is a gamer or requires a flagship processor.
Considering this, I have acquired 14 CPUs that are compatible with RTX 3090 graphics cards. Through thorough evaluations, I have narrowed down the options to 8, each serving a unique purpose and varying in price.
Contents
- 8 Best CPUs for RTX 3090 in 2023
- 1. Best Overall: Intel Core i9-13900K
- 2. Best Runner Up: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- 3. Best for Gaming: Intel Core i9-12900K
- 4. Best Under $300: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- 5. Best with PCIe 5.0 & DDR5: Intel Core i7-12700K
- 6. Best Single-Threaded Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- 7. Best Value for Money: Intel Core i5-10600K
- 8. Cheapest Option: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
8 Best CPUs for RTX 3090 in 2023
Aside from clock speeds, memory types, cores, threads, TDP levels, and socket type, performance was the primary consideration. But it can be quite subjective. So whether you play games on a split-screen monitor or on a large projector, the processing units in this list will suit both your budget and performance needs.
The list has varying choices starting with absolute flagships and going all the way down to entry-level CPUs that work with RTX 3090. What stays common between them all are their capabilities to process high-definition graphics at faster speeds.
1. Best Overall: Intel Core i9-13900K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.0 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.8 GHz
- Cores: 24
- Treads: 32
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Processor Count: 10
The i9-13900K leads Intel’s 13th Gen processor built on Raptor Lake architecture. It has a massive core count of 24 spread across performance and power efficiency as a part of Intel’s hybrid setup.
Hardware Performance
Apart from the latest standards of connectivity, the 13900K also comes with top Intel features like the Turbo Max Technology 3.0 and Intel Optane Memory support which stores commonly used data and programs closer to the processor. This allows the CPU to process programs faster and in a more efficient way.
There are 8 cores dedicated to performance which take on most of the heavy workloads. There are 16 cores dedicated to efficiency which makes this flagship processor one of the most power-efficient ones out there.
The top-tier i9-13900K boasts 24 cores, and 32 threads, and can reach clock rates of up to 5.8 GHz. Despite reduced base clocks in comparison to previous models, the impressive boost speeds of up to 5.8 GHz significantly impact performance, especially when combined with the additional efficiency cores.
Design & Warranty
One of the advantages of Intel’s 13th Gen chips is their compatibility with existing motherboards that already support 12th Gen processors. This allows users to have numerous budget motherboards available, which is not currently the case with AMD’s transition to its new AM5 socket.
The CPU comes with Intel’s standard 3-year warranty.
Conclusion
With these features and a heavy specification list, the i9-13900K was bound to be qualified as the best CPU for 3090. It delivers the best result for AAA gamers and graphics designers. All this comes at a cost of power consumption despite having 16 dedicated cores for power efficiency.
Pros
- Fastest gaming performance
- Highest overclocked speed in the category
- Integrated graphics
Cons
- High price
- Power consumption
2. Best Runner Up: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.4 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.9 GHz
- Cores: 16
- Treads: 32
- Socket: AM4
- Processor Count: 16
Built on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture, the 5950X is the highest-performing CPU in the 5000 series. It has all the numbers to blow any competition away in the $400 price range. For instance, it has a massive L3 cache of 64 MB and an L2 cache of 8 MB between its 16 cores. This enables faster graphical stimulation.
Hardware Performance
The Zen 3 processors have seen a 19% improvement in IPC as claimed by AMD. This essentially means that the 5950X can process more instructions in a single thread than its predecessors. The 5950X has one of the best single-threaded performance results in the category.
The 5950X, like all the other processors in the 500 series, is built on the 7nm chip. The super-fast data transfer between the CPU and the GPU is all thanks to AMD’s discrete Smart Memory Access feature. This program single-handedly makes AAA gaming on any HEDT (High-End Desktop) an absolute delight.
The Ryzen 9 5950X comes with 16 cores and 32 threads, making it a powerful multi-core processor capable of handling heavy workloads and multitasking. AMD has somehow managed to power all 16 cores with multi-threading support on a package that has a thermal design power (TDP) rating of just 105W.
Design & Warranty
The Ryzen 9 5950X is designed to work with AMD’s AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing AM4 motherboards. However, for some older motherboards, a BIOS update may be necessary to fully support the processor.
By adopting an innovative 7nm manufacturing process and architecture, AMD implemented various internal modifications to extract even greater performance from the CPU. This CPU also comes with a 3-year limited-period warranty.
Conclusion
Overall, the 5950X from AMD Ryzen gives a great balance between top-notch AAA gaming and high-end productivity for other genres of users like content creators, graphics designers, and AI programmers. The category-leading single-threaded performance makes it the ideal choice for graphics designers and gamers.
Pros
- Category-leading 1080p gaming experience
- Good overclocking headroom
- Low TDP
- Compatible with legacy AM4 motherboards
Cons
- Slightly premium price point
- No integrated graphics or cooler
3. Best for Gaming: Intel Core i9-12900K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.2 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.2 GHz
- Cores: 16
- Treads: 24
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Processor Count: 10
There is something special about the hybrid core split architecture of Intel. There are proven results of the hybrid architecture scoring good numbers on both performance benchmarking and energy efficiency.
Built on the 12th Gen Alder Lake architecture, the 12900L from Intel boasts high performance and efficient energy consumption.
Hardware Performance
The only downside with this overclocking and great multi-threading performance is power consumption. It clocks at 241W for its Maximum Turbo Power rating.
Intel’s new hybrid x86 design is a rare yet pivotal change in over a decade. The Golden Cove architecture produces big performance P-cores while the Gracemont architecture powers the small yet efficient E-cores. The P-cores are hyper-threaded and the E-cores are single-headed.
The Core i9-12900K belongs to Intel’s premium Alder Lake desktop processor lineup and is second only to the Intel Core i9-12600KS, which can achieve a boost frequency of up to 5.50 GHz.
The i9-12900K reaches a maximum frequency of 5.20 GHz and is equipped with sixteen cores, 24 threads, 30 MB of Intel Smart Cache, and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 chip.
Similar to other Alder Lake 12th generation Intel processors, the Core i9-12900K incorporates diverse core types designed for varying purposes, some optimized for high performance and others for energy efficiency.
Design & Warranty
Compared to other small CPUs, this one on the contrast is built with SuperFin technology on a larger 10nm platform. This is one of those CPUs that work the best when they are dealing with heavy workloads. The 12900K delivers one of the best multi-threaded performances.
The Intel Core i9-12900K comes with a standard 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Conclusion
A dedicated program to allocate workloads among the split cores would have been nice. As in this case, the operating system needs to be efficient enough to intervene in the allocation of the workloads. This also means that the 12900K will work best with newer versions of Windows.
Pros
- Powerful and efficient cores
- DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 compatible
- Great single-threaded as well as multi-threaded performances
- Great gaming experience
Cons
- Needs latest OS
- Higher power consumption
4. Best Under $300: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.8 GHz
- Cores: 12
- Treads: 24
- Socket: AM4
- Processor Count: 12
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the absolute flagship Zen 3 processor from AMD’s 5000 series then look no further than Ryzen 9 5900X. It gets all the major upgrades from Zen 2 like improved IPC (19% improvement compared to Gen 2) with 12 cores and 24 threads. It has all the capabilities to cater to a powerful GPU like 3090.
Hardware Performance
It also has AMD’s much popular and successful Precision Boost and Precision Boost Overdrive technology with the latter enabling the CPU to automatically overclock when there is excessive workload and multi-threading.
The speed of this CPU can go from 3.7 all the way to 4.8 GHz. With AM4 compatibility, it will offer great flexibility to legacy gaming PCs that upgrade to modern-day components.
It gets the same 64 MB L3 cache and 6 MB L2 cache as other top-end CPUs in the 5000 series.
Design & Warranty
These new AMD Ryzen 5000 processors like the 5900X are built on TSMC’s 7nm node. With Zen 3, AMD has transitioned to an eight-core design.
Each of the eight cores now has direct access to 32MB of L3 cache without needing to go through the I/O die. This modification results in faster core-to-core access, leading to significant performance enhancements in certain scenarios.
This CPU also comes with an industry-standard 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Conclusion
It scores similar numbers to 5950X but with $150 less in its cost. You get 4 fewer main cores and 8 fewer threads as a trade-off. As a standalone product, you’d want to go for the 5950X which has higher cores and threads but it’s the pricing that sets the 5900X apart.
Pros
- Lower TDP
- Simultaneous multithreading
- IPC gain
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- No integrated graphics or cooler
5. Best with PCIe 5.0 & DDR5: Intel Core i7-12700K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.6 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.0 GHz
- Cores: 12
- Treads: 20
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Processor Count: 10
It is hard to find flagship CPUs at this price point but somehow Intel’s top-end i7-12700K is available at below the $300 mark. This is perhaps one of the only few CPUs that have PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 connectivity with the latest LGA 1700 socket.
In other words, you have a CPU with top features and the latest connectivity that covers you for years to come.
Hardware Performance
But how does it fare to empower RRX 3090? Well, the split core setup helps, for starters. The 8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores really distribute the workloads well among them. In fact, the only firmware difference between the top tier 12900K and the 12700K is that the former has 4 more efficiency cores.
Many people with older operating systems have found out that the workload distribution between P-cores and E-cores is quite inconsistent. But that could be because newer versions of operating systems tend to understand multi-threading better than older ones.
To eliminate the workload allocation inconsistencies, Intel has equipped the 12700K with a physical element like the “Thread Director”. The sole purpose of this AI-powered director is to allocate workloads among the hybrid cores more efficiently.
On 720p gaming, it beats many of its rivals and mirrors the great performance of its bigger sibling 12900K which is a compliment. At 1080p, there are no differences among them in terms of performance but it’s the energy efficiency where the extra 4 E-cores of 12900K come into the picture.
Design & Warranty
Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs are creating a significant impact in the desktop processor market, employing two new microarchitectures—one optimized for maximum performance and the other for peak efficiency.
Core counts are once again increasing, benefiting the Core i7-12700K with essential architectural enhancements that enable it to outperform its “Rocket Lake” predecessor by a significant margin.
The Intel Core i7-12700K, like most Intel® Boxed Processors and their thermal solution, is eligible for a three-year limited warranty.
Conclusion
You are likely to heat up this CPU more than other flagship CPUs. But with the money you are saving with this one available at only $277, you can get efficient coolers that maintain the optimum temperatures all the time.
Pros
- Matches 12900K’s performances
- Integrated graphics
- DDR5 & PCIe 5.0 supported
Cons
- Doesn’t work with legacy motherboards (needs LGA 1700)
- Inconsistent scheduling of workload on threads
6. Best Single-Threaded Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.8 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.7 GHz
- Cores: 8
- Treads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Processor Count: 10
AMD has its own near-flagship CPU at below $250 price point with the Ryzen 7 5800X based on the Zen 3 architecture. With the 5000 series, AMD improved efficiency as well apart from IPC (Instructions per Cycle).
The improvement in IPC means this lineup of CPUs, especially the 5800X delivers a much better single-threaded performance than any other CPU around this price.
Hardware Performance
Single-threaded instructions basically mean a plethora of instructions asked to process concurrently, which is pretty common for high-definition graphical stimulation. The 5800X’s ability to process high-definition graphics at higher resolution is visibly evident in its powerful gaming experience.
Like the previous Zen 2, CPUs on Zen 3 also support Precision Boost technology. But what you get additionally with the Zen 3 lineup is a feature called Precision Boost Overdrive which automatically overclocks the CPU in case it is needed to perform faster than its base speed.
Speaking of which, this CPU can clock at 4.7 GHz with the help of AMD’s aforementioned overclocking features. One of the driving factors behind the performance improvement has been AMD’s shift from the Core Die Design to having only one core complex (CCX) per die.
The latency between the 8 cores is reduced with this technology. A cooler at this price point would have been sweet though.
Design & Warranty
Built on AMD’s Zen 3 microarchitecture, the Ryzen 7 5800X comes with 8 cores and 16 threads, making it a powerful multi-core processor capable of handling demanding workloads and multitasking.
Thanks to the enhancements in the Zen 3 architecture, particularly the direct access of each core to the entire cache, the IPC (instructions per clock) performance in games has surged by up to 39%, as stated by AMD.
The Ryzen 7 5800X is compatible with AMD’s AM4 socket, making it compatible with many existing AM4 motherboards. AMD provides a Processor in a Box (PIB) 3-Year Limited Warranty to the Ryzen 7 5800X.
Conclusion
The ability to deliver high performance makes this CPU draw a lot of energy as well. A side effect of that is heating. You will probably need at least 280mm of AIO cooler to keep this CPU at optimum temperatures.
Pros
- Good single & multi-thread performance
- Decent TDP
- IPC improvement from previous models
Cons
- No cooler included
- No integrated graphics card at this price point
7. Best Value for Money: Intel Core i5-10600K
- CPU Base Speed: 4.1 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.8 GHz
- Cores: 6
- Treads: 12
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Processor Count: 10
Intel’s i5-10600K is one of the best value-for-money CPUs to pair with RTX 3090 GPU. It is currently available at an unbelievably low price of $173 which makes it lucrative. The CPU is ideal for those who may not ramp up the clock speeds beyond 4.8 GHz.
Hardware Performance
It was launched as a mid-range performance-driven CPU that gamers could pair up with GPUs like 3090. You see, not all gamers are at a professional level and some of them actually want a budget CPU that will do a good job on most fronts.
Intel’s 10600K is based on their new “Comet Lake” architecture with 6 cores and 12 threads. It surely does not have Intel’s top-end features like Turbo Boost 3.0 or Thermal Velocity Boost which the higher variants like the 10900K have.
But what it gets at this price point is an efficient Hyper-Threading feature that processes the HD graphics very well.
Design & Warranty
The Core i5-10600K is based on Intel’s 10th generation Comet Lake processor lineup. This architecture is an iteration of Intel’s previous generation, featuring various optimizations and improvements.
The processor also features a 12MB of Smart Cache, which helps reduce memory latency and improves overall performance.
The absence of Hyper-Threading support in the i5-10600K means that each core can process only one thread simultaneously. This sets it apart from Core i7 and Core i9 CPUs, which do feature Hyper-Threading to enhance multi-threaded performance.
The Core i5-10600K also packs in an Intel UHD Graphics 630, which offers all the basic graphics capabilities. However, if you want more demanding graphical work like intensive gaming, you should get a dedicated graphics card.
Conclusion
Intel has targeted new gamers really well with this lineup. The 10600K comes as 10600KF as well without integrated graphics which makes your choice a little more detailed. The stock UHD graphics 630 with 10600K does a very good job and is a welcome addition at this price point.
Overall, it is a very efficient CPU that you can use with RTX 3090 graphics card. It’s available at an attractive price point. You do miss the turbo boost but that is only when you play one of the most intense games at 1440p or higher.
Pros
- Effective Hyper Threading
- Integrated graphics
- Category leading base CPU speed
Cons
- Higher TDP
- No Turbo Boost
8. Cheapest Option: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.7 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.6 GHz
- Cores: 6
- Treads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Processor Count: 10
The 5600X is AMD’s response to Intel’s mid-range CPUs like the 10600K and 10600KF. Capable of pulling off 4K gaming, the 5600X is built on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture. It has the same number of cores and threads as Intel’s 10600K with a slightly lower top speed.
But to make up for that, AMD has priced this CPU currently at $149 making it the cheapest CPU in our list.
Hardware Performance
It has a 32 MB of L3 cache and 3 MB of L2 cache which is an improvement over its predecessors. 32 MB of L2 cache is more than enough to process high-quality graphics at a smooth rate.
To boost up the speed, the 5600X uses AMD’s optimized boosting algorithm and efficient cache topology. It is really a lightweight CPU in terms of its footprint. That is further evident with its 65W TDP.
It also comes with a bundled Wraith Stealth cooler with a small heatsink but an efficient 3900 fan. This setup is just about fine for most games and graphics-heavy applications. You probably won’t have to install an after-market cooler for this CPU.
Design & Warranty
The Ryzen 5 5600X is built on AMD’s Zen 3 microarchitecture and on a 7nm process with 6 cores and 12 threads. This makes it a powerful multi-core processor capable of handling demanding workloads and multitasking.
AMD continues its tradition of providing coolers with its midrange and entry-level CPUs, and in the case of the Ryzen 5 5600X, it comes with the Wraith Stealth cooler included in the box.
This CPU also comes with a limited 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Conclusion
Overall, it is a great entry-level CPU for those who would want to try their hand at a budget processor till the next upgrade. It has a lower TDP and comes with a bundled cooler which keeps your expenses further low.
Pros
- Great IPC gain
- Good energy efficiency
- Comes with cooler
- Matches gaming benchmarks
Cons
- No integrated graphics setup
- Less effective overclocking
Frequently Asked Questions
You would need a CPU with the best overclocking headroom and efficient multitasking performance as a prerequisite. Intel’s Core i9 – 12900K and AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X are excellent options to pair with RTX 3090.
11900K is one of the best-performing gaming CPUs from Intel’s 11th Gen lineup. 11900K will only bottleneck 3090 with persistent gaming over 1080p.
Any CPU with a core count of below 6 and a maximum speed below 4.5 GHz will bottleneck RTX 3090. Intel’s i3 – 12100 or i5 – 11500 will bottleneck RTX 3090 at 4k gaming.
An ideal CPU for RTX 3090 could cost you north of the $300 mark. If you are an entry-level gamer then you have plenty of value-for-money CPUs below that price point. But the best-performing CPUs for 3090 are above the $300 mark.
Verdict
RTX 3090 caters to a variety of gamers. That is why it is very difficult to narrow the CPU needs down to just one category. For performance-hungry gamers, the absolute flagship CPUs like Intel Core i9 – 13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X are ideal choices.
But if you are a beginner or a leisure gamer/graphics designer then there are plenty of decent mid-range and budget CPUs you can try out. AMD’s 5900X and Intel’s i7 – 12700K are attractively priced and act as a perfect partner for 3090.
If you are in need of a budget CPU then Intel’s i5 – 10600K and AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X are great options. They offer great 1080p gaming at almost a bargain price point.
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