You can pair any CPU with the RTX 4070 ti graphics card, however, it being a powerful GPU, it is always advisable to use pair it with a processor that matches 4070ti’s CPU requirements. But, which one?
It doesn’t matter what your processor requirements are, whether you need a high-end CPU that handles resource intensive tasks or want a budget CPU that won’t have bottlenecking issues, in this article I’ve listed out the 6 best CPU recommendations for RTX 4070 Ti in 2023.
Contents
RTX 4070 Ti CPU Requirements
CPU Trait | Recommended Range |
---|---|
Cores | 6 to 12 |
Threads | 12 to 24 |
Base Frequency | 3.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz |
Boost Frequency | 4.5 GHz to 5.0 GHz |
L3 Cache | 12 MB to 64 MB |
TDP | 65 W to 125 W |
Overclocking | Optional |
Integrated Graphics | Not necessary |
PCIe Gen Support | PCIe Gen 4.0 or higher |
Note: These traits are tentative and might vary depending on the games and other GPU-specific activities associated with the RTX 4070 Ti.
6 Best CPUs for RTX 4070 Ti in 2023
The “Ti” variant is at least 26% faster than the vanilla RTX 4070, and that is exactly why you cannot slack when picking the right Intel or AMD processor for the same.
These 6 options recommended below made it to the list as they best supported the lighting effects, multi-rendering performance, and reflection handling traits of the RTX 4070 Ti.
1. Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D
Need the best AMD CPU for RTX 4070 Ti? The AMD Ryzen 9 with the base clock rate of 4.4GHz and turbo boost of 5.6GHz complements the RTX 4070 Ti like no other CPU in this list.
- Brand: AMD
- Base clock speed: 4.4 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 5.6 GHz
- Core count: 12
- Thread count: 24
- Cache: 140 MB (L2 + L3)
- Maximum turbo power: 120W
Technical specifications aside, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D tops the list with the new thread-targeting functionality. In simple words, this technology is meant to make games faster and more responsive.
When compared to a worthy predecessor, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the 7900X3D comes across as a better bet for gaming, courtesy of 12 standard cores as opposed to 8 on the former.
Hardware performance
It might just be a bit difficult to put the hardware performance in the simplest possible way, but I shall try regardless.
The base clock speed of 4.4GHz is good enough for most productivity apps, while the turbo juice worth 5.6GHz makes life easier for the multitasker and gamer in you.
Both the default and boosted frequency standards are worth putting your money on. There are 12 cores in play, allowing you to handle productivity tasks like video editing and 3D rendering easily.
Do note that there are 8 performance cores for demanding tasks and 4 efficiency cores for easily handling lighter and more battery-specific tasks.
But that’s now why I am a big fan of the Ryzen 9 7900X3D. It uses AMD’s 3D V-cache tech, allowing you to experience increased L3 cache memory of 128MB. This way, it becomes easier to get the best gaming performances in, with the likes of 4070 Ti in play.
The higher L3 cache memory is great at reducing gaming latency and helps get the best FPS for 1440p games. Do note that no additional configuration changes are required as the 3D V-cache is allocated dynamically.
The gaming performance is top-notch as the CPU mark benchmark show that the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D beats the likes of i9-12900K by a sizable margin.
Regarding gaming score, this Ryzen chipset scores 9213 instead of the 9049 scored by its nearest gaming competitor — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
As for the actual games, I tried the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D (and RTX 4070 Ti) for playing Overwatch 2. I could play the 1440p version at over 200fps, which is more than acceptable.
As for the MTP or the overall TDP, operating at the base clock speed takes the same to 120W, and the turbo clock speed takes the MTP rating to 162W. Therefore, it is good to have decent cooling solutions in play, as the PC case might just run very hot.
Conclusion
Overall, AMD’s Ryzen 9 7900X3D is on par with Intel’s Core i9-13900F, making it the best AMD processor for NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti. Its massive L3 cache is what separates it from the rest, making it a top pick.
So, if you are a professional gamer, I would seriously recommend this over others. But then, if you work more than you game, you might not like the productivity-specific performance of it.
Pros
- Exceptional overclocking support
- Efficiency cores ensure PC doesn’t always run hot
- Great gaming performance
- At par with some of the latest Intel PCs
Cons
- Not useful if you have a DDR4 RAM module in place
- The pricing at almost $600 is steep
2. Best Runner-Up: Intel Core i9-13900K
- Brand: Intel
- Base clock speed: 3.0 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 5.8 GHz
- Core count: 24
- Thread count: 32
- Cache: 36 MB (L2+L3)
- Maximum turbo power: 253W
While the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D strikes a great balance between gaming and affordability, as an Intel fan, you might want to consider the Intel Core i9-13900K to pair with the 4070 Ti.
Per User benchmarks ratings, the Intel variant is at least 11% faster when it comes to gaming-specific speeds.
Hardware performance
The Intel Core i9-13900K belongs to the Raptor Lake series of chipsets and finally brings the Turbo Boost 3.0 and the Thermal Velocity Boost technologies into the mix, with a focus on better overclocking performance.
I used the AIDA64 testing tool, only to find that the Intel Core i9-13900K beats the likes of Ryzen 9 7950X and several other CPUs when it comes to memory bandwidth, single-threaded, and multi-threaded performances.
As far as the cores, threads, and clock speeds are concerned, there are 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores. With the max turbo boost clock speed of up to 5.8GHz. This Raptor Lake variant beats the Alder Lake or the 12th gen variant, which in turn offers a turbo clock speed of 5.2GHz.
The base clock speed for the performance cores and efficiency cores go as high as 3.0GHz and 2.2GHz, respectively. This means the CPU can even handle basic tasks without any hiccups.
Our tests reveal that pairing the Intel Core i9-13900K with the RTX 4070 Ti hardly involves any processing bottleneck. In case you want to test the GPU-specific tasks, the bottleneck is under 5%, which means that processor utilization is a tad less while the GPU works at the maximum.
Considering this to be the optimal performance metric, I would recommend setting the resolution to 1080p.
In case you are specifically interested in gaming at 1440p, I tested this CPU and GPU combination for Age of Empires II at ultra settings. The game returned 140fps, which is actually pretty good, considering how demanding the title is.
The MTP in the case of this GPU is 253W — which is at least 33% higher than the 12th gen variant. Even though this beckons a better cooling setup, you can expect better gaming performances as well. And yes, this makes a power-hungry CPU as well.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i9-13900K returns exceptional benchmark results across almost every test. Plus, at under $600, it isn’t the costliest option around. But then, if you are a professional gamer, you can rely on other options as well, including the Ryzen 9 7950X.
However, if you already have an Intel PC that needs an upgrade, this Rapor Lake variant looks more than exceptional. Another interesting aspect of using this 13th processor is its support for DDR5 RAMs and PCIe 5.0 SSD units — something not many new-gen processors offer.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Supports DDR5 & DDR4 RAMs
- Competitive Pricing
- A massive chunk of efficiency cores
Cons
- Runs hot
- Consumes a lot of power
3. Best Value For Money: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Brand: AMD
- Base clock speed: 4.5 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Core count: 8
- Thread count: 16
- Cache: 40 MB (L2 + L3)
- Maximum turbo power: 105W
If you plan on purchasing an all-inclusive processor to support the latest RAM variant, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X might just be the best processor to get. What separates it from the rest is the support for DDR5 RAM and the latest breed of SSD — PCIe 5.0 to be exact.
When compared to the older, Ryzen 7 5800X, the Ryzen 7 7700X boasts 14% higher gaming speeds. Also, when it comes to multi-core performances, the latter offers a 29% edge over the 5800X.
Hardware performance
As far as hardware performances are concerned, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X edges past the Ryzen 9 5950X and even the Ryzen 7 5800X3D when single-core performances are concerned. Feature-wise, this processor comes equipped with eight cores and 16 usable threads.
The base clock speed of 4.5GHz makes it a good enough processor for most standard tasks. The heavy lifting, however, is done by 40MB cache — 32MB of which are L3 cache and the turbo clock speed of 5.4GHz.
As the processor supports Zen 4 architecture, you can expect most games and content-specific tasks to be handled without any issues whatsoever. Also, this 5nm chipset supports the latest breed of PCIe SSDs and needs the AM5 motherboard socket to fit in.
The maximum turbo power associated with this reliable CPU is 105W, making a processor that doesn’t heat up crazy or consume a lot of power. And while it is ideal for running most games at 1080p or max at 1440p, let me share some of my personal findings while playing specific games at specific settings.
For instance, playing Assasin Creed: Valhalla (from 2020) at 1440p ultra was possible at 155fps with the 4070 Ti.
I even tested the Deathloop 2021 with this combination, only to experience 110fps at 1440p Max settings. However, for other GPU-specific tasks like rendering and modeling, the Ryzen 7 7700X is a tad weak compared to the 4070 Ti, courtesy of almost 24% processor bottleneck.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you want a powerful gaming processor for under $350, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X seems like a great choice. And while it does not blow your brains out when it comes to video editing and 3D rendering, the value for money shines through — a trait that puts it on the CPU map.
And yes, you also get a powerful RDNA 2 integrated graphics processor to make casual gaming fun and productive.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Meant for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 units
- Comes with a dedicated eco-mode
Cons
- Not the top-notch unit for content creation tasks
- Doesn’t support DDR4 RAM modules
4. Best for Video Editing: Intel Core i7-13700K
- Brand: Intel
- Base clock speed: 3.4 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Core count: 16
- Thread count: 24
- Cache: 30 MB (L2+L3)
- Maximum turbo power: 253W
If you are into video editing, getting an i7 processor with power matching that of a standard i9 Raptor Lake CPU, the Intel Core i7-13700K seems like a good pick.
Compared to the older Alder Lake variant, the 17-12700K, the i7-13700K boasts better turbo clock speed and a bigger cache memory for handling rendering and most content creation tasks and data processing workloads better.
Hardware performance
The i7-13700K comes equipped with 8 performance and 8 efficiency cores, with the former helping with improved virtual machine-specific tasks and gaming. The efficiency cores ensure that the background tasks and other standard processes like web browsing and more are initiated with ease.
There are 24 threads helping with multitasking. Also, for everyday usage, the base clock speed of 3.4GHz feels reasonable, whereas the turbo boost speed of 5.4GHz can help easily handle overclocking tasks related to gaming.
Plus, the L2+:3 cache of 54MB ensures that there is minimal processing latency or lag when data analysis and gaming are concerned.
As far as hands-on gaming performances are concerned, with the 4070 Ti in place, here are my personal findings. I played games like PUBG, Forza Horizon 5, and Fortnite at 1440p to get 240 fps, 166 fps, and 78 fps, respectively.
Also, as for the recommended settings with RTX 4070 Ti in play, 1080p seems like the ideal setting as that way, you only get a 3.1% bottleneck, which is close to perfect.
And finally, the higher MTP of 253W is what makes it a gaming powerhouse but ensures that it consumes a lot of power.
Conclusion
If you want a CPU that is heavy on gaming and lets you use the existing DDR4 RAM, the i7-13700K seems like a great choice.
And if you hardly switch off your PC and leave it idle around, the 8 efficiency cores make for a great spec sheet. And the availability of 30MB worth of L3 cache for the given price point is something that puts it on the list.
Pros
- Excellent pricing
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- A massive chunk of the L3 cache
- Eight efficiency cores for better standby performance
Cons
- Consumes a lot of energy
- Lags behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in regards to gaming
5. Best Value: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Brand: AMD
- Base clock speed: 4.70 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 5.30 GHz
- Core count: 6
- Thread count: 12
- Cache: 38 MB (L2 + L3)
- Maximum turbo power: 105W
Not many gaming processors can match up to the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, especially if you want to pay $280 odd for a unit. I even compared it with the likes of Ryzen 5 5600X, only to experience a 27% performance uptick, most evident in terms of gaming performance.
It even beats the likes of Ryzen 7 5800X3D, when single core performances are concerned — surfacing as a better bet for tasks like web browsing and gaming.
Hardware performance
There are 6 performance cores and 12 threads, helping with gaming, video rendering, and more tasks.
As far as clock speeds are concerned, this processor boasts a standard clock speed of 4.70GHz, which is more than enough for most basic tasks. For gamers seeking overclocking juice, 5.30GHz of boosted clock speed is more than adequate.
Regarding the ideal processor configuration, in relation to the 4070 Ti GPU, anything around 1080p results in a 37.60% processor bottleneck.
However, if you can push the resolution higher — even to 1440p — the processor bottleneck reduces to 22.7%. Therefore, using the processor to play games at higher resolutions is better.
I even tested it at 1440p, ultra settings, only to experience 81fps with ease. Also, the MTP (TDP in the case of AMD) at 105W ensures decent gaming throughput, despite the processor running hotter than usual.
Conclusion
If you are a professional gamer who is on a budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X seems like the perfect GPU. Also, if you are an AMD evangelist planning to upgrade the chipset to AM5, this powerful CPU can work wonders.
And finally, it is the massive chunk of L3 cache, focusing on lower latency, that makes it a feature on this list.
Pros
- A powerful integrated GPU
- Max RAM capacity of 128GB
- The single-core performance is exceptional
- Offers excellent value for money
Cons
- Runs hot
- Requires an upgrade to the AM5 motherboard
6. Best Budget CPU: Intel Core i5-13500
- Brand: Intel
- Base clock speed: 2.50 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 4.80 GHz
- Core count: 14
- Thread count: 20
- Cache: 24 MB (L2 + Smart Cache)
- Maximum turbo power: 65W
If you seek a sub-$250 gaming processor that works with RTX 4070 Ti, the Intel i5-13500 is worth considering. Suppose you have been using the older Alder Lake variant — the i5-12500 — the Intel Core i5-13500 comes across as a better option, courtesy of the 50%+ surge in multi-threaded performances.
Hardware performance
As far as performances are concerned, this chipset comes equipped with 6 performance and 8 efficiency cores.
Therefore, you can expect the processor to handle most gaming-specific tasks and even basic activities like web browsing and more easily.
There are 20 threads in play, allowing the PC to precisely handle video editing, 3D rendering, and similar tasks.
The turbo clock speed of 4.80GHz is good enough for gaming-specific tasks. As far as the highlights are concerned, the multi-threaded performance is what steals the show.
When it comes to gaming-specific performances, playing Apex Legends at Ultra, 1080p settings returned 93fps. Finally, the MTP of 154W makes it possible for the processor to perform at its peak — all while keeping the power consumption within permissible limits.
Conclusion
If you are a gaming hobbyist looking for a powerful processor with manageable TDP levels, the Intel i5-13500 comes across as one of the better chipsets around. Also, the unbeatable price tag is what places it right on the list.
Pros
- A decent chunk of cache memory
- Low TDP levels for improved cooling
- Excellent turbo clock speeds
- Excellent gaming FPS, even at 1440p
Cons
- Not the best CPU for content creation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to run the RTX 4070 Ti GPU, it is better to pair the same with a processor with at least 6 performance cores. Plus, the max turbo or boosted clock speed of the same should be above 4.5GHz to maximize the performance of the 4070 Ti.
Per our discussion, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K are the best picks for getting the best gaming performance out of the 4070 Ti GPU.
The RTX 4070 Ti is an excellent GPU, boasting NVIDIA’s top-of-the-line Ada Lovelace design, DLSS 3 support, AI-enhanced functionality, and a wide range of traits for boosting creativity during content creation.
If you are an ambitious gamer who prefers playing games 1440p and still looking to get decent fps, the RTX 4070 Ti can be the best option around. Hence, for 1440p gamers, RTX 4070 Ti is anything but overkill.
Verdict
NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti is an insanely powerful GPU. Loaded with ray tracing cores, AI-accelerated throughput, and support for seamless live streaming and DLSS 3 technology, NVIDIA believes that this graphics card can handle most 1440p games like a walk in the park.
Each processor I mentioned pairs well with the 4070 Ti GPU. However, if you are pressed for time and interested in a quick read, here is a refresher of sorts:
- If you want a premium processor that can handle gaming and content creation equally, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is your best bet.
- For Intel evangelists who want to focus on the number of cores over everything else to maximize idling throughput, the Intel Core i9-13900K fits in really well.
- If you want the best value, all while keeping 8 efficiency cores in play, the Intel Core i5-13500 is the right option to get.
And while each of the mentioned CPUs looks appropriate, you can read through each review and choose one that makes the most sense, per your requirements.
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