If you’ve got RTX 4090 as your choice of GPU, then you must choose the right CPU that works hand in hand with this high-end graphics card. But the number of cores, threads, features, and overclocking traits can overwhelm you.
And probably, you might’ve maxed out your budget. In this scenario, finding the right mix of performance and energy efficiency at a deal price might be tricky. This is where a fair and comprehensive analysis helps.
Contents
- 8 Best CPUs for RTX 4090 in 2023
- 1. Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
- 2. Best Runner-Up: Intel Core i9-12900K
- 3. Best Multi-Threaded Performance: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- 4. Best for Gaming: Intel Core i9-11900K
- 5. Best for Cloud Computing: Intel Core i7-12700K
- 6. Best for Creative Work: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- 7. Best Value for Money: Intel Core i5-11600K
- 8. Best Budget Option: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
8 Best CPUs for RTX 4090 in 2023
To help you choose better, I myself tested 16 CPUs compatible with RTX 4090. Not only were they evaluated for their performance with AAA titles but also for various other activities such as video editing, rendering, 3D modeling, etc.
Considering various use cases and personal preferences, I’ve included the obvious high-performance as well as mid-range and budget alternative picks with versatile capabilities.
So, shall I begin reviewing my top picks?
1. Best Overall: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
- CPU Base Speed: 4.5 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.7 GHz
- Cores: 16
- Treads: 32
- Socket: AM5
- Processor Count: 16
Ryzen 7950X is one of AMD’s best Zen 4 CPUs. It has a new IPC (Instructions per Cycle), capable of managing newer instruction sets for future applications. It also has all the latest connectivity standards like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
All of its 16 cores are performance cores. This processor will do justice to GeForce RTX 4090, but AMD aims for a bigger user base than just gamers with this one.
The RTX 7950X has a built-in integrated graphics as a standard. About the IPC, it sees a 13% improvement. This helps the processor to clock higher frequencies. It is built on a 5nm process.
AMD claims that there is a 44% improvement in the multi-threaded performance compared to the previous generation.
With a massive L3 cache of 64 MB, you are guaranteed to have smooth graphical stimulation.
Among other hardware features, the 7950X comes with improved AM5 socket connectivity. AM5 is known for having really good two-way communication between the processor and voltage regulators.
With this premium processor, you will need AIO liquid cooling setup, as recommended by AMD. Apart from the price, there aren’t any drawbacks to this CPU from AMD.
Pros
- DDR5 & PCIe 5.0 compatible
- AM5 socket
- Integrated graphics
- L3 cache of 64 MB
- Great multi-thread performance
Cons
- DDR5 is not backward compatible
- High cost
2. Best Runner-Up: 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
The 12900K is built on the Alder Lake platform. The 12th Gen CPU from Intel boasts of a hybrid architecture of performance and efficiency cores. The equal split between the 16 cores allows the processor to handle both heavy workloads and lighter tasks with equal speed and efficiency.
The 12900 is built on the 10nm SuperFin technology. It has a pretty standard single-thread performance, but it is the multi-thread workload where it comes to its full power. This CPU works best with a full capacity workload.
Like my AMD pick, this one is also equipped with the latest connectivity standards like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. Most gamers using the RTX 4090 will find this processor perfectly capable for their gaming needs.
12600K and 12900K have pretty much killed the competition in both of their respective price points. They rank high in benchmark tests, offer great gaming experience, and have top-of-the-line overclocking features.
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 only concern here is that to optimize the split cores, the operating system needs to make regular interventions in the workload allocation process.
Newer versions of Windows will work great with this setup, but the older versions may find the allocation task a little too complicated. It is safe to say that the 12900K works best with the latest operating systems for PC.
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
3. Best Multi-Threaded Performance: 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
The 5950X is built on AMD’s trusted Zen 3 architecture. It is the most powerful processor in the 5000 series. This processor hits it out of the park in all metrics and is designed for professional gamers or miners.
It has a massive L3 cache of 64 MB and an L2 cache of 8 MB. This makes faster data transfer and overall stellar performance.
As is the case with all Zen 3 CPUs, they bring about a 19% improvement in terms of Instructions per Cycle (IPC) over the previous generation, Zen 2. Higher IPC means improved single-threaded performance, which concerns gamers the most.
It is definitely expensive, but the features and the performance you get from it is pretty much worth everything you pay for. It aces AAA gaming and offers even more for data miners or cloud computing professionals.
The 5950X looks like it is made only for High-End Desktops (HEDTs), but any professional gamer without quad channel support can accommodate it with a powerful GPU like RTX 4090.
The 5000 series borrows the same refined 7nm chip from the XT series. AMD’s discrete Smart Memory Access feature enables great gaming performance by improving data transfer between CPU & GPU.
The 16 cores and 32 threads can boost the speed close to 5.0 GHz with the help of AMD’s Precision Boost feature.
Overall, it is a flagship CPU to use with RTX 4090 GPU, but it’s expensive. Aimed at streaming gamers, this CPU offers great single-threaded performance and a category-leading 1080P gaming experience.
An integrated graphics and bundled cooler at this price point would have made the deal much sweeter.
Pros
- Good overclocking headroom
- Smart Memory Access feature
- Low TDP
- Compatible with AM4 motherboards
- 1080p gaming experience
Cons
- Premium price
- No integrated graphics or cooler
4. Best for Gaming: Intel Core i9-11900K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.5 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 5.3 GHz
- Cores: 8
- Treads: 16
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Processor Count: 10
Taking on the 5000 series from AMD, Intel’s i9 – 11900K is a flagship processor based on the Cypress Cove core.
The 8 core 16, thread CPU gets a couple of cores less than its predecessor, the 10900K, but the IPC gains through the improvement to the multi-core boosting algorithm make up for it, as claimed by Intel.
The reason for having 2 less cores than its predecessor or any of its competitors is down to the larger size of all of its 8 cores. It is built on the same 14nm silicon fabrication node and has the same dimensions as the 10900K.
The chipset spots 8 more PCIe lanes than the models before had. This makes it NVMe compatible. Much of Intel’s bet is on the DLBoost feature.
It is hardware acceleration of AI deep-learning neural net building and training. The handy nature of AI in the image or video stimulation is aided hugely by the DLBoost feature on 11900K.
The CPU can clock near 5.3 GHz from having a base speed of 3.5 GHz with the help of a Thermal Velocity Boost. Each core has a moderate 512 KB of dedicated L2 cache and a shared 16 MB of L3 cache.
One of the most talked about downsides of this CPU is its persistence on PCIe 3.0, which is 2 levels below the current standards.
Arguably, you can run your GeForce RTX 4090 or the 3000 series on a full x16 PCIe slot which is equivalent to a PCIe 4.0 slot running at x8 speed. But considering its price point, an older standard of PCIe looks disappointing.
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier
- Improved iGPU performance
- DLBoost features for overclocking
- NVMe compatible
Cons
- Older PCIe 3.0
- Higher power consumption
5. Best for Cloud Computing: 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: 12
Intel threw everything it could at the 12700K. Notable additions to this one compared to its predecessors, 117400K are newer connectivity standards like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 and the new LGA 1700 socket. (LGA vs PGA sockets)
8 of the 12700K’s 12 cores are dedicated towards performance, and the remaining 4 work towards efficiently managing the workloads. It gets very close to Intel’s absolute flagship 12900K having 8 performance + 8 efficiency cores.
The issue with the split core setup is that the operating system needs to intervene and assign workloads to the appropriate cores.
There are scattered complaints about poorly assigned workloads that affect the overall performance, but the CPU has garnered positive reviews.
To counter the possibility of random assignment of workloads to its cores, Intel has added a physical part called “Thread Director” to the 12700K. It allocates tasks to relevant threads.
The Thread Director is run on an AI-powered program that efficiently tells the CPU about correct core allocation.
The CPU is designed to optimize GPU capabilities like that of the RTX 4090. It will definitely offer great visual stimulation at higher resolutions, but 720p is its favorite.
The 12700K is a welcome change in the premium segment of Intel’s processors. It is very smooth in its performance and matches the 12900K on many levels. The Thread Director acts as a game changer for Intel.
Pros
- Matches 12900K’s performances
- Integrated graphics
- Thread Director
- DDR5 & PCIe 5.0 supported
Cons
- Doesn’t work with legacy motherboards (needs LGA 1700)
- Inconsistent scheduling of workload on threads
6. Best for Creative Work: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- CPU Base Speed: 3.8 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.7 GHz
- Cores: 8
- Treads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Processor Count: 8
Two of the most striking takeaways from AMD’s 5800X built on the Zen 3 architecture are improved power efficiency and better IPC than previous models.
AMD’s Precision Boost technology pretty much improves the rest of the hardware. But the Overdrive feature on Precision Boost smartly automates the overclocking enhancing the CPU’s performance even further.
It has a sufficient cache with 32 MB of shared L3 cache and 4 MB of L2 cache. With a shared cache of 32 MB, you can store and retrieve enough data for smoother graphical stimulation for AAA gaming on RTX 4090 build.
In terms of overclocking, you can expect a max boost speed on the upper side of 4.7 GHz with managed workloads. With peak workloads, though, the speed is not as high as some of the other CPUs in this list have.
AMD tried to reduce the latency between two consecutive cores with a subtle change from Core Die Design (CDD) to one Core Complex per Die (CCX). A smaller base speed and a moderate top boost speed mean that you will need an AIO cooler setup to keep this CPU at its best.
Overall, Ryzen 7 5800X is a recommended CPU for RTX 4090. It will produce great results at 1080p. With AMD’s typical Precision Boost & Overdrive features for overclocking, it packs a great punch despite being a below $500 CPU.
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 i5-11600K
- CPU Base Speed: 3.9 GHz
- CPU Boost Speed: 4.9 GHz
- Cores: 8
- Treads: 16
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Processor Count: 6
The 11600 is ideal for cost-savvy gamers. 6 core and 12 threads are not category-leading, but they do the job pretty efficiently thanks to Intel’s 11th Gen Rocket Lane architecture.
It boasts futuristic technologies like the DLBoost (Deep Learning Boost), which processes AI instructions faster. It is a pleasant surprise to all of us that Intel could pack DLBoost at such a competitive price.
This CPU packs all of Intel’s popular and effective features like Turbo Boost Technology which helps you overclock, and Hyper-Threading, which allows all the cores to process multi-threaded instructions better.
This better execution of instructions and great overclocking improves the graphical stimulation when the CPU is paired with something like the RTX 4090.
To optimize the hardware better, this CPU has a feature called a Memory Access Module (MAM), where the CPU can access multiple channels of memory at the same time.
This is one of those rare CPUs packing a UHD graphics 750 that helps the processor execute routine graphical work. There is not much that you will miss on this CPU.
With an efficient cooling system and paired with a monster GPU like RTX 490, you will get maximum performance in gaming, streaming, and even high-definition graphics rendering.
Pros
- Attractive price range
- Latest 11th Gen processor
- Adaptive boost for overclocking
Cons
- DDR5 & PCIe 5.0 not supported
- Only 1 PCIe 4.0 slot
8. Best Budget 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: 6
Compared to other powerful CPUs for RTX 4090, this one is pretty inferior in the specifications but scores big on being value for money.
For instance, it has only 6 cores and 12 threads. But all of these 6 cores are enabled with simultaneous multithreading (SMT), improving the multitasking and high-definition stimulation of games from the RTX 4090.
Since it’s a Zen 3 product, even with lower specs, it has features like Precision Boost and Precision Boost Overdrive that enable the CPU’s max speed to touchdown to 4.6 GHz from the base speed of 3.7 GHz.
To top it up, it has a massive L3 cache of 32MB coupled with a 3MB of L2 cache. This helps the processor store and execute more instructions.
One of 5600X’s biggest advantages is its low TDP of 65W. This makes it a highly efficient processor in terms of energy. Some noteworthy features include an optimized boosting algorithm, improved overclocking, and an improved cache topology that delivers excellent performance.
It is a very well-rounded CPU that ticks most boxes and churns out decent performances even on 4K. Besides its low cost, things that work in its favor are its surprisingly low TDP and the provision of a bundled cooler.
Pros
- Great IPC gain
- Good energy efficiency
- Comes with cooler
- Matches gaming benchmarks
Cons
- No integrated graphics setup
- Less effective overclocking
Frequently Asked Questions
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is the best in terms of features, connectivity, and ability to overclock. You pay a premium, but every penny will seem worth it once you play games on your PC. Intel’s flagship equivalent to 7950X is the Core i9 – 12900K, which, at least $100 cheaper, is a great alternative too.
Hexa core (6 cores) and a max speed of over 4.5 GHz are a couple of prerequisites for optimum gaming experience on RT X 4090. Split cores (performance + efficiency) also work great with energy-hungry modern-day gaming.
RTX 4090 will bottleneck at continuous 1080p stimulation. It will surely bottleneck at 1440p. It is a hardware limitation and not a technological one. Flagship CPUs can delay the bottleneck for a while, though.
RTX 4090 is one of the most powerful GPUs out there. If you are a AAA gamer, there aren’t many better GPUs for you. However, it may seem a little bit of overkill if you like to play for leisure with energy-saving settings.
Verdict
RTX 4090 is a performance monster. If you are a professional gamer, you won’t find better pieces of hardware than this. However, flagship GPUs may not always require flagship CPUs. But the prerequisites for 4090 are a bit higher than the 3000 series.
My only suggestion apart from the product recommendation would be to not cut down on the budget for the CPU. This is not to say that the affordable options don’t do justice to 4090. For instance, the following CPUs are at a bargain price yet offer a par gaming experience.
- Intel Core™ i5-11600K: an adaptive boost for overclocking
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: great IPC and energy efficient
But if performance is at the core of your requirements, then you should go all in for either AMD’s 7950X or Intel’s 12900K.
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