cpus
by Perfect Tech Reviewer
Ever the past few years, there has been a marked shift in the game industry.
More than a year has passed since Nvidia released its RTX 30-series of graphics cards, and now it’s time for an update.
While games used to be focused on delivering photorealistic graphics, they are now increasingly focusing on delivering cutting-edge gameplay experiences.
This has led to a new generation of console and PC games that are more demanding than ever before.
To meet this challenge, game developers have turned to GPUs that offer more processing power and better performance.
The RTX 3070 is one such GPU that offers great performance for its price.
It’s the latest entry-level card from the company, designed to appeal to gamers on a budget.
There is no question that the RTX 3070 is an excellent graphics card. But what about the main question: What is the best CPU for the RTX 3070?
At A Glance:
Best pick
Intel’s Best CPU for RTX 3070
Intel Core i9-10900K
✓
Flagship Performance
✓
Suitable for 4K Gaming
✓
Provides 100+ FPS results
Staff Pick
Best Overall CPU for RTX 3070
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
✓
Supports PCIe 4.0
✓
Efficient Performance
✓
Smooth and cool performer
Budget Pick
Best Budget CPU for RTX 3070
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
✓
Low Heat Production
✓
Includes cooler in package
✓
100+ Fps Gaming at 1080p
It is important to pair your RTX 3070 with a CPU that can keep up with its demands.
You need to be careful when buying such a beast graphic card. Be sure that you are purchasing the best CPU for RTX 3070 in terms of compatibility.
Bottlenecking can quickly occur between computer components, so it’s vital that we thoroughly examine that they run in harmony with each other.
CPU and RTX 3070 card is undeniably the most critical components in your PC performance during gaming, video editing, streaming, podcasting, or running engineering simulations.
In this article, we will recommend the best CPUs for RTX 3070 so that you can get the most out of your gaming experience.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your new GPU, you’ll need to make sure you have a powerful processor to match.
You are a gamer or a content creator and you need the best processor for RTX 3070. So, we will focus more on gaming and content creation performance in this article.
CPUs are responsible for encoding videos. While gaming, it performs all the physics calculations within the game. CPU needs to calculate the physical phenomenon within time, and the RTX card has to make it visual through processing within a small frame of time.
Let’s take a look at some of the best CPUs on the market currently and what makes them excellent choices for gamers looking to get the most out of their new graphics card.
Assuming you have already selected RTX 3070 as your graphic card, we have some recommended CPUs in terms of compatibility with RTX 3070 and also high performance in general.
Our Recommendations For Best CPU for RTX 3070
Intel Core i9-10900K
Best pick
View on amazon
Brand: Intel | No. of Cores: 10 | No. of Threads: 20 | Lithography: 14 nm | Socket: LGA1200 | Max. Frequency: 5.3 GHz | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | TDP: 125 Watts | Effective Cache: 20 MB | PCIe Version: 3 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.24 x 6.1 inches
What recent buyers report?
This processor is the best that Intel has to offer in 2021. You will need a high performing motherboard to utilize its capability fully. It deserves a beast motherboard like the MSI Z490 GODLIKE. The motherboard has all the essential elements to support both the processor and the GPU altogether.
4000Mhz of RAM and an overlocked 5.3GHz processor will make games be a walk in a park for your PC.
Why it stands out to us?
Intel Core i9-10900K offers the highest possible single-core performance by a processor in the market. If you are not a full-time streamer, then this processor’s in-game performance combined with an RTX3070 is unmatched.
You will get stable 100+ fps on 1080p ultra settings on GPU intensive games like Metro Exodus, PUBG, and Assassins Creed Odyssey.
Who will use it most?
Intels, 10th generation processors, have a new architecture with 14 nm powerful and efficient in performance. This processor is made for gamers, content creators, and engineers running simulations.
It is mostly dedicated to people who are not looking to stream their gaming while playing. Even though with 100+ fps gaming, you can achieve steady streaming sessions but at a higher cost than AMD.
Bottom Line
Featuring 10 cores with 20 threads and a smart cache of 20 MB, Intel is trying to beat AMD at multi-core performance.
AMD offers good processors at a lower price, but their compatibility with high-end graphic cards is usually questioned.
Numerous benchmarking results suggest that there are near to zero bottleneck issues between the i9-10900k and RTX 3070. The Intel processor is expensive and power-consuming; otherwise, stability is Intel’s strong point.
The Pros
✓
Flagship Performance
✓
Suitable for 4K Gaming
✓
Provides 100+ FPS results
The Cons
✗
The CPU cooler is not included in the package
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Brand: AMD | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Lithography: 7nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.8 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Effective Cache: 70 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
What recent buyers report?
AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X is the processor you want if you’re looking for the best possible gaming performance. It offers a massive increase in performance over the previous generation, making it the perfect choice for gamers who demand the very best.
However, unlike other processors in the Ryzen 9 series, the 5900X doesn’t come with a cooler in the box. So you’ll need to buy an appropriate AIO cooling solution to get the most out of this processor.
Why it stands out to us?
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X comes with a 70MB cache, a massive cache you can find on a processor in 2021.
It beats every other processor in the market in terms of performance. The Zen 3 architecture ensures efficient performance with low heat production, unachievable by the AMD rival.
Who will use it most?
It’s built for enthusiasts who want to game on a high-frequency monitor and experience 4K gaming at stable 60+ fps on AAA titles.
With a 144Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support, this processor can deliver smooth, responsive gameplay.
Bottom Line
With the release of the new AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, the company promises more than 100 frames per second in top gaming titles.
And they certainly deliver. It is one of the fastest processors on the market, offering unmatched performance for a variety of tasks.
The Pros
✓
Top-Tier Performance
✓
Low Power Consumption
✓
PCIe 4.0 support for RTX 3070
The Cons
✗
A little bit pricey
Intel Core i7-10700K
Brand: Intel | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Lithography: 14 nm | Socket: LGA1200 | Max. Frequency: 5.1 GHz | Base Clock Speed 3.8 GHz | TDP: 125 Watts | Effective Cache: 16 MB | PCIe Version: 3 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 4.65 x 4.17 x 1.89 inches
What recent buyers report?
Amongst the 10th generation Intel processors, this processor has a better price/performance ratio.
Overclock is capable of up to 5.1 GHz of boost clock speed, and this processor has the same number of cores and threads as the i9-9900k.
It features higher overclocking potential with better turbo boost frequencies and more considerable headroom. It can run RAM at 2933MHz and 128GB capacity.
Why it stands out to us?
Intel Core i7-10700K has a high enough stock speed to ensure a smooth gaming experience with a graphic card like the RTX 3070. It reaches 180+fps on Fortnite, 90+fps on RDR2, 130+ on BattleField 5, and 80+fps on Assassin’s Creed Odyssey with this RTX card at 1080p resolution. It’s an excellent choice for gamers looking to play with games who own a 144hz monitor with G-sync.
Who will use it most?
It is not preferred for people who are looking to upgrade their 9th generation rig.
As the performance increase is not significant, the capital cost would be high as the socket has been changed in Intel’s 10th generation.
For new rig assemblers, this processor will serve the purpose of a high-end gaming machine. Video/Photo editing alongside a bit of gaming is what this processor is made to do.
Bottom Line
The processor, being a K variant, also features an integrated graphics card. A big plus for people who work along with some gaming at home.
You cannot compromise on your work just because your RTX card got fried under intense loads.
This processor also ensures low bottlenecking compared to AMD. So competitive gamers can look for this processor as a viable solution to zero lag gaming.
The Pros
✓
Low Bottlenecking
✓
Built-in Graphics Processor
✓
Better Overclocking potential
The Cons
✗
No PCIe 4.0 Support
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Staff Pick
View on amazon
Brand: AMD | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Lithography: 7nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.7 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Effective Cache: 36 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
What recent buyers report?
The beauty of AMD processors is that they are compatible with old motherboards even after upgrading their capabilities. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor will work with any X570 and B550 motherboard after just a BIOS update. It is reported that users play most games at 1440p, and the video rendering has improved significantly.
Why it stands out to us?
Compared to their previous generation of CPUs, AMD has removed a significant amount of bottlenecking issues by increasing their processor’s cache. The cache on this processor is 36MB.
It has been appropriately utilized this time to ensure stutter-free gaming. The single-core performance is also better than the 9th generation Intel processors, while multicore performance knocks Intel’s competition.
Who will use it most?
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X benchmark results show significantly higher performance in 1440p gaming resolution.
Stability problems and frequent crashes have also been improved by providing proper driver and BIOS updates.
The value for money is slightly lower than other similar generation CPUs offered by AMD, but it’s still the right choice for gamers who already own an AM4 socket.
Bottom Line
AMD’s processor gives a lower price/performance ratio, making it a better choice in general. AMD’s 7nm technology makes it run cooler than the Intel processors and consume less power.
This specific processor, however, gives out a lot of heat. Too many users have reported high temperatures with suitable cooling kits.
The temperatures reach around 68ᐤC under peak loads, which is not much of a problem but still higher than its other similar series processors.
The Pros
✓
Supports PCIe 4.0
✓
Efficient Performance
✓
Smooth and cool performer
Intel Core i9-9900K
Brand: Intel | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Lithography: 14 nm | Socket: LGA1151 | Max. Frequency: 5.0 GHz | Base Clock: 3.6 GHz | TDP: 95 Watts | Effective Cache: 16 MB | PCIe Version: 3 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 2.91 x 4.41 x 4.61 inches
What recent buyers report?
With the support of optane memory, the vital data that requires frequent fetching is stored in the SSDs, while the HDD is used for bulk infrequently accessed storage data. This technology dramatically improves windows user interface performance. The software load faster, and windows load more quickly than usual. It overclocks at 5GHz across all cores with voltages stable enough to be supported by VRMs.
Why it stands out to us?
Intel Core i9-9900K being a K variant, has a built-in integrated graphics processor, a big plus for content creators who cannot afford any downtime on their computational device. It is the fasted processor available in the Intel Core 9th generation lineup offered by Intel.
The 128GB RAM support with 8 cores 16 threads makes this processor built for encoding.
Who will use it most?
This processor is currently relevant to content creators than gamers as it performs better during encoding than other processors with a similar price tag.
The proper utilization of the L3 cache compared to AMD’s latest game cache makes it face lower bottleneck issues. The single-core performance also exceeded AMD’s performance in a similar tier.
Bottom Line
Intel with this 9th generation processor scores high as 4.26 at 1080p while being overclocked at high clock speeds of 5GHz on Creo 3.0.
This processor was the enthusiast-level fastest processor in the 9th gen lineup, but now it can be considered as high-end gaming capable processor.
Combining this processor with RTX 3070, the only drawback is that it will not fully utilize the bandwidth available by RTX 3070 due to PCIe 4.0.
The Pros
✓
Built for heavy gaming
✓
Single and Multi-core Performance
✓
Improved Thermal Interface Material
The Cons
✗
High Power Consumption
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Budget Pick
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Brand: AMD | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Lithography: 7 nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65 Watts | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Effective Cache: 35 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: Wraith Stealth | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
What recent buyers report?
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor is a no brainer when comparing it to Intels line up.
It blows out everything Intel has to offer at a similar price point.
Pairing it with an RTX3070, you will be able to play games at 100+ fps like Call of Duty: Blacks Ops Cold War, Godfall, Doom Eternal, and Need for Speed Heat.
Why it stands out to us?
The improvements in AMD’s instructions per cycle in their Zen 3 architecture have enabled the significant improvement of +20%.
It is the best gaming performance by a processor at this price point.
You can work with your old X570 motherboard without having to upgrade hardware. A simple BIOS upgrade is enough.
Who will use it most?
The CPU with single-core performance has been significantly increased, allowing video encoders and content creators faster video editing.
Intel dominated in the single processing speed, but now with this 5000 series launched by AMD in Nov 2020, this landmark has not been achieved by Intels greatest rival.
Bottom Line
This processor is equipped with 6 cores and 12 threads. Customization of the rig has also become very easy. It’s the ultimate budget CPU indeed!
You can cut down the cost of an upgrade by going for an AM4 based socket.
The incredible 7nm technology allows AMD to consume less power and give more output than Intels 14nm lithography.
The Pros
✓
Low Heat Production
✓
Includes cooler in package
✓
100+ Fps Gaming at 1080p
The Cons
✗
Not for 4K gaming at 60+ fps
Intel Core i5-10600K
Brand: Intel | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Lithography: 14 nm | Socket: LGA1200 | Max. Frequency: 4.8 GHz | Base Clock: 4.1 GHz | TDP: 125 Watts | Effective Cache: 12 MB | PCIe Version: 3 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: No | Dimensions: 1.73 x 4.09 x 4.65 inches
What recent buyers report?
Its as if overclocking has become the essential part of all processor features. Every gamer wants to indulge in pushing their hardware to the limit. Intel Core i5-10600k processor justifies overclocking with significant headroom and leading performance in gaming for its price point.
It offers the best price per thread compared to other Intel Core 10th generation processors.
Why it stands out to us?
Intel has added extra threads without adding too much to the cost. With the 4.1 GHz base frequency and a 4.8 GHz overclocked frequency, Intel Core has offered a mid-range gaming processor that is built for 1080p gaming.
The 4K segment of gaming is in its initial stages, so a 6core and 12 thread processor is enough to deliver smooth framerates on any top game available in the market.
Who will use it most?
You need to understand that the processor is mostly targeted for high-end gaming PCs. Being a K variant processor, it featured a thicker copper integrated heat spreader and improved TIM for cooling.
It does not come with a stock cooler, so that you will need a cooler.
However, due to the high efficiency in heat removal, any mid-range cooler should suffice. The serious overclockers will need an expensive AIO cooling solution.
Bottom Line
This processor has good performance for gaming, and due to the high single-core performance, it has faster encoding speeds.
As a streamer, you might want to explore other options provided by AMD, and the streaming quality will be significantly affected while using software like OBS and Streamlabs.
However, this processor can achieve stable 30+fps on 4k gaming and 60+fps in 1444p with RTX 3070.
The Pros
✓
Low cost per thread
✓
Good Value for Money
✓
Provides great VR performance
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Brand: AMD | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Lithography: 7 nm | Socket: AM4 | Max. Frequency: 4.6 GHz | TDP: 105 Watts | Base Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz | Effective Cache: 70 MB | PCIe Version: 4 | Unlocked: Yes | Inbox Cooler: Wraith Prism LED | Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
What recent buyers report?
AMD has gone all out with this processor. The vast 70MB game cache, included wraith prism LED cooler, PCIe 4.0 support, and 4.6 GHz frequency, is unmatched at this price point. However, AMD has recently released a 5000 series Ryzen 9 processor, but it still surpasses it by price/performance ratio.
Why it stands out to us?
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is an enthusiast processor built for gamers who won’t compromise a single frame drop. With the 105 watts power consumption, it keeps your energy bills within limits.
This best CPU for RTX 3070 deserves to support PCIe 4.0. The multi-core capability makes it ideal for streamers or gamers who like to do multitasking.
Who will use it most?
The margin for overclocking on this processor is significant than other counterparts.
It ultimately kills its competition and gives 100+ fps on top games. The 7nm technology allows it to consume less power and deliver more in amazing performance.
Most apps don’t need 12 cores to operate, so it might be overkill for users who just want to use it for regular office work.
Bottom Line
Adobe Lightroom properly utilizes the incredible IPC enhancement.
Content Creators can go all out on this processor as it performs better than its rival in software like Ansys and photoshop and other modeling and video editing software.
It performs well with a graphic card such as the RTX 3070. However, if you don’t own a graphics card, you will have a hard time booting your computer as this processor does not have a built-in graphics processor.
The Pros
✓
Competitive Price/Performance
✓
Top-Tier performance in multitasking
✓
RGB cooler wraith prism comes in the box
The Cons
✗
Power Consumption
Summary For Best CPU for RTX 3070
Conclusion
Nvidia RTX 3070 is a reliable performing RTX card, but it needs an equally performing processor to work with it in full harmony.
Bottlenecking occurs when there is a difference in the performance of one than the other. For instance, the CPU processes data faster than the GPU can shape it.
It means that you need to buy a faster GPU to overcome this lag in performance.
The best CPU for RTX 3070 that gives the least bottleneck issue is the Intel i5-10600k.
If you buy this processor with the mentioned card, you will be spending the most optimized amount of money.
It’s not only the bottleneck that might affect your decision.
Factors such as power consumption also play their role. Intel with a high power consuming processor and AMD with their efficient 7nm technology consume lower power.
Intel has stable single-core performance useful for some applications, while AMD has good multicore performance suitable for streaming. In the end, it depends on the user to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU should I get for RTX 3070?
If you want an absolute powerhouse to run with the RTX 3070 and utilize every single core of your RTX card, then AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is without a doubt best for enthusiast-level gamers. If you are a frequent upgrader, this CPU will do wonders as almost all the bottleneck was due to the RTX card. This powerful CPU aced through all the benchmarks.
What CPU is best for RTX 3070?
The most challenging question is picking the right CPU for this RTX 3070 card. We have to analyze that the CPU and RTX cards perform equally, and neither causes the frame rates to drop. Intel Core i5-10600k is like a processor built for this RTX card. The bottlenecking between the two hardware is almost zero. They will give you the best possible performance while working with each other.
Is Ryzen 9 3900X enough for RTX 3070?
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is oriented towards the gaming setup and multitasking community. Professionals and gamers both will love this processor as it performs well under multitasking loads. In most pc games like Cyberpunk 2077, GTA V, and Red Dead Redemption 2, the CPU wasn’t much of a hurdle in delivering framerates. The RTX 3070 caused the most bottleneck.
Will the i9 9900k bottleneck The RTX 3070?
The only bottleneck found between Intel Core i9-9900K and RTX 3070 is that the processor does not support PCIe 4.0, whereas the RTX 3070 is PCIe 4.0 capable card. This processor does not allow the full potential bandwidth offered since it only has PCIe 3.0 support. Otherwise, the processor is fast enough to support all modern games, and usually, the RTX 3070 card becomes the cause of drag in performance.
Which CPU is best for RTX 3070?
There is no clear and definitive answer as each person’s needs will be different. The best CPUs are those that are high end and offer outstanding performance. The RTX 3070 is best paired with a CPU with at least four cores and eight and can achieve a high clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz.
Can I use an RTX 3070 with a CPU that has fewer than four cores?
No, but you can still use this card if the CPU has hyperthreading. RTX 3070 needs at least 4 physical cores to function properly. While you can technically use an RTX 3070 with a CPU that has fewer than four cores, it is not recommended. The RTX 3070 will likely be bottlenecked by a lower-end CPU, which will result in lower frame rates and reduced performance in video games. A CPU with less than four cores will not be able to take full advantage of this card’s capabilities.