Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3070 – 5 Top Picks in 2023

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Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3070

Are you among many people who have recently purchased an RTX 3070 GPU? If so, you may wonder what the best CPU to pair it with. While there are many great options, we’ve compiled a list of the best CPUs to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Your budget will affect which CPU you purchase.
  • Your use can impact which CPU you buy, e.g., if you need multiple cores and threads.

If you’re looking for the best possible performance, you’ll want to choose a CPU with high clock speed and plenty of cores. The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X and the Intel Core i9-10900K are great options. However, if you’re on a budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or the Intel Core i5-10600K are also excellent choices.

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Whichever CPU you choose, you’re sure to get outstanding performance out of your RTX 3070 GPU:

Top 5 CPUs for 3070 

Best AMD CPU for RTX 3070: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU

Best Intel CPU for RTX 3070: Intel Core i7-10700K Intel CPU

Best Budget CPU for RTX 3070: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Best Intel Budget CPU for RTX 3070: Intel Core i5-12600K

Best Performance CPU for RTX 3070: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Best AMD CPU for RTX 3070

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

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The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU is a high-end desktop processor released in 2020. It is based on the Zen 3 architecture and is manufactured on a 7nm process. It has a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a maximum boost clock speed of 4.9 GHz. It has 16 cores and 32 threads. It supports DDR4-3200MHz memory and has a TDP of 105W.

The Ryzen 9 5950X is AMD’s flagship CPU and offers excellent performance. It is significantly faster than the previous-generation Ryzen 7 3800X in both single- and multi-threaded workloads. It is also power efficient, with a TDP of only 105W. The processor is compatible with existing AM4 motherboards and supports the latest PCIe 4.0 standard.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is an excellent choice for a high-end desktop processor. It offers excellent performance and is power efficient. It is compatible with existing AM4 motherboards and supports the latest PCIe 4.0 standard. 

Performance with RTX 3070

The RTX 3070 GPU paired with the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU provides excellent performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. The two components work together well, providing smooth and responsive gameplay without noticeable lag or stuttering. 

The RTX 3070 also provides excellent frame rates, making it a great choice for gamers who want to experience the latest and greatest games at their highest settings. Overall, the RTX 3070 and AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU provide an excellent gaming experience that should please even the most demanding gamers.

Our Verdict

We believe that the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU is an excellent option for those looking to pair it with an RTX 3070 GPU. The main reason is that both devices offer significant performance and are reasonably priced. Another thing to consider is that both the CPU and GPU are compatible, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Power efficient
  • Compatible with existing AM4 motherboards
  • It supports the latest PCIe 4.0 standard

Cons

Complications with overclocking

Check the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Intel CPU for RTX 3070

Intel Core i7-10700K Intel CPU

Intel Core i7-10700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.1 GHz Unlocked� LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series chipset) 125W

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The Intel Core i7-10700K is a high-end desktop processor released early 2020. It is based on the Comet Lake microarchitecture and is manufactured on Intel’s 14nm process.

The 10700K is an “unlocked” processor that can be overclocked to achieve higher performance levels. It has a base clock frequency of 3.8 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 5.1 GHz. It also has a higher thermal design power (TDP) rating of 125W compared to the 95W TDP of the previous generation i7-7700K.

The 10700K features 8 CPU cores and 16 threads. It has a maximum memory capacity of 128GB and supports DDR4-2933MHz memory modules. It also has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU.

The 10700K is compatible with the LGA1200 socket and requires a 300-series motherboard.

The Intel Core i7-10700K is a powerful desktop processor well-suited for gaming and other demanding workloads. It offers good performance and is relatively easy to overclock. However, its high TDP rating will generate more heat and require a more robust cooling solution.

Performance with RTX 3070

The RTX 3070 is a great performer when paired with the Intel Core i7-10700K. The card can maintain high framerates in most games at 1440p and reach 4K 60fps in some titles. The card also offers excellent value for money, making it a great option for gamers on a budget.

Our Verdict

We think that the Intel Core i7-10700K CPU is a great choice to pair with an RTX 3070 GPU. This is because the i7-10700K has a very high base clock speed of 3.8 GHz, one of the highest of any current generation CPU. This high clock speed will help ensure that the RTX 3070 can reach its full potential.

Pros

  • High performance
  • Easy to overclock
  • Good memory support

Cons

  • High TDP rating
  • Generates a lot of heat

Check the Intel Core i7-10700K’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Budget CPU for RTX 3070

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core

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The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent value for a mid-range CPU. It has six cores and 12 threads, and a base clock of 3.7 GHz. It also has a boost clock of 4.6 GHz and comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler. The CPU is compatible with AM4 socket motherboards.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators. It has enough power to handle most games and applications. The CPU is also very power efficient.

The Wraith Stealth cooler is a great addition. It keeps the CPU cool and is very quiet.

Overall, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent choice for a mid-range CPU. It has enough power to handle most games and applications and is very power efficient. The Wraith Stealth cooler is a great addition. 

Performance with RTX 3070

The RTX 3070 paired with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent choice for gamers looking for great performance. The RTX 3070 offers great frame rates in all the latest games, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X provides the perfect balance of power and efficiency. Together, they make an excellent team that can handle anything you throw at them. 

Regarding raw performance, the RTX 3070 paired with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent choice for gamers. The RTX 3070 offers great frame rates in all the latest games, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X provides the perfect balance of power and efficiency.  

The RTX 3070 also offers great value for money. It is currently the most affordable GPU in the RTX 3000 series, yet still offers excellent performance. For gamers on a budget, the RTX 3070 is an excellent choice. 

Our Verdict

We think that the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent pair with the RTX 3070 GPU. The technical reason is that they both have incredible clock speeds and memory support. 

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz. It also has total memory support of 128 GB. The RTX 3070 has a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 1.7 GHz. It also has total memory support of 8 GB.

Pros

  • Boost clock of 4.6 GHz
  • Compatible with AM4 socket motherboards
  • Power efficient
  • Wraith Stealth cooler
  • Price

Cons

  • Less cores and threads then Intel alternative

Check the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Intel Budget CPU for RTX 3070

Intel Core i5-12600K

Intel Core i5-12600K Desktop Processor 10 (6P+4E) Cores up to 4.9 GHz Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W

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The Intel Core i5-12600KF is a great GPU for budget-conscious gamers. It offers excellent performance for the price and can run most games at high settings. The only downside is that it does not have a dedicated graphics card, so gamers who want the best performance need to invest in a separate graphics card. The Intel Core i5-12600KF is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a great-performing GPU.

The CPU’s black and silver design will look great in any gaming rig. It has a PCI Express 4.0 interface and requires a 300-watt power supply. 

Intel Core i5-12600KF offers excellent performance for the price. It has a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.9 GHz. It also has ten cores and sixteen threads. The only downside is that it does not have a dedicated graphics card, so gamers who want the best performance need to invest in a separate graphics card.

Performance with RTX 3070

The RTX 3070, paired with the Intel Core i5-12600K, is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a fast and powerful GPU that can handle the most demanding games. The RTX 3070 has excellent performance thanks to its 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and it is also very efficient and won’t drain your battery too quickly. The only downside is that it is a bit more expensive than some of the other options on the market, but it is definitely worth the extra money.

Our Verdict

We believe that the Intel Core i5-12600K is a great pair with the RTX 3070 GPU. A solid technical reason for this is that the i5-12600K has a high base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, which is excellent for gaming. Additionally, the i5-12600K turbo boosts a clock speed of 4.9 GHz, which is even better for gaming.

Pros

  • Outstanding performance for the price 
  • Can run most games at high settings 
  • Ten cores and sixteen threads 

Cons

  • Not recommended for multitasking

Check the Core i5-12600KF’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Performance CPU for RTX 3070

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core

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The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is the best-performing CPU for the RTX 3070 GPU. It offers the best single-threaded performance of any CPU on the market and is also one of the most power-efficient CPUs. The 3900X also comes with a very capable stock cooler, a bonus. 

The only drawback of the 3900X is its high price. But if you’re looking for the best performance and don’t mind paying a premium, then the 3900X is the best CPU. 

Performance with RTX 3070

When paired with an AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, the RTX 3070 GPU delivers excellent performance. It can maintain a high frame rate even at high resolutions and provides a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The RTX 3070 also has great overclocking potential and can achieve high clock speeds when paired with the right CPU.

Our Verdict

We think that the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is an excellent pair with the RTX 3070 GPU. We think this is mainly because they both offer great value for money. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a great CPU for those who want to game and do other things that require a lot of processing power, while the RTX 3070 GPU is an excellent choice for those who want to do things like video editing and graphics design.

Pros

  • Best single-threaded performance of any CPU 
  • Very power efficient 
  • It comes with a very capable stock cooler 

Cons

  • High price

Check the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X’s latest prices on Amazon

High Cores & Threads — What to Look For?

There are a few things to consider when opting for a high core and thread count. The first is the overall performance of your system. A higher core and thread count will generally lead to better performance, but it is also essential to consider the other components in your system. 

Another thing to consider is the price. A higher core and thread count will generally cost more, so it is crucial to factor that into your decision. Finally, consider your own needs. Opting for a higher count may not be necessary if you only need a few cores and threads.

Related: 3060 Ti Vs. 3070: Is It Worth The Upgrade? 

Ryzen Processors vs Intel Processors For RTX 3070

There are a few key things to consider when comparing Ryzen processors vs. Intel processors for the RTX 3070:

  • The first is clock speed. The RTX 3070 will perform better with 3 GHz, so any processor that can provide that will work. However, processors with a higher clock speed can provide a better experience.
  •  The second thing to consider is the number of cores. The RTX 3070 will perform best with at least four cores to function correctly, so any processor with more than four cores can provide a better experience. 
  • The third thing to consider is the cache size. The RTX 3070 requires at least 6 MB of cache to function properly, so any processor with more than that will be able to provide a better experience. 
  • Finally, the fourth thing to consider is the TDP. The RTX 3070 has a TDP of 175 watts, so any processor with a TDP of more than that will be able to provide a better experience.

Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3070 FAQs

What are the best CPUs for NVIDIA RTX 3070 in 2023?

A few different CPUs could be considered the best for RTX 3070 in 2023. Some top contenders include the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, the Intel Core i9 10900K, and the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. All of these CPUs offer excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks.

What are the best motherboards for NVIDIA RTX 3070 in 2023?

A few different motherboards could be considered the best for NVIDIA RTX 3070 in 2023. Some top contenders include the ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II, the MSI MEG Ace, and the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme. All of these motherboards offer great features and support for high-end hardware.

Can I use an RTX 3070 with my current CPU?

It is possible to use an RTX 3070 with your current CPU. However, you may not be able to take advantage of the card’s capabilities fully. 

Is there a big difference between the RTX 3070 and other graphics cards?

The RTX 3070 is a potent graphics card and offers a significant performance boost over other cards in its class. 

What games can I play with an RTX 3070?

The RTX 3070 is capable of running any game on the market today. However, depending on the game you may need to adjust the graphics settings.

Bottom Line

The RTX 3070 is one of the best graphics cards on the market, and it’s perfect for gamers who want the best performance without spending a fortune. If you’re looking to get the most out of your RTX 3070, you’ll need a CPU that can keep up. We’ve provided you with a list of specs, performance, and budget options. Now you can make a wiser decision without breaking the bank.

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