Best CPU For RTX 3070 In 2023 (High Speed)

If you’re in the market for a new gaming rig and you’re thinking of upgrading to an RTX 3070, you’ll need to make sure your CPU is up to the task. Since rtx 3070 is a high-end gpu, you’re going to need a powerful CPU if you want your RTX graphics card to shine.

When I first started looking at new CPUs to upgrade with. There are so many different CPU specs on the market, and I couldn’t make sense of them all.

So, I did some research and testing. I’ve compiled my findings here in this article so that you can shortcut your search.

Here are some of the best CPUs for RTX 3070 that will give you the power you need to run the latest games at their best settings.

So, whether you’re looking for something high-end or budget-friendly, I’ve got you covered. I’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

A Quick Look At The Best CPU For RTX 3070

Best CPU For RTX 3070

Keeping in mind all of your needs and requirements, I have compiled a list of the 6 best RTX 3070 compatible CPUs. If you’re building your own RTX-ready machine, one of these CPUs will be perfect for you. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

#1- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 6
• Number of Threads: 12
• Cache: 32MB
• TDP: 65W
• Base Clock: 3.7GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.6GHz
• Socket: AM4
• Max Operating Temperature: 95C

Highlights:

• Can be overclocked
• Best price to performance ratio
• Supports AM4 socket
• Require only 65W of TDP
• Best pick for streamers, creators and gamers

Drawbacks:

• No integrated graphics
• Low number of cores might be an issue for some folks

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent choice for all kinds of users – gamers and professionals alike. It delivers outstanding performance in most AAA games at 100+ FPS, and it comes with a capable cooler to keep it from overheating even during intense gaming sessions.

The overclocking potential on this chip is great, too – you can squeeze out a little more speed and performance with ease.

Aesthetics-wise, there’s an LED ring and branding that add to the overall premium look. And for compatibility purposes, it supports all types of memory in both DDR3 and DDR4 form factors, so it’ll work with any motherboard.

Cache, Cores & Threads:

With 6 cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers unbeatable performance. You can run all kinds of programs at full speed, with no slowdown or stuttering. And, due to its 4.6GHz max boost clock speed, it’ll never be short of power when you need it most.

These specs allow you to do multiple tasks simultaneously without any lag or stuttering. So whether you need power for video rendering, image editing, streaming on Twitch while playing your favorite game, this CPU can do it all without breaking a sweat.

Performance:

The Ryzen 5 5600X also comes with AMD’s advanced SenseMI Technology. This gives the CPU a heightened level of intelligence, fine-tuning your processor’s performance to perfectly suit what you’re doing at any moment. You’ll feel more power when you need it and efficiency throughout the rest of your tasks.

In addition to that, the Ryzen 5 5600X has solid overclocking potential. This is thanks to its advanced XFR 2 and Precision Boost Overdrive technologies, which give you the ability to increase performance in manual or automatic overclocking modes.

My Findings:

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a powerhouse on a budget – not just for gamers but also for content creators, engineers, and other professionals.

It has no problem handling any task, and it has the speed to boot. Overall, I’d say this is an excellent choice for mainstream users who need a powerful CPU.

#2- AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 16
• Number of Threads: 32
• Cache: 64MB
• TDP: 105W
• Base Clock: 3.4GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.9GHz
• Socket: AM4
• Max Operating Temperature: 90C

Highlights:

• One of the best CPU for Creators, and Gamers
• Supports AM4 socket
• Gaming performance is outstanding
• Power efficiency is great at only 105W TDP
• Great boost clocking speeds

Drawbacks:

• No integrated graphics
• CPU cooler is not included
• Can be pricey for some folks

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is the ideal gaming CPU for gamers and creators alike. This AMD Ryzen CPU will play the majority of today’s games at a minimum of 100 FPS, depending on which games you’re playing.

For creation work that involves rendering out video files or animation, this CPU can easily pull its weight. Thanks to its 16 cores this Ryzen 9 5950X is an excellent solution for gamers looking to get into streaming simply because of its impressive processing power.

And if you’re going to be editing your gameplay videos and screenshots as well as streaming, this is the chip for you.

Cache, Cores & Threads:

With 16 cores and 32 threads, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has a total of 64MB cache in its design, which is made up of 4 individual units. Each core can process two threads per cycle under the ‘HypterThreading’ technology that’s been implemented on this CPU.

Performance:

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is one of the most powerful CPUs on the market and can play even the most demanding of games on a single core at 100+ FPS.

If you’re not about that gaming life and instead into creative work that involves rendering out videos or doing some animation, this processor will deliver all of that power for you.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is a great processor for gamers who are looking to get into streaming as well. It’s just way more powerful than many of the other CPUs I’ve tested in this list.

One of the best things about this CPU is its multi-core technology. If you’re into editing and rendering videos, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X will give you an advantage over most CPUs that are on the market due to its multi-core design.

My Findings:

I have to say that while the Ryzen 9 5950X is a very powerful CPU, it’s not going to be for everyone.

If you don’t need all of its power and want something a bit more low-key so your computer runs faster and better for simple tasks, this product is definitely not for you.

If you’re looking for an overclocking CPU that can give you the best gaming experience at a very high price. In my opinion, it is the best CPU for 3070 if you do not have any budget problems.

#3- Intel Core i9-10900

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 10
• Number of Threads: 20
• Cache: 20MB Intel Smart Cache
• TDP: 65W
• Base Clock: 2.8GHz
• Boost Clock: 5.2GHz
• Socket: LGA1200
• Max Operating Temperature: 100C

Highlights:

• One of the best 10th Gen Intel CPU
• Highest boost clock in the competition
• Comes with Intel UHD Graphics 630
• Great price to performance ratio
• Very power efficient at only 65W

Drawbacks:

• Cannot be overclocked
• might be pricey for some buyers

The Intel Core i9-10900 desktop processor is a powerful, reliable processor for your everyday desktop use. It’s compatible with 400 series chipset motherboards and comes with a free cooler in the package!

It is capable of a boost clock up to 5.2 GHz depending on your motherboard and cooling equipment, allowing you to play the latest games at their highest settings! There’s no need to upgrade your current processor box when you can get more power for less with this one.

Cache, Cores & Threads:

The Intel Core i9-10900 has 10 cores and 20 threads which allow you to get things done faster. That means not having to wait for your computer to catch up with you next time!

Performance:

The boost clock of Intel Core i9 10900 is up to 5.2 GHz, which makes it a great processor for intense gaming and/or running demanding programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, etcetera.

The high performance of the Core i9 10900 is thanks to its many cores and threads that allow you to multi-task/multitask while you play without any frame-rate loss or sluggishness.

Coming with 10 cores also means that the Intel Core i9-10900 can take on several tasks at once without much effort, so you can go back to playing your games in no time!

You can watch the latest movies and TV shows, watch for pop-ups or have Discord running in one window while playing your favorite games, the multitasking performance is phenomenal.

My Findings:

I found that this processor will do everything most users need, from light tasks like internet surfing to heavy tasks like gaming, rendering video, and photo editing.

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and upgradeable processor, the Intel Core i9-10900 is a great choice!

It is hands down one of the best processors on the market, with 10 cores at its max clock speed of 5.2 GHz. It comes at the 3rd number in my list of best CPU for RTX 3070.

#4- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 8
• Number of Threads: 16
• Cache: 32MB
• TDP: 105W
• Base Clock: 3.8GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.7GHz
• Socket: AM4
• Max Operating Temperature: 90C

Highlights:

• Phenominal multithreaded and single-core performance
• Price to performance ratio is one of the best
• Can be overclocked
• Supports any AM4 socket mobo
• Operates at only 105W

Drawbacks:

• Does not have integrated graphics
• CPU cooler is not included in the package

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is the best mainstream CPU for gaming. Based on its price and performance, it’s one of the few CPUs you can get if you’re looking to go above an i7-9750 or an i9-9900K.

This CPU, combined with an RTX 3070 or RTX 2070, will provide you with excellent performance in 1080p and 1440p gaming. Also, this CPU is not just for gamers. It can also be used in content creation and streaming.

Cache, Cores & Threads:

Its 8 cores are clocked at 4.7 GHz out of the box, while its 16 threads are some of the fastest for a processor in this price range.

AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X has a TDP of 105W and comes with a 3-year warranty. Moreover, it has a cache of 36MB which means it can handle more than 10 tasks at once.

Performance:

The performance of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is better than Intel Core i7-9750H and Core i9-9900K. While it’s only a few percent, every little percentage helps if your CPU is bottlenecking your GPU.

It’s high-performing in multi-threaded tasks like rendering media or playing games while also streaming, and using several other apps/software.

You can enjoy up to 100 FPS in popular games such as Battlefield V or Apex Legends and up to 200+ FPS in CS: GO. This makes the Ryzen 7 5800X a great choice if you want to play your favorite games at their highest settings.

My Findings:

I found that the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is the best CPU for most high-end rigs that are equipped with RTX 3070. It can provide you with around 100 FPS in games like Warzone, Apex Legends, and Fortnite when playing at ultra settings.

It’s also one of the few CPUs in this price range that overclocks well. If you’re looking for a CPU to do some rendering or streaming, then I would recommend this CPU too.

I think it is one of the best CPU for 3070 as I really love how the Ryzen 7 5800X performs in games. It’s an excellent choice, and I highly recommend it over Intel CPUs for gaming.

#5- AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 12
• Number of Threads: 24
• Cache: 64MB
• TDP: 105W
• Base Clock: 3.8GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.6GHz
• Socket: AM4
• Max Operating Temperature: 95C

Highlights:

• Great numbers of cores and threads
• Multithreaded performance is one of the best
• It has some good overclocking potential
• One of the best 3rd Gen Ryzen CPUs
• The overall benchmarks performance was great

Drawbacks:

• Has no integrated graphics
• You might need a better cooler, included cooler is not enough
• Lacks behind in single core performance

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a great all-around high-end CPU that’s as good as any on this list for RTX 3070 owners. It has a max boost clock of 4.6 GHz and a bundled cooler with a color-controlled LED.

When combined with an RTX 3070, you’ll be able to run the latest AAA titles with comfortable frame rates at their highest settings.

It’s also unlocked for overclocking and compatible with DDR 3200 memory, so it can be easily upgraded later on.

Cache, Cores & Threads:

It has 12 cores and 24 threads, which is excellent for multitasking, and it can deliver impressive performance in the latest games, even at ultra settings. It has 64MB of game Cache and supports DDR3200 memory.

With this much cache, you’ll be able to run high-end games fast. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line CPU with tremendous value, this is it.

It comes with Windows 10, RHEL x86 64-Bit, and Ubuntu x86 64-Bit operating system support. It’s a very capable processor overall.

Performance:

The performance of the processor is outstanding; it works excellent with RTX 3070 or computers. The overall level of performance has been verified by many tech enthusiasts, and everyone agrees that it performs very well.

You can expect an average of 100+ FPS when playing games. According to my testing so far, the performance of AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is excellent compared to similar CPUs in the market.

You will be able to play all the latest games in high/ultra settings without any problems. With 12 cores and 24 threads, you’ll multitask like a pro with this CPU, it’s an excellent choice.

My Findings:

Among all the CPUs that I have tested and listed in this article, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 cores 24 threads is a performance beast. It can handle all the latest games with 100+ FPS and ultra settings without any issues.

It’s one of the best RTX 3070 compatible CPU that can play the most demanding games at the highest settings.

I have also found that it’s a CPU that will last you for years, so it’s worth the investment if your budget allows it.

I highly recommend it to people who want a gaming performance CPU, because the price is very reasonable compared to similar CPUs in the market right now.

#6- Intel Core i7-8700K

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 6
• Number of Threads: 12
• Cache: 12 MB Intel Smart Cache
• TDP: 95W
• Base Clock: 3.7GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.7GHz
• Socket: LGA1151
• Max Operating Temperature: 100W

Highlights:

• Great overclocking headroom
• Comes with Intel UHD Graphics 630
• Best budget option for 3070
• Best performance in this price range
• Supports a base TDP of 95W

Drawbacks:

• Comes without a fan or heatsink
• Low number of cores

The Core i7-8700K is a powerful CPU that will easily handle all the latest games. This is a great processor for those who are looking for a high-end processor that won’t break the bank.

Although it’s slightly cheaper than the Core i7-9700K, you can expect a nearly identical performance with both processors.

The only real difference between the two is that the i7-8700 does not have hyper-threading. It is compatible with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.

Cache, Cores & Threads:

The Core i7-8700K is a 6 core 12 thread CPU that runs at 3.70 GHz by default and can be boosted up to 4.70 GHz when needed. This processor also supports overclocking if you want to push it even further.

Performance:

With 6 cores and 12 threads, it will offer great performance for any multi-tasker who is looking to use photos/videos editing tools or using streaming-related apps while playing their favorite game.

The i7-8700K also has 12MB of cache, which is double what the i5-8600K had. The i7-8700k comes without any heatsink or fan, so you’ll have to buy an external cooling solution for this CPU.

It is a middle/high-end CPU that is very reliable and runs almost everything smoothly. Any type of game, application, or media will run without any issues. It performs really well in rendering projects and editing.

This is an unlocked CPU, so it can be overclocked with a compatible motherboard. Although it is cheaper, you will get a nearly identical performance if you choose the i7-9700K instead of it.

The performance of this CPU is excellent, and it will not let you down. You can run pretty much anything on high or higher settings with ease.

My Findings:

My experience with this CPU is that it offers great performance. If you’re looking for a high-end processor at a reasonable price, this will be an excellent choice.

With 6 cores and 12 threads, it will provide more than enough power to run any game smoothly and multitask with ease.

Higher-End CPU vs Lower-End CPU: Which Is Enough For RTX 3070?

So, what are higher-end, and lower-end CPUs, and which one you should select?

Higher-end CPUs are typically on the “Extreme” level of processors, they cost more but they will also deliver an exceptional level of performance.

They’re designed for gaming and highly productive tasks, so they’ll give you the best performance possible when playing games at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions while also providing high FPS.

The lower-end options are mostly budget-friendly or last-generation processors, they do provide some great numbers in performance as well but lack some new features that are available in current processors.

For the RTX 3070, you can get a budget CPU if you’re planning to game at Medium and High mix settings. If you want to play your games in high or ultra settings, then you’ll need a higher-end CPU.

Choosing the right CPU won’t be easy as there are a lot of options out there, and each one of them is suited for different purposes.

For example, AMD has its Ryzen lineup of CPUs, and Intel has its own set of CPUs (Intel Core Series), while Ryzen is best for Multitasking purposes Intel is exceptional in the single-core performance.

You’ll need to check out CPU benchmarks for each CPU, or you can carefully read the guide I have provided here, so you can get an idea of which one will suit your requirements.

RTX 3070 CPU Requirements And Compatibility

These are the CPU requirement for RTX 3070 support:

• 4 Cores
• 8 Threads
• 7th or 8th Generation Intel Core i7/i9 Processor
• Supports Intel Turbo Technology 3.0
• LGA 1151 Socket or LGA 1200 socket or AM4
• Compatible with your motherboard
• Up to 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power)

You can use CPUs that have a lower TDP, but they’ll have to be paired with Nvidia’s Turbo technology. RTX 2070 has the same requirements as the RTX 3070, so you can use the same CPUs for both.

High Core And Thread Counts – Should I Consider?

The number of cores and threads in a CPU is important when it comes to Gaming, but not all games can effectively make use of high core counts.

CPUs like the Core i7 9700 and Ryzen 5 5600X only have 6 cores and 12 threads, but they’re suited for gaming as they can easily outperform other CPUs that have more cores and threads. The reason for this is that games are not fully optimized to use the additional cores and threads.

They also happen to be cheaper than CPUs with higher core counts, so you can save money if you don’t need more cores and threads.

However, some modern games do benefit from having high core count CPUs, especially those that are CPU-intensive, like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) or Destiny 2 PC.

If you’re planning to play games that will take advantage of having a lot of cores and threads, then it would be better if you got a CPU with lots of them, like the Core i9 9900K.

Ryzen Processors vs Intel Processors For RTX 3070

Among Ryzen and Intel, it is quite a debate that which one you should choose for RTX 3070. The average fps that are provided with Intel i7 9700K is considered better than Ryzen 5 2600X.

If you’re looking for an RTX 3070 compatible CPU, then Intel has the upper hand as they have better single-core performance than their AMD counterparts.

This is because Intel CPUs are primarily designed for gamers who play titles that only need 1 to 2 cores/threads.

The Ryzen lineup of CPUs, on the other hand, is designed to work with higher core counts. This is why they have the upper hand when it comes to massive multi-threaded applications and games that can effectively utilize a high number of cores/threads.

So which one should you choose? It really depends on what you need. If you’re going to be playing titles that only need 1 to 2 cores/threads, then I’d recommend you get an Intel CPU like the i7 9700K.

This is because it has better single-core performance and higher clock speeds than its AMD counterparts for a more affordable price.

Which CPU Is The Right One For Your RTX 3070 Card?

Each CPU that I have listed above has its own advantages and disadvantages over others, but they all have one thing in common: they can all effectively run the latest AAA games with RTX 3070 card. So, which CPU from the above list is the right one for you?

Let’s first take a look at the CPUs’ specs and performance:

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600X & Ryzen 9 3900X – 8 Cores, 16 Threads
• AMD Ryzen 7 5800X – 8 Cores, 16 Threads
• Intel Core i7-8700K – 6 Cores, 12 Threads
• Intel Core i9-10900 – 8 Cores, 16 Threads
• AMD Ryzen 9 3900X – 12 Cores, 24 Threads
• AMD Ryzen 9 5950X – 16 Cores, 32 Threads

As you can see, the top five CPUs on this list all have at least 6 cores and 12 or more threads. There’s also one Intel CPU that has 8 cores and 16 threads, but there are two CPUs on this list that have 16 cores and 32 threads.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a great pick for gamers who are looking to play games that can make use of 6 or more cores/threads.

While it doesn’t perform as well as some of the other CPUs in terms of multi-core performance, it can still deliver very good performance for its price.

It features a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and can be overclocked to 4.1 GHz (with Core Voltage- 1.35v), which is pretty high considering that the average multiplier of Ryzen CPUs is around x40 or x45 depending on whether they’re overclocking or not.

The Ryzen 9 3900X, on the other hand, has better multi-core performance than the Ryzen 5 5600X. It is slightly more expensive than the R5 5600X, but it offers an excellent value for money.

It performs way better than even some of Intel’s CPUs, like i7 9700K, which is the best CPU you can get for RTX 3070.

It also has a higher base clock speed at 3.8 GHz, and it comes with more cores (12). It’s capable of hitting 4.6 GHz, but since it’s still somewhat new, reaching those clock speeds might be difficult depending on the temperature of your CPU.

If you want your CPU to last you a long time, then the Ryzen 9 3900X might be the best option for RTX 3070.

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