Best CPU For RTX 3080 (Goodbye Bottlenecks)

The RTX 3080 is one of the best GPUs in the market and even though it has been some time since the GPU has been out but still remains to be one of the best available. However, to run a powerful GPU, you will need a good CPU so you do not run into bottlenecking.

We are now going to look at the best CPU for RTX 3080. Getting your hands on these GPUs will ensure that the gaming and productivity performance of your computer remains perfect throughout. Let’s not waste time and explore these.

A Quick Look At The Best CPU For RTX 3080

Best CPU For RTX 3080

Honestly, finding the best CPU for the RTX 3080 is not really that difficult. The process itself is really simple and straightforward for the most part.

You just have to know what you are looking to spend and the platform you have and you are all good to go. Let’s have a look.

#1- AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

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Specifications

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

Highlights:

• The best thing about the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is that whenever you are about to put this processor through its paces, you are not going to run into any issues.
• This CPU is easily going to last you a couple of years so if you are one of those people who are not in the market to upgrade every generation, then this processor is the one you should be going with.

Drawbacks:

• Honestly, I did not run into a lot of issues with this processor aside from the fact that it does run hot, and if you are just getting it for gaming, then you might want to go for the cheaper Ryzen 7 5800X.

The AMD Ryzen series is one of the best when you are talking about CPUs. Whether you are looking to go ahead and get some excellent performance in productivity or media tools or you are looking for something that is absolutely dominating in gaming, getting your hands on a good CPU from AMD is an excellent choice.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is the flagship chip from AMD and is made for dominating all the tasks that you might have for the chip.

Performance:

As far as the performance is concerned, the Ryzen 5950X is not something that is going to slow down. You are getting a processor that delivers excellent performance all around and it does not matter if you are using it for gaming or otherwise, you will not be a letdown in any case and that is what I love about this CPU so much.

Sure, you are getting a power hungry CPU but hey, that is only going to help you be more ready for whatever piece of software or game you want to run as you are not going to experience any slowdowns, whatsoever.

Cores And Threads:

As far as the core and thread count is concerned, the Ryzen 9 5950X is no slouch at all. Quite the contrary, to be honest. With this CPU, you are getting 16 cores and 32 threads in total.

I know it might sound like an overkill because even though I am running a 6 core CPU but with 16 cores and 32 threads, you are getting the chance to run both single and multi-threaded applications without having to worry about your CPU slowing down at random instances.

My Findings:

Overall, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is one of the best processors that you can get in the market and delivers an absolutely amazing performance that does not let anyone down.

#2- Intel Core i9-12900KF

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 16
• Number of Threads: 24
• Cache: 30MB Intel Smart Cache
• TDP: 125W
• Base Clock: 3.2 GHz
• Boost Clock: 5.2 GHz
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Max Operating Temp: 100C

Highlights:

• You are also getting a flagship, power hungry processor, but for the money, the performance is excellent, and the processor is loaded with high-end features that will not let anyone down.
• It is one of the most powerful CPUs out there right now and no matter what you throw at it it will perform phenomenally.
• You won’t need to upgrade from this CPU any time soon because it will last for several years.

Drawbacks:

• Honestly, the only drawback that I can think of is the fact that you are going to need a discrete graphics card because this processor does not have an integrated GPU.

There is no denying that Intel really made a name for themselves with the 12th generation of Core processors and if you are looking for an absolute beast of a performer, getting the 12900KF is the way to go as it delivers great performance.

Sure, it is going to cost you a pretty penny, but hey, the performance alone is worth the hassle because this is the best Intel has to offer, and trust me, it is a lot.

Performance:

Speaking of performance, for some time, Intel has been getting their guts handed to them by AMD. However, with the 12th generation of processors, it seems like the company has learned its lessons. Well, at least to some extent. Why do I say that? Well, the Intel Core i9 12900KF is one of the best processors in terms of performance.

It does not matter if you are gaming or you are rendering videos in the highest possible resolution, it is going to be a great overall experience.

Cores And Threads:

Speaking of cores and threads, the 12th generation of processors brings a number of enhancements in a new way. For instance, the Core i9 12900KF brings a total of 16 cores; however, these cores are split between 8 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores for a better overall performance.

Needless to say, the performance is not something that one should be worried about when they are spending money on this.

My Findings:

Overall, the Intel Core i9 12900KF is one of the best, if not the best, CPUs in the market, and if it is the performance you are looking for, I cannot really recommend anything that is better than this one.

#3- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 6
• Number of Threads: 12
• Cache: 32MB
• TDP: 65W
• Base Clock: 3.7 GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.7 GHz
• Socket: AM4
• Max Operating Temp: 95C

Highlights:

• I genuinely was not expecting the level of performance that you can get from this CPU, but hey, it does deliver and does so with a great job.
• You are also getting a good CPU cooler in case you want to use yours for a while.
• The overall price to performance ratio is excellent it is a great recommendation for any type of build.

Drawbacks:

• Honestly, after using the Ryzen 5 5600X for a good amount of time, I did not really find any issues with it. It works really great in all situations, but the single-threaded performance might be a bit lacking.

When you are looking for a budget-oriented CPU, the market has a lot of offerings, to say the least. This is great for those who are looking to save some money but, at the same time, get some amazing performance. Because, after all, who does not like the performance, right?

Well, the Ryzen 5 5600X takes the place of the famous 3600X, and while it does seem like a little jump, the performance alone is worth the cost, and you are not going to be disappointed at all.

Performance:

In terms of performance, I had my suspicions, to be honest. But after using the processor for some time and, more importantly, putting it through its paces.

I have figured out that if you do want something that delivers excellent performance all around, then this is the CPU that you should be going for as it is not going to let you down at all and that is what is so good about it.

Whether you are gaming or you are doing some other CPU-intensive tasks, you are in good hands, and pairing this CPU with the RTX 3080 is a great choice.

Cores And Threads:

Now, this is something that raised a bit of a concern for me. You see, the processors that I have reviewed so far are all high-end, but this one is not. You are only getting 6 cores and 12 threads this time around, so ideally, I was concerned that the performance might not be enough.

Thankfully, the Ryzen 5 5600X is more than capable of delivering great performance all around, so you are definitely getting something that is excellent in all regards, and you will not be disappointed a lot. Want something good? Get this CPU.

My Findings:

If you are genuinely looking for a promising CPU and you do not want to spend a lot of money, getting the Ryzen 5 5600X is a great choice and something that will not let you down.

#4- Intel Core i7-10700K

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 8
• Number of Threads: 16
• Cache: 16MB Intel Smart Cache
• TDP: 95W
• Base Clock: 3.8 GHz
• Boost Clock: 5.10 GHz
• Socket: LGA 1200
• Max Operating Temp: 100C

Highlights:

• This CPU delivers exceptional performance in games and all the other tasks that you throw at it.
• There are some really good things here, and in most cases, the performance to price ratio is one of the highlights.
• One of the best combos for the 3080 GPU.

Drawbacks:

• My only concern here is that without a good cooler, the CPU tends to get a bit hotter, but aside from that, I did not run into any issues.

Next up, Is the Core i7 10700K. For the past couple of years, Intel struggled a lot when it came to good CPUs, but things started to look up with the 10th generation, with this processor being one of the best CPUs for RTX 3080.

Sure, you are getting an older generation, but that also means that you can easily find this CPU for a lower price, and the performance is going to be great, as well. So, what’s the worry?

Performance:

If you are looking for a processor that does perform and with absolute carefree behavior, then investing here is the right thing.

I was a bit concerned at the start, considering how this is an older generation CPU, but hey, you are getting excellent performance all around, and that is not going to let you down at all, and the performance is excellent all around.

Cores And Threads:

In terms of the cores and threads, the Core i7 10700K comes with 8 cores and 16 threads. I do understand that considering how it is 2023, you might think that this core count is a bit conservative, but I can assure you that this is not the case, and you will be getting some really good performance.

Again, the core count is more than enough to handle all single and multi-threaded tasks with ease.

Related guide: Best CPU for RTX 3070 ti

My Findings:

Overall, the Intel Core i7 10700K is an exceptionally well-made CPU that delivers great overall performance and does not support a variety of features for a definitive experience.

#5- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

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Specifications

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

Highlights:

• There is a lot to love about the Ryzen 7 5800X, to be honest.
• The process runs really nicely, and the performance is excellent.
• If you are looking for some higher-end work, this is certainly the thing to go for, and that too, without any worries.

Drawbacks:

• The only thing I would like to mention is that in terms of overclocking, you are looking at a CPU that does not overclock that well.

We are all aware of the fact that AMD has come a long way in terms of its processors are. Gone are the days when you would only get your hands on something that is mediocre at best.

The modern day CPUs are powerful in terms of the overall performance, and well, you cannot really go wrong with a good AMD processor, to begin with.

With that said, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is an excellent processor that does not disappoint irrespective of the tasks you throw at it.

Performance:

If you are looking for something that delivers excellent performance, the Ryzen 7 5800X is the CPU that you should be looking into.

The best thing is that the performance in all sorts of tasks is going to be amazing, so you never really have to feel that you are being limited here, as that is not the case, and I am happy to say that the performance remains promising.

Cores And Threads:

Moving further, the CPU brings enough cores and threads that would allow you to handle almost all the tasks with ease. This is to a point that you are not really going to run into any hiccups in terms of how things are being handled.

The Ryzen 7 5800X brings 8 cores and 16 threads to the table, which are more than enough for most people regardless of the task that they have for your computer. If you do want performance, this is what you should get.

Another reading: Best CPU for RTX 3080 ti

My Findings:

Overall, the Ryzen 7 5800X is easily one of the best CPUs available in the market. For all the performance-oriented folks, if it is the value that you are looking for or the performance, you can close your eyes and get your hands on this CPU, and you will be good to go.

#6- AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 16
• Number of Threads: 32
• Cache: 64MB
• TDP: 105W
• Base Clock: 3.5 GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.7 GHz
• Socket: AM4
• Max Operating Temp: 95C

Highlights:

• The praise for this CPU is simple, to be honest. There is so much to love that you are not going to be disappointed or let down, for that matter.
• For anyone who is looking for good performance in both games and all the other tasks, this is the way to go.
• The single and multi-threaded performance is exceptional.
• This CPU can handle any type of task even today it is a beast.

Drawbacks:

• To be honest, if you are looking at this CPU just for the sake of gaming, then I would suggest you save a bit of money and go for another processor.

If you are searching for a CPU but you are not in the mood to spend a lot of money, then looking at something from the older generations is actually a lot smarter than going for something that is on, the more affordable end in a newer generation.

This is where the Ryzen 9 3950X comes in place as the CPU has been around for some time, and despite that, it still delivers stellar overall performance and that too, without breaking a bank or causing too many issues.

Performance:

Despite being a generation older, the good thing about this processor is that it will deliver excellent performance.

Especially when you are pairing it with the RTX 3080, and if it is gaming you are after, you are getting an excellent processor that is not going to disappoint anyone at all.

Getting this CPU is going to be a lot better for everyone involved, and therefore, it makes more sense to just get your hands on it and forget about any issues.

Cores And Threads:

As far as the cores and threads are concerned on this CPU. Yep, this should allow you to get an excellent experience overall.

However, you do have to know that if you are worried about performance in single or multi-threaded tasks, I can assure you that you are not going to have to worry as the process really shines.

An interesting read: Best CPU for RTX 3070

My Findings:

The Ryzen 9 3950X might be an old CPU, but that does not mean that in terms of performance, it is a slouch. The processor delivers exceptional performance in all the cases, and you are not going to regret spending money on this excellent CPU.

#7- AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

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Specifications

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

Highlights:

• If you want something good and excellent, this is the one that you should be picking up.
• I had some doubts with respect to the performance when I picked up the Ryzen 9 5900X. But to be honest, after using it for some time, I am more than happy to report that the performance is not at all going to be disappointing.
• The overclocking potential is great with it.
• Overall single and multi-threaded performance is phenomenal.

Drawbacks:

• In terms of the drawbacks, I can attest that I used the Ryzen 9 5900X for a good chunk of time, and during my use, I never really faced any issues. Sure, you are looking at something that is going to require a good overall setup but aside from that, there are not many issues.

We are back to one of the latest CPUs from AMD, and if it is the performance that you are seeking, the good news is that you are getting some excellent experience from the Ryzen 9 5900X.

Sure, it is not a cheaper CPU, to begin with. But everything here is going to be top of the line, and that is what I love about it.

Performance:

I will be honest, in terms of the performance, you are looking at an absolute beast of a performer. Sure, it might seem like the processor is holding back, to be honest, after using it for some time, I realized that you are not going to get a better experience than this.

Sure, you can always go for a higher end processor, and that is fine, too. But if you do want excellent performance, this is a great way to get started.

Cores And Threads:

Taking a look at the cores and threads, you are looking at an impressive 12 cores and 24 threads. I do understand that this number might sound strange, but if it is performance you are after, the CPU delivers that in all cases and never makes one feel like they should have invested their money in something else.

To be honest, this is one of the best things about this CPU that I enjoy a lot. Never did I feel like I was not getting my money’s worth.

A similar guide: Best CPU for RTX 3090

My Findings:

Overall, I believe that the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X serves to be an excellent processor because if you are interested in something that is going to give an amazing experience, then getting your hands on this is definitely what I would suggest everyone to go for.

#8- Intel Core i7-9700K

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Specifications

• Number of Cores: 8
• Number of Threads: 8
• Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache
• TDP: 95W
• Base Clock: 3.6 GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.9 GHz
• Socket: LGA 1151
• Max Operating Temp: 100C

Highlights:

• If you have your mindset on the Intel Core i7 9700K, the good news is that the processor is a lot easier to find, and in most cases, you can find it at discounted rates, which allows you to have a good experience and save some money, too.
• Pairing it with the RTX 3080 or even an RTX 3090 is going to help you a lot in terms of performance.

Drawbacks:

• While it is great, I do have some concerns. For starters, you are getting a processor that performs almost the same as the Intel Core i7 8700K, and the lack of hyperthreading might be an issue for some.

The last processor that I am looking at is yet another offering from Intel, and this time around, I am focusing on the Intel Core i7 9700K.

Now, now, before anyone starts to pick up a pitchfork and tear down this processor, I do have to tell you that the performance here is exceptional, and the processor does compliment

Performance:

Now let’s talk about performance, and this is where things are about to get interesting. If you are about to pair it with the RTX 3080, then this CPU does make a lot of sense.

You can easily game on 4K without breaking a sweat. However, the one thing that I would like to remind you here is that you are not getting a lot of performance boost here.

Long story short, for gaming? You are getting an excellent performance. For everything else? You might want to look elsewhere.

Cores And Threads:

As far as the cores and threads are concerned on this CPU, things are a bit different here, to be honest. For instance, you are getting 8 cores and 8 threads.

Yes, this Core i7 processor does not ship with hyperthreading, which has become a staple in terms of delivering excellent performance overall.

My Findings:

If you have been in the market looking for a solid processor that does not cost a lot of money but manages to deliver great overall performance, then spending on the Core i7 9700K is more than viable. However, the lack of hyperthreading is one thing that you must always keep in mind.

Will I Face Any Bottleneck Issues With These Processors?

The bottleneck is one of the fears that a lot of people go through every time they are buying a CPU, a GPU, or any other component, for that matter.

However, I am more than happy to respond to you that if you are worried that the CPUs that I have mentioned will cause any bottlenecking, then that is not the case.

If it is performance you want, the CPUs that I have listed in this round up are going to deliver top of the line performance and that too, without any worries.

Just be sure that the CPU you are choosing is right for you, and in terms of your other requirements, it is fulfilling, too. That way, you will not have to go ahead and change the CPU or other components.

What do I mean here?

Well, I simply mean that if you want the best experience, just be sure that all the hardware is compatible because otherwise, there can be issues, and we want to get rid of that, to begin with.

Rest assured, all these CPUs are excellent for your RTX 3080.

Intel or AMD: Which Brand Is Better For The RTX 3080 Card?

Honestly, this debate is something that has been going on for as long as one can remember, and if you genuinely want to know, you can start checking the performance numbers and decide for yourself.

At the moment, Intel’s 12th generation of CPUs has taken the lead, so if you are genuinely interested in finding the right CPU, I would highly suggest that you go that way, and you will get an excellent overall experience.

Again, this is something that varies from person to person, and this is important to know for everyone. Rest assured, whatever CPU you decide to pick, the overall difference in terms of performance is not going to be massive. Especially when you are talking about gaming.

Therefore, the wiser thing would be to just go for something that is good and something that does offer a good performance because that is what matters here.

End of The Line:

I understand that finding the right CPU for your RTX 3080 might be a confusing thing, but hey, that is why I’m here to help you. The round-up focuses on the best CPUs that you can find for the RTX 3080.

After all, for such a powerful graphics card, you should at least get your hands on something that delivers excellent performance overall and because I really don’t want anyone of our readers to buy something that is not good enough.

With this roundup, I chose the best CPUs that are available in the market in general too. This ensures that the performance is as good as one would want and that too, without compromises.

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