Best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti in 2024 – efficient & budget picks

Need a CPU for the 1050? You're in the right place

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Below we’ve listed the contenders for the best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti. The GTX 1050 is a 1080p card, offering decent frame rates at low to medium detail in AAA games. it’s not by any means a powerhouse, but it’ll get the job done if you’re looking for something to tide you over until a better GPU reaches your clutches. However, for now, what’s the best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti? Every GPU, no matter how powerful, needs a good CPU behind it to keep the GPU working as it should. The commander of the PC if you will. We need a CPU that’s good enough to not cause a bottleneck and to add some futureproofing in there too.

We’ve presented our top three picks immediately below for those seeking a quick decision. If you prefer more details before making a purchase, feel free to explore further down this page. Although these models are older, we regularly update our buying guides at WePC to provide you with the most current information, helping you make informed decisions within your budget. Also, be sure to check our Black Friday CPU deals page for potential discounts on attractive deals.

Today’s best CPU deals

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Best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti in 2024

These 10-series Nvidia GPUs are pretty old at this point, but not forgotten! If you’re looking for a CPU upgrade which makes a suitable pairing, see our choices below in more detail.

Best overall CPU pick

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Speed

3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz

Core (Threads)

6/12

Socket

AM4

TDP

65W

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Pros

• Set to out-perform the 10600K
• Great value for money
• Unlocked overclocking

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
• Requires CPU cooler

The best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti has to be the Ryzen 5 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of if not the best Price-to-performance CPUs available. Its 6-Core and 12-Thread configuration suggests that it’s up for a little workstation processing as well as some intense gaming.

The 4.6GHz CPU max core speed ensures that the 5600X can handle gaming, as we know by now, a CPUs max core speed is tied directly to its gaming proficiency.

The 5600X is incredibly efficient. The 5600X’s low TDP makes it perfect for people who are conscious of the environment … Or their electricity bill. The TDP stands at 65W making the 5600X also very easy to keep cool.

You won’t have to worry about upgrading your hardware to support the 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600X stands on the most well-known and widely supported socket standard, AM4. Not only that, but AMD promised to continue supporting AM4 for a few years after the release of AM5. So there will be no shortage of updates and spare parts lying around.

Intel CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti

Intel Core i5 11600K Rocket Lake CPU

Clock speed (boost)

4.9GHz

Cores / Threads

6 / 12

Socket

LGA 1200

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Pros

• A solid performer
• Decent value for money

Cons

• Runs hot & power hungry

The Intel Core i5 11600K delivers performance comparable to our top Ryzen pick. However, it operates with higher energy consumption and produces more thermal output. Consequently, it’s more challenging to cool, and its overclocking potential isn’t as remarkable.

Nevertheless, if you have a preference for an Intel processor, it’s a choice worth considering, especially if you can find it at an attractive price.

Best budget pick

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Speed

3.8GHz/4.4GHz

Core (threads)

6/12

Socket

AM4

TDP

95W

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Pros

• Huge overclocking headspace
• Fantastic single thread performance
• 100+fps across the most popular AAA game titles

Cons

• The 95W TDP is fairly high, especially when you consider the 3700x is only 65W

Although the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is an older CPU, if you’re pairing it with a venerable GPU like the GTX 1050 or GTX 1050 Ti then it can be the ideal choice, as you won’t get much in the way of CPU throttling on these older graphics cards.

When overclocked it’s still capable of putting out solid performance, and it may be available for much cheaper than our top picks are due to it’s age. However, with fresh releases, the 5000 series is cheap in its own right.

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Best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti FAQs

Why do we want to avoid a CPU bottleneck?

A computer works best when the CPU and GPU work well together. If one is too powerful, it can slow down the other, wasting resources and lowering performance. To avoid this, it’s important to match the CPU and GPU, so they can work at their best and give the best value for your money.

What’s the best CPU for GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti?

We think the Ryzen 5 5600X is a solid choice, but you can go a little under that without sacrificing GPU performance. We think a Ryzen 2600X or a 3600X will do the job just fine. The reason we suggested a 5600X is because of its future-proofing, the 5600X can support you all the way up to the 30 series GPUs.

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Final word

Whatever CPU you may choose here, you’re in good hands. Any one of the CPUs on this list will support your GTX 1050 & 1050 Ti in whatever endeavors it may undertake. You can absolutely aim lower than a 5600X but doing so will sacrifice some futureproofing, it will save you money though.