Best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti in 2024 – our top 3 picks to avoid bottlenecks
Need a CPU for the GTX 1660? Look no further!
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Roll up, roll up, for the best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti. The GTX 1660 offers gamers the chance to play AAA titles at 60 FPS in 1080p. It’s an ideal GPU for gamers on a budget who aren’t all that fussed about gaming at higher resolutions. And with this little efficiency beast, we need a well-balanced CPU that can support it. Here’s the best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti. Every GPU, no matter how strong, needs a good CPU behind it to keep things in check, getting the components is only half of the battle, we need components that work well together, so as to not cause any kind of bottleneck. And we think we have just the CPU.
We’ve provided our top three selections for those looking for a quick decision. However, if you prefer more information before making a purchase, feel free to explore further down this page. Despite these being older model products, we consistently update our buying guides at WePC to ensure you have the latest information and can make informed decisions about the best options for your budget.
- 01Best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 TiThe best CPU overall for these GPUs
- 02Intel CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 TiThe best Intel CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti
If you don’t have time to read the full article, we have selected the Ryzen 5 5600X as the best CPU for the GTX 1660 and 1660 Ti. It’s unparalleled performance and efficiency on a very affordable platform secures it as the best choice CPU for this 1080p machine.
What is the best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti in 2024
The best CPU for the GTX 1660 should be one that doesn’t break the bank and doesn’t outperform it so much as to cause a GPU bottleneck. So, what exactly is worth it for these older GPUs in this day and age? Well, see below for all the details.
The best CPU overall for GTX 1660 – Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
Core (Threads)
6/12
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
- Set to out-perform the 10600K
- Great value for money
- Unlocked overclocking
- Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
- Requires CPU cooler
The best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti has to be the Ryzen 5 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the most efficient CPUs available. Its respectable 6-Core and 12-Thread configurations ensure that it’s up for a bit of workstation processing as well as 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. And a 4.6GHz boost speed is nothing to bat an eyelid at. The speed can also be increased with manual overclocking.
The 5600X is incredibly efficient. the low TDP of 65W means that the 5600X is pretty easy to keep cool, and it won’t run up your energy bill every time you boot up your PC. Which is nice.
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. AMD promised to keep AM4 in the running after the release of AM5 for a few years. So there should still be BIOS updates rolling out to keep your system up to date.
The best Intel CPU for GTX 1660 – Core i5-11600K
Intel Core i5 11600K Rocket Lake CPU
Clock speed (boost)
4.9GHz
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
Socket
LGA 1200
- A solid performer
- Decent value for money
- Runs hot & power hungry
The Intel Core i5 11600K is a good choice for pairing with the GTX 1660 & Ti. Despite its slightly higher energy usage and thermal output compared to its Ryzen counterparts, its performance is comparable. This means that it can handle the demands of the GTX 1660 and provide an excellent gaming experience. Additionally, the Core i5 11600K is compatible with the GTX 1660 and other modern GPUs, making it an ideal choice for building a system around these components.
If you have a brand preference for Intel processors, the Core i5 11600K is a solid option. Intel processors are often known for their reliability and high-quality performance. Furthermore, if you can find the Core i5 11600K at a good price, it can be a great value for the performance it offers. While it might not have as much overclocking potential as some other CPUs, it still has some capabilities in this area, which can be useful for getting the most out of your system.
Availability is another factor to consider. Depending on the market and availability, it could be easier to find the Core i5 11600K compared to other CPUs, making it a practical choice. Finally, while it does use more energy and has higher thermal output than some other CPUs, this might not be a significant concern for many users, especially if you have a good cooling solution in place. Overall, the Core i5 11600K is a strong CPU choice for a system with a GTX 1660, offering solid performance, compatibility, and value, especially if you prefer Intel processors.
The best high-end CPU for GTX 1660 – Ryzen 9 5900X
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Speed
3.7GHz/ 4.8GHz
Core (Threads)
12/24
Socket
AM4
TDP
105W
- Powerful single core & multi core performance
- Overclockable
- Uses AM4 socket
- Not cheap at full price
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is one of the best options for a more high-end CPU to pair with the GTX 1660. While it might not offer the same cost-effectiveness as the top pick, it remains more budget-friendly compared to the later Ryzen 6000 series, 7000 series, or 13th-generation CPUs, which might be overkill for a previous-generation graphics card like the GTX 1660.
The Ryzen 9 5900X is well-regarded for its significant power and exceptional multi-core performance. Although its single-core performance doesn’t quite match that of the highest-end variant in Intel’s lineup of the same generation, it still delivers impressive overall performance. This makes it an excellent choice for a system with a GTX 1660, especially if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile CPU that can handle a variety of tasks, including gaming, content creation, and productivity.
FAQs
Why do we want to avoid a bottleneck?
For a computer to function well, the CPU and GPU must be balanced and compatible. When they work together, the computer runs efficiently and effectively. However, if one component is too strong for the other, it can slow down the system and waste resources. This reduces performance and means you’re not getting the most out of their investment. To prevent this, it’s important to choose a CPU and GPU that are compatible and can reach their full potential. This way you can be sure they are getting the best value for your money.
Think of a CPU working at 50% to keep up with a GPU working at 100%. That CPU is being crippled by 50% because the CPU is maxed out at 100%. This is a very crude explanation, but you get the picture.
What is the best budget CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti?
The Ryzen 5 5600X is the best CPU for the job here in our opinion. The 5600X is cheap and efficient and it offers a good amount of future-proofing – this little CPU can carry you all the way to the 30 series. You can opt for a lower model of Ryzen CPU, but doing so would sacrifice an element of future-proofing.
Final Word
The Ryzen 5 5600X is one heck of a CPU, it’s certainly the best CPU for GTX 1660 & 1660 Ti. no matter what you choose, as long as you don’t venture lower than a 2600X, or a 10600K. you’re in good hands. You ideally want to keep your CPU as future-proof as possible, to save you a hassle later down the line. But with that being said, you don’t want to waste your money and cause bottlenecks. Any CPU on this list today will make a perfect pairing with the GTX 1660 and 1660 Ti.
