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Best CPU for GTX 1660 Super in 2024 – 1660 Super best CPU

Best CPU for GTX 1660 super? Let's find out.

Updated: Feb 15, 2024 8:58 am
Best CPU for GTX 1660 Super in 2024 – 1660 Super best CPU

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Are you looking for the best CPU for the GTX 1660 Super? You’re in the right place. We here at WePC have tested hundreds of CPU and GPU combinations, giving us the knowledge and expertise needed to guide you through the best CPU for GTX 1660 Super. The GTX 1660 Super is predominantly designed for 1080p rather than 4K high FPS gaming, but it can squeeze in some 1440p gaming at lower frame rates, with lower settings. This GPU is truly a middle-ground budget beast. But what’s the best CPU for GTX 1660 Super? We find out.

All GPUs, no matter how powerful they are, need a great CPU behind them pushing data. Without CPUs, your GPU would be a very expensive paperweight. because of this, it’s so important that we find the best and most efficient CPU and GPU pairing, one that causes the least bottleneck. We Think we have just the CPU. We like to keep this article up to date, so we have taken into account all the latest hardware, including Intel’s 14th generation, however, we believe that thanks to its lackluster performance improvements and high price, it’s not the best fit for the 1660 Super.

If you don’t have the time to read our explanations on how CPUs and GPUs work and what’s best to pair with what, we have selected the Ryzen 5 5600X as the best CPU for the GTX 1660. It’s not the fastest CPU in the world, but it is a fantastic budget option, much like the GTX 1660 Super.

Best CPU for GTX 1660 Super – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Excellent

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 1

Speed

3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz

Core (Threads)

6/12

Socket

AM4

TDP

65W

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 Ryzen 5 5600X is the best CPU choice for pairing with a GTX 1660 Super graphics card due to its exceptional price-to-performance ratio and several features that complement the GTX 1660 Super’s capabilities.

First and foremost, the Ryzen 5 5600X offers an outstanding balance between price and performance. Its 6-core and 12-thread configuration ensures that it can handle a wide range of tasks, including gaming and even light workstation workloads. This makes it an ideal match for the GTX 1660 Super, which is known for its excellent price-to-performance ratio.

The CPU’s core speed of 4.6GHz is crucial for gaming performance. In gaming, a CPU’s proficiency is often associated with its core boost speed, and the 5600X’s 4.6GHz boost speed is well-matched to the GTX 1660 Super. This means that the CPU can efficiently process game data and instructions, maximizing the graphics card’s potential.

Additionally, the Ryzen 5 5600X stands out for its energy efficiency. With a TDP of 65W, it consumes significantly less power compared to some other high-performance CPUs. This is advantageous for users who are concerned about power consumption and environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for “green” gaming.

One key advantage of the 5600X is its compatibility and future-proofing. It remains on the AM4 socket, which is widely supported, offering a wide range of compatible components. AMD has also promised continued support for the AM4 socket, even now, after the release of AM5. This means that you won’t have to worry about upgrading your motherboard when you decide to make future hardware upgrades, saving you money and ensuring long-term compatibility.

Runner-up CPU for GTX 1660 super – Intel Core i5-12600KF

Intel Core i5-12600KF

12600F

Boost clock speed (single core)

4.9 GHz

Total Cores / Threads

10/16

P-cores

6

E-cores

4

Socket

LGA 1700

Overclockable

Yes

Pros
  • Powerful single core performance
  • Amazing multi core performance
  • Overclockable
Cons
  • No in box cooler
  • Still more power-hungry than Ryzen

The Intel Core i5-12600K is a strong runner-up CPU choice for the GTX 1660 due to its impressive performance and price competitiveness, making it a compelling option for gamers looking for an alternative to the Ryzen 5 5600X.

While the 12600K offers more cores, threads, and a higher boost speed than the Ryzen 5 5600X, it’s essential to consider the overall performance and versatility of a CPU. The Ryzen 5 5600X, with its 6-core and 12-thread configuration, emerges as a better all-rounder CPU due to its balance between single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks. However, the 12600K does not fall far behind in gaming performance and holds its own.

One key advantage of the Intel Core i5-12600K is its affordability. It provides impressive gaming performance while being priced more competitively than some of its counterparts, making it an appealing option for gamers on a budget.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-12600K serves as a strong runner-up CPU choice for the GTX 1660 due to its notable gaming performance and cost-effectiveness. While the Ryzen 5 5600X remains the better all-rounder, the 12600K offers a competitive gaming experience, making it a compelling option for gamers who want strong performance without breaking the bank.

A powerful choice CPU for GTX 1660 Super – Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel Core i9 12900K

Boost clock speed (single core)

5.3 GHz

Total Cores / Threads

16/24

P-cores

8

E-cores

8

Socket

LGA 1700

Overclockable

Yes

Pros
  • Powerful single core performance
  • Powerful multi-core performance
  • Overclockable
Cons
  • Expensive

The Intel Core i9-12900K is undoubtedly a powerful CPU, offering significant performance gains in gaming and multi-core tasks. However, when paired with a GTX 1660, it can be considered overpowered for several reasons.

First and foremost, the GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card that provides excellent performance for 1080p gaming, but it’s not at the same performance level as high-end GPUs. In contrast, the Core i9-12900K is a high-end CPU designed for gamers and professionals who require top-tier performance. This significant power disparity can create a performance bottleneck, meaning the CPU’s capabilities won’t be fully utilized by the GTX 1660.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider cost efficiency when building a gaming PC. Pairing a high-end CPU like the i9-12900K with a mid-range graphics card may not be a cost-effective decision. You might be spending significantly more on your CPU than necessary, especially considering that the GPU may limit the system’s overall gaming performance.

Future-proofing is another critical consideration. Graphics cards tend to be the primary driver of gaming performance, and if you plan to upgrade your GPU in the future, the CPU might not be optimally matched with the new, more powerful GPU. This can result in an imbalanced system.

Additionally, while the Intel Core i9-12900K is known for its overclocking capabilities, the GTX 1660 is not a GPU that can fully take advantage of the CPU’s overclocking potential. Overclocking is more beneficial when paired with high-end graphics cards that can push the CPU to its limits. But if you do want a powerful CPU to keep you from having to upgrade for a few years, the 12900K isn’t too much of a ridiculous choice.

Things to consider when looking for the best CPU for the GTX 1660 Super

When looking for the best CPU to pair with a GTX 1660 Super graphics card, you should consider several factors to ensure a balanced and efficient gaming setup. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

  • Compatibility: Ensure that the CPU you choose is compatible with your motherboard. Check the motherboard’s socket type and chipset to match it with the CPU.
  • Bottlenecking: You want to avoid CPU bottlenecking, where the CPU can’t keep up with the graphics card’s performance. For a GTX 1660 Super, a mid-range to high-end CPU is typically a good choice.
  • Performance: Look for a CPU that offers strong gaming performance. Pay attention to both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance, as modern games utilize multiple cores.
  • Core Count: While a quad-core CPU can work well, consider getting a CPU with at least six cores to ensure better performance in modern games. Games are increasingly optimized for multi-core CPUs.
  • Clock Speed: A higher clock speed can improve single-threaded performance, which is important for gaming. Look for CPUs with a high base and boost clock speed.
  • Cooling: Ensure that your CPU cooler can handle the thermal requirements of the CPU. Some high-performance CPUs may need more robust cooling solutions.
  • Overclocking: If you plan to overclock, get a CPU that is unlocked (e.g., Intel K-series or AMD Black Edition) and a motherboard that supports overclocking.
  • Budget: Stay within your budget. There’s no need to buy an extremely high-end CPU if your main focus is gaming, as the GTX 1660 Super is a mid-range graphics card. Allocate your budget accordingly.

FAQs

Why is preventing a CPU/GPU bottleneck so important?

For optimal efficiency, a CPU and GPU must work well together. A bottleneck occurs when one component is too powerful for the other, leading to wasted resources and reduced performance. It is important to match the CPU and GPU to ensure they reach their maximum potential and provide the best value for your money.

Is the GTX 1660 super a good GPU?

The GTX 1660 Super is considered good due to its performance and affordability. It offers good performance for 1080p gaming and is capable of playing most modern games in high settings.

Its price is also relatively low compared to other high-end graphics cards, making it a good value for budget-conscious gamers. Especially since it’s been out for a long time now, discounts can be found all the time.

Final word

When it comes to choosing the best CPU for a GTX 1660 Super, the Ryzen 5 5600X stands out as the top pick. Its exceptional price-to-performance ratio and a well-rounded set of features make it a perfect match for the GTX 1660 Super. With its 6-core and 12-thread configuration, a core speed of 4.6GHz, and impressive energy efficiency, the 5600X ensures efficient gaming and multitasking while remaining budget-friendly. Its compatibility with the widely supported AM4 socket and the promise of continued support by AMD provide long-term reliability.

For those seeking an alternative, the Intel Core i5-12600K offers competitive gaming performance and cost-effectiveness, making it a strong runner-up choice. While it has more cores, threads, and a higher boost speed, it might not match the 5600X’s overall versatility. Its affordability and competitive gaming performance make it appealing, especially for budget-conscious gamers.

While the high-end Intel Core i9-12900K is undoubtedly a powerful CPU, it can be considered overpowered for the GTX 1660 Super due to a significant power disparity. The GTX 1660 Super is a mid-range graphics card, and pairing it with a high-end CPU may not be cost-effective. Additionally, future-proofing and overclocking potential are not fully utilized in this combination. However, if you seek a powerful CPU for long-term use, the 12900K can be a consideration.

Ultimately, the best CPU for a GTX 1660 Super will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences, but the Ryzen 5 5600X offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability for most gamers.


Jack is a Tech and News Writer who has a vast and proficient knowledge of CPUs, Motherboards, and Computer technology.

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