Best CPUs for RTX 3060 in 2025 – Our top picks
Find out some of the top CPUs to pair with the RTX 3060
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The RTX 3060 was released back in 2021, meaning this entry-level card from NVIDIA’s 30 series has been around for three years now. While it might have been overshadowed by its successor in the RTX 40 series, the RTX 4060, this card still packs a lot of power even in 2025. It remains an excellent choice for anyone on a budget looking for a powerful GPU that delivers impressive 1080p and 1440p performance. With 12GB of VRAM, this card is equipped to handle the increasing demands of modern AAA titles until you’re ready to upgrade to something more powerful.
Building a great gaming rig is all about selecting the right components, and with the RTX 3060, you’ll want a CPU that complements the power of this GPU without causing performance bottlenecks. With so many options to choose from and countless reviews to sift through, picking the right CPU can feel overwhelming. Some gamers look for a CPU that perfectly matches this GPU, while others want something more budget-friendly that still delivers solid performance.
To help with this decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best CPUs for the RTX 3060 to ensure you get the most out of your GPU. Since everyone has different preferences and requirements, this list offers something for everyone—whether you’re looking for the best overall CPU, a budget option, or a pick from the Blue Team. By the end of this guide, you should have a clear idea of which CPU is the perfect fit for your gaming rig.
Products at a Glance
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Best Overall CPU for the RTX 3060AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.8GHz
- Core (Threads): 12/24
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 105W
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Best Intel CPU for RTX 3060
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Core configuration: 14
- Threads: 20
- Base core speed: 3.5 GHz (P-core) / 2.6 GHz (E-core)
- Boost core speed: 5.1 GHz (P-core) / 3.9 GHz (E-core)
- DDR5 support: 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 125 W / 181 W
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Best Budget CPU for RTX 3060
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
- Core (Threads): 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
How we selected the best CPUs for the RTX 3060
Since the CPU and GPU are two of the most important components of a good gaming PC, it makes sense to spend some time ensuring they work well together. For this GPU, there are plenty of options to choose from, but going for something like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D wouldn’t be ideal. While that CPU is exceptionally powerful, it won’t balance well with the capabilities of the RTX 3060, leading to FPS drops and inefficiencies in GPU utilization.
That’s exactly why we put in the effort to carefully select the best CPUs for this powerful graphics card. We conducted extensive in-house testing for each of our picks to provide a detailed insight into their real-world and synthetic performance. In addition to performance testing, we thoroughly examined the specifications and technical details of these CPUs, along with user reviews, to get an honest perspective on how these processors perform in everyday use. If you’re interested in learning more about our testing process, check out our dedicated page on how we test CPUs.
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.8GHz
- Core (Threads): 12/24
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 105W
- Unlocked?: Yes
- PCIe Version: PCIe 4.0
- Total L2 Cache: 6MB
- Total L3 Cache: 64MB
- CMOS: TSMC 7nm FinFET
- Max Temps: 90°C
- Powerful gaming processor
- High multicore performance
- Unlocked overclocking
- Requires an aftermarket CPU cooler
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X was arguably one of the best CPUs from AMD’s 5000 series, which, for those unaware, debuted all the way back in November 2020. Despite its age, AMD has kept the AM4 platform relevant, and the 5900X still holds its own impressively in demanding AAA games and heavy creative workloads. With 12 cores, 24 threads, and a total L3 cache of 64MB, the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers excellent performance for a variety of use cases. It features a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and a maximum boost clock of 4.8GHz, offering a solid gaming experience even today.
In our tests—if you’d like a detailed breakdown, check out our full review of the Ryzen 9 5900X—the CPU impressed in both synthetic and gaming benchmarks. In Cinebench, it achieved a single-core score of 1,523 and a multi-core score of 20,479. For comparison, Intel’s i7-12700F scored 20,525 in the multi-core test. This is commendable, especially considering that when this processor launched, Intel’s 12th-generation CPUs were technically a generation ahead of AMD’s 5000 series. Pretty neat, right?
The Ryzen 9 5900X has pretty much dominated the CPU market, being the go-to CPU for the most value in both single and multi-core performance.
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As for gaming benchmarks, the results were equally impressive, delivering solid frame rates across several titles like Far Cry 6, Starfield, and CS2. In Far Cry 6, the Ryzen 9 5900X averaged 147 FPS on low settings. On Starfield, it performed even better with an average of 154 FPS. For competitive gamers, in CS2, the CPU peaked at a staggering 383 FPS, showcasing its strong performance.
While these numbers may vary slightly depending on your build, they provide a solid benchmark for what to expect. Overall, the Ryzen 9 5900X remains an excellent CPU and one of the best-value processors you can currently find at $275. It pairs exceptionally well with the RTX 3060, making it our pick for the best Overall CPU for it. Together, they deliver a balanced performance, ensuring a powerful combination for all your favorite AAA titles.
What users say
Since this CPU has so much to offer, it’s no surprise that it has received an overwhelmingly positive response on popular retailers like Amazon. The Ryzen 9 5900X boasts a stellar 4.7-star rating, backed by over 12,000 reviews, with an impressive 3,000 units sold in just the past month. Reviews are filled with praise, with one standout reviewer simply saying, “Wow!”, a testament to how its performance has left buyers speechless.
Make sure to pick a CPU cooler
If you are going for the Ryzen 9 5900X, make sure to invest in an aftermarket cooler as the processor doesn’t come with its own CPU cooler. While you don’t need a top-of-the-range cooler to handle 105W, it’s a good idea to get a decent aftermarket cooler, especially if you plan on overclocking the CPU. To help you choose the right one, check out our guide for the best CPU coolers for the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.
- Cores: 14
- Threads: 20
- Base speed: P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
- Boost speed: P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
- Cache: 20MB
- TDP: 125 W / 181 W boost.
- High core count
- Offers high base and boost speeds for an entry level GPU
- Backwards compatible with 12th gen motherboards
- Slightly overkill for the RTX 3060
- TDP can go up to 181W when overclocking
For those seeking a processor from the Blue team to pair with their RTX 3060, the Core i5-13600K is a strong contender. While it might be slightly overkill for thisGPU, it complements the GPU’s power effectively, offering impressive gaming performance. When compared to AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X, this processor shines with excellent single and multi-core performance, making it suitable for diverse use cases.
Specification-wise, the i5-13600K comes with 14 cores (6 Performance cores and 8 Efficiency cores) and 20 threads. Though it sits at the lower end of Intel’s 13th-generation lineup, this doesn’t reflect its capability. The processor boasts a Max Turbo Frequency of 5.1 GHz, making it powerful enough for demanding games and professional workloads. While the Default TDP is 125 W, it can reach up to 181 W under heavy load when frequencies are pushed.
The 13600K is perfect for average gamers looking to upgrade their CPU, and it has a full 20 threads to back it up when you want to do some multi-core-based workloads.
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In benchmarks, the i5-13600K performed admirably. In our tests, it achieved scores of 830 (Single-core) and 9,846 (Multi-core) in CPU-Z. For gaming benchmarks, it delivered 179 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, 162 FPS in Elden Ring, and over 500 FPS in competitive titles like CSGO. Compared to the Ryzen 9 7900X, the 13600K often outperformed by an average of 5 FPS in gaming benchmarks.
Overall, the Core i5-13600K stands out as a solid CPU with robust single and multi-core performance. We awarded it the title of best Intel CPU for this card because of its excellent pairing with the GPU, capable of handling anything you throw at it. While it may be slightly overkill compared to budget options like the i5-12400F, it’s a great choice for those willing to spend a bit more to extract maximum performance from their system. At the time of writing this, you can currently snag the 13600K at a massive 36% discount, dropping the price to just $211.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, the Core i5-13600K is widely praised as a fantastic CPU for gaming. Customers appreciate its quality and the excellent value for performance it offers. It boasts a solid 4.7-star rating, with an impressive 89% of reviews being 5 stars. One review highlights its appeal, stating, “Outstanding Performance for the Price.”
Why we didn’t go with the Core Ultra 5 245K but you can
Another option to pair with the RTX 3060 from the Blue team is the Core Ultra 5 245K. While it didn’t receive a positive reception, it is still great for productivity enthusiasts and even slightly outperforms the 13600K in certain areas. So why didn’t we include it? The RTX 3060 is an entry-level card, and pairing it with a 15th-gen processor would push your budget way past the limit. You’d need a new motherboard, DDR5 RAM, and several other upgrades, making it a less ideal choice for those on a budget.
A common question that arises is whether this would make your system future-proof. The answer is yes, but spending so much on a single component isn’t necessary. If you have that much extra to spend, it might be better to invest more into the GPU for better gaming performance, as a powerful GPU is key to achieving higher frame rates. While the Core Ultra 5 245K is a solid processor with great single- and multi-core performance, pairing it with this graphics card may not be the best choice. Opting for a previous-gen processor will cost you less and offer a better match, leaving room for future upgrades when it’s time to consider a more powerful GPU.
- Speed: 3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz
- Core (Threads): 6/12
- Socket: AM4
- TDP: 65W
- Unlocked?: Yes
- PCIe Version: PCIe 4.0
- Total L2 Cache: 3MB
- Total L3 Cache: 32MB
- CMOS: TSMC 7nm FinFET
- Max Temps: 95°C
- Great value for money
- Works exceptionally well with the RTX 3060
- Unlocked overclocking
- Doesn’t have an iGPU
AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X is still considered one of the best budget CPUs in the gaming market. Despite being an entry-level processor, it provides excellent gaming performance and is a solid choice for creative workloads as well. Pair that with a GPU like the RTX 3060, and you have got yourself a solid combo that will handle all your favorite AAA titles at 1080p and even 1440p with solid frame rates.
In terms of specifications, the Ryzen 5 5600X comes with 6 cores, 12 threads, a base clock speed of 3.7GHz, and a boost clock speed of 4.6GHz, which makes this processor capable of running most games with ease. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of high-end processors like an iGPU or 3D V-Cache, the former isn’t an issue since we are already pairing it with a dedicated graphics card, and expecting the latter at a price well under $150 isn’t realistic.
The Ryzen 5 5600X is still a beast, forged with the budget gamer in mind.
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This processor isn’t just powerful on paper. In our review of the Ryzen 5 5600X, it proved itself by achieving strong scores across synthetic workloads. For gaming, we tested it on demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, where it managed to surprise us with an average of 147 FPS. These numbers can be further boosted, thanks to the processor’s support for DirectX 12 Ultimate technology, which enables next-generation visuals.
Overall, the 5600X offers great value for money and is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful yet budget-friendly CPU to pair with the RTX 3060. We named it the Best Budget CPU because it helps you stay within your set budget, even when factoring in the cost of your motherboard, RAM, fancy casing, and other components, keeping you under the $1000 mark.
What users say
Over at Amazon, the Ryzen 5 5600X has users raving about its price-to-performance ratio. The sheer number of ratings and reviews is impressive, boasting a solid 4.8-star rating, over 26,000 reviews, and more than 10,000 units sold in just the past month. It’s safe to say that anyone purchasing this CPU is incredibly satisfied with what it brings to the table.
Things to consider
When looking for the best CPU to pair with your RTX 3060, there are several key aspects to consider, just like when selecting the perfect components for any build. From the power of your GPU to the resolution you want to game at and your set budget, here are some things to keep in mind.
The capabilities of the GPU
You want to make sure that your RTX 3060 is capable of handling the CPU you plan to pair it with. This is where bottlenecking comes into play—if there is an imbalance between the GPU and CPU, you won’t fully utilize your components, leading to FPS drops and performance issues. If you haven’t purchased the it yet, we recommend checking out our Best RTX 3060 GPU guide to help you pick one that offers the maximum performance.
What resolution are you planning to play at?
Another important factor is the resolution you plan to game at, whether it’s 1080p, 1440p, or 4K. The RTX 3060 is better suited for 1080p or 1440p gaming, and you need a CPU that complements its capabilities. At 1080p or 1440p, go for a powerful CPU that, when paired with it, can easily handle demanding titles at your preferred resolution.
The budget
One of the most important factors is staying within your budget. While you want a CPU that offers great performance, you also don’t want to spend too much. Find a CPU that balances well with your card, giving you a great gaming experience without performance drops. Set a budget to limit your options and choose the one that best fits your needs and requirements.
Final Word
Now that you have all the information you need about the best CPUs, the final step is making your decision. Remember, while the RTX 3060 is a fairly old GPU, pairing it with a powerful CPU that complements its performance will ensure an enjoyable gaming experience. Be sure to thoroughly review your needs, requirements, and especially your budget to find a CPU that not only works well with your graphics card but also keeps your finances in check. And remember, this list has something for everyone, so choose a powerful CPU and enjoy more FPS and a solid gaming experience from your rig!
