Best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti in 2024 – our top Intel & Ryzen picks
Need a CPU to pair with the 3070 Ti? Look no further.
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Looking for the best CPU for RTX 3070Ti? Look no further. The RTX 3070 Ti stands as a best GPU pick, slightly edging out its younger sibling, the RTX 3070. Designed with a focus on delivering stellar performance at 1440p resolution, it would be underutilized for anything less demanding. Surprisingly, the 3070 Ti can even hold its own in 4K gaming, though with some limitations on performance. Given these considerations, the question arises: What is the optimal CPU pairing for the RTX 3070 Ti?
As with any piece of hardware, the 3070 Ti needs a PC full of components that are compatible with it, and we mean more than just “Will X CPU work with X GPU” We’re talking about bottlenecking and the efficiency of an entire system. We here at WePC have the knowledge and expertise to guide you and we update this page when relevant as better options arrive.
- 01Best of the best
If you don’t have the time to spare, We recommend the Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X as the best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti picks which are more than capable of supporting the RTX in its frame-pushing endeavors.
What is the best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti in 2024
The RTX 3070 Ti is one of the most efficient GPUs manufactured by Nvidia. Not quite on the level of the newer 40-series, but excellent in its generation. It has a fantastic price-to-performance ratio, especially compared to the price of the 40-series GPUs. So we need a CPU that fits this GPU well. The best CPU will be one that is efficient, with enough power to competently support the RTX 3070 Ti in whatever it may be doing, whether that’s gaming or workstation workloads.
Best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti – Intel Core i9-13900K
Intel Core i9-13900K
Cores
24
Threads
32
Base speed
P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz
Cache
36MB
TDP
125 W / 253 W boost.
- Rapid 5.8 GHz boost clock speed
- 24 cores, 32 threads is perfect for mutlitasking
- Fits latest LGA 1700 socket
- Expensive option
We think that the best CPU for the 3070 Ti has to be the Core i9-13900K. It’s certainly one of the best CPUs for the job when it comes to the 3070 Ti, despite being a generation old. Intel’s 14th gen is now here, but it doesn’t offer the performance boosts to impress, and it’s not on a new socket. However, their introduction does reduce the cost of the 13th gen – or the just as impressive 12th gen if you want to save big (the 12900K would be our next-in-line).
The 13900K’s 24 Cores and 32 Threads will be able to hammer through any kind of workload you can imagine, whether that be gaming or a workstation load. This CPU can do it all. As you can see, the 13900K’s core boost speed well exceeds 5GHz, all the way up to 5.8GHz. This was an unheard-of speed at the time of release. And as we all know, CPU core speed directly correlates with gaming performance. The 13900K seems like it was made to support the 3070 Ti, and then some.
The 13900K practically does not bottleneck the 3070 Ti at all in 1440p, our test showed less than 1% CPU bottleneck. The 13900K can still be a little pricy unless you find one on a deal. But since you’re aiming for the high-end 30-series GPUs, we’re going to assume money is of the little object. But if it is, we do have another recommendation for you.
Best AM4 CPU for RTX 3070 Ti – AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Speed
3.8GHz/ 4.7GHz
Core (Threads)
8/16
Socket
AM4
TDP
105W
- Excellent choice for gaming
- Good value for money
- Fast 4.7GHz boost clock speed
- Good multitasking performance
- Less cores than the 13900K
For the budget option, or at least the best-value option, we have the Ryzen 7 5800X. The 5800X’s big core counts and high boost speeds put this CPU in the running for the best budget CPU for the 3070 Ti. Its 8 Cores and 16 Threads have not let it down before, holding AMD’s efficiency crown, the 5800X can be picked up for less than the 13900k, or even 12900K. However, the 5800X carries a 5% bottleneck at 1440p. Not much to cry about though, since some kind of bottleneck is natural in small amounts.
AMD’s Ryzen line-up has been going for several years now, and it has been a fantastic option for those of you focusing on gaming performance. The price to performance is hard to beat if gaming is your main focus. It falls behind our top Intel choice in terms of multitasking due to a lower number of cores and threads. Overall though, a fantastic choice to pair with your 3070 Ti.
Best AM5 CPU for RTX 3070 Ti – AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
Cores
12
Threads
24
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.6GHz
Cache
L3 64MB
Socket
AM5
- High-end performance
- 12 cores, 24 threads is fantastic for multitasking
- Top-tier option for gaming
- Quite pricey
Moving on to another high-end option here. The older sibling to the 5800X, plus a generation newer – it’s the AMD Ryzen 7900X, a near-flagship processor. This rivals the 13900K, though it falls just behind with a slightly lower boost clock speed and fewer threads to work with. Like always though, this is a solid choice for gaming which is hard to beat.
Now that these Ryzen 7000 series CPUs have been on the market for a while now, you could opt for a 5000-series CPU like the 5900X since they enjoy plenty of price cuts. What you would be missing on there though is the newer AM5 platform, which allows for an upgrade to DDR5 RAM – so that’s why we recommend this future-proof option. With up to 5.6GHz clock speeds and 12 cores, this processor is a hard-to-beat option from AMD and has no problem handling the power of the RTX 3070 Ti whatsoever.
Things to consider when shopping for the best CPU for the RTX 3080 Ti
Choosing the right CPU to pair with the powerful RTX 3080 Ti is crucial to ensure optimal performance and avoid bottlenecks. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for the best CPU for your RTX 3080 Ti:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the CPU is compatible with your motherboard. Check the socket type and chipset to guarantee a seamless integration.
- Performance: The RTX 3080 Ti is a high-end graphics card, so you’ll want a CPU that can keep up. Look for a processor that offers strong single-core performance and is capable of handling multi-threaded applications efficiently.
- Core Count and Threads: Consider a CPU with a sufficient number of cores and threads. While many games primarily rely on single-core performance, an increasing number of modern applications and games can take advantage of multiple cores. A CPU with at least 8 cores and 16 threads is recommended for a balanced performance.
- Clock Speed: Pay attention to the clock speed, especially for gaming purposes. A higher clock speed can boost single-threaded performance, which is important for gaming applications.
- Brand and Model: Popular choices for gaming CPUs include Intel Core i7 and i9 series or AMD Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 series. Evaluate the specific models within these series to find the one that best fits your requirements and budget.
- Overclocking Capability: If you’re interested in overclocking, ensure that the CPU and motherboard support it. Overclocking can provide an extra performance boost, but it also requires adequate cooling and a stable power supply.
- Cooling Requirements: High-performance CPUs, especially when overclocked, generate more heat. Consider the cooling solution you’ll use to ensure proper temperature management. Some CPUs come with stock coolers, but aftermarket coolers may be necessary for more efficient cooling.
- PCIe 4.0 Support: The RTX 3080 Ti supports PCIe 4.0 for faster data transfer. While not strictly necessary, choosing a CPU and motherboard that also support PCIe 4.0 can help future-proof your system.
- Budget: Set a budget for your CPU. High-end CPUs can be expensive, so finding the right balance between performance and cost is essential. Consider your overall system budget, including other components like RAM, storage, and peripherals.
- Future-Proofing: Anticipate future advancements in software and games. While it’s challenging to future-proof entirely, choosing a CPU with a good balance of performance and features can help extend the lifespan of your system.
What is a CPU bottleneck?
A CPU bottleneck in a PC occurs when the processing power of the CPU is not sufficient to keep up with the demands of the other components, such as the graphics card or memory. This can cause a slowdown in overall performance and lead to lag or stuttering in games and other applications. So as you can see it’s less than ideal, and imperative we match the right CPU and GPU together.
Best CPU for RTX 3070 Ti FAQs
Is Intel or AMD CPU best for the RTX 3070 Ti?
In relation to the RTX 3070 Ti, there is no real benefit of choosing one over the other. We have chosen the Intel Core i9-13900K as our top pick due to its specs, performance, and minimal bottlenecking – but you’ll have just as good of a time with something like the Ryzen 9 7900X.
The think you want to pay attention here is whether you have an Intel or AMD compatible motherboard, taking into account the platform / socket.
Is Intel i9 overkill for RTX 3070 Ti?
This depends on your use; the RTX 3070 Ti is a powerful card in its own right. While it would work well with more mid-range CPU options, something high-end like an i9 or Ryzen 9 is a great choice if you’ll be using your PC for CPU-intensive work regularly. If it’s just for gaming, a more mid-range CPU is suitable match for the 3070 Ti.
Final word
No matter what you choose here. You’ll be in good hands. Whether that be the 12900K, 5900X, or the 5800X. All three CPUs will support the 3070 Ti wonderfully, it’s just a matter of compatibility for your build and what kind of processing power you need. If it’s solely for gaming, Ryzen is always a popular choice – but the Intel choice’s massive 16 cores make it a beast for multitasking and daily workflows.
If you’re focusing on gaming solely, then sticking with something a little more lightweight like the 5600X or 12600K are good options if you don’t need that extra processing power. You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to pick the best CPU for the RTX 3070 Ti, you can also apply this knowledge when selecting any CPU for any GPU. So you should be covered no matter the hardware.
