MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT Gaming X
Pros
Smaller in size than some optioons
Cheaper yet still powerful
Cons
More basic design
What GPU bottlenecks the Intel i5-13600K?
How well can you match up your components, with the knowledge of bottlenecking
Updated: Feb 9, 2023 11:42 am
Share this article...
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
- 01
ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 TI ROG Strix Gaming OC
- 02
ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 6700 XT OC
The Core i5 13600K is pointing directly at AMD’s similarly equipped Ryzen 5 5600X, and there is a battle of benchmarks that, across all standards, is a more evenly matched competition. But what GPU bottlenecks the Intel i5-13600K?
The 13600K is a Raptor Lake CPU in the 1700 socket. With 14 cores and 20 threads, it is a lower mid-range CPU. It is also clocked at 3.5 GHz with a boost up to 5.1 GHz and has a 1125W TDP.
So what kind of graphics card do you need to match up with it to get the most out of it?
What GPU bottlenecks the Intel i5-13600K?
When it comes to bottlenecking a CPU, it’s when a GPU holds back the potential of the processor. So matching up the right level of performance between the components is vital.
EVGA NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB FTW3 ULTRA GAMING
Pros
Fantastic build quality
EVGA iCX3 Cooling
Adjustable ARGB LED
Cons
Design can be a little basic for some
So when it comes to a mid-range i5-13600k you want a similarly mid to top-range GPU. And as such when looking at the pairings, the RTX 3060 Ti bottlenecks the Intel i5-13600k. Whilst the RX 6700 XT from Radeon will also cause the same issues at the same level.
So that means that the cards are too weak for the newer CPU. And means that the cards fully performing will mean the CPU can’t quite reach a higher potential and will sit back more idle.
This means all other lower cards in terms of ranking are also not enough for what the processor has to offer. And this works in the other direction as well. With the CPU holding back some GPU potential.
So looking at the top end of the selection, the i5-13600k will bottleneck the RX 7900 XTX or RTX 4090. As for lower-end resolutions, the processor will be doing more of the work without the GPU being able to reach its full potential.
So if you’re looking for the right pairing, check out the best GPU for i5-13600k.
ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC
Pros
Great cooling solution that improves thermals and fan curves over reference
Improved power management from an experienced brand
High quality build and overclocked for top tier performance
Cons
A slightly more expensive option for its better performance and quality
MSI Gaming X Trio RTX 4090
Pros
Updated cooling to adapt to the higher power rating
Comes with a GPU support to help with the heavier build and prevent bending
Strong design with a light feature
Cons
A bit more of a dated design
