Best CPU For GTX 1070 2024: Top 1070 Recommended Processor

Q: What Resolution Can GTX 1070 Run?

The GTX 1070 can play games at a resolution of up to 2560x1440. However, some games will not play as smoothly on such a resolution. The most optimal performance it can reach at high resolutions is at 1920x1080.

Even right now, the GTX 1070 is still one of the top picks for gaming PCs and workstations. To go with that, you need the best CPU that will help your system unlock the GPU’s whole power. In this article, you can check the best rated recommended processors compatible with your 1070, all ranked so you can choose wisely.

In a rush? Alright, then you can trust us on this: the best CPU for GTX 1070 in 2024 is the Intel Core i7-8700K. If you are more of an AMD fan or you just have all the parts to go along with this type of processor, then the Ryzen 7 2700X will be your best pick.

Best CPU For GTX 1070: Quick Comparison


BEST RATED	Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor Intel UHD Graphics 630 Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets 6 Cores / 12 Threads 3.70 GHz up to 4.70 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 12 MB Cache Intel Optane Memory Supported System Ram Type: ddr4_sdram CPU Socket: LGA 1151	Check Price
RUNNER UP	AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor 8 Cores/16 Threads Unlocked Frequency: 4.3 GHz Max Boost. Base Clock 3.7GHz 20MB of Combined Cache Socket AM4 Motherboard Required, Supports Windows 10 – 64-Bit Edition RHEL x86 64-Bit Ubuntu x86 64-Bit CPU Socket: AM4	Check Price
	Intel Core i5-8600K CPU Intel UHD Graphics 630 Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets 6 Cores / 12 Threads 3.60 GHz up to 4.30 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 9 MB Cache Intel Optane Memory Supported CPU Socket: LGA 1151	Check Price
	Intel Core i5-8400 Processor Intel UHD Graphics 630 Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets 6 Cores / 12 Threads 2.80 GHz up to 4.00 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 9 MB Cache Intel Optane Memory Supported CPU Socket: LGA 1151	Check Price
	AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Desktop Processor 6 Cores/12 Threads unlocked Max Temps: 95ºC Frequency: 4.2 GHz Max Boost Includes Wraith Spire Cooler 19MB of Combined Cache PCI Express version is PCIe 3.0 x16 and CMOS 12 nm finfet CPU Socket: AM4 Base Clock: 3.6GHz	Check Price
	AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU Frequency: 3.6GHz precision boost 6 cores/12 threads unlocked Cache: 3MB/16MB (l2/l3) Socket type: Am4 Max Temps: 95°C PCI Express Version: PCIe 3.0 x16 Thermal solution: Wraith Stealth cooler; Base Clock:3.2GHz CPU Socket: AM4	Check Price

Top GTX 1070 Recommended Processor 2024: Reviews

1. Intel Core i7-8700K CPU

Best Overall & Best Cost-Benefit CPU For GTX 1070

The Intel Core i7-8700K belongs to the eighth generation of Intel Core processors, which is called Coffee Lake.

When it was released, there were very few innovations at the architectural level since it is still a rehash of Kaby Lake which in turn is a rehash of Skylake.

The Coffee Lake series is manufactured using Intel’s 14nm ++ Tri-Gate process, a very advanced manufacturing process that allows these processors to be very energy efficient and achieve very high operating frequencies.

The 6 cores and 12 threads of the Intel Core i7 8700K operate at a clock frequency of 3.7 GHz in the base mode that can go up to 4.7 GHz in turbo mode.

This is the maximum frequency reached by operating a single-core thanks to Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. But the frequencies when using several of its cores will also be very high, even without overclocking. All this with a TDP of only 95W and 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache.

If you want to keep the GTX 1070 bottleneck at a minimum, this processor is your pick. Even though there are more recent generations of Intel with similar or lower prices, the bottleneck gets higher.

Pros

Amazing for gaming
The boost clock speed of 4.7GHz
High performance with all cores

Cons

Reaches high temperatures

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2. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

Runner Up CPU For GTX 1070

The Ryzen 7 2700X processor looks exactly like its predecessors, with the “RYZEN” logo screen-printed on the IHS.

The second generation of Ryzen processors maintains the AM4 socket, being compatible with 300 series motherboards.

This becomes possible because of the same pin configuration, which is on the processor and not on the motherboard, a difference from its rival Intel.

Despite this, the X470 chipset allows better use of some of its features such as XFR 2.0 and Precision Boost 2.

The Ryzen 7 2700X is a processor with eight physical cores and sixteen processing threads thanks to SMT technology. These cores are divided into the two CCX complexes that make up the processor so that you find a 4 + 4-core configuration.

This processor has 16 MB of L3 cache, 4 MB of L2 cache, and 512 KB of L1 cache. All this with a die size of 209.78 mm2.

Thanks to TSMC’s 12 nm FinFET manufacturing process, a base frequency of 3.7 GHz and a turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz are achieved with a tight TDP of 105W.

The AMD Ryzen 7 2700X positions itself as AMD’s flagship for multitasking processor. Ideal for those users who need a gaming device and additionally get the most out of it with design or rendering applications.

Pros

A good number of cores for a great price
Very high clock capacity
Compatible with old X370 motherboards

Cons

Overclocking isn’t impressive

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3. Intel Core i5-8600K

Low Bottleneck i5 CPU For GTX 1070

The Intel Core i5-8600K runs at a clock speed of 3.6 GHz in base mode, but this frequency can go up to 4.3 GHz in turbo mode to improve performance.

These high frequencies do not prevent its TDP from remaining at 95W, something that is possible thanks to Intel’s advanced 14nm ++ Tri-Gate manufacturing process.

The features of the Core i5 8600K are completed with 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache that provides great performance in all types of applications.

This processor finds a stable maximum frequency of 4,700 MHz in all its cores with a voltage close to 1.28v.

The extra 600 MHz boost offers more than the desired boost in applications like Cinebench R15. You can go from 1033 cb to 1167 cb, although at no point does it reach the raw power of the i7-8700K.

The Intel Core i5-8600k is specially designed for users who want to get the most out of gaming and have higher performance in simultaneous applications.

Pros

Strong performance for all types of applications
Enormous multi-threaded gains
Unlocked multiplier

Cons

No HyperThreading

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4. Intel Core i5-8600K

Great Cost-Benefit Intel CPU For GTX 1070

Intel Coffee Lake processors are natively compatible with DDR4-2666 MHz memory and also with the Intel Optane cacheable storage unit.

The 6 cores and 6 threads of the Intel Core i5-8400 operate at a clock frequency of 2.7 GHz in base mode but can be boosted up to 4 GHz in turbo mode on a single core via Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0.

Its consumption is quite moderate and comes with a default TDP of only 65W and 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache L3.

In the case of temperatures, users usually obtain a good 24 ºC at rest and 48 ºC at maximum stock performance. Much lower than some i7 models.

The Intel Core i5-8400 has become one of the best options for a gaming setup or full-blown workstation for its price. Many users really love the ease with which it handles games and multitasking heavy software.

Pros

Solid multi-thread performance
Best price 6-core CPU in Coffee Lake series
Often surpasses previous generations, i7 models
Excellent gaming performance

Cons

No HyperThreading

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5. AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor

Alternative Cost-Benefit CPU For GTX 1070

The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X is a six-core processor under the Zen+ architecture, which has SMT technology.

With a total of twelve processing threads, this processor is a beast in applications that push your system’s load to the maximum.

The cores run at a base speed of 3.6GHz and a turbo speed of 4.2GHz, all with a TDP of just 95W, made possible by Global Foundries’ advanced 12nm FinFET manufacturing process.

The Zen+ architecture employed here offers 16MB of L3 cache.

Zen+ also offers an improved memory subsystem. AMD has managed to reduce L1 cache latency by 13%, L2 cache latency by 24%, and L3 cache latency by 16%. It may seem like it’s not a very big improvement, but latency was Zen’s main weakness, so any improvement in this regard is important.

These changes help to achieve a 3% higher CPI, although this is an average, so there are cases in which it is higher and cases in which there is no difference.

Video games can be the ones to benefit from lower latencies. Memory enhancements also include a new DDR4 controller, which is able to support DDR4-2933 memory and 3466 MHz memory thanks to AMP profiles.

Pros

Great multi-thread performance
Inexpensive alternative
Unlocked multiplier helps with overclocking

Cons

Single-threaded workload gets a bit laggy

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6. AMD Ryzen 5 1600

Best CPU GTX 1070 Budget Build

The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 presents a total of 6 cores with SMT technology, which allows each core to handle two data threads, totaling 12 threads and thus offering an extraordinary performance on tasks that require the maximum CPU performance.

The cores operate at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz that rises to a maximum of 3.6 GHz in turbo mode. It also has 16 MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 95W.

AMD has an advantage when it comes to multi-thread performance. With 12 threads, versus the eight present in Core i7 or the four present in Core i5, this difference in cores and threads shows its value in complex rendering tests and.

Pros

Energy efficiency
Includes a stock cooler
Cheap

Cons

Low speed

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Processor To Pair With GTX 1070 FAQ

Will An i5 Bottleneck A GTX 1070?

Yes, the i5, regardless of generation, is expected to bottleneck a GTX 1070 even if only a bit. Older generations will bottleneck at considerable percentages, while the most recent will bottleneck at a percentage you won’t probably notice much.
The i5-9400F is expected to produce only 2,84% of bottleneck, while an i5-7400 should produce around 17,55% of bottleneck.

Is A GTX 1070 Still Good In 2024?

Yes, it definitely is. Many game developers still develop their games with the GTX 1070 in mind, so you should expect even the newer games to run smoothly on it.
Sure enough, you won’t be able to play some titles at ultra, but you will be able to play anything at 1080p with decent frames and refresh rate.
Moreover, it is easy to get parts, including CPU, with great GTX 1070 compatibility. As for a GTX 1080 compatible motherboard, you should pay attention to the CPU you are getting too. You need to pick a motherboard with a compatible socket.

Which Brand Of GTX 1070 Is Best?

That would be the Gigabyte G1 Gaming. Its base clock speed is the best you can find, delivering the greatest efficiency without overclocking.
Not only that, but the model fabricated by Gigabyte also deals with temperature much better than other options. Keeping your system’s heat as low as possible should always be a priority.

What Resolution Can GTX 1070 Run?

The GTX 1070 can play games at a resolution of up to 2560×1440. However, some games will not play as smoothly on such a resolution. The most optimal performance it can reach at high resolutions is at 1920×1080.

Final Words About The Best CPU for 1070

There are many models that fit well into the GTX 1070 CPU requirements. We looked through some of them and could find which are the best ones.

Right now you can choose among many options of CPU to power your GTX 1070. The best recommended is the Intel Core i7-8700K. Another top-rated model that goes well for AMD fans is the Ryzen 7 2700X. If you still feel like spending just a bit less money, then one of the best ranked Intel i5 processors right now is the i5-8600K.

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