Best CPU For RTX 3070 2024 (Top Rated Processors To Pair With 3070)

When we think of GPUs, Nvidia always comes to mind, and when we think of Nvidia, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 comes to mind. Regarded as the best GPU of all time, the RTX 3070 offers unbelievable performance that rivals high-end GPUs while costing almost half the price. In this article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the best CPUs for RTX 3070.

The best CPU that can be paired with the RTX 3070 in 2024 is the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. Another top rated but cheaper alternative that offers equally amazing performance at a fair price has to be the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. 

Best CPUs For RTX 3070: Quick Comparison

Top Rated Processors To Pair With 3070 2024: Reviews 

1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12-core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor

Winner 

Touted as the world’s best gaming processor, AMD’s flagship CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, is based on AMD Zen 3 Core Architecture.

The CPU was released in 2020 and comes with 12 cores and 24 threads. It is a very powerful CPU that is guaranteed to deliver high-end gaming performance. 

And even as the gap between AMD and Intel keeps getting smaller, the Ryzen 9 5900X gives the Intel CPU a performance gap of 30fps at 4K and 75 fps at 1080p. 

As such, when it comes to high-end gaming, the Ryzen 9 5900X tops and is also the best when it comes to delivering on both single-core and multi-core performances. In terms of thermal potential, this chip has a slightly low heat tolerance at 71 degrees celsius. 

The Ryzen 9 5900X has a TDP of 105W, and a maximum supported memory of 128 GB. The CPU has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz that can be overclocked to 4.9GHz. 

In contrast to its processors, AMD’s switch to 7nm silicon for this processor has allowed for an increase in cache size to 64 MB. This is highly advantageous for two reasons. One is that it will enable faster performance when shooting high frame rates in 1080p games, and second, it allows the CPU to be more energy efficient. 

Pros

• Energy-efficient as it has a lower TDP as compared to Intel CPUs
• Better gaming performance
• Compatible with the AM4 socket 

Cons

• It lacks a bundled cooler

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2. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X  CPU Processor

Runner Up 

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is AMD’s fastest 6-core/12-thread processor based on AMD Zen 3 architecture that can deliver elite 100+ FPS performance in most high-definition games.

This mid-range processor is excellent for games that are not very draining but still heavy on the standard processors. 

It is the most used AMD processor from the AMD Ryzen 5000 series due, in part, to its low TDP value of 65W, a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, maximum overclocked speed of 4.6 GHz, and the presence of the quiet yet capable AMD Wraith Stealth Cooling system. Other finer improvements from its predecessors include a greatly optimized boosting algorithm, better memory overclocking capacity, and a remodeled cache topology. 

The system memory support still lags in relation to its competitors as it uses DDR4 memory support at 3200 GHz.

Based on its low pricing, high popularity, and excellent performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is arguably the best fair-priced CPU for the RTX 3070- it even outperforms the higher-priced Intel Core i9-10900K in 1080 gaming.

Pros

• Strong gaming performance
• Excellent on both single- and multi-threaded tasks
• PCIe Gen4 support present
• Very power efficient
• Presence of a Wraith Stealth cooling system
• Great value-for-money

Cons

• Lack integrated graphics
• Lacks a DDR6 system memory

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3. Intel Core i9-10900K Desktop Processor

Best rated Intel CPU for Nvidia RTX 3070 

Arguably one of Intel’s best performing high-end CPUs, the Intel Core i9-10900K is equipped with ten high-performance cores coupled with 20 processing threads and a 20MB Intel smart cache for unparalleled processor performance.

Intel provided this CPU with an amazing clock speed of 3.7 GHz that can be overclocked to a maximum of 5.3 GHz for single-core tasks and 4.9 GHz for all-cores tasks to smoothen its performance. 

These high clock speeds coupled with the processor’s ten cores allow a computer to develop a hyper-realistic gaming experience without overloading the CPU. Given that the standard TDP rating for most CPUs is 150 watts or higher, the Intel Core-i9-10900k comes across as very energy efficient due to its TDP rating of 125W.

However, a huge drawback to this CPU is that it produces massive amounts of heat when all the ten cores are pushed to 5.2 GHz. It is quite scary and necessitates the acquisition of high-end cooling systems to relieve the CPU of some heat. Intel knew this would happen and equipped the Intel Core i9-10900k with a Thermal Velocity Boost feature. 

A downside with the Thermal Velocity Boost feature is that it takes only the high-end cooling systems to dissipate the heat seamlessly; otherwise, you should expect short bursts until the threshold is attained.   

Pros

• Amazing overclocking capabilities
• Excellent gaming CPU
• Intel Optane memory support
• High-end all-core base speeds
• Superior multitasking capabilities

Cons

• High energy consumption
• The package does not include any CPU cooler

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4. Intel Core i9-9900K Processor

Best Value CPU for RTX 3070

Touted as the fastest gaming processor in 2019, the Intel Core i9-9900K still outperforms many of its competitors in 2024.

And even as Intel tries to catch up with AMD with regards to gaming technology, its adoption of previously discarded Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) between the heat spreader and the die for the Intel Core i9-9900K is a huge plus for the company.

This little piece of tech allowed Intel to pack in more cores at higher clock speeds than before. 

At a mid-range price, this 8-core/16-thread processor has a base clock speed of 3.60 GHz which can be overclocked to a max clock speed of 5.00 GHz. On the brighter side, it is one of the more energy-efficient CPUs with a TDP of 95W.

The processor was manufactured on Intel’s 14nm++ node, including a UHD 630 integrated graphics engine, boost support for dual DDR4-2666 memory, and easy overclocking due to sport unlocked ratio multipliers. The processor also comes with memory capacity support of 128 GB and 4K support at 60Hz.

Currently, it is still a very good processor that can hold up to some of the higher-priced competitors in the market.

Pros

• Excellent gaming performance
• Solder Thermal Interface Material (TIM)
• Intel Optane technology
• Awesome for multi-threaded applications

Cons

• High power consumption under heavy load
• Lacks an ECC memory support

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5. Intel Core i7-10700K

Best Mid-Range CPU for RTX 3070

A product belonging to Intel’s Comet Lake 10th generation core i7 processors, the Intel Core i7-10700K is a gaming beast coming in at a mid-range price.

It is a processor that slots into an FCLGA1200 socket, has 8 cores and 16 threads, and has a processor clock speed of 3.8 GHz.

When coupled with its 16 threads, Intel Core i7-10700K has better standing against comparable Ryzen processors when dealing with threaded desktop applications. 

We’d recommend you acquire this CPU at that mid-range price as it provides the best value for your money. It won’t perform as highly as some of the above-listed processors, but you are assured of smoother gameplay than most alternatives in the same price bracket. 

Its TDP is 125W, a value that is decent enough to be considered energy efficient. 

Additional features include a maximum turbo frequency of 5.1 GHz, 16 MB Intel Smart L3 Cache, a configurable TDP-down of 95W at 3.5 GHz frequency, and a maximum memory size of 128 GB. 

As far as performance is concerned, the Intel Core i7-10700K closely matches the performance of AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X, an 8-core/16-thread compatriot. An awesome feature of this processor is its inability to produce excess heat even when overclocked. You can unlock amazing performance features from this processor with fair-priced off-the-shelf water coolers. It is a very recommended CPU for pairing with RTX 3070 if you’re not ready to spend absurd amounts of money to acquire top-end CPUs. 

Pros

• High overclocking headroom
• Fair pricing
• Excellent gaming performance

Cons

• Lacks an Intel thermal velocity boost

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6. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Unlocked Desktop Processor

Best Gaming CPU for RTX 3070

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, at roughly the same price as intel’s 8-core Core i9-9900K processor, features 12 cores and 24 threads for a smooth gaming experience.

The improved Zen 2 architecture offers excellent gaming performance, while the 12-core/24-thread combination delivers big strides in heavily threaded tasks. 

The fact that the processor also supports the PCIe interface is a plus for any content creator or gamer. Like all AMD models in the 3000 series, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X features a solder thermal interface material between the die and the heat spreader for heat dissipation.

The processor also features an AM4 socket, a TDP rating of 105W, a clock speed of 3.8 GHz, a top boost speed of 4.7 GHz, 6 MB of L2 cache, and 64 MB of L3 cache for a total of 70 MB. 

Based on reviews and ratings, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X processor is very capable and is easily the best mid-range gaming CPU for RTX 3070. A downside with this chip is its maximum 4.7 GHz boost frequency which still lags compared to Intel processors of the same price range.

Pros

• Has a bundled cooler
• Compatible with X470 motherboards
• Unclocked multiplier
• Dual-memory channel

Cons

• Requires X570 chipset for PCIe 4.0 support (expensive)

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Good Processors Compatible With RTX 3070 FAQ 

Final Words About The Best CPU For 3070 

There are multiple options of CPUs that can be paired with RTX 3070. The above listed six are the top-rated CPUs in their classifications. However, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and the cheaper AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU stand out from the rest as the best CPUs to pair with the RTX 3070 in 2024. For Intel enthusiasts, the recommended CPU for the RTX 3070 is the Intel Core i9-10900K, which is a very capable CPU.