In this guide, we will provide insights on picking the best CPU for the Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 to ensure an optimized gaming experience. When it comes to building a balanced and efficient gaming PC, one of the critical decisions lies in choosing the right CPU that would complement your GPU. If you’re eyeing Nvidia’s latest mid-range offering, the RTX 4060, you’d want to pair it with the best mid-range CPU that won’t hold it back and at the same time won’t blow your budget.
Products at a glance
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Best CPU for the RTX 4060AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 5.4 GHz
- Base speed: 4.5 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
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Runner up CPU for RTX 4060Intel Core i5-13600K
- Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
- L3 Cache: 24MB
- TDP: 181W
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Best budget CPU for RTX 4060AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Boost speed : up to 5.1 GHz
- Base speed: 3.8 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
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Best AM4 CPU for RTX 4060AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 4.5 GHz
- Base speed: 3.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105W
How we picked the best CPU for the RTX 4060
In choosing the best CPU for the RTX 4060, we consider a few vital factors. Based on our RTX 4060 review, we’ve taken into account the performance benchmarks of the CPU, the price point, and the compatibility with the GPU and motherboard. As the performance of the CPU is gauged based on its cores, clock speed, and threads, a higher number of cores and threads allows for better multitasking and overall performance, while a higher clock speed leads to faster processing times. And as we’ve first-hand experience of using this graphics card, we know what it needs in a potential partner.
We also consider the price point, ensuring we recommend CPUs that provide the best value for money. Just as the RTX 4060 is a mid-range GPU, the recommended CPU should also be affordable, offering excellent performance without breaking the bank. With these factors in mind, we sift through the multitude of CPUs in the market to recommend the best fit for your RTX 4060 GPU, providing a balanced, efficient, and budget-friendly gaming experience.
Best CPU for the RTX 4060 in 2024 – our top processor picks
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 5.4 GHz
- Base speed: 4.5 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD (AM5)
Amazing CPU with a lot of power to give in the mid range for an affordable price.
- Delivers a good mix of performance and price
- Superior PCIe 5.0 support compared to Raptor Lake competitors
- Excellent power efficiency
- High platform costs may be a barrier for some
- It supports only DDR5 RAM
- Requires a reputable custom cooler to manage heat
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, our Editor’s choice, stands as a testament to AMD’s prowess in delivering stellar processing performance without ripping a hole in your wallet. This powerful chip is a step up from AMD’s previously successful AM4 platform, moving into the land grid-based AM5 socket, which supports CPUs up to 230W – promising a future of even more potent processors.
This 8-core, 16-thread chip manages to narrow the performance gap with the Intel 13600K, thanks to the extra cores. The slight speed difference with the 7700X is practically negligible, particularly in the realm of gaming when paired with the RTX 4060.
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, with its judicious balance of power and price, better PCIe 5.0 support, and excellent power efficiency, convincingly takes the crown as our editor’s choice. The 7700X won’t let you down when paired with the RTX 4060, delivering a performance that meets and often surpasses expectations.
- Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
- L3 Cache: 24MB
- TDP: 181W
- Platform: Intel (LGA 1700)
Capable CPU that shines in multi-core performance, not as efficient as the 7700X.
- Offers world-class gaming performance
- Exceptional value for the money
- Lower platform costs
- The chip runs hot
- Higher power draw
- Absence of an integrated GPU
The Intel Core i5-13600K finds its sweet spot in the mid-range of Intel’s Raptor Lake lineup, charming users with its ability to excel both in gaming and productivity tasks. Despite being a middle-tier CPU for Intel, this processor has the gusto to punch above its weight, rivaling AMD’s top performers.
Cost-effectiveness is one of the main selling points of the 13600K, and it’s precisely why it finds a special place in many users’ ‘top CPUs’ list. With its 14 cores and 20 threads, this CPU can handle gaming and productivity tasks with aplomb, making it an excellent choice for users who require a balance of power and efficiency.
Even so, the Intel Core i5-13600K earns its stripes on our list of best CPUs for the RTX 4060. Although it may not be the first choice for hardcore gaming enthusiasts, its reliable performance in productivity tasks coupled with solid gaming capabilities make it a worthy contender for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck.
Not as much power as the 7700X, but can be a more affordable option if you’re stuck on a tight budget.
- Excellent value for money
- Easier to cool than the 7600X
- Minimal gaming performance difference compared to 7600X
- Mediocre stock cooler
- The standard frequency is considerably lower
If you’re seeking a cost-effective entry into the AM5 era and need a processor that can handle 1080p gaming without a hiccup, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 may just be the chip for you. Don’t let its place as the most affordable and stripped-down AM5 CPU fool you; this little chip packs quite a punch.
Like its X variant, the Ryzen 5 7600 retains a 6-core, 12-thread configuration. Although only one CCD is active, and two cores are disabled, it doesn’t hamper its performance significantly. The base clock speed is slightly lower, but the 7600 still manages to boost up to just 200MHz less than its more powerful counterpart.
What sets the 7600 apart is its modest power consumption—merely 65W compared to the 7600X’s 105W. The lower power draw implies better thermal performance. In fact, AMD is so confident about the Ryzen 5 7600’s thermal management that it includes the Wraith Stealth cooler with it.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 4.5 GHz
- Base speed: 3.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD (AM4)
The best CPU on the AM4 platform for gaming, if you don’t mind sacrificing some multithreaded performance.
- Offers substantial gaming improvements
- Works with all AM4 systems
- Lower platform costs compared to newer models
- Doesn’t provide multi-threading
- Sensitive power requirements prevent overclocking
- Frequency lag compared to the 5800X
If you’re an AM4 holdout in search of a suitable match for your RTX 4060 Ti, AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D may well be your top choice. Even though this chip is based on a design that’s now three years old, it continues to hold its own against the latest gaming processors, thanks to a game-changing innovation by AMD.
Originally based on the Ryzen 7 5800X, AMD took it to another level by significantly increasing its L3 cache size. AMD found that expanding the L3 cache size resulted in a substantial enhancement in the performance of its server processors.
As a gamer, the improvements you’ll notice with the 5800X3D are strikingly similar to those you’d expect from a generational upgrade. It can hold its own against the likes of the Ryzen 5 7600X, excelling or trailing slightly depending on the specific game.
What CPU is best for RTX 4060?
We’d consider the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X the ideal choice and the most balanced mid-range processor for the RTX 4060. It delivers an excellent blend of performance and price, supports superior PCIe 5.0 optimization compared to its competitors, and boasts excellent power efficiency. This makes the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X a great pairing for the RTX 4060, providing a well-rounded experience for users.
Is Intel the best CPU for gaming?
Intel has been known for it’s rapid single core performance in the past, which is usually the key factor when picking the best CPU for gaming. However, AMD has recently launched it’s X3D line of CPUs, which uses a vertical stack of cache to improve capacity without reducing access speeds. This allows AMD to gain an edge in games that can use the 3D cache.
You should choose a CPU based on your needs, and the components currently in your PC – if you’re upgrading.
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
