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Best CPUs for RTX 4070 – Intel, AMD and budget picks

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on January 8, 2024

The highly RTX 4070 GPU is a great option for your next PC build or upgrade. To make the most of this impressive graphics card, you’ll need a CPU that complements its capabilities and ensures a smooth, balanced gaming experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top choices when it comes to finding the best CPUs for RTX 4070, helping you make an informed decision that will elevate your gaming rig to new heights.

Products at a Glance

How we picked the Best CPU for RTX 4070

In order to select the best CPU for RTX 4070, we took a comprehensive approach that involved analyzing various aspects of processors currently on the market. Our goal was to identify CPUs that can fully complement the performance of the RTX 4070 without causing bottlenecks or compatibility issues.

We started by examining the performance metrics of popular CPUs from both Intel and AMD, comparing their core counts, thread counts, base clock speeds, and boost clock speeds. This allowed us to gauge how well each processor could handle the demands of modern gaming and other computationally intensive tasks.

Next, we focused on compatibility and future-proofing. We researched the compatibility of each CPU with different motherboards, chipsets, and socket types to ensure that our selections would work seamlessly with the RTX 4070. Moreover, we considered the potential for future upgrades and expansion, taking into account the CPU families’ ongoing support and development.

Thermal design power (TDP) played a significant role in our decision-making process as well. We wanted to ensure that the CPUs we chose would not only perform well but also have manageable power consumption and heat output. This would help users maintain stable and efficient systems while utilizing the RTX 4070.

Finally, we kept budget constraints in mind, recognizing that not all users have the same financial resources. We aimed to provide a variety of options suitable for different budgets, striking a balance between price and performance. By considering all these factors, we’ve compiled a list of the best CPUs for RTX 4070, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your gaming and computing needs.

Our Recommended

Product Reviews

1
PROS
  • High frequency
  • Eco mode
  • Great value
CONS
  • Few cores

The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is an outstanding choice for those looking to build a mid-range gaming or productivity system. With its 8 cores and 16 threads, this CPU provides a great balance between price and performance, making it the perfect match for the upcoming RTX 4070 GPU.

One of the standout features of the Ryzen 7 7700X is its impressive base clock speed of 4.5 GHz, which can boost up to 5.4 GHz under certain workloads. This means that it can handle demanding tasks and gaming scenarios with ease. Additionally, the 32MB of L3 cache ensures quick access to frequently used data, further enhancing overall performance. 

Thanks to the 5 nm production node from TSMC, the Ryzen 7 7700X offers improved power efficiency compared to previous generations. With a TDP of 105W, it does require a decent cooling solution, but it is well worth it for the level of performance it delivers. The unlocked multiplier also simplifies overclocking for those who want to squeeze even more power out of their system.

The Ryzen 7 7700X supports DDR5 memory with a dual-channel interface and a maximum official memory speed of 5200 MHz. This allows for higher memory bandwidth, which can be beneficial for various tasks and gaming experiences. Furthermore, the support for ECC memory ensures data integrity for mission-critical systems. 

With PCI-Express Gen 5 connectivity, this processor offers improved communication with other components in your system, enabling faster transfer speeds and increased performance. The integrated Radeon Graphics solution provides a baseline level of graphical capabilities, making it a viable option for light gaming or multimedia tasks without the need for a dedicated GPU.

2
PROS
  • Great value
  • Supports either DDR4 or DDR5
CONS
  • Requires a lot cooling

The Intel Core i7-13700K is a powerful desktop processor that serves as an excellent alternative to AMD’s Ryzen 7 7700X for those who prefer Intel CPUs. Part of the Core i7 lineup, it uses the Raptor Lake architecture and is built on a 10 nm production node, offering cutting-edge performance for gamers and content creators alike.

Boasting 16 cores and 24 threads, thanks to Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, the i7-13700K is a multitasking powerhouse. Its base clock speed of 3.4 GHz can boost up to an impressive 5.4 GHz, ensuring that it can tackle demanding tasks and gaming experiences without breaking a sweat. The 30MB of L3 cache further improves performance by providing rapid access to frequently used data.

 One notable aspect of the i7-13700K is its unlocked multiplier, which simplifies overclocking and enables users to easily dial in their desired overclocking frequency. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this CPU has a TDP of 125W, so a robust cooling solution is required to keep temperatures in check.

The Core i7-13700K supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel interface, providing versatility when it comes to memory selection. It also supports ECC memory, which ensures data integrity for mission-critical systems. The PCI-Express Gen 5 connection allows for faster communication with other components in your system, improving overall performance.

 The integrated UHD Graphics 770 offers a baseline level of graphical capability for light gaming and multimedia tasks without needing a dedicated GPU. While it won’t rival the performance of the RTX 4070, it’s a useful feature for those who may not require top-tier graphics capabilities. Regardless, the Intel Core i7-13700K is one of the best CPUs for RTX 470.

3
PROS
  • Great value
  • Great overclocking qualities
  • iGPU
CONS
  • Needs an AM5 motherboard
  • Not backwards compatible

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking a capable processor to pair with the RTX 4070. As part of the Ryzen 5 lineup, it features the advanced Zen 4 (Raphael) architecture and is built on a 5 nm production process by TSMC, ensuring efficient performance for various tasks and gaming experiences.

With 6 cores and 12 threads, thanks to AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) technology, the Ryzen 5 7600X is adept at handling multitasking workloads. It operates at a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz and can boost up to 5.3 GHz when required, providing ample power for most gaming and productivity scenarios. 

The unlocked multiplier on the Ryzen 5 7600X allows for easy overclocking, enabling users to adjust their CPU frequency to their preferences. However, with a TDP of 105W, it’s crucial to have a reliable cooling solution to maintain optimal temperatures.

The Ryzen 5 7600X supports DDR5 memory with a dual-channel interface, offering impressive memory speeds of up to 5200 MHz. Overclocking and the right memory modules can push these speeds even higher. The processor also supports ECC memory, an essential feature for mission-critical systems that require data integrity.

The PCI-Express Gen 5 connection ensures rapid communication between the CPU and other components, contributing to the overall performance of your system. The integrated Radeon Graphics solution offers a baseline level of graphical performance for light gaming and multimedia tasks.

4
PROS
  • Excellent for gaming
  • Modern platform optimized
  • Enhanced overclocking support
CONS
  • Expensive
  • No DDR4 memory support

For gamers seeking the ultimate performance to match the RTX 4070, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is an outstanding choice. Boasting 12 cores and 24 threads, thanks to AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) technology, this powerhouse of a processor is part of the Ryzen 9 lineup and utilizes the cutting-edge Zen 4 (Raphael) architecture with Socket AM5.

The Ryzen 9 7900X3D is built on a 5 nm production process by TSMC, featuring 13,140 million transistors, which translates to exceptional efficiency and performance. It has a base clock speed of 4.4 GHz and can boost up to an impressive 5.6 GHz, depending on the workload, making it ideal for demanding gaming scenarios and high-end productivity tasks.

One of the standout features of the Ryzen 9 7900X3D is its massive 128MB of L3 cache, which significantly improves performance in memory-intensive applications. The unlocked multiplier enables easy overclocking, allowing you to dial in any overclocking frequency to squeeze out even more power from this beast of a processor.

With a TDP of 120W, a robust cooling solution is essential to keep temperatures in check. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D supports DDR5 memory with a dual-channel interface, providing officially supported memory speeds of up to 5200 MHz. Overclocking and the right memory modules can push these speeds even further. The processor also offers ECC memory support, a crucial feature for mission-critical systems.

 

The PCI-Express Gen 5 connection ensures swift communication with other components, contributing to a high-performance gaming rig. The integrated Radeon Graphics solution provides a baseline for light gaming and multimedia tasks. The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is an outstanding choice for gaming and is one of the best CPUs for RTX 470.

Features and considerations

The NVIDIA RTX 4070 is shaping up to be a powerful mid-range GPU with an impressive set of specifications, such as 5888 CUDA cores, 12 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, and a memory bandwidth of 504.2 GB/s. With a base clock speed of 1920 MHz and a boost clock speed of 2475 MHz, it’s clear that this graphics card will deliver excellent performance for the latest games and demanding applications. To make the most of these capabilities, it’s essential to pair the RTX 4070 with a CPU that can keep up.

When looking for the best CPU for RTX 4070, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want a processor that can handle the computational demands of modern games without bottlenecking the GPU. This means looking for a CPU with a high core count and thread count, as well as a solid base and boost clock speed. Additionally, consider the thermal design power (TDP) of the CPU, as it will impact your cooling solution and overall system power consumption.

Compatibility is another crucial factor when selecting a CPU for your RTX 4070 build. Ensure that the processor you choose is compatible with your preferred motherboard chipset and socket type. It’s also worth considering the platform’s upgrade potential, as some CPU families may offer more headroom for future upgrades than others.

What is the best CPU for RTX 4070 gaming?

For gamers seeking the ultimate performance to match the RTX 4070, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is an outstanding choice. Boasting 12 cores and 24 threads, thanks to AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) technology, this powerhouse of a processor is part of the Ryzen 9 lineup and utilizes the cutting-edge Zen 4 (Raphael) architecture with Socket AM5.

What CPU will not bottleneck the RTX 4070?

Boasting 16 cores and 24 threads, thanks to Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, the i7-13700K is a multitasking powerhouse. Its base clock speed of 3.4 GHz can boost up to an impressive 5.4 GHz, ensuring that it can tackle demanding tasks and gaming experiences without breaking a sweat. The 30MB of L3 cache further improves performance by providing rapid access to frequently used data.

Our Verdict

Editor's Choice

Best CPUs for RTX 4070 – Intel, AMD and budget picks

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best CPU for the RTX 4070, there are several great options to suit different needs and budgets. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is our top pick for a well-balanced price-to-performance ratio, while the Intel Core i7-13700K offers an excellent alternative for those who prefer Intel. Budget-conscious gamers can rely on the Ryzen 5 7600X, which still delivers impressive performance at a lower price point. Lastly, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is the ultimate choice for gamers who want the highest level of performance to complement their RTX 4070. By considering your specific needs and budget, you can find the perfect CPU to fully unlock the potential of your RTX 4070 and enjoy an exceptional gaming experience.