Best CPU for RTX 3090 Ti – top picks from AMD & Intel
The RTX 3090 Ti is the top GPU of Nvidia’s 30-series. The unit is known for delivering the most powerful and reliable performance of the previous-gen graphics cards. But this strong GPU needs a strong CPU to match that power in order to bring you the best possible experience. Whether you’re looking for high clock speeds, plenty of cores, or a balance of both, we’ve got you covered with a selection to help you find the best CPU for RTX 3090 Ti.
The best CPU should be a high-end processor ,with a strong single-threaded performance and sufficient cores for multitasking. Good examples include the Intel Core i9-13900K or the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. It is important to note that the RTX 3090 Ti is a powerful graphics card, so a powerful CPU will ensure the GPU is not bottlenecked.
The Nvidia RTX 3090 Ti is equipped with cutting-edge Ampere architecture and boasts an impressive 1,752 CUDA cores and 24 GB of high-speed GDDR6X VRAM, connected through a wide 384-bit memory bus.
Using Samsung’s advanced 8N process technology, the card operates with a base clock speed of 1560 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1860 MHz. With a TDP of 450W, the RTX 3090 Ti offers remarkable performance. It can handle demanding games and applications effortlessly. Furthermore, a 1,008 GB/s memory bandwidth further enhances the overall system performance, promising speedy data transfer.
So which CPU should accompany this fine GPU? Read on to find out.
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AMD CPUs
Intel CPUs
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best CPU for RTX 3090 Ti
Price
Whilst picking the best CPU for the RTX 3090 Ti, we looked at several price points. We understand that the 3090 Ti buyer is somebody that is willing to invest money in a valuable component. However, nobody likes to pay for an overpriced piece of tech. We thus chose CPUs that provide the very best bang for your buck for your gaming PC.
Compatibility
Another important aspect we checked before picking out the best CPUs for the 3090 Ti, was the compatibility of the CPU. We decided to prominently feature the newest generation of CPUs. If somebody has forked out for the 3090 Ti, it would be good if they could enter the newest generation of CPU and components. This will set them up with long-lasting and up-to-date rig.
If you are looking for more RTX 3090 Ti recommendations, then head over to our NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: Price, specs, where to buy piece.
Best CPU for RTX 3090 Ti – top picks from AMD & Intel
- Good price
- Overclockable
- Upgrade-ready
- Premium Performance
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- High cooling requirements
- Uses a lot of power
Dive into the newest generation of Intel’s fantastic CPUs with the i9-13900K. This CPU will never bottleneck with the 3090 Ti. Its high processing capabilities mean it is the best partner for the unit. With a CPU like the i9-13900K you will be able to enjoy seriously top-notch performance.
The price is at the higher end of the market. This to be expected due to the specs this CPU carries, but the fact that you don’t have to update the motherboard or move up to DDR5 to get it to work helps offset the price.
The Intel Core i9-13900K is a powerful CPU with high-end specs that make it an ideal choice for the RTX 3090 Ti. With 24 cores and 32 threads, it provides ample processing power for demanding tasks such as content creation and gaming. The P-Core base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and boost clock speed of 5.8 GHz ensures fast performance for demanding applications, while the E-Core base clock speed of 2.2 GHz and boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz provide energy efficiency for lighter tasks.
The CPU also features 32 MB of L2 cache and 36 MB of L3 cache, which work together to provide fast data access and an overall smooth system performance. With a TDP of 125W, the i9-13900K offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. Overall, the Intel Core i9-13900K is a well-rounded CPU that enables a great performance from the RTX 3090 Ti.
- Great performance
- Feature-rich CPU
- Best for overclocking
- Fast gaming performance
- Surprising amount of cores
- High entry cost
- Uses a lot of power
AMD never disappoints with their CPUs. With the new 7000 series, Team Red comes even closer to matching the productivity capacity of Intel. Although Hybrid cores are still taking the lead. AMD’s raw power is capable of much more than we expected. In gaming and some multithreaded tasks, the 7950X has the advantage. This is why we chose the Ryzen 9 7950X to be the best AMD CPU for the RTX 3090 Ti. You’re going to have to upgrade to the newest AM5 motherboard and DDR5 but, again, at this level, who cares about a few more bucks if they’re going to get you the best performance?
The Ryzen 9 7950X is a powerful AMD CPU that is well-suited for use with the RTX 3090 Ti. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it provides ample processing power for demanding tasks such as gaming and content creation. The base clock speed of 4.5 GHz and boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz ensure fast performance, while the 80 MB of L2 and L3 cache work together to provide quick data access and improve the overall system performance.
Built using the TSMC 5nm process node, the Ryzen 9 7950X offers excellent energy efficiency and performance. With a TDP of 170W, it provides a good balance between power consumption and performance. Additionally, the CPU supports DDR5-5200 memory, which provides fast data transfer speeds and an improved overall system performance.
In conclusion, the Ryzen 9 7950X is a well-rounded CPU that provides great performance for the RTX 3090 Ti. Its combination of cores, threads, clock speeds, and memory support make it a top choice for demanding tasks.
- The best gaming performance CPU
- Great Price
- Low power consumption
- Great Support
- Not overclockable
- Not the best for productivity tasks
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. For those planning to game on that GPU, you can’t avoid the best gaming CPU so far; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. This will remain top of the game until 7000-series X3D units get to the shelves.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the perfect CPU for gamers looking to pair with the RTX 3090 Ti. This CPU is specifically optimized for gaming with advanced 3D V-cache technology, offering improved performance in demanding games and applications.
With its large and high-speed cache optimized for 3D rendering, the 5800X3D allows the GPU to access data more quickly, resulting in a smoother and more efficient gaming experience. The advanced power-saving technologies, including the 3D V-cache, reduce power consumption, providing a more energy-efficient gaming setup.
For those focused solely on gaming, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the ideal choice. Its powerful performance, advanced features, and optimized design make it the go-to CPU for an exceptional gaming experience with the RTX 3090 Ti.
- Affordable
- High IPC
- Fast frequencies
- Multi-threaded Performance
- Overclockable
- No integrated graphics
- No PCIe Gen 5.0
The Ryzen 9 5950X is a fantastic choice for pairing with the RTX 3090 Ti. It is a beast and offers seriously powerful multi-core performance suitable for demanding workstation and gaming loads. With its high core count of 16 Cores and 32 Threads, it can handle intense workloads efficiently and supply the 3090 Ti with ample data to process.
Moreover, its maximum cores boost the speed of 4.9GHz is remarkable for a desktop CPU, making it ideal for gaming performance. The 5950X may slightly bottleneck the 3090 Ti, but not enough to justify upgrading to a higher-end platform. Instead, you can opt for a more recent-generation CPU, albeit at a higher cost.
Due to the release of AMD’s Zen 4 CPUs, older generations like the 5950X are being discounted, making it a cost-effective option for those who can grab it on sale. In summary, the Ryzen 9 5950X is a solid choice for those seeking top-notch gaming performance without breaking the bank.
Features and considerations
Firstly, we must recognize that despite being part of a previous generation, the 3090 Ti remains a top-tier graphics processing unit. It is perfect for intensive tasks such as video editing and high-end gaming. Some gamers may even want to utilize it for gaming at 4K resolution. In all of these scenarios, the graphics card will excel, but it will need a high-performance CPU.
The first thing to consider is the number of CPU cores. The higher the core count, the more effectively the CPU will pair with the RTX 3090 Ti. We recommend opting for a CPU featuring no less than 16 cores. This amount guarantees the smooth handling of multitasking activities. Unless your usage solely revolves around gaming, it’s advisable not to compromise on core count.
The next step is to focus on the CPU clock frequency. The clock speed of the CPU must be sufficiently high to match the performance demands of the RTX 3090 Ti. It’s suggested to have a minimum base clock speed of 3.0 GHz.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the RTX 3090 Ti is a powerful GPU that requires a high-end CPU to maximize its performance. There are several options available, including the Intel Core i9-13900K, the Ryzen 9 7950X, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Each CPU has its own unique features, making it important to consider factors such as core count, clock speed, and TDP when choosing the right one.
For content creation and professional use, the i9-13900K is the best option with its high core count and base clock speed. If you’re looking for the ultimate gaming experience, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the way to go, thanks to its advanced 3D V-cache technology and power-saving features. For those on a budget, the Ryzen 9 5950X is a great alternative, offering powerful performance for a lower price.
In short, the right CPU for the RTX 3090 Ti will depend on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, or looking for a workstation setup, there’s a CPU out there that will fit your needs.