Best CPU for Intel Arc A770 in 2025 – our top picks
Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock
Table of Contents
In the world of PC gaming, marrying the right CPU with your GPU can be crucial for nailing optimum performance. And if you've got your eyes set on the Intel Arc A770, then you're definitely wondering what's the best CPU to pair with the graphics card from over at Team Blue. Luckily, you’ve found yourself in exactly the right place.
With the A770 offering comparable performance to the RTX 3060 Ti and a beefy 16 GB of VRAM storage, finding the right CPU partner is key to unlocking its full potential, especially if you want to reach the heights of 1440p or 4K. There are plenty of latest processors that should pair well with it, such as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for the best gaming performance or the Core Ultra 7 265K if you want the best productivity.
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That being said, older generation processors are also viable, and taking the price of the Intel Arc A770 into consideration, going for a high-end CPU might not make sense, so we’ve included budget and mid-range options as well.
Products at a glance
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Best CPU for Intel Arc A770
Intel 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
-
Best budget CPU for Intel Arc A770
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
-
Best gaming CPU for Intel Arc A770
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
-
Best 14th gen CPU for Intel Arc A770
Intel Core i7-14700K
- Cores: 20 (8P-12E)
- Threads: 28
- Boost clock speed: P-Core 5.5GHz / E-Core 4.3GHz
- Base clock speed: P-Core 2.5GHz / E-Core 3.4GHz
- L3 Cache: 33 MB
- TDP: 125W
-
Best Intel CPU for Intel Arc A770
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
- Cores: 20 (8P/12E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost clock speed: 5.5GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9GHz P-core/3.3GHz E-core
- L3 cache: 30MB
- TDP: 125W base/250W max
How we picked the best CPU for the Intel Arc A770
So, how do we go about selecting our list of processors for the Intel Arc A770? Well, naturally, we first started off by drawing on our review of the Intel Arc A770 itself, weighing in on exactly where it sits on the GPU performance podium and getting a feel for its overall capabilities – and just what would make it tick. The main thing we deduced is that you'd need a fairly modern CPU to enable Resizable BAR for the best performance potential of this card, so we decided to focus on processors from the past few years to ensure you can use this technology.
Of course, the CPU market is pretty much a two-horse race, and we made sure to include options from both AMD and Intel to satisfy users from both sides of the spectrum. It’s worth bearing in mind that going with Intel gets you Deep Link technology, which is where the Intel CPU and Arc GPU can work together on tasks for higher efficiency.
Aside from brand, though, we weighed in on all the usual key specs, such as processor speed, price, number of cores, cache size, and overall compatibility with the A770.
Our top picks
- 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)
- Excellent performance for the price
- Generous core count
- Great compatibility with Arc A770
- Higher price than the last-gen equivalent
- More power consumption
- Runs hotter than its predecessor
Starting off strong with an Intel knockout, the Intel Core i5-13600K stands as an impressive representative of Intel's Alder Lake series CPUs. Housing 14 cores and 20 threads with a base clock frequency of 3.5 GHz and an outstanding boost up to 5.1 GHz, this CPU is not to be underestimated. What’s more, its MSRP of $320 is incredibly affordable given the level of performance it offers, this CPU can now be found cheaper given its age.
For midrange users who are looking for the best value in terms of raw performance and future-proofing, the Intel Core i5-13600K might just be the perfect match for your Intel Arc card. This combo ensures not just strong gaming performance but also opens the door to smooth multitasking, content creation, and even light 3D rendering workloads. Our Intel Core i5-13600K review saw us award the chip 4.5 stars, so it's got our seal of approval as one of our favorite processors from Team Blue; and for the Arc A770.
An excellent CPU through and through with fierce single and multi-core performance for the money.
PC Guide
However, nothing is perfect, and the i5-13600K is no exception. Notably, it's a bit more power-hungry with a TDP of 181W and runs hotter than its predecessor, the i5-12600K. So, to keep this CPU at a comfortable temperature under heavy loads, you may need to invest in a robust cooling solution, like a 240mm water cooler.
What users say
Considering our high praise, it’s not too surprising that the Intel Core i5-13600K is a user favorite on Amazon too, getting an average of 4.8 stars. In terms of favorite features, it seems that value and performance are certainly up there, and there are plenty of comments on how easy it is to install too – always a plus. One user in particular sums it up well by commenting that it’s a “graphics card for everyday tasks and light gaming, providing a cost-effective and space-saving solution” for setups of all kinds, while another states that they enjoy the “outstanding performance and the incredible multitasking capabilities” of this chip.
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Exceptional single-core performance
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Wide compatibility with AM5 socket
- Requires a robust power supply
- Not as power-efficient as competitors
- Lacks some Intel-specific features when paired with Arc A770
Next up, we’re making the move over to Team Red for what we think is the best processor for the Arc A770 for the money: the Ryzen 5 7600X. Packing six cores and 12 threads with a base clock frequency of 4.7 GHz and a boost clock of 5.3 GHz, it has the muscle to tackle any task you throw at it, and makes an excellent companion to any gaming GPU.
While it competes with Intel's i5 12600K in terms of price and performance, what makes the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X stand out is its exceptional single-core performance metrics. This makes it an excellent pick for gamers and creatives alike, as many tasks and games rely heavily on single-core performance – it isn't even that far off the 7900X. In fact, we found in our Ryzen 5 7800X review benchmarks the CPU does very well in workstation tasks as well as gaming, despite it only being entry-level.
The CPU is more than capable of gaming at a high end, with enough oomph to keep up with the latest GPUs, but it can also supply the necessary computing power for moderate workstation tasks when needed.
PC Guide
The Ryzen 5 7600X has another ace up its sleeve: compatibility. The AM5 socket is compatible with a vast array of motherboards, making it an excellent choice for both new builds and upgrades. While it does require a bit of power at 105 watts TDP, it's worth it for the performance punch it delivers. On the whole though, it's a lot less power-hungry than the i5-13600K, with its TPD of 181W. Pair it with the Intel Arc A770, and you've got a formidable duo ready to take on any gaming or professional task. An excellent option for budget gamers.
What users say
As another one of our top picks, you’ll certainly find the Ryzen 5 7600X sufficient for your Intel Arc A770 – and it’s highly praised on Amazon too, with an average of 4.7 stars. It’s a great entry point for AM5, and this was reflected in user sentiment, with one review commenting “there is simply no CPU with as much performance, versatility, and general range of use in terms of its cost”. That being said, there are also multiple mentions of the 7600X as running a bit hot, so that’s worth keeping in mind when upgrading your build.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
- Nails gaming performance
- Supports overclocking
- Future-proof
- Not the best in heavy workloads
- No DDR4 support
If you game at 1440p and want the most framerates out of your Arc A770, we recommend pairing it with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. That's because this is the latest X3D CPU from AMD, and it offers the best gaming performance among all other processors currently available. In fact, as seen in our 9800X3D review, it even gave us two times the FPS of some competing CPUs.
On paper, the 9800X3D packs 8 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock speed of 5.2GHz. While these numbers are good, the real credit for the 9800X3D's mindblowing gaming performance goes to its 96MB of L3 cache.
With increased cache capacity, the CPU can store more data for the cores to access, reducing the delay between when the cores request data and when the CPU retrieves it to the cache.
The 9800X3D has unlocked its potential and become the leading processor in the market. The 2nd generation V-Cache gives it the ability to run the CPU core faster and at higher voltages pushing its performance even further over the 7800X3D and on par with non-X3D chips in non-gaming tasks.
PC Guide
As such, the 9800X3D has a significant advantage over other gaming processors, as games are more CPU-bound at 1440p than at 4K. Along with that, the 9800X3D can also handle its fair share of productivity tasks. Sure, it is not the best, but it beats 7800X3D and 9700X in our Blender tests, which is very impressive for a CPU that already offers the most framerates in games.
In short, when it comes to just gaming, the numbers speak for themselves. Sure, the 9800X3D's AM5 platform can be a bit expensive, considering there is no DDR4 support anymore, but the ability to overclock and the fact that AMD plans to support AM5 for the next several years mean you will be future-proofing your build.
If you decide to go for the 9800X3D, it is a good idea to also get the best motherboard and the best cooler for it, as these two components must be up to mark to handle the sheer performance of this beast.
- Excellent gaming CPU to pair with the Arc A770
- More cores and threads than the 13700K, and priced the same
- Great for productivity and creative tasks too
- Like most performance CPUs, it can run hot under load
- It doesn’t come with a cooler either
- Hardly a big leap from the 13700K
Last up on our list, it made sense to include an option from the 14th generation from Intel, and for that the Core i7 14700K fit the bill perfectly as the latest mid-range offering. Mid-range doesn’t mean below average performance though, and you’ll find yourself set with a total of 20 cores and 28 threads: eight P-cores and 12 E-cores to be precise, an increase on the 13700K's 16 cores (8P+8E) and 24 threads for four extra E-cores and four extra threads.
Speed-wise, when you enable Turbo Boost you can push this processor up to 5.6 GHz, which is a marginal 0.2 GHz increase over the 13700K, but not quite the 6 GHz of the 14900K – not that you’d quite need those heights for the Arc A770 anyway.
If you're looking for a competitively priced and powerful mid-range CPU for gaming and productivity then the Intel Core i7-14700K impresses across the board.
PC Guide
Of course, when going for an Intel CPU/GPU combo, you’ll also be able to make use of Deep Link technology and the like, so you can expect a really optimized performance from both components. High frame rates in gaming and solid multi-thread performance are definitely on the cards, and we found this to be the case in our 14700K review too.
On the whole, the Intel Core i7-14700K is a worthy upgrade for those considering the jump up to LGA 1700 from older Intel or AMD processors, but you might not feel as many benefits if you’ve already got Raptor Lake hardware in your setup. It also runs hot too, and doesn’t come with a cooler – always something to take not of when upgrading your rig.
What users say
When it comes to what users on Amazon think of the Intel Core i7 14700K, features such as smoothness, gaming performance, and value are highly rated, but there’s a consensus for the need for a more robust cooling solution to deal with temperatures. One user compliments how it handles “every task I throw at it with astounding ease and efficiency”, and another mentions that “every application I’ve ran is so snappy and responsive”.
- Cores: 20 (8P/12E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost clock speed: 5.5GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9GHz P-core/3.3GHz E-core
- L3 cache: 30MB
- TDP: 125W base/250W max
- Platform: LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake)
- Strong multi-core performance against 9700X
- More cost effective for Multi-threaded workloads
- Very efficient next to 14th generation
- Pretty much on par with the 9900X (multi-core performance)
- Gaming performance leaves much to be desired
- No generational improvement in many scenarios such as gaming
- LGA 1851 motherboards are expensive
If you’re looking to pair the Intel Arc A770 with one of the latest Arrow Lake processors, we recommend giving the Core Ultra 7 265K a shot. This is the mid-range Intel 15th-generation processor and has good multi-threaded output, but compared to the competition and its predecessor, the gaming performance is nothing to boast about, as we found out in our Core Ultra 7 265K review.
Intel made huge design changes with the Core Ultra 200S lineup, as now the core and thread count is the same, and they feature 3nm CPU process nodes, which results in a higher transistor count and better efficiency. The 265K has 20 cores, divided between 8 performance cores and 12 efficient cores, and 20 threads. This means that each core is hyperthreaded, and this architecture ensures that the processor delivers good performance and efficiency according to the workload.
In addition, to use this processor, you’ll need to purchase an LGA 1851 mainboard like the best Z890 motherboards for the best performance and overclocking overhead. Like the previous generations of Intel processors, this chip isn’t compatible with DDR4 RAM, and you’ll also need to purchase DDR5 RAM.
An area where the 265K shines, as does the rest of the Arrow Lake lineup, is efficiency. Efficiency is up by 35% on the new E-cores that feature in Intel's 15th generation, partly because they dropped hyperthreading.
PC Guide
Regarding its performance, we coupled it with the RTX 4070 Ti and ran various benchmarking software and Cyberpunk 2077 to test its synthetic and gaming performance, respectively. Running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings delivered 191 FPS, and for comparison, the Ryzen 7 9700X managed 240 FPS, which is 49 FPS more or 22% better gaming performance.
However, the tables are turned when we get to synthetic testing, as the 265K blows the 9700X out of the water. In Blender Monster, the 265K and 9700X delivered 215.56 and 128.15 points, respectively. In the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, we got 33,465 points with the Team Blue CPU, and the contender from Team Red trailed behind with 20,184 points.
So, the Core Ultra 7 265K should have leagues better productivity, and while its gaming output can’t match that of its alternatives, if you’re okay with settling for a lower gaming output but significantly better multi-core performance, the 265K shouldn’t disappoint when paired with the Intel Arc A770.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this CPU has good speed, performance, and cooling. One user stated: “It is an excellent processor for productivity, with great capabilities and very good at multi-core tasks. Initially I have used it without a graphics card and it works very well for many games and programs. I am satisfied with its performance and thermal management.”
Features and considerations
Selecting the perfect CPU to complement your Intel GPU involves looking at a range of features and considerations. You want to ensure that the CPU is capable of handling the Arc A770 without bottlenecking its performance.
At the same time, you don't want to overspend on high-end hardware if the GPU can't fully utilize it. You should also consider how well the CPU handles gaming and non-gaming tasks, its power efficiency, and the platform it supports (AMD or Intel). And lastly, keeping in mind the budget-friendly nature of the A770, the cost of the CPU is a crucial factor to consider.
What CPU do I need for Intel Arc GPU?
While the Intel Arc A770 will work with any modern CPU, pairing it with an Intel CPU could offer an edge in terms of compatibility and performance. Thanks to Intel's DeepLink feature, an Intel CPU and GPU can work together on tasks, optimizing the use of resources.
Does Intel ARC A770 work with AMD CPU?
Yes, the Intel Arc A770 can work with an AMD CPU. However, it's worth noting that some Intel-specific features, like DeepLink, might not be available when paired with an AMD CPU.
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