Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, graphic designer, or beginner enthusiast, selecting a processor for your rig is one of the most crucial steps of the building process. Choose wisely, and you’ll have a PC that can run anything, but if you make a mistake, you’ll fall into the doom of bottleneck or overspending. It sounds like a situation that most would like to avoid; luckily, we’re here to step in.
You must have heard of the 3070 Ti by now: released in 2021, it’s the enhanced version of the mid-range beast of the 3070, offering an upgrade to 6,144 CUDA cores, a 1.77GHz boost speed, and the newer GDDR6X memory. As a mid-ranger, this GPU has established itself as a solid gaming GPU that’s still competitive in the market despite being superseded by the 4070 Super series.
This unit has special characteristics that make it a gaming goal. It’s a fairly affordable unit, it’s strong and fast, and it benefits from the 2nd generation Ray tracing and DLSS. Naturally, to match that speed and power, you need an equally stronger CPU. Depending on the specs of the unit, you’ll be better set for some tasks over others.
We’ve reviewed several CPUs here at PCGuide and have put each one through rigorous testing. Based on the results, we’ve selected a few options that we think are the right fit for the GPU. So, let’s jump straight in!
Products at a glance
- Best CPU for the RTX 3070 Ti
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- Best Intel CPU for the RTX 3070 Ti
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 AMD CPU for the RTX 3070 Ti
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Best performance CPU for the RTX 3070 Ti
Intel Core i9-14900K
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.4GHz
- Base clock speed: P-Core 3.2GHz / E-Core 2.4GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253W
How we picked
When purchasing a graphics card such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, finding a well-matched processor is just as important. Gamers must select a CPU powerful enough to handle their desired settings and provide them with an optimal gaming experience and well-rounded performance.
When selecting a CPU, we considered the budget and types of games that can be played to determine which processor would best suit users’ needs. So, the first port of call was to scour the performance metrics of the highest-rated CPUs from both Intel and AMD, comparing core counts, thread counts, and clock speeds to get a feel for overall computational ability.
Compatibility was next, as we had to make sure each CPU was compatible with different motherboards, chipsets, and socket types to work seamlessly with the 3070 Ti and equally futureproofed to be a long-lasting part of your system.
Lastly, research into benchmark scores for different processors should be conducted to ensure maximum performance from the chosen CPU. Luckily, we’ve done our own benchmarking of our lineup in our in-house reviews and have given each of them a seal of approval after getting hands-on. Click the review link to check them out and find out more about how we test each CPU in this testing guide.
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Boost clock speed: 5.4 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.9 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Amazing performance-per-watt ratio, with a TDP of 65 W
- You get this impressive performance for a competitive price
- Its 6 cores and 12 threads go a long way
- Fewer cores than Intel alternatives
- These fewer cores means it doesn’t excel in heavy workstation tasks
As our top choice of processor for the 3070 Ti, we’ve gone for the Ryzen 5 9600X. This one comes with the latest Zen 5 architecture, and it offers high performance without breaking the bank. In our Ryzen 5 9600X review, we found it to be a great option for budget-conscious builders.
The 9600X is built using 4nm process technology, which means that it has more transistors on each core than processors that offer 5nm or higher technology. This allows the processor to efficiently divide the workload among the cores.
Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide exceptional power for multitasking and intensive gaming alike, allowing you to run modern titles at high settings effortlessly. With this number of cores, the processor can surge to 5.4 GHz of boosted frequency. However, do keep in mind that constantly running the CPU at such high speeds can generate a lot of heat. So, make sure you’re using one of the best CPU coolers for 9600X to keep the temps low.
The 9600X does better intergenerationally than it’s bigger brother, the 9700X.
PC Guide
As far as the cache size is concerned, the 9600X features a 32 MB L3 cache, which further enhances its ability to handle demanding workloads quickly and efficiently. With support for PCIe 5.0 technology too, users can take advantage of faster storage speeds while enjoying lag-free gaming experiences at higher resolutions.
The 9600X also has a fairly low TDP of only 65W, which is 40W less than its predecessor, the 7600X. This means that it won’t generate too much heat, and you don’t have to worry about getting a high-end power supply for it. However, we’d still recommend pairing it with one of the best PSUs for 9600X to keep your components safe.
To find out how good the 9600X is, we tested it with different benchmarking tools. In CPU Z single and multi-core tests, it was able to deliver 827 and 6,345 points, respectively. We then launched Geekbench, where we were able to get 3,283 and 14,909 points, respectively. These are significantly better scores than what its predecessor, 7600X, was able to achieve. The gaming performance was also decent, as we were getting 325 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low.
Overall, the Ryzen 5 9600X is one of the best CPUs to pair with the 3070 Ti, and it is a solid option for those who can’t afford to invest in a high-end CPU.
What users say
As per its Amazon reviews, the 9600X offers plenty of performance and is very impressive in terms of power consumption. One user stated, “The Ryzen 5 9600X is a processor that truly delivers on its promises. I love that it consumes less power, runs cooler, and still manages to provide better performance compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 5 7600X”. However, some user suggested that it may not be a great upgrade from the 7600X to the 9600X, as the generational gap is simply not there.
- 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)
- Perfect for high-performance gaming alongside the GPU
- Supports either DDR4 or DDR5, so it is versatile for all systems
- Just as good as the 14600K, but costs less.
- Notably high power consumption and temperatures for its offerings
- Hence, you’ll need to take into account cooling requirements
- If you haven’t had to yet, you’ll need to upgrade to LGA 1700
If you’re looking for a CPU that allows you to do more than just gaming for a similar price tag, then you can also consider going with Team Blue, and we’re pushing the 13600K into the spotlight. This is a great option from Intel, and it won’t put a dent in your bank account. In our Core i5-13600K review, we tested the processor in multiple tools and were not disappointed with its performance.
The Intel Core i5-13600K is a powerful little processor with 14 cores and 20 threads. Despite its affordable price of $320, it still manages to deliver top-notch performance.
Compared to the previous model, the i5-13600K has double the number of E-cores and a combination of 8 efficient and 6 high-performance cores. It also supports Hyper-threading, giving it 20 total threads. All this power is packed into a chip that only uses 125W of energy – how’s that for value?
The Core i5 13600K is a fantastic CPU for those looking to get a great performance CPU without breaking the bank
PC Guide
This design is good for gaming and performs well in both light and heavy tasks. It has more cores and faster clock speeds, which make it perform better than the 7600X, and positions it as close to the Intel Core i9 family but with a lower cost and power use.
Our benchmarking of the chip in our i5-13600K review stood as a testament to this, too, reaching a 179 FPS 1080p average in Cyberpunk and a 162 FPS 1080p average in Elden Ring. In layman’s terms, its performance is bang on for enhancing the 1080p efficiency of the GPU, and 1440p should be a breeze, too.
This CPU can be overclocked for better performance, but without a built-in graphics card, the Intel Core i5-13600KF is similar but cheaper. If you have a graphics card, this is a cost-effective choice for the same performance.
What users say
With an average of 4.8 stars across its Amazon user reviews, it’s fair to say that the i5-13600K has gotten a good rep for itself for being an excellent value CPU with a stellar performance for its price. Users have commented on how it’s a “champion in the mid-range desktop processor arena” and commend it for being a “true powerhouse”.
On the flip side, heat management has cropped up a few times, and it’s well-known that particular processors, such as the 13600K, can get hot when performing under heavy loads or stress.
- Outperforms all CPUs in gaming
- Very good energy efficiency
- X3D now supports overclocking
- Not ideal for heavy productivity tasks
- Platform cost is high (AM5 motherboard + DDR5 RAM)
Improving on what was already the best CPU for gaming, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Team Red has cranked things up a notch with the latest iteration of their X3D CPU line, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, making it the go-to recommendation for any RTX 3070 Ti build. First, AMD upgraded to a 4nm process node for the 9800X3D, which gave it a good boost in overall power consumption and energy efficiency.
Plus, the CPU also brings a 16% generational uplift in IPC. What does this mean? Now, the X3D CPUs not only rule gaming loads but also perform very impressively in productivity tasks. I mean, we get an 8-core + 16-thread configuration, with the cores clocking @ 5.2GHz. Along with that, we can also overclock the 9800X3D, something which wasn’t possible with the 7800X3D, to squeeze even more performance out of it. Understandably, there will also be an increase in power consumption and heat generation, but if you have the best CPU cooler for 9800X3D, you won’t have to worry too much.
While the overall productivity performance is commendable, we still wouldn’t recommend it if your primary use case surrounds heavy-duty workloads, as the CPU falls behind the X line-up considerably. For that, we recommend a Ryzen 7 9700X or a 9900X.
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
Of course, the same cannot be said for gaming, as the 9800X3D surpasses the Core Ultra 9 285K, which is Intel’s latest flagship, as well as the Ryzen 9 9950X, which is Team Red’s own flagship processor, by a mile in all AAA titles. The 9800X3D’s extra L3 cache of 96MB gives it an unbeatable advantage in all games, as there is more data to store in the cache, so the cores can access it faster.
For reference, the Core Ultra 9 285K managed 216 FPS, while the 9950X delivered 319 FPS. The 9800X3D managed 334 FPS paired with an RTX 4070 Ti. This was without enabling PBO which increased the FPS in CS2 from 604 to 669, meaning a simple click can take the in-game performance to the next level.
One thing to keep in mind when upgrading to a Ryzen 7 9800X3D is that AMD has dropped support for DDR4 RAM with its Zen 5 architecture. This means you’ll have to upgrade to DDR5 RAM (if you haven’t already) and also get an AM5 motherboard. We recommend you get the best motherboard for 9800X3D, as that significantly impacts your build’s overall performance. All in all, if you want a do-it-all CPU that offers exceptional gaming performance while also maintaining a good rank in productivity tasks, the 9800X3D is the way to go.
What users say
Since its release, the 9800X3D has quickly become a fan-favorite, as Amazon buyers appear to love the gaming performance, overclocking potential, and even productivity numbers of this processor.
One user commented, “Absolutely love this CPU. Removes any sort of CPU bottlenecking for games such as CS or Civilization. Super happy with the over clocking features, the more power efficient chip, and the cooler temps.”, while another said, “This is the best gaming CPU that money can buy as of late 2024. Performance is stellar in every game as well as non-gaming tasks.”.
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.4GHz
- Base clock speed: P-Core 3.2GHz / E-Core 2.4GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253W
- Platform: Intel Socket 1700
- 24 strong cores, giving it great multi-tasking and single-thread performance
- Sensible upgrade that still uses the LGA 1700 socket
- Versatile for gaming, productivity, and creative tasks
- High performance means high power consumption
If you’re after the most performance out of your PC, especially in CPU-bounded workloads and games, then we recommend you pair your RTX 3070 with an i9-14900K. We have tested the i9-14900K, and it earned a 4 out of 5 rating in our review for its exceptional performance in all scenarios.
For starters, it packs 24 cores (8 performance, 16 efficiency) with 32 threads, and the performance cores can clock at up to 5.6GHz while hovering at a base speed of 3.2GHz. As such, it nails performance in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks, achieving 927.6 points in CPU-Z single and 17,074.2 points in CPU-Z Multi. Similarly, in Cinebench R23, the processor scores 2,143 and 39,973 points in single- and multi-core benchmarks, respectively.
With 36MB of L3 cache at its disposal, the i9-14900K can also deliver solid gaming performance. We played CS2 and Cyberpunk 2077 on this processor with an RTX 3080, both games were tested at 1080p resolution with high settings for CS2 and low settings for CP:2077. On average, we saw 336 FPS in CS2 and 219 FPS in Cyberpunk. These are great numbers, but we wouldn’t expect less from a flagship.
The Core i9 14900K is very strong of course, but then so is the 13900K
PC Guide
The only downside of going with the i9-14900K is its power consumption. With a 125W TDP, you can expect some pretty high thermals and power consumption, so you’ll have to make sure you have a 360mm AIO or a capable air cooler to keep this CPU from thermal throttling. You can check our guide on the best coolers for i9-14900K for some great choices.
It should be mentioned that you can expect very similar (or just slightly less) performance from the i9-13900K, which is one generation older than the i9-14900K. However, the 14900K costs the same as the 13900K, and at times, you’ll find it at a lower price, so when we put the two side-by-side, the i9-14900K offers better overall value.
What users say
As per its Amazon reviews, the i9-14900K no doubt packs plenty of performance and can easily handle all productivity and gaming workloads.
One user said, “These CPUs are very fast and, despite being essentially unchanged since the 13900k was released in late 2022, are still the fastest Intel desktop CPUs for gaming and most other purposes”, another appreciated its versatility, saying, “If you want a balance between gaming and productivity, I think this is the best choice.”.
Features and considerations
Here are a few things to consider before you invest in a new processor –
Number of cores
The very first thing to consider when selecting a CPU is the number of cores. The more cores, the more tricks it can perform simultaneously. You’ll find that the bigger the version, the more cores it has. This is mainly because the Ryzen 9 or Intel i9 is built for serious workloads that need to involve all the cores.
On the other hand, with Ryzen 5 or Intel i5, the number of cores diminishes, making them less expensive, and more suitable for gaming because, luckily, gaming is mainly a single-core activity. So, considering the architecture and number of cores of your CPU is very crucial. In accordance with this, each brand is better at some aspects than the other.
Performance
To perform more well-nigh-perfect AAA games, AMD’s architecture is better capable of dealing with video game rasterization. On the other hand, while Intel is better at coping with serious game platforms thanks to its multi-thread architecture, this efficacy difference changes depending on the CPUs and the price point.
Budget
This leads us to the next point. The 3070 Ti is a mid-level GPU, so the build will be based on a budget that can always allow for the fanciest features. With this in mind, you must consider value-to-performance productivity. One of the best sensations when building a budget rig is knowing that you have the best piece at the best possible price.
Overclocking feature
If you’re interested in manually squeezing more performance out of your CPU, consider models with unlocked multipliers (Intel K-series or AMD X-series). However, remember that overclocking requires a good cooling solution and may not be significant for all users.
