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Best CPU for RTX 4070 Super- best, high-end, and Intel picks

Last Updated on January 16, 2024
Image shows the Ryzen 7 5800X3D next to the RTX 4070 Super GPU on a purple blue gradient background.

Nvidia’s 40 Series refresh has turned all eyes to its new Super lineup, so we’re diving straight into the best CPU for the RTX 4070 Super. With its modest price point and impressive specs, the 4070 Super is a worthy successor to the RTX 4070 that’s got plenty of users excited for an upgrade. Of course, if you want to squeeze the best performance out of your new GPU, you’ve got to consider investing in a CPU that’s going to enable your components to thrive.

In this guide, we’ve made this process extremely simple – to make your choice easy, we’ve done the background research for you and outlined four CPUs that would make a great addition alongside the RTX 4070 Super. Whether you want a gaming-focused set-up or something for productivity or content creation, these picks ensure you achieve the best performance at the best prices.

Products at a Glance

How we picked the best CPU for RTX 4070 Super

It has to be said that picking the best CPU for the RTX 4070 Super is not a task we brush off lightly. Our selection process involves an in-depth analysis of publicly available benchmarks and a thorough understanding of the current market options, supported by our extensive CPU topic knowledge. We take the extra time to examine performance tests from various reputable sources, assessing how different CPUs perform in gaming, creative workloads, and everyday tasks to present the most well-rounded choices. 

Additionally, we make sure to take into account user reviews and the potential longevity of each CPU: it’s crucial to recommend processors that are not only powerful now but will also continue to deliver robust performance in the future, as you’re bound to hold onto your CPU for a good few years before your next upgrade. This method guarantees that our recommendations for the best CPU to pair with the RTX 4070 Super meet the diverse needs of our audience, encompassing gamers, content creators, and general users who seek a strong and dependable computing experience.

Off the back of Nvidia’s recent launches, we’ve been checking out everything 4070 Super related, including the best motherboard for the RTX 4070 Super for those upgrading MOBO over CPU. However, we’ve also looked at the best CPU for the RTX 4080 Super, so read into that if you’re considering opting for the next step up to the 4070.

Our Recommended

Product Reviews

1
PROS
  • Exceptional gaming value.
  • Advanced 3D V-Cache technology.
  • Strong gaming performance.
CONS
  • No overclocking support.
  • Built on previous-gen architecture.
  • Less attractive for non-gamers.

As a mid-range GPU, the RTX 4070 Super appeals most to gamers, making it fitting to pair it with a top-tier gaming CPU. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D, despite the advent of newer generations, still holds its ground as one of the best gaming CPUs available, offering excellent value for its price.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, with its 8 cores and 16 threads, emerges as a formidable option for both gaming and multitasking. It boasts a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz, capable of boosting up to 4.4 GHz, thus ensuring it meets the demands of intense games and applications. The standout feature of this CPU is its massive 96MB L3 cache, which significantly elevates gaming performance. With a TDP of 105W, it balances power efficiency with strong performance, an ideal mix for gamers who are also energy-conscious.

Overall, this CPU is a prime choice for users looking to build a gaming-focused PC – while it’s capable of handling various tasks, gaming stands as its forte. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D excels in providing smooth, high-frame-rate gaming experiences, especially in the latest titles, making it a top pick for gaming aficionados, and an excellent choice to perform alongside your RTX 4070 Super.

2
PROS
  • Top-tier performance for professionals.
  • Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.
  • Strong integrated graphics.
CONS
  • High cost and power needs.
  • Requires DDR5 and new motherboards.
  • Overkill for casual use.

The good part about the RTX 4070 Super is that Nvidia amped the processing capabilities, so with the perfect CPU, it can go even beyond the standards of its predecessor. If you’re looking for a content creation PC, then you should consider pairing it with the Ryzen 9 7900X. Our premium pick will allow you to handle demanding tasks without the risk of bottlenecking, and in order to avoid losing its power, you shouldn’t go too much higher than this.

The Ryzen 9 7900X boasts 12 cores and 24 threads which provides substantial multitasking and processing power. Regarding speed, the base clock frequency starts at a brisk 4.7 GHz, with a maximum boost clock of up to 5.6 GHz. Moreover, with a 64 MB L3 cache and a TDP of 170 watts, this CPU is designed for performance. 

This processor is ideal for users who demand the utmost in performance, particularly for their content creation, high-end gaming, and other demanding applications. When paired with the RTX 4070 Super, it ensures that your system operates without any hiccups, even under heavy loads. However, it’s worth considering that its high power consumption leaves you with the need for an effective cooling solution, which could be an extra cost you need to invest in. 

3
PROS
  • Great performance-to-cost ratio.
  • Overclocking friendly.
  • Strong in single-threaded tasks.
CONS
  • Compatible with newer motherboards only.
  • Increased power consumption.
  • No cooler included.

The Intel Core i5-13600K is what we mean when we talk about balance, as this CPU offers you the best of both worlds. Whether you want to game, use AI tools, do content creation, stream, or perform any other professional task, you can with this processor. Paired up with the RTX 4070 Super, your PC will run smoothly through most situations.

In terms of specifications, the Core i5-13600K is a part of Intel’s 13th generation and features a hybrid architecture. It has 10 cores (6 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores) and 20 threads. The performance cores have a base clock of 3.5 GHz and can boost up to 5.1 GHz, offering excellent speed for demanding applications. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware. The TDP of 125W implies that it’s geared towards delivering high performance, though it also calls for effective cooling solutions.

On the whole, this CPU is perfect for users who need a versatile system that excels in both gaming and productivity. Whether you’re into intense gaming sessions, content creation, or using demanding applications, the i5-13600K handles tasks with ease. Its balance between performance and power efficiency makes it a great match for the RTX 4070 Super, ensuring that users get the most out of their system in a variety of use cases.

4
PROS
  • Excellent budget-friendly option.
  • Good for gaming and general use.
  • Low power usage with included cooler.
CONS
  • Outperformed by newer CPUs.
  • Limited PCIe lanes.
  • No integrated graphics.

When it comes to our budget choice, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X offers a great price-to-performance ratio. If you’re looking for a decent PC with solid benchmarks but aren’t willing to spend a fortune, then this stands as a reasonable choice. The 5600X is a solid CPU with a lot of room for demanding tasks, demonstrating how AM4 still has a lot to offer.

The Ryzen 5 5600X, runs under AMD’s Zen 3 architecture and features 6 cores and 12 threads, a setup that’s more than enough for the majority of gaming and general computing demands. With a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost potential of up to 4.6 GHz, it strikes a fine balance between efficiency and performance. Furthermore, its 32 MB L3 cache and 65-watt TDP are designed for power efficiency while still providing robust performance.

When combined with the RTX 4070 Super, the 5600X delivers admirable performance, particularly at 1440p and even 4K in certain use cases. Considering its price, making some minor adjustments is a reasonable compromise. The Ryzen 5 5600X is an outstanding option for budget-minded users seeking a capable and efficient CPU that meets most gaming and general computing needs without stretching your finances.

Features and considerations

When choosing the optimal CPU to pair with the RTX 4070 Super, a balanced combination of power, efficiency, and compatibility is crucial. The perfect CPU for this graphics card should shine in both gaming and productivity tasks, enabling a fluid switch between both work and leisure. Key attributes like high clock speeds and a substantial core count are essential for smooth gaming experiences and effective handling of creative applications, without worries of bottlenecking or similar issues. 

Considering the future-proofing of the CPU is also crucial. In an era of rapid technological advancement, selecting a processor that supports the latest innovations such as PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory is a prudent choice. This approach ensures that your system remains up-to-date and capable of accommodating future advancements and requirements.

What's the best CPU for the RTX 4070 Super at 1440p?

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the best CPU for RTX 4070 Super at 1440p. Its impressive balance of high clock speeds and a large cache size makes it an ideal choice for gaming at this resolution. The CPU ensures that you can play the latest games at high frame rates without any bottlenecking issues.

Our Verdict

Final thoughts

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D emerges as the premier choice for those eager to fully leverage their new RTX 4070 Super GPU, especially in 1440p and 4K gaming environments. Not only does it stand out in gaming, but its capacity to handle general computing tasks with ease also makes it a multifaceted performer suitable for a variety of needs.

Alternatively, for those who aim for the pinnacle of performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is unmatched. This formidable CPU seamlessly powers through the most strenuous applications, ensuring that your GPU operates at its full potential without any constraints. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-13600K presents an exceptional blend of gaming excellence and productivity flexibility, making it a prime choice for users seeking a CPU that performs brilliantly with the 4070 Super across different tasks.

On the budget-friendly end, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X offers outstanding value. Its ability to deliver strong performance at an appealing price point makes it an ideal pick for users who prioritize both efficiency and economy. It could be said that this CPU stands as a testament to the fact that high-quality performance doesn’t always require a hefty investment.