The RTX 5080, which will be released this month, offers better hardware than the RTX 4080 and costs $200 less than it did on launch. So, not only is it expected to perform better, but it also has more value. While the 4080 could deliver solid 4K performance, we’re expecting the RTX 5080 to do even better, given that it has DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation in its arsenal.
However, a powerful GPU such as this needs to be paired with a processor that complements it, and we’ve selected some of the CPUs we’ve tested and reviewed in-house. Since the RTX 5080 should be able to easily target the 4K resolution in gaming and handle other workflows, you’ll find that we’ve selected high-end processors, which should make for a powerful combination.
Of course, we’re basing this off the specs of the RTX 5080, but we will be reviewing our selections once we get hands on with card itself. It’s also worth noting that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is on the way in March, and should become the new king of CPUs – so we’d say it’s worth factoring that in to your decision.
Products at a glance
- Best CPU for RTX 5080
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
- Best Intel CPU for RTX 5080
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Cores: 24
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 5.7GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7GHz P-cores/3.2GHz E-cores
- L3 Cache: 36MB
- TDP: 125W base/250W max
- Best gaming CPU for Intel Arc B580
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
How we picked
While selecting the best CPU for the RTX 5080, we considered factors like the brand, architecture, cores, threads, base and boost frequencies, and other important factors. We also take a more hands-on approach by thoroughly testing the CPUs in-house for synthetic and real-world performance. If you’re interested in learning how we select and review products, visit our PC Guide Testing Lab, which will show the process in detail.
Our top picks
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed: 5.7 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.3 GHz
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 170 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Strong multi-core performance
- Can be boosted a lot with PBO
- 16 cores can tackle heavy workloads
- Still suffers from AMD’s efficiency obsession
- Can get really with PBO enabled
- The 9950X3D will most likely have better gaming performance
One of the best CPUs for the RTX 5080 is the Ryzen 9 9950X, AMD’s flagship processor with excellent productivity and gaming performance. We tested this processor for our 9950X review, and its output didn’t disappoint in the least.
We paired it with the RTX 4070 Ti Super and ran Cyberpunk 2077 and Days Gone at 1080p low to really test it. It delivered 319 and 279 FPS, respectively, in both titles, which is higher than what the 5800X3D managed to churn out.
Besides that, for synthetic testing, we ran a couple of benchmarking software, such as CPU-Z, Geekbench, and more. In CPU-Z single- and multi-core tests, it managed 872 and 16,960 points, respectively. However, that’s not all; enabling PBO increased its performance for single-core to 877.2 and 17,421 for multi-core.
The 9950X is certainly a capable CPU with a lot to offer those looking for strong multi-threaded performance.
PC Guide
So, it seems like PBO does a better job of enhancing its multi-threaded performance, but the downside is that it gets hot to the point where our 240mm AIO cooler can’t keep up with the generated heat.
The reason for choosing this CPU for the RTX 5080 was because it offers a well-rounded performance in gaming and other workloads. Its multi-threaded score shows that it can handle resource-intensive tasks easily, and its single-core performance can deliver high framerates in gaming. Compared to the 285K, it scored slightly low in the multi-core score but nothing that is vastly difference, but the 9950X dominated the 285K in gaming, hence the well-roundedness, whereas the 285K is better suited for productivity.
This performance is due to the Zen 5 architecture, 16 cores, and 32 threads. These cores have a base and boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz and 5.7 GHz, respectively. So, this processor should undoubtedly make an excellent partner for the RTX 5080, and if you want more performance, you can always overclock it.
However, remember that it’ll get hot and consume more power, so we recommend using the best thermal paste and CPU cooler for 9950X to prevent thermal throttling. Overall, this is an excellent processor, but remember that you’ll need an AM5 motherboard to run this, and we’ve reviewed plenty of them.
What users say
According to the reviews, this processor has a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon and has excellent performance in gaming and other workloads. One reviewer said: “The Ryzen 9950x is an extremely powerful processor, don’t let people or reviewers tell you otherwise. This thing pummels through multi core tasks and matches the 7800X3D without the X3D technology.”
- Great temperatures even under full loads
- Impressive multi-core performance
- Plenty of cores and threads with a good split into performance and efficiency
- Not the best gaming performance
- No longer supports DDR4 like its predecessors
- Falls behind the 14900K in plenty of scenarios
If you lean toward Team Blue, check out the Core Ultra 9 285K. While the Arrow Lake processors might not be as popular as the AMD counterparts, they have excellent multi-core performance.
So, if that is something you were looking for, this CPU should serve you well; however, for pure gaming performance, any of the X3D or even X processors from AMD will be a much better fit. In our Core Ultra 9 285K review, we paired it with the RTX 4070 Ti to run synthetic and real-world tests.
In gaming, we got 216 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, which is 3 FPS less than the 14900K, and the 9950X was leagues ahead with 319 FPS. So, this isn’t the best for gaming; however, in synthetic testing, it managed 41,436 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 2014 points in single-core.
For comparison, the 14900K got 2143 points, and the 9950 managed 2275 points in the single-core test. The 14900K and 9950X in multi-core managed 39973 and 40938 points, respectively. It isn’t surprising that it didn’t do well in the single-core test, but its multi-threaded performance is something else.
The Core Ultra 9 285K is a great processor there’s no doubt about it. Even as it cut back on the thread count and hyper-threading I was worried about its multi-core processing power, but that seems to not be the case as it leads in benchmarks for multi-core performance.
PC Guide
Despite having fewer cores and threads than the competition, it managed to have a better multi-threaded output. Paired with the capabilities of the RTX 5080, it should deliver exceptional performance in professional workloads like video editing, Photoshop, 3D rendering, and modeling.
This Arrow Lake flagship processor has 24 cores and 24 threads. The 24 cores are split between 8 Performance cores and 16 Efficient cores. This hybrid architecture was introduced to deliver performance and efficiency. The P-cores handle heavy workloads and go dormant when the task is complete. The E-cores take over and handle the less intense and everyday workflows.
It also has a 125W base TDP and a 250W maximum turbo power, which is 3W less than that of the 14900K, so there isn’t a huge difference. However, due to the 3nm CPU processes, it doesn’t get very hot or experience thermal throttles. The maximum temperature it reached was 84°C, that too during Furmark 2, which pushes the CPU to its utmost limit.
That being said, you can never go wrong with a robust cooler, and we recommend using the best CPU cooler for the 285K to ensure it keeps running cool even if you overclock it.
Overall, this is an excellent processor to pair with the RTX 5080. Even if you might not get the level of gaming performance you’d get from other CPUs; it should ensure that your system has top-notch productivity while still being able to deliver more than playable framerates in different titles.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this processor has good performance and is excellent for productive tasks. One reviewer said: “I built a 9950x a few months ago because after the bios updates with the 14900k, that cpu tanked in performance for what I use and needed it for and the 9950x was a great CPU while I was using that, but I built the 285k PC for what I literally do for a living and decided to keep this PC and sell the 9950x PC because it is far better, everything feels smoother, the asus z890 xmp profile with 4 sticks feels better.”
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
- Incredible gaming performance
- Now capable of being overclocked
- Great power efficiency
- Still falls behind in some multi-core tasks
- Priced nearly as much as Ryzen 9 CPU
There is currently only one option for the best gaming experience: Ryzen 7 9800X3D. While the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has been announced, and AMD claims that it is the best processor for gaming, we’ll know that for sure when we review it. For now, the 9800X3D is the king.
In our Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, it had, unsurprisingly, exceptional gaming performance paired with the RTX 4070 Ti and could also match or outperform the Ryzen 7 9700X in productivity, something that wasn’t possible with the previous X3D processors.
In Cyberpunk 2077, it managed 334 FPS, while the 9700X and 265K could only deliver 313 and 240 FPS, respectively. In Counter-Strike 2, we got 604 FPS normally and 669 FPS with PBO enabled, which shows how much overhead you have with this CPU.
As for synthetic testing, in the Cinebench R23 single test, we got 2026 and 2068 points with normal settings and PBO enabled, respectively. The 9700X got 2203 points, while the 265K trailed behind with 2018 points. So, it can trade blow with the 9700X and has better single-core performance than the 265K. Single-core performance is what we generally look at while judging how well a processor will perform in gaming.
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
In the Cinebench R24 multi-core test, the 9700X managed 22475 points while the 9800X3D managed 22568 normally and 22815 with PBO enabled. So, it can deliver slightly better performance than the 9700X but couldn’t compete with the 265K as it churned out 33385 points, leading with a massive margin.
So, times have changed, and you don’t need to choose between an X and an X3D processor if you’re looking for productivity and gaming, as the 9800X3D can do it all. In addition, it can be overclocked, meaning you can get even better performance, but ensure you’ve got the best CPU cooler for the 9800X3D to keep it from thermal throttling.
So, regardless of your usage, pairing the 9800X3D with the RTX 5080 should result in a powerful combination that can handle any task without breaking a sweat.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this CPU has exceptional gaming performance which results in a smooth and stable gaming experience. One reviewer said: “I ran a variety of benchmarks and stress tests, and the results were exactly as advertised. The framerates at 1080p are nothing short of incredible, delivering quality gaming experience. Compared to my previous system (i7-8700), the overall responsiveness and speed have been significantly improved.”
How to pick the best CPU for RTX 5080
Here are a couple of factors you should consider before buying a CPU for the RTX 5080. They should help you make an informed decision, avoid overspending, and get excellent value.
Budget
The most important factor to consider while buying any component is your budget. Does it allow for high-end CPUs? Would you have to spend more to buy a flagship processor? Does your budget only allow for mid-range options?
These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself, but it is always better to operate within your budget. So, filter all the available options based on them and choose a processor that offers good performance and price. This will ensure you get the maximum value without exceeding your budget.
Usage
The second factor to consider is your usage. The RTX 5080 should be able to push 4K without a hitch; however, if you’ve only got a 1080p monitor, then you’d be playing at 1080p. So, at lower resolutions, the processor needs to fast to keep up with the GPU, and at higher resolutions, the GPU is pulling most of the weight, and even budget CPUs can work with high-end GPUs at 4K.
Besides gaming, you also need to consider if there are any other workflows, such as editing and rendering, that require a core-dense processor. So, the best bet is to pair the RTX 5080 with a high-end processor for a well-rounded system that can handle anything you throw at it.
At lower resolutions, there will be no CPU bottlenecks. For resource-intensive applications, both components can work in tandem without holding the other back, resulting in excellent performance and efficiency.
