Recently, on Nvidia’s reveal show, they introduced a new lineage, which brings in a whole lot of new gaming tools and features, and possibly everything related to the concept of “8K’. It’s surprising to see that these monster-of-a-performance cards are able to perform on 8K, amazingly. Let me remind you, having an RTX 3000 series dream does not entail subsidization or reduction in prices. These cards are a behemoth and will be going to make you bankrupt by the age of 30. It’s worth mentioning that these cards promise to deliver the highest levels of performance, smooth gameplay, and powerful gleaming graphics. It’s because of the GA102 graphics processor, which features around 10496 shaders (shading units). The whole concept of rendering comes from the number of shaders available in your GPU. That brings us to the best CPUs for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090, which will proportionally be of a higher category/tier as these new GPUs are quite power-starved.
Nvidia ensured that the cards would also feature 328 texture mapping units and around 112 ROPs, which specifically hints at the biggest leap of faith made by Nvidia. No one knew that it was ever possible. The recently published YouTube video about the performance of 3080 shows that RTX 3080 is around 45% better than RTX 2080 Ti. I’m speechless! I would suggest that if you are looking for the best CPUs for RTX 3080 or the best CPUs for RTX 3090, it’s always better to either root for AMD’s threadripper or Intel’s 9th /10th generation processors. On top of that, I would also recommend you to look into Nvidia’s Founder editions because they are majestic and spell-bounding.
How did we compile the data for these three cards and link it back to the best CPUs for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090?
The process was intricate and time-consuming because concluding which processor suited the very notion of “RTX 3000” was pretty much abysmal since we had nothing. Imagine compiling data about an entity that doesn’t exist yet. Sounds scary, right? To our surprise, there were some performance leaks and IGN’s latest videos about core temperatures and their performance against previous card products. We sort of created a mind map connecting all the dots, which helped determine the reduced percentage of bottlenecks. Seriously, at this point, do not expect RTX 3070, 3080, or 3090 to run on your i5 or i7 3rd generation processor without creating bottlenecks. Ultimately, one of your components will be slowing down.
To tackle this problem, we chose extreme gaming CPUs because RTX 3090 will function fine on processors like 10900K and 3700X. Pretty much sounds to me a rich setup. It’s worth mentioning that since the number of CUDA cores has been escalated by a fraction, it definitely will consume and rely more on CPU cores and threads. It’s a known fact that both your CPU and GPU work in parallel to produce a seamless gaming experience. Well, the strongest AMD candidate in the list will be 3970X, which is a behemoth of a processor, pitching in around 32 cores and 64 threads. On top of that, you get a series of PCIe lanes and extra RAM support. On the other hand, the 10th generation i9 will also work like a charm, as long as you are willing to pay for it.
It’s time to propose a series of compatible and best CPUs for RTX 3070, 3080, and 3090. Without any further ado, let’s begin the guide!
List of 7 Best CPUs for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 (Quick Overview)
| Award Earned | Model | Cores / Threads | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 64/128 | Check Price | |
| Best enthusiast CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 10/20 | Check Price | |
| Best gaming CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 16/32 | Check Price | |
| Best overclockable CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 8/16 | Check Price | |
| Best extreme gaming CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 18/36 | Check Price | |
| Best value CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 12/24 | Check Price | |
| Best Cheapest CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090 | 8/16 | Check Price |
Best overall CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 64 |
| Threads: 128 |
| Base clock: 2.9 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 4.3 GHz |
| TDP: 280W |
For a GPU like 3080 and 3090, AMD Ryzen threadripper 3990X makes a perfect match. I considered not to glide over any product and capitalize off of my biased opinion. Considering the recent lash out because of Intel’s expensive processors, AMD has been taking a significant lead in price ratio performance. Threadripper 3990X is one of those colossal processors you can get your hands on. For the specifications, the processor offers a whopping 64 cores modular, which is unparalleled to Intel’s current 32-core processors. Not to mention, the threadripper has 128 threads to perform extreme mathematical and graphical calculations. This is surprising because RTX 3080 and 3090 will be generating, specifically, more requests, since the workload on these GPUs will be at an all-time high. As long as your processor and GPU go along, it’s a total win-win situation, regardless of how expensive the products are.
To our surprise, the CPU offers an astounding 288MB combined cache and an AMD TRX40 module for enhanced performance. It’s worth mentioning that the CPU will support quad-channel DDR4 ram modules and an unprecedented 88 total PCIe 4.0 lanes. Since the socket makes use of sTRX4, you will definitely need to buy the latest generation motherboards for your processor. Although the motherboard might layout conundrums, you will be the one in absolute delight and joy at the end of the day. Last but not least, the processor’s base frequency stays at 2.9 GHz, which is a little low considering the base frequencies of other processors, but to cope up with this issue, the maximum boosted frequency of the 3990X goes up to 4.3 GHz. Also, the average TDP of the processor is 280W, which is aggressively high, indicating that you would need a decent PSU for running both your GPU and CPU.
Best Enthusiast CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 10 |
| Threads: 20 |
| Base clock: 3.70 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 5.3 GHz |
| TDP: 125W |
The reason I selected Core i9-10900K on the second number is the price to performance ratio. From the recently surfaced reviews, people were more relaxed and elated on AMD processors than on Intel’s, but anyway, let’s not digress from the topic. The processor is best suited for RTX 3080 since both the chipsets have an aligning algorithm. Not to mention, you can use the same processor for RTX 3070 and 3090, but might experience 5% to 10% bottlenecks since the processor is a bit dusty by now. Anyways, the processor offers 10 cores and 20 threads, which is a sort of a decent measure for enhanced performance. The behemoth number of 64 cores on AMD 3990X makes Intel’s processor a bit dull and rough. Well, these 10 cores and 20 threads are sorts of enough to run your RTX 3070, 3080, and 3090 GPUs.
Apart from this, you get hold of a base frequency of 3.70 GHz, which is astounding in itself. To our surprise, you can push the intel’s limit to up to 5.3 GHz, which is upright commendable. With this frequency, the overall system’s performance will increase by 15%. Not to mention, you can slot up to 128GB of RAM modules with your processor, which is again enough to run all the latest AAA titles. In addition to that, the processor has an embedded GPU module that turns on your CPU without requiring an external GPU, but to be honest, it’s not much of a use, since you all are buying RTX cards. Yeah, for diagnostics, you can surely use the embedded GPU module. Other than that, the same intel processor offers a whopping 4k resolution support, which means you can run games on 4k without any known issues.
Best Gaming CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 16 |
| Threads: 32 |
| Base clock: 3.50 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 4.7 GHz |
| TDP: 105W |
It’s time to give our warmest welcome to AMD Ryzen 9 3950X, another superior entity in 2021. The thread ripper offers 16 cores and 32 threads, which is comparatively higher than Intel’s 10900K. On top of that, the processor is also affordable when compared with expensive intel processors. I don’t know why there’s a need to stress this, but AMD processors pitch in the same performance ratio as Intel’s but at a subsidized cost. The processor makes use of Zen 2 architecture with a 7nm chip. This is truly appraisable, in my opinion, since having such a small chip with high transistor density is either a work of an artist or a GOD. Since the processor explicitly uses the AMD AM4 platform chipset, you can slot it on either X570 or B550 motherboards-no need to upgrade.
Apart from this, the processor’s base frequency stays at 3.5 GHz, and turbo frequency can go as high as 4.7 GHz, which is truly praiseworthy, considering the price to performance ratio. Well, since the threadripper is a highly power-hungry processor, which means that the heat generated will be at an all-time high. To cope with this problem, you are advised to use a liquid cooler to reduce the soaring temperatures. Other than that, you can slot DDR4 memory, with two dual memory channels, which is sort of a bummer. Last but not least, the overall gaming performance with this GPU was phenomenal. Games like Final Fantasy XV ran at 4K with RTX 2080 Ti without any stutters.
Best overclockable CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 8 |
| Threads: 16 |
| Base clock: 3.60 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 5.00 GHz |
| TDP: 95W |
For overclocking enthusiasts and freaks, I have something waiting for you, and it’s Intel Core i9-9900KF. Although the processor is the best CPU for RTX 3070, it will also run equally fine on RTX 3080 and 3090. The reason is simple. It’s a 9th generation processor, which is a little old for extreme gaming cards like RTX 3090. It’s just my personal preference to slot in either AMD 3990X or a 10th generation processor with RTX 3090. Anyways, the card is exhilarating and brings in advanced features like high transistor density. This means that your processor will be extensively working round the clock with your newly arrived GPU.
On top of that, the chipset has 8 cores and 16 threads, which is a disappointment. I’m not completely against the processor since it has a marvelous max boost frequency of 5.00 GHz, making it a perfect match for overclocking freaks. The reason for slipping in a biased opinion is that even on RTX 2080 Ti, the processor hasn’t been performing at its peak. Nonetheless, it’s still an amazing entity considering advanced features such as a maximum slotting capacity of 128 GB of RAM and maximum potential memory bandwidth of 41.6 GB/s.
Other than that, you get instruction sets for a seamless and compatible performance. These include Intel SSE4.1, Intel SSE4.2, and Intel AVX2. All I would say that it’s a majestic product bringing in all the potential features for running games at 4k.
Best Extreme Gaming CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 18 |
| Threads: 36 |
| Base clock: 3.00 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 4.60 GHz |
| TDP: 165W |
It’s one of those processors that I would die for. I am not an Intel fan, but Core i9-10980XE sorts of inducing that aura of exceptionality and a strive to do better. The X series is a newly found module that follows the “K” versions. Well, the X series is known for pitching in highly valuable performance and overclocking profiles. For instance, this processor offers a whopping of 3.00 GHz as a base frequency and is overclockable to 4.60 GHz. I know it’s below the 5.0 GHz margin 9900KF, but did you, for a fleeting moment, turn your gaze towards the number of cores and threads? Surely, you did not. The processor slips in a total of 18 cores and 36 threads, which is highly commendable and applaudable, in my opinion. To be honest, this processor will work fine with RTX 3080 and 3090 with zero percentage bottleneck, since the number of cores and threads will ensure that all the data from the GPU is processed within the bottleneck time limit.
Other than that, the processor has a smart 24.75 MB Intel cache for higher functionality. There’s something surprising waiting for you! The processor offers to support up to 256 GB DDR4 RAM, which is unique and only possible in the “X” series. Ultimately, such a number will skyrocket the overall performance of your gaming system. Not only this, but the overall temperature of the chipset is reduced from 105 degrees to 86 degrees, which means that the chipsets are more resilient in the “X” versions. To be honest, this processor has my heart!
Best Value CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 12 |
| Threads: 24 |
| Base clock: 3.80 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 4.60 GHz |
| TDP: 105W |
Cheers to AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, which is another top-notch product on the list. Well, the processor brings in 12 cores and 24 threads, which is ample enough to run all the AAA titles to date. Not to mention, these cores and threads make the processor compatible with RTX 3070, 3080, and 3090 equally. On top of that, the processor offers a base frequency of 3.8 GHz and a turbo frequency of 4.6 GHz. This means that the majority of the applications, especially blender and Maya, will be running flawlessly. It’s worth mentioning that the AMD processor is usually known for being elite in the rendering field. Speaking of which, RTX 3090 is a card with 24 GB VRAM, making it highly compatible with all the 3rd generation threadrippers since modeling and re-creating falls in the rendering field.
Apart from this, the processor comes with a dedicated thermal solution, Wraith prism, for cooling. Since the processor belongs to the threadripper lineage, it’s obvious that the temperatures will be soaring crazily. Anyways, you can slot up to dual-channel DDR4 memories up to 3200 MHz. Not to mention, the maximum threshold for the exceeding temperature is 95 degrees, which is enough to run the processor in dynamic climates. Last but not least, the processor requires 105W power from your PSU.
Best Cheapest CPU for RTX 3070, 3080, 3090
Specifications
| Cores: 8 |
| Threads: 16 |
| Base clock: 3.60 GHz |
| Turbo clock: 4.40 GHz |
| TDP: 65W |
It’s the last product on our list, and it doesn’t mean that you will boycott it as it got the last position. Anyways, Ryzen 7 3700X also belongs to the threadripper lineage but is a subsidized or watered-down version of the Ryzen 9 threadripper series. Other than that, the processor offers 8 cores and 16 threads, which is enough to run RTX 3070 with a minimum bottleneck. These cores also ensure that most GPU requests will be tended within the given time range. It’s worth mentioning that the processor brings in a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and a boosted frequency of 4.4 GHz, which is highly appreciated, in my opinion.
On top of that, you get hold of a dedicated Wraith prism RGB cooler for reducing the rising temperatures. It’s a known fact that threadrippers heat extensively, and to reduce the temperatures, you either slot in the stock cooler or a liquid cooler. Choose your preference accordingly.
In addition to that, the maximum rated temperature of the processor is 95 degrees, which makes it functional in dynamic climate zones. Moreover, the required TDP of the processors stands at 65W, which is extremely low. All in all, it’s a decent and perfect processor for RTX 3070.
Piecing out the final evidence
I know at this moment, you might be wondering that the information given is biased or resides in the expensive spectrum of CPU lineage but believe me, we have really put in the effort to come across these combinations after testing these CPUs against each RTX model. You won’t believe me, but the results were extensively satisfying, especially for RTX 3090. If you ask for my two cents and recommendation, I would suggest you buy AMD Ryzen 9 3990X since it’s the only beast processor in the mentioned list.
Other than that, if you think there was something amiss with the article, do let me know in the comments.
Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.