I have seen GTX 1060 crusading against a number of GPUs. And it’s perfectly fine, as one of GPU’s cornerstones is to compete against its rivals. I’m a user of GTX 1060, and believe me; it’s a formidable and withstanding GPU when compared to other budget cards. But the problem sinks in when we have to slot the GPU with a compatible and working CPU. At times, people end up slotting either an outdated CPU or a one which is way beyond GTX 1060. Hence, leading to an ultimate bottleneck between the two components. But fear not! I’m going to save you from the hassle of searching for CPU models. That’s the reason why we will be talking about the best CPUs for GTX 1060 today. Are you ready? Well, I’m excited!
Before we catapult ourselves to the product review session, it’s worth mentioning that you need to address a couple of things when choosing the CPU for GTX 1060 6GB-yeah; there’s a 3GB variant as well. It’s through that there are variable processors to look from, and the one that counts as an active chip will be rare to find because of the increasing number of processors. Possibly, you can look into 8th or 9th generation processors like i3 8100. But again, it depends on what you will be brewing in your system. For instance, if your PC is all about gaming and dancing and singing, then probably even an i5 6600K will suffice. On the contrary, if you are looking forward to rendering, coding, gaming, and multitasking, you need something bigger.
Last but not least, we tested these models on a myriad of systems; hence you can trust our words and choice.
What’s the difference between a 1060 6GB and a 3Gb card?
You don’t have to worry about your processor not functioning to its fullest potential just because you have a 3GB card. 6GB indeed outperforms 3GB, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy the latter one. For ease of understanding, a 6Gb GPU can store more textures and game objects than the 3GB card. It has nothing to do with the processor. Although 1060 6GB will be able to process more sequential data than the 3GB card, it’s okay to root for the smallest one if you are low on budget. All the processors will work just fine as long as you have a 1060 card.
It’s time for us to move to the product review session. I will try my level best to enlist all the top tier CPUs for your GTX 1060 6GB. Without any further ado, let’s begin!
List of 6 Best CPUs for GTX 1060 (overview)
| Model | Cache | Clock Speed | Cores/threads | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 MB | 3.4 GHz | 6 cores/ 12 threads | 4.8/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 MB | 2.8 GHz | 6 cores/ 6 threads | 4.8/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 MB | 3.6 GHz | 4 cores/ 8 threads | 4.7/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 16 MB | 3.2 GHz | 6 cores/ 12 threads Column | 4.7/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 MB | 3.7 GHz | 2 cores/ 4 threads | 4.6/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 MB | 3.6 GHz | 4 cores/ 4 threads | 4.5/5 | Buy on Amazon |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600
Here we are talking about Zen architecture, which brings in a solid 100% efficient performance. It’s affordable and can be easily paired up with your Nvidia GTX 1060 card. Well, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 belongs to the second-generation processor lineage and is known for pitching in extraordinary calculation timings. It surpassed all of the mentioned products in the list because it is nothing but the use of a multithreading concept that piqued the average working timing of a single core. It blesses you with six cores and 12 threads, which means now you can multitask without any freezes and lags.
The recent reports calculated that the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 was equivalent to Core i7 8700K. It means that the 2nd generation AMD processor is beating an 8th generation processor of Intel. That’s a significant defeat for Intel processors because not only are they charging you a river, but they also do not provide you with all the efficient cores and threads. It’s worth mentioning that the Ryzen 5 2600 comes with a base clock of 3.4 GHz and a boost of 3.9 GHz on high gaming. Surprisingly, you can overrate your processor to a maximum of 4.0 GHz, increasing the performance by two folds. Not to mention, when you are overclocking your processor, you would need a working cooler, since the AMD processor produces heat at a larger rate because of multithreading.
You can also play games like Final Fantasy XV, GTA 5, Rise of the tomb raider, Assassin’s Creed and Code vein on high settings with this processor. To be honest, you are getting a world at a subsidized price. What are you waiting for? Go and grab it already!
- Appreciable temperatures
- Amazing performance
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a cooler (Wraith Prism)
- Low TDP
- Multithreaded
- Does not included IGFX
- Limited overclocking headroom
Intel Core i5-8400
No doubt, AMD processors have pushed Intel processors down the ranks, but it doesn’t mean Intel core processors are useless. Although it’s a challenging time, Intel is still trying its best to propose valid and durable processors. Today, we will be discussing the Intel Core i5-8400 processor, which belongs to the 8th generation lineage. The processor is for gaming enthusiasts who are looking forward to 4k gaming but don’t care for the price tags. I’m not trying to be satirical or ridiculing Intel. But the Intel core processors are indeed highly expensive. The model comes with six cores and six threads and somewhat performs averagely with the AMD 5 2600. Not to mention, the processor does not support any hyperthreading, which means your system might lag and freeze while multitasking.
It’s worth mentioning that the processor has more to offer when we keep aside the locked multiplier. You get a decent TDP and cooling solution on the processor, which makes the Intel Core i5-8400 worth it. On top of that, most of the games like “Star Wars Jedi: the fallen order” and “A way out” were running flawlessly with 100% CPU usage. Did I mention that as long as the game uses 100% of the components, it will run efficiently? Well, if not, then yes, Intel Core i5-8400 ensures that the title consumes everything possible so you can experience seamless gaming.
Additionally, since this processor is a non-K version, you can’t overclock it. Intel processors have this differentiating thing that the “K” versions are only best suited for overclocking. If you are an overclocking enthusiast, then this processor might not be your shot.
- Bundled cooler
- Six-cores and six-threads
- Withstanding performance ratio
- Locked ratio multiplier
- Can’t overclock
AMD Ryzen 2400G
It’s AMD again. This time we will be focusing on AMD Ryzen 2400G, another great processor for your GTX 1060. Although it has a greater base frequency than 2600, it still lacks relevant cache, cores, and threads. Nonetheless, the processor comes with amazing features that enable you to play games at 4k without any issue. It was statistically proven that the processor overhauled the i3 8100. It was evident when the processor was checked against the i3-8100, and it turned out it’s a greater chipset.
Not to mention, if you are planning to set 2400G with GTX 1060, then it’s for sure that the gaming performance will be seamless. From the recorded data, we came across that the processor outperformed many intel processors on the blender and pitched in top-notch quality performance. There was even a perceptible increase in calculation timings. On games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Star Wars Battlefront II, the processor that the user stays on 100%, leading to higher production of FPS. [
You must be wondering how FPS generation is linked with the CPU. Well, my dear readers, it is. It’s all about how fast your GPU pitches in data, and how quickly your CPU addresses it. As long as both are working at 100%, there will be more FPS on the screen. For the overclocking process, yes, it’s quite easy. You can overclock the base frequency of 3.6 GHz to 4.0 GHz by playing with the BIOS settings. When you are done meddling with the settings, make sure that there’s a good cooler situated over the processor since it will decrease the increasing temperatures. Not to mention, the price tag of the 2400G is not that high. It’s accessible and can be bought by any person in the world, making it another user-friendly chipset.
- Stunning performance
- Potent chipset
- Affordable
- Slim build
- Amazing gaming performance
- Unlocked CPU multiplier
- Have IGFX
- Lacks in processing performance
AMD Ryzen 5 1600
It’s okay if you are wondering why AMD frequently appears on the list. It’s a famous saying that if you are trying to give something to the world, give it in a way that leaves its imprints. Maybe, AMD took the saying to the heart or too literally. In my opinion, AMD is above Intel, and believe me, I’m in no position to incite another AMD VS Intel War. But it is what It is. AMD Ryzen 5 1600 is a marvelous processor that has climbed the ranks. It has similar cores and threads to 2600, and it’s mind-blowing. Although the card belongs to the 1st generation lineage, it’s still competing against Intel 8th generation processors. This evidence speaks volumes, and I don’t think, so I need to reiterate it. Anyways, the processor is powerful and can run almost any AAA title to date.
For example, on the benchmark results, you can play GTA 5 on ultra-settings when paired up with GTX 1060. On top of that, the processor performed at its peak levels on games like Assassin’s creed when GTX 1060 was in action. Not to mention, the processor comes with a decent multiplier that enhances the overall performance of the chipset. There’s a thing I want to address here, and it’s the bizarre breakdown of the core system. Well, AMD Ryzen 5 1600 has a quad-core inlet, which indicates the trend of breaking cores into simpler pieces. For example, the quad-core of the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 is just 2+2, that simply means it’s a 6-core processor. I know it’s a bit weird, but it shouldn’t be a concern in the first place.
- Competitive processor
- Comes with a cooler
- Budget-friendly
- Unlocked multiplier
- Terrible overclocking module
Intel Pentium Gold G5400
Happy enough? Intel’s here! Let me give a red flag for this processor, and it’s nothing major. It’s probably not best for gaming. The architecture used in the processor is not up to the mark and might cause future problems. It doesn’t mean you will neglect the processor, just because it’s not properly configured. Yes, don’t worry, the processor will work efficiently with your GTX 1060 card. No issues with that! The processor belongs to the golden lineage and morphs into something humongous in terms of processing power. The processor is also aesthetic because of golden plating at the edges (no, it’s not real gold). For the features, you get 2 cores (not sufficient for today’s gaming standards), and 4 threads.
It’s surprising to see Pentium Gold G5400 competing against i3 7100. That’s quite fascinating, in my opinion. From the recently recorded data, it can be easily inferred that the processor could generate a considerable number of FPS on games like metal gear and final fantasy XV. On top of that, the processor will not cost you an arm and a leg. No, I’m not joking. I know intel is notorious for selling their chipsets at expensive price tags, but Gold G5400 is just considerate enough. All in all, if you want to go for average gaming, then Intel Pentium Gold G5400 it is.
- Have hyperthreading
- Comes with a performative cooler
- Amazing performance on mid-tier games
- Overclocking problems
- Weak IGFX
- Average processor performance
Intel Core i3-8100
It’s the last product on our list, and the intel core i3-8100 takes the position. Don’t worry, I know Intel core I3 processors are out of date and possibly do not pitch in the required gaming experience. But let me assure you of the fact that the 8th and 9th generation processors are high-key powerful. Be it on i3, i5, or i7; the processors will work fine. For this particular model, you get to hold a surfeit of features at a subsidized cost. The processor features 4 clock and 4 threads, which is more than enough to run mediocre/mid-tier games. Not to mention, the processor has a decent TDP and blesses you with a maximum boundary temperature of 100 degrees.
When we compared the same processor with G4500, we found out that it was running 20% more efficiently; hence, making it a golden cheap CPU for your GTX 1060. It’s worth mentioning; the processor can easily run games like Assassins creed Origins and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. All in all, it’s a decent go-to chipset if you do not care about overclocking.
- Cheap
- Amazing stock cooler
- Decent gaming performance
- Zero hyper-threading
- Locked multiplier
Final words
It’s time to say farewell, but before we do that, I want to assure you about the products’ integrity. They have been tested against so many combinations, and then only chosen for you. If you ask for my recommendation, I would say it’s always better to get a Ryzen processor. You can look into AMD Ryzen 5 2600 if you want some overclocking potential and best gaming experience. If you want something cheap, then Core i3-8100 will work like a charm. Other than that, the choice depends on you. It’s worth mentioning that the best processor for GTX 1060 could be any one of them, and the list is not finite. You can still look into processors that are expensive and capable of rendering CPU intensive games.
All in all, I hope the article was accessible and understandable in every aspect. If you think I missed something, do let me know in the comments. It’s always open for you!
People Always Ask
Which processor brand is best for overclocking?
AMD all the way. Because there’s this thing with Intel processors that you need a “K” version to overclock, whereas AMD does not limit you to have such and such processor to overclock. You have the freedom to do anything with your chipset.
Is AMD Ryzen 5 2600 an overkill?
No, it’s not when considering the recent advancements made, it can be said that Ryzen 5 2600 is just a mid-tier processor. It’s not at all an overkill.
Read Also:
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6 Best CPU for RTX 2070 builds (Top Reviewed) in 2021
Best Motherboard CPU Combo in 2021
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.
