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With how rapidly both Nvidia and AMD are advancing the GPU industry, many people end up focusing so much on GPU upgrades that they don’t even wonder if the rest of their PC’s hardware would be able to handle their desired GPU or not.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Strongest CPU For RTX 4090 | 9.9 | Check On Amazon | |
Highest-End Option for Intel | 9.9 | Check On Amazon | |
High-End Option for Intel | Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor 12 | 9.8 | Check On Amazon |
Great CPU For RTX 4090 | 9.7 | Check On Amazon | |
Best Budget CPU For RTX 4090 | 9.7 | Check On Amazon | |
Best Budget Option for Intel | 9.6 | Check On Amazon |
But if you’re reading this, you probably did your homework. So, in case you’re wondering about what CPU to get for the newly released Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090, you’ve come to the right place.
Nvidia has shattered expectations once again with the release of the Geforce RTX 4090, due to which the list of best CPUs for it is likely to be limited. You may even have to excuse your preference for either AMD or Intel due to how limited the options are.
Since the strongest GPU of the 4000 series utilizes the PCIe 5.0 bandwidth at its fullest, the best CPU for the 4090 will have to be great enough to make that functional. All the processors that we’re going to list below are most probably going to qualify for that. What shortens the list further is the fact that the article solely focuses on processors already in the market.
A Zen 4 or an Alder Lake CPU would be the most effective option for a GPU so demanding of bandwidth. The good news is, both AMD and Intel have chipsets strong enough for the job. Specifications and price aren’t the only factors to look out for since the motherboard sockets also play a major role.
Those who prefer using AMD chipsets are in a safer zone because AMD sticks to its boards for a longer time. AM5 motherboards are likely to dominate the next few generations, at the very least. The same cannot be said about Intel’s LGA 1700 processor sockets because Raptor Lake is most likely going to be their final processor line.
Important Features For 4090 CPUs
Here are some important specs to look for when shopping for a new CPU for your shiny new RTX 4090 graphics card.
1. Bandwidth
An extremely important aspect of demanding GPUs. Processors with a stronger bandwidth find it easier to communicate with other hardware, and since the RTX 4090 uses PCIe 5.0, higher bandwidth is essential.
2. Processor Speed
The core performance of a processor is measured through MHz or GHz. The number determines how many cycles a CPU’s internal clock completes in a second. A 1 GHz CPU’s clock ticks a billion times per second.
3. Cores
The higher the number of cores is, the more bandwidth the processor will be able to handle. Each core has its own cache, which organizes the functioning of a processor and thus makes it quicker.
AMD processors also have Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) technology, which features the GPU core. The technology allows greater graphical computation in the CPU itself and boosts overall performance.
4. Motherboard Compatibility
As discussed above, motherboard compatibility is one of the most important aspects to consider before getting a CPU. AMD typically sticks with its motherboards for a longer time.
Top CPUs for RTX 4090
Here are the best CPUs for your high-end graphics card.
1. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
The Strongest CPU for Nvidia RTX 4090
Right now, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is the strongest AMD processor that you can get your hands on – which is very much appropriate when you’re intending to buy something as powerful as the Nvidia RTX 4090. It has 16 cores, and 32 threads and its maximum boost clock goes up to a whopping 5.7GHz – while the base clock itself is 4.5GHz.
As with most modern-day hardware, it uses DDR5 memory which utilizes the best performance that the market currently has to offer – and the bandwidth is amplified with PCIe 5.0 too.
Admittedly though, while being a DDR5 CPU helps it stay up to date, being limited to it specifically lowers options for how many people can use it as an upgrade, so do keep it in mind.
You genuinely can’t go wrong with this CPU because it’s perfect both for gamers and for those who wish to have a workplace. Sure, the Threadripper CPU is a behemoth – but the majority of customers don’t need that kind of power, especially not for a 4090.
The only CPU that truly rivals this is the Intel Core i9 13th gen, so it’s really up to you which brand you prefer more at the end of the day.
- Comes unlocked for overclocking
- Most powerful AMD CPU, perfect for RTX 4090
- Maximum temperature is 95°C
- Amazing for gaming
- Decent iGPU for the basic workload.
- Requires extra cooling
- DDR5 limitation.
2. Intel Core i9-13900K
Highest-End Option for Intel
Though AMD is an excellent brand for CPUs, people often purchase them as a companion to Radeon graphics cards. For Nvidia, the most common pair tends to be an Intel processor, and things have not changed much in this generation either.
The Intel Core i9-13900K is a beast of a processor that is great for both gaming and workstations. And when it comes to the Nvidia RTX 4090, you don’t have to look further than this CPU as they beautifully complement each other’s power.
Of course, it happens to be the strongest Intel processor that a consumer can get their hands on right now too – which means you’ll be good to go for half a decade once you install it on your computer.
It has a total of 24 cores, which includes 8 performance cores and 16 efficient ones. The total threads of this CPU are 32 and the maximum Turbo frequency is an amazing 5.80GHz. And as for PCI, we have 5.0 and 4.0 both, whereas it supports both DDR5 and DDR4 as well which is a great advantage that this processor has over the Ryzen 9 7950X which is limited to only 5.
Lastly, it has a decent iGPU that can run basic browsing tasks pretty well in case you have to wait a bit before you install your RTX 4090. Whether you like Intel as a brand or are someone who doesn’t want to do their research, this 13th-generation Core i9 is an easy choice.
And the only CPU that rivals it right now is the Ryzen 9 7950X. Oh, and it broke the world record for the maximum overclock a CPU has achieved, sitting at a gigantic 8.8 benchmark.
- Most powerful Intel CPU, perfect for RTX 4090
- Intel CPUs tend to have better default gaming optimization
- Supports both DDR5 and DDR4
- Can reach a maximum overclock of 8.8GHz.
- Decent iGPU for the basic workload.
3. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
Strong CPU for Nvidia RTX 4090
We choose the Ryzen 9 7900X mainly due to it being a 12-core (24 threads) processor. A higher number of cores simply allows the CPU to handle higher bandwidth.
Its support for DDR5 RAM also strengthens it further at handling bandwidth. Additionally, there’s also the handiness of AMD’s APU technology and its long-term reliance on sockets. It can even be overclocked to 5.6 GHz. The only possible drawback of the Ryzen 9 7900X is its DDR5 limit.
The use of PCIe 5.0 cables alone shows how demanding the RTX 4090 is. Not to forget the GPU’s demand of 600W+ power delivery (850W is what Nvidia recommends). In the last couple of years, AMD CPUs have cemented their position as the best choice for gaming.
We have fewer options here due to the emphasis being on the strongest CPUs, but even a mid-tier AMD CPU alongside an AM5 motherboard is guaranteed to handle the RTX 4090 without trouble. Being AMD’s latest flagship processor, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is easily the best gaming CPU as of now, and the 5.6 GHz overclocking is the icing on the cake.
- Can be overclocked to 5.60 GHz
- 5nm process
- Phenomenal single-core performance
- AM5 sockets.
- The DDR5 memory limit.
4. Intel Core i7-12700K
High-End Option for Intel
The Intel Core i7-12700K is the current generation i7 processor, and that alone should say a lot about its credibility. It may be outperformed by the Ryzen 9 7900X and has only half the number of cores compared to the latter, but its dependability is unquestionable.
The Core i7-12700K is also more affordable, but we rank the Ryzen 9 7900X higher due to its significantly better specs. Regardless, the Intel Core i7-12700K is expected to remain relevant for the next generation of GPUs at least.
The Raptor Lake series, which comes out soon, will dominate the processor market and overtake the Alder Lake line, but the latter’s use of Hybrid Architecture would help it age gracefully.
The Intel Core i7-12700K being a relatively older processor also enables support for the Z690 and other motherboards with a similar socket line. So, despite the CPU not necessarily being a budget option, getting it alongside a motherboard like the Z690 can save a lot, especially since they can use DDR4 memory.
- Can be overclocked to 5 GHz
- Latest Core i7 processor generation
- Supports DDR5 and DDR4 memory
- Compatibility with Z690 motherboards.
- Outperformed by AMD Ryzen 9 7900X.
5. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Best Budget CPU for Nvidia RTX 4090
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is undoubtedly one of the strongest budget CPUs of recent years. It offers excellent value for the price and is more than potent enough for even a GPU like the RTX 4090.
Despite harnessing only 6 cores (12 threads), this processor managed to surpass Intel’s Alder Lake i9 processor, which was at the top of the food chain before that.
Not unlike the Ryzen 9 7900X, the Ryzen 5 7600X limits itself to DDR5 memory, but when we talk about the best CPUs for the current BFGPU, the ability to handle a greater bandwidth is essential, and DDR5 memory assists in that.
So, even if you go for a processor that supports DDR4, the GPU’s bandwidth would still be handled much better by DDR5 RAM sticks. This is why budget options like the Ryzen 5 7600X are arguably ideal.
The DDR5 sticks and an AM5 motherboard may cost you more, but the affordability of the processor itself makes up for that.
- Extremely affordable
- Outstanding performance for the price
- Outperforms the more expensive 12th Gen i9
- AM5 sockets.
- Requires a Z690 motherboard.
6. Intel Core i5-12600K
The Best Budget Option for Intel
Arguably the best Intel option on the list. It’s easier on the wallet than even the Ryzen 5 7600X, and the performance is not too much of a downgrade compared to the Core i7-12700K either.
The fact that it supports DDR4 memory makes it even more affordable, making it the most budget-friendly processor on the list. You could save a lot by using DDR4 RAM sticks at the time of purchasing it and then upgrading to DDR5.
It’s extremely well-priced for a 10-core (16-threads) processor that uses the Hybrid architecture. In terms of raw performance, 10 cores aren’t too much, but the CPU can be overclocked to 4.9 GHz.
The Intel Core i5-12600K is excellent in terms of its cost and is our recommended choice for those who don’t intend to spend too much.
- Extremely affordable
- Outstanding performance for the price
- Outperforms the more expensive 12th Gen i9
- AM5 sockets.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X offers much more value for its relatively higher price.
Intel vs AMD – Which is better?
It’s hard to answer the question without knowing the basis of the comparison. But since we’ll have to compare the two on the basis of gaming because the article is about the RTX 4090, our conclusion is that AMD’s processors are better in terms of both: performance and budget.
The longer relevance of its motherboards/sockets, the APU technology, and the value for pricing are all valid reasons to prefer AMD over Intel. For now, the main reason to prefer the intel processors would be their DDR4 support, but that only makes some Intel options affordable.
Till the Raptor Lake line comes along, it’s safe for us to say that AMD processors are the better choice for gaming PCs.
What is Bottlenecking?
A bottlenecking occurs when one or more components of a PC hold back the majority of its more powerful components from achieving their full potential. A bottleneck component is a component responsible for bottlenecking.
Lately, it has become increasingly common for people to fixate too much on GPUs and get bottleneck processors, RAM, and the power supply unit (PSU), in worse cases.
To utilize a high-end GPU to its fullest, other components (especially the processor) need to be durable enough to support it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Budget CPUs Good?
That really depends on the budget itself. If your budget can get you the best possible components, you should go for them. But if the budget is relatively tighter, there are pros and cons of getting either: a high-end or a budget CPU.
While a high-end CPU may offer better raw performance, getting one might lower your RAM budget. But with a budget CPU, you have the opportunity to spend more on RAM, which also boosts performance in its own way.
So, despite the most powerful processor undoubtedly being the ideal choice, great budget CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X can be good choices, especially if you intend to upgrade the other components afterward.
Can a CPU Bottleneck the GPU?
The processor often bottlenecks the GPU, especially at lower/mid-range resolutions. If you see a higher than 60% utilization of CPU during gameplay while the GPU utilization is quite below that number, you probably have a bottleneck CPU.
Increasing the resolution may transfer the workload to the GPU, but getting a better CPU is still recommended because more VRAM consumption could also cause games to lag.
Can a CPU be Bottlenecked by RAM?
Low RAM can greatly bottleneck the CPU, especially while using intensive applications like modern video games and video/animation software. A higher RAM helps the CPU fetch data as quickly as it needs and that can greatly enhance the processor’s performance.
We hope this article aided you in choosing the kind of processor for RTX 4090 that fits your needs and budget. Do make sure to scroll down and check out our other articles on hardware and even gaming while you’re still here.