RTX 3080 is hot on shelves, and discovering an equivalently good CPU is even spectacularly harder. We are giving you the top eight Best CPU for RTX 3080.
But, before we get onto our list of prolific nominations for best CPU for the RTX 3080, let us learn a couple of things about RTX 3080 and the need for optimum CPUs for building yourself a new PC.
RTX 3080 is very desirable and the fastest find in a GPU.
The RTX 3080 card quickly demonstrates how fast it can outperform its predecessor, TRX 2080 ti.
It gives you an instant performance increase as high as five times higher than your current Card outputting and also is the most remarkable and popular Card that works wholly for 4K gaming.
The RTX 3080 is ideal for consistent 4k gaming at least 60 fps which stands right next to that of PS5 and Xbox Series X, no wonder it is being called “World’s fastest graphic memory,” coming with GDDR6X VRAM performing at an incredible speed of 760 GB/s with experts saying it is the largest generational leap in power to witness.
Contents
- Gaming vs. Non- Gaming
- RTX 3080 CPU Requirements (RTX 3080 processor requirements)
- 8 Best CPUs for RTX 3080
- 1. AMD RYZEN 9 5900X (Best CPU for 3080)
- 2. INTEL CORE i9-10900k ( Overall Best CPU for RTX 3080 ti)
- 3. AMD RYZEN 7 5800X (Best CPU for RTX 30880 mid-range)
- 4. AMD RYZEN 5 5600X
- 5. INTEL CORE i7 10700K ( Best mid-range CPU for RTX 3080)
- 6. INTEL CORE i5 10600K (Best Performance CPU for RTX 3080)
- 7. Intel Core i9-9900K
- 8. AMD RYZEN 9 3900X (Best Budget processor for Geforce RTX 3080 ti)
- Frequently asked Questions
- Final Words
- Also Read:
Gaming vs. Non- Gaming
With 4k gaming entering the mainstream with RTX 3080, It would be too obvious to say that it is one impressive graphics card that obviously needs an equally great CPU and you are looking for getting the max out of it.
Even without gaming needs, it has plenty of non-gaming uses.
This generation of graphic cards has specializations in non-gaming as well. Its new features will make life easier for almost everyone with the RTX Card.
Here, we have a detailed guide on the best CPU for GeForce RTX 3080.
We drive to get you the list of CPUs that are most and best compatible with RTX 3080, including the latest AMD and Intel processors: Core i9 10900K, Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 9 3900X, and more.
But before that, let’s look at some of the RTX 3080 CPU requirements that you should know to help you out on your shopping spree.
RTX 3080 CPU Requirements (RTX 3080 processor requirements)
- Clock Speeds/ Overclocking
- Threads
- AMD or INTEL
- Performance
- L3 Cache
- Cores, etc.
Now that you have known the points and concerns you should have before you fixate on the CPU for yourself, below, we have created a list featuring the best CPUs to pair with RTX 3080.
The list includes some flagship, budget-friendly models and the best overall options for you to choose from.
We suggest you refer to our given RTX 3080 CPU requirements before you read up the list to avoid facing lag, poor performance, stutter, or as severe as Spoiling your precious time with this powerful graphic Card.
8 Best CPUs for RTX 3080
1. AMD RYZEN 9 5900X (Best CPU for 3080)
It is admissible to say you can run RTX 3080 with any CPU, but not without seeing a good CPU bottleneck.
Hence, it becomes essential to find a CPU that can handle the workload without bottlenecking, and for that, the AMD RYZEN 9 series is excellent.
AMD CPUs show great results at 1440p and 4K.
Having the Ryzen 9 series is excellent on its own, but if you are not into losing a good chunk of your PC building budget on only CPU, RYZEN 9 5900X might be the best CPU for your RTX 3080.
Specification
- Brand- AMD
- Core – 12
- Threads – 24
- Max Turbo Frequency – 4.8GHz
- L3 Cache – 70MB
- Wattage – 105 Watts
- Socket Type – AM4
Reasons to buy:
- It has 100+ FPS performance.
- It supports the latest and most advanced gaming.
- It works amazingly well with 1440p and 4k, where older CPUs generate a severe bottleneck.
Reasons to avoid
- Cooler not included
2. INTEL CORE i9-10900k ( Overall Best CPU for RTX 3080 ti)
One of the top desktop CPUs in the 10th generation in the intel line-up comes with 10 processing cores built into a single mainstream processor.
Intel Core i9 10900k is a significant upgrade over i9-9900k, coming with two more added cores for a very definitive incremental improvement.
For RTX 3080, Intel i9-10900k is permissible as the world’s fastest gaming processor. So, if you are sold on AMD CPUs and looking to switch to Intel, getting i9-20900k is the CPU for RTX 3080 for you.
For a gaming CPU, intel i9-10900K will smash every benchmark you’d throw its way. The Processor remains out of the box and untouched based on core i9 10900k power and TDP setting.
The Processor’s relaxing power limits have transformed its performance abilities immensely. Which works great when given the max power limit setting with 2.4GHz clocks and 3.5GHz clocks working simultaneously.
Another equally good CPU is the Ryzen 9 3900XT that comes with PCLe Gen 4X16 and PCLe Gen 3×16, having the same effects.
However, Core i9- 10900k seems expensive to you. You can always switch on getting any Reyzon CPUs that work similarly well but for the lesser bucks.
Specification
Brand – Intel
Cores – 10
Threads – 20
Max Turbo Frequency – 5.3GHz
L3 Cache – 20MB
Wattage – 125 Watts
Socket Type – LGA 1200
Reasons to buy
- Upgraded networking chipset.
- Great potential for overclocking.
- Excellent base and boost clock speed.
- Amazing gaming performance.
- Has great overclocking potential.
Reasons to avoid
- Cooling system requirements.
- Top performance needs more power.
- GPU interfaces and impacts on fps.
3. AMD RYZEN 7 5800X (Best CPU for RTX 30880 mid-range)
RYZEN 7 5800X perfectly handles gaming at high-quality settings. It bottlenecks RTX 3080 by 5.1 percent at 1080p on ultra-quality settings with the latest games. If you love playing games with insane quality GPUs, you have to consider getting AMD 7 5800X.
If you are searching for a Productivity processor, you by now have considered getting Reyzen’s 9 series. Which is by far with no objects the best and faster in any game and even slightly much faster in games that love extra CPU cache like CS: GO.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X has 8 cores and a turbo frequency of 4.7GHz, making it next best when you have to use the PC for productivity work or switching from INTEL’s CPU architecture.
In these situations, Ryzen 7 5800X is the best CPU you can get for your RTX 3080 card that works perfectly for high-end gaming.
Specification
Brand- AMD
Cores- 8
Threads – 16
Max Turbo Frequency – 4.7GHz
L3 Cache- 36MB
Wattage- 105 Watts
Socket Type – AM4
Reasons to buy
- Energy-efficient thermals.
- Good for multitasking.
- Excellent performance in gaming.
Reasons to avoid
- It doesn’t have a CPU cooler.
4. AMD RYZEN 5 5600X
AMD RYZEN 5 5600X gives a solid performance in content creation and productivity tasks. The RTX 3080 card, has shown great dominance in gaming benchmarks.
Coming in with six cores and 12 TDP only at $299, this CPU fits perfectly well in the market for mid range gaming super-focused CPUs. In comparison to Intel core i5-10600k, AMD Ryzen is leaving severe competition for the lowest price.
Since it is a gaming-focused CPU, its move from Zen 2 to Zen 3 and legging up to a single eight-core complex design and making up of two dual-core chipset dies increases its latency.
Not just that, but unlike Intel in some of the cases, getting AMD mid-range and low range CPU with coolers and other equally efficient specifics can land you a suitable CPU hardware than going for Intel CPUs and spending extra bucks.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X performs at its best as a PC gaming with an excellent resolution of 1080p when used with a top-end graphic card such as RTX 3080 ti.
Specification:
Brand- AMD
Cores- 6
Threads – 12
Max Turbo Frequency- 4.6GHz
L3 Cache – 35MB
Wattage – 65 Watts
Socket Type- AM4
Reasons to buy:
- Wraith stealth cooler included
- Top-notch single-core performance
- Remarkable boost frequency of 4.6GHz
Reasons to avoid
- Requires AIO to perform well
5. INTEL CORE i7 10700K ( Best mid-range CPU for RTX 3080)
IT is well known that GeForce RTX 3080 ti is a very power-hungry card and sufficiently requires a decent power supply unit.
When it comes to getting Intel Core i7- 10700K using RTX 3080, it can be called a perfectly logical partner for core i7-10700K, especially when running on default power modes.
Overall the build quality of the PC remains excellent. Even if you have cranked up the road on the system with 1440p high refresh rate gaming, it will still show good results.
If you select this CPU for your RTX 30380 card, you get a well-balanced component selection with minimal wasted budget. As the RTX card requires a suitable power supply, which will eventually reflect in the upping of the temperature of your PC, not to worry, Intel here gives out a solid cooling performance.
Intel can be used to play games such as the world of warcraft, overwatch, counter-strike, global offensive, Battlefield V, etc.
Specification
Brand – Intel
Cores – 8
Threads – 16
Max Turbo Frequency- 5.1GHz
L3 Cache- 16MB
Wattage- 125 Watts
Socket Type- LGA 1200
Reasons to buy
- Excellent all-core based performance.
- Solely based on the latest gaming technology.
- Trustworthy overclocking with an unlocked multiplier.
Reasons to avoid
- High power consumption.
6. INTEL CORE i5 10600K (Best Performance CPU for RTX 3080)
Intel Core i5-10600K benchmarks greatly well, but users haven’t reported it to be the best or even moderately good for a gaming CPU.
Still, what stands out most about i510600k is that it has essential features that a beginner needs.
Intel i5 10600k has six cores and 12 threads that can handle games that need lower CPU requirements.
Games such as Forza Horizon 4, which can be played with 1080p ultra, Apex legends, which can be played with 1080p ultra,, and bottlenecks RTX 30380 by thirteen percent at 1080 ultra quality settings.
While this particular CPU might not be the best for all or even the best overall CPU for RTX 3080 ti, it works amazingly well now as a newbie player where getting the i9 would be a total overkill gaming.
With advanced games that require powerful COU and astounding benchmarks, putting i5 10600K to use will eventually result in stuttering and frames that load weirdly.
Specification
Brand- Intel
Cores- 6
Threads- 12
Max Turbo Frequency- 4.8GHz
L3 Cache- 12MB
Wattage- 125 Watts
Socket Type- AM4
Reasons to buy
- It comes and works as it is advertised.
- It gives excellent and calm service.
- Has Intel hyper-threading technology.
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks plate 4.0
7. Intel Core i9-9900K
Intel Core i9-9900K is the most powerful and super-performing gaming CPU that you can find in the Intel CPU series. The Intel i9 series CPUs work terrific with both gaming and non-gaming.
Intel Core i90-9900K gives you zero issues even if it overclocks and while punching chips.
A Video game that has intense graphics and requires a powerful CPU that has the overclocking capability is great.
This CPU doesn’t work out much faster than any other series in intel.
Coming at an MSRP of $499 to deliver cutting-edge gaming performance and increasing competition for AMD. Intel does offer a lot with the new 10th generation with RTX 3080 ti.
Specification
Brand – Intel
Cores – 10
Threads – 20
Max Turbo Frequency – 5.3GHz
L3 Cache- 20MB
Wattage- 125 Watts
Socket Type- AM4
Reasons to buy
- Multi-thread beast.
- Overclocking at its peak.
- Great boost clock at 5.3GHz.
Reasons to avoid
- Power consuming than other nominated CPU’s.
8. AMD RYZEN 9 3900X (Best Budget processor for Geforce RTX 3080 ti)
Coming in the neck-to-neck competition with Intel Core i9-9900K, Amd RyZen has dethroned its competitor. With more games adopting multithreaded CPUs, which are irrevocably needed for a gaming computer, Ryzen 9 3900X is successfully making its place as the best budget CPU for RTX 3080 ti.
Get AMD Ryzen 9 3900X if you want a high-end desktop 12-core processor only at $499. That is a great price point and stands equally great at core i9-9900K while also offering four extra cores.
The most incredible and the easiest upgrade tha users have seen on this Processor is its massive turbo boost of 4.6GHz that is too much single-core performance.
With a generous 64MB of L3 and 6MB of L2, for a combined 70MB of Game cache to get you the ultra gaming experience high framerates in 1080p games and without stuttering while playing games such as Counterstrike and Global Offensive.
Another improvement is the X570 chipset that brings forward this Processor to be the best SSDs.
Specification
Brand- AMD
Cores- 12
Threads- 24
Max Turbo Frequency- 4.6GHz
L3 Cache- 64MB
Wattage – 105 Watts
Socket Type- AM4
Reasons to buy
- It has a color controlled LED support.
- Bundled with Wraith Prism LED cooler.
- It shows amazing performance, the same as Intel at the same price.
Reasons to avoid
- It doesn’t have Integrated graphics.
- Single-core performance is still behind.
Frequently asked Questions
Question 1: What CPU to pair with RTX 3080?
Answer- Any excellent performing CPU could be best for an RTX 3080 card, be it an AMD or Intel series. For NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3080, the best CPU should not bottleneck the power produced from the card. Keeping this in mind, AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs are an excellent match to the RTX 3080 card. But, Intel’s 10th generation CPUs aren’t far behind from being the best CPU for RTX 3080.
Question 2: Is it worth upgrading from 2080 ti to 3080?
Answer: If your concern is speed, RTX 3080 gives you more than fifty percent more effective speed than 2080 ti. And if your concern is cost, let us tell you; luckily, RTX 3080 has a lesser price tag than its predecessor RTX 2080. While the performance of the 3080 will offer a superior performance regardless of a professional or casual player.
RTX 3080 delivers advances in both raw performance and power efficiency, coming close at twice as efficient as its first generating RT cores.
Final Words
Above, we have mentioned the best of all CPUs you can consider adding up to your personal computer. We have stated that the top best CPU for 3080 doesn’t mean there aren’t more on the list.
You’d find equally good CPU from the Intel core series and the same from AMD CPUs, yet we have given out the CPUs that go extremely well with RTX 3080, and users (both gamers and non-gamers) have shown positive reactions to.
We are hoping you liked our list of Best CPUs for 3080. And that the list helped you figure out which RTX 3080 CPU for yourself.
Also Read:
- 8 Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 5800X
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600 Build: The Buyer’s Guide
- 8 Best Z390 Motherboards for Gaming in
- 6 Best Motherboards for i7-9700K in