Tech Article | Best CPU For RTX 3090 In 2022:
Moiz Khan
Best CPU For RTX 3090 In 2022:
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 is currently the fastest and most powerful GPU available in the market. This beast features 10496 CUDA Cores, a massive 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, a 384-bit memory bus, a clock speed of 1400 MHz and has the ability to run on 8k. Yes, you heard that right its the first 8k compatible GPU. It's so powerful that it can also be used for industry-level productions and without a grain of doubt gives you the best gaming performance of all time. It truly sets new benchmarks for the next generation of flagship GPUs and has brought about a revolution in the gaming industry.
With so much power packed inside, this card requires a companion that can match its power figures without a bottleneck and that is where the new line of AMD and Intel CPUs comes into play. In this article, I have comprehensively compared and explained the 8 best CPUs for the RTX 3090. So without any further delay let's get started:
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X:
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X was launched at the end of 2020 and took the world by storm with its power figures. It's a high-end CPU made strictly for top-tier GPUs like the RTX 3090.
Speed And Performance:
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has a base clock of 3.4 GHz which is pretty decent and a mind-blowing boost clock of 4.9 GHz. These numbers make you think for a moment, that in the past few years how much faster and better the CPUs have become and how much power they pack inside themselves.
In Performance tests, the CPU got a 46173 CPU Mark rating and had a single thread rating of 3500 MOps/Sec which is again truly exceptional. In terms of raw performance, the Zen 3 CPU breaks all records and surely stands tall on the podium.
Cores and Threads:
This CPU has 16 cores and 32 threads in total which in itself is an impressive stat and looks like it's a bit too extra but in a good way. They promise a seamless gaming experience alongside the all-powerful RTX 3090 and you can rest assured that there will be no bottleneck problems or heating up issues.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Socket: AM4
Architecture: Zen 3
TDP: 105 W
L2 Cache: 8 MB
L3 Cache: 64 MB
Processor Technology: 7nm FinFet
Max Temp: 90 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Express Version; PCIe 4.0
System Memory Specification: 3200 MHz
Highlights:
Boost Clock of 4.9 GHz is surely a big selling point of this GPU.
The socket is AM4 which means that it can still fit with old motherboards.
The PCIe Express Version is 4.0 which makes it totally future-proof.
Rendering and Animations on this CPU will also be good.
Drawbacks:
The TDP of 105W means that you might want to get a new PSU due to the excess power consumption of this card.
No cooler is given with the CPU meaning that you will have to go and spend some money for a good cooler
My Findings:
After using this GPU for a month I can clearly say that it's worth the money and performs well with the RTX 3090. At no point in time, you will that this Processor is lagging for even a single bit. AMD has produced a gem of a processor with some drawbacks like having a higher TDP and no cooler but still, If you find this CPU at shelves near you I would recommend you go and get it for your RTX 3090.
Intel Core i9-10900K:
Intel Core i9-10900K was launched in May of 2020 and has been among the favorites of many gamers.
Speed And Performance:
The Intel Core i9-10900K has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 5.3 GHz. When you look at these numbers, for a brief moment you fall into disbelief and start questioning yourself how can a processor be so powerful? It's absolutely incredible to see such figures being put out by Intel and this ensures a healthy competition with AMD.
Whether you like this Intel or not, one thing is for sure, this processor is a perfect match for the RTX 3090 and is going to provide a gaming experience like never before.
Coming towards the performance stats of this CPU it has a CPU Mark score of 23843 and a single thread rating of 3167. Even though mark score and single thread ratings are not as good as the AMD Processor, it’s still a pretty solid score and emphasizes the true power of the CPU.
Cores and Threads:
This Processor has 10 cores and 20 threads which are optimal for the RTX 3090 and makes a stand for itself.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Generation:10th
TDP: 95 W
Cache: 20 MB Intel Smart Cacher
Lithography: 14 nm
Max Temp: 100 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Version; PCIe 3.0
System Memory Specification: 2933 MHz
Highlights:
TDP of 95W is good in comparison to other processors like the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.
Max Temp is 100 Degrees Celsius
Price is more affordable
Drawbacks:
PCIe Version is the older 3.0 than the newer 4.0
The architecture is 14nm whereas the competition has much lesser than that.
The cooler for this CPU has to be purchased separately.
My Findings:
After using this CPU for quite some time I can clearly conclude that it is a decent processor in its budget category and will give you an adequate performance with an RTX 3090. The gameplay will be smooth and seamless and you will feel little to no bottlenecks. For what it offers, I can say that it's worth the money.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X:
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X was launched in Q4 of 2020 as part of AMD’s new Zen 3 CPUs lineup. It directly competes with Intel i9-10900K and targets users in the 400-500 dollars category.
Speed And Performance:
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a max boost clock of 4.7 GHz. In terms of these stats it's left behind by its Intel Competitor however, it doesnt mean that it is mediocre in terms of speed, these clocks speeds are still regarded as one of the best in the market and will conveniently provide you with a premium gaming experience.
Coming towards Raw Performance stats we get to a CPU Mark score of 28284 and a single thread rating of 3491. AMD balances out its loss of speed with its single thread and single-core performance and hence until now we can consider both CPUs even.
Cores and Threads:
This processor has 8 Cores and 16 threads in total which numerically are less than Intel’s core and thread count however the single-core/thread performance of this CPU balances the books as discussed earlier. AMD is known for its refined gaming experience and we should expect the same from this CPU as well.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Socket: AM4
Architecture: Zen 3
TDP: 105 W
L2 Cache: 4 MB
L3 Cache: 32 MB
Processor Technology: 7nm FinFet
Max Temp: 90 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Express Version; PCIe 4.0
System Memory Specification: 3200 MHz
Highlights:
The 7nm processor size is far more superior than Intel’s 14nm technology and puts AMD in the lead again
The PCIe 4.0 is also more up to date and advanced and will benefit this card’s overall performance
The system memory specification is also a tad bit higher than Intel’s competitor.
Drawbacks:
The Max Temp is 90 Degrees celsius compared to the i9’s 100 Degrees Celsius.
The power consumption of this processor is also more than the consumption of its intel counterpart.
The number of cores and threads of this CPU alongside its boost clock is also far lower than Intel’s i9-10900k
My Findings:
After using this CPU for some time now, I can say that it works pretty well with the RTX 3090, supports all of its features, and gives an overall smooth and tension-free gaming experience. In some parts, however, Intel surpasses it, but it also replies by offsetting intel processors in other categories like the PCIe version, the architecture and etc. Overall it's a good buy and worth the price.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X:
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X just like other Zen 3 CPUs was revealed in the ending months of 2020 and it set new benchmarks for a top-tier premium level GPU.
Speed And Performance:
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a max boost clock of 4.8 GHz. As expected, AMD once again came out with a spectacular CPU that keeps up the AMD brand reputation by providing a strong and stable in-game and rendering performance.
Now it's time to have a look at the performance stats of this piece of technology. It got a single thread rating of 3495 and an average CPU Mark Score of 39489. Astonishing is the word that comes to mind upon hearing these figures. It's a one-of-a-kind CPU with truly next-level performance and that’s exactly what you should expect from a CPU that is as expensive as a brand new PS5 at MSRP.
Cores and Threads:
The CPU has a total of 12 cores and 24 threads and these double figures guarantee a bottleneck-free and premium gaming experience when combined with the RTX 3090.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Socket: AM4
Architecture: Zen 3
TDP: 105 W
L2 Cache: 6 MB
L3 Cache: 64 MB
Processor Technology: 7nm FinFet
Max Temp: 90 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Express Version; PCIe 4.0
System Memory Specification: 3200 MHz
Highlights:
The max boost clock of 4.8 GHz is a standout for this CPU.
The 7nm architecture is also really efficient
The PCIe 4.0 gives it an edge over other CPUs and matches its compatibility with the RTX 3090
The 12 Cores and 24 threads also guarantee the ultimate performance.
Drawbacks:
The TDP of 105W is a bit higher
The max temp of 90 Degrees Celsius could have been better around 100 Degrees Celsius.
My Findings:
My experience with the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has been wonderful, it delivers to all of its expectations and is the perfect companion for the RTX 3090. Although it has a few lackings, its pros outweigh the cons and make it the best buy product in its price factor. So if you find this CPU on the shelves any time soon I would recommend you have a go for it.
Intel Core i7-10700K:
The Intel Core i7-10700K was released back in April 2020 and since then it has become a popular choice among many users. It’s a part of Intel’s 10th generation lineup and just like all other Intel CPUs it never ceases to amaze.
Speed And Performance:
The Intel Core i7-10700K has a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 5.1 GHz. Intel has kept the boost clock figures of almost all their new CPUs over 5 GHz and that sort of consistency is how things should always be. These clock speed figures will absolutely demolish any and every benchmark and will go perfectly with your Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090.
Coming towards the performance figures of this CPU we get to see an average CPU Mark rating of 19349 and a single thread rating of 3076. There is no doubt that these numbers are really good for a CPU of this form factor.
Cores and Threads:
This CPU has a total of 8 cores and 16 threads with a great single-thread performance.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Generation:10th
TDP: 125 W
Cache: 16 MB Intel Smart Cacher
Lithography: 14 nm
Max Temp: 100 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Version; PCIe 3.0
System Memory Specification: 2933 MHz
Highlights:
The boost clock of 5.1 GHz is an extremely exceptional figure and will give you a beast-like performance.
The single thread score of above 3000 emphasizes the amount of power it stores.
The max temp of 100 degrees celsius gives the CPU more room for getting pushed to its limits
Drawbacks:
The TDP of 125 W is too high for a CPU in its range, for comparison the top of the line AMD Ryzen 9 5950X only consumes 105W.
The RTX 3090 uses the PCIe 4.0 whereas this CPU uses the PCIe 3.0 and it would be better if the CPU also used the same version of the PCI Express in order to have a more efficient and faster connection.
My Findings:
My experience with this CPU has been satisfactory, it fulfills all the needs of the RTX 3090 and provides a good experience however where it lacks is in the extra consumption of power and the PCIe version. If these two things are sorted then it will become a perfect match for the 3090, however, as things stand now I would not recommend anyone to buy this CPU for an RTX 3090 and to rather look for better alternatives.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X:
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X was released on 5th November 2020 and since then it has become a household name and is found in almost every gamer’s high-end build.
Speed And Performance:
The AMR Ryzen 5 5600X has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz. It's impressive once again from the AMD and seems like they are ready to set some new benchmarks.
On the performance front, we see a single thread rating of 3381 and an average CPU mark rating of 21138. I'm really surprised to see such good single-thread performance from this processor and for that hats off to AMD. The fun part about this CPU is that it is also unlocked for overclocking so that you can tap into the untapped potential of this beast.
Cores and Threads:
The CPU has a total of 6 Cores and 12 threads but you should not be fooled into thinking that due to its fewer cores the CPU is underpowered, its single-core and single-thread performance figures are so high that they are better than a lot of processors who have almost double the core count.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Socket: AM4
Architecture: Zen 3
TDP: 65 W
L2 Cache: 3 MB
L3 Cache: 32 MB
Processor Technology: 7nm FinFet
Max Temp: 95 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Express Version; PCIe 4.0
System Memory Specification: 3200 MHz
Highlights:
The highlight of this card has to be its low TDP figures, it really is a power-efficient CPU.
The AM4 socket means that it is going to work with the majority of motherboards.
PCIe 4.0 Indicates that it is adequately future proof
The CPU also comes with a stock cooler, so if you are short on budget for a cooler you can use the stock one for the meanwhile.
Drawbacks:
The L2 cache static RAM size is a bit smaller
It would be better off with 8 cores and 16 threads rather than 6 cores and 12 threads.
My Findings:
After having this CPU for more than a month, I can say that it is a good mid-range CPU and ticks all the boxes that it should. You might feel a 5% bottleneck with this CPU on the RTX 3090 due to the huge disparity of the categories both products fall into as one is a premium high-end GPU and the other is a mid-range CPU. Regardless, the difference won’t be much and you will have a seamless experience. So If you are restricted to a budget of around 300 bucks and want a suitable CPU for your RTX 3090 then this processor might be for you.
Intel Core i5-10600K:
The Intel Core i5-10600K was released in April of 2020 as a budget CPU. It is part of Intel’s 10th generation processor lineup and has some serious performance in it.
Speed And Performance:
The Intel Core i5-10600K has a base clock of 4.1 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 4.8 GHz. Intel just like AMD doesn't seem to be coming slow and are setting a new benchmark for CPUs by having most of their lineup above 4 GHz of clock speed. With such numbers, one should expect a unique experience with a lot of immersion.
I have talked a lot about the speed and now it's time to tell you about the raw performance of this processor. It has an impressive single-thread rating of 2937 and an average CPU Mark score of 14565. These stats back what I said earlier and we are ought to get a decent performance from this card.
Cores and Threads:
This processor has 6 cores and 12 threads in total which is pretty decent for a CPU in its price range.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Generation:10th
TDP: 125 W
Cache: 12 MB Intel Smart Cache
Lithography: 14 nm
Max Temp: 100 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Version; PCIe 3.0
System Memory Specification: 2666 MHz
Highlights:
The CPU comes with a cooler in the box which means that you can save yourself from some extra spending or use this cooler till you have enough funds for a new cooler.
The max temp of this CPU is 100 C which clearly indicates that it is going to have absolutely no thermal problems provided you use a good cooler
You can push the CPU to its limits by boosting its clock to 4.8 GHz.
Drawbacks:
The TDP is too high for a CPU in its performance bracket and might force you to change your PSU.
The memory specification is low and should have at least been 3000 MHz.
My Findings:
After using this processor alongside my RTX 3090 I can say that it's decent in terms of performance. It does everything a CPU in its form factor should do however you are going to feel a 5-10 % bottleneck when you use it with the 3090 and that was obviously expected because the 2 components are far off from each other’s class category. Regardless, it's a good budget CPU and can still run games well with the RTX 3090. So if you are constrained on a budget and want something that functions well then this CPU might be the perfect fit for you.
Intel Core i9-9900K:
The intel core i9-9900k came out in late 2018, but even 3 years later it is a respectable processor and popular among a vast majority of gamers.
Speed And Performance:
The Intel Core i9-9900K has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 5.0 GHz. To be honest, such stats for a 3-year-old CPU are truly amazing. It was the flagship of its time and used to pair with the strongest RTX 2080 Ti at that time. Even after so many years, this processor remains relevant and a good fit for the current-gen strongest Graphics Card the RTX 3090.
Coming towards its performance it has got an average CPU Mark of 18760 and a single thread rating of 2963. These stats are enough to shake the CPU market today, so just imagine how much chaos this processor would have created back in 2018, I still remember the hype around this processor during those years as it was dubbed as the one most powerful CPUs of all time.
Cores and Threads:
It has got 8 cores and 16 threads, not bad for a 3-year-old CPU.
Specs:
The Specs of this GPU are as stated below:
Generation: 9th
TDP: 95 W
Cache: 16 MB Intel Smart Cache
Lithography: 14 nm
Max Temp: 100 Degrees Celsius
System Memory: DDR4
PCIe Version; PCIe 3.0
System Memory Specification: 2666 MHz
Highlights:
Its boost clock of 5.0 GHz has to be one of the major highlights of this CPU and perhaps this power figure keeps this processor relevant to date
Its DDR4 Memory type is also a plus point
The 100 degrees celsius max temp limit helps to push this CPU to the boundaries
It still gives stable and high fps on new games without any problem at all
The TDP of 95W is also really good
Drawbacks:
The system memory of 2666 MHz lets it down in accordance with current needs, it would be more optimal if this processor came with a 3200 MHz System Memory specification.
The 14 nm architecture has been outdated for a long time and most manufacturers have shifted to single-digit architectures.
The PCIe 3.0 is also negative as current GPUs support PCIe 4.0 and due to this mismatch, the efficiency is going to be affected.
My Findings:
After using this processor with the RTX 3090 I can say it gives satisfactory performance, it bottlenecks 10-15% but apart from that the experience is good and there are no thermal issues. It does what an outdated CPU should do, nothing over the top but still does its job. If you are short on a budget but still want a good CPU then maybe you can get a used i9-9900K for less price and after you collect some funds you can go all out for your next processor.
Which CPU Is The Best For An RTX 3090?
After using each CPU for weeks, carrying out benchmark tests, comparing each and every stat I have chosen the Best CPU For An RTX 3090. So without keeping any more suspense I announce the winner: The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
I chose this CPU as the winner because of a lot of reasons:
Firstly its boost clock of 4.9 GHz was a major deciding factor, now some people may argue that Intel has CPUs with far better boost clocks, I know that but, what makes the difference alongside the boost clock is the number of cores and threads.
This CPU has 12 cores and 24 threads which are the most of any CPU mentioned in this list
The single thread rating of this processor is also higher than any other processor mentioned in this list.
In addition to that, this processor has a more advanced 7nm architecture and has a memory specification of 3200 MHz which is again the highest of the lot.
It also has the latest PCI express 4.0 which is also supported by the RTX 3090 and hence it is more compatible with the GPU.
All the above-mentioned features optimize the processor in such a manner that it becomes the perfect companion for the RTX 3090. When both these beasts are combined together you get to experience a totally new dimension in gaming that you would have never seen before. There is nothing you can’t do when you have both of these together, ultimate gaming, check, ultra high-level rendering, check, 8k display, check, you name it and it does it. It takes the world of gaming to the next level and can do the unimaginable. So If you have the pockets to afford this dream then I would highly recommend you to go for this combo.
Comparing Old and New Processors:
When we talk about old and new processors we see a lot of changes in the architecture, the clock speeds, the memory specification and etc. In this section, I'm going to generally talk about the differences and similarities of old and new processors of Intel and AMD combined.
We often see that an old processor might have equal base clock and boost clock figures, but does that make the processor’s speed and functioning the same? The answer to this question is no. Even if the GPUs have the same clock speed, the number of processes being handled or to put it simply the amount of work done by each processor per cycle is different. New processors do more work per cycle as compared to old processors and this is what makes all the difference.
There are also differences in the design and architecture of each processor, 3-4 years back processors came in 12 nm or 14 nm architectures but today this figure has been reduced to 7. As the size of the inside components reduces it means that the manufacturer can make the processor more efficient and can pack in even more powerful hardware inside it, thus making the processor better than its previous generations.
You might have noticed another difference in the specifications of old and new processors in terms of PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), you must have seen PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 written in the specs column and might be left wondering how does this make an impact on the performance, well you don’t have to wonder now as I'm here to answer you. PCIe to put it simply is a system or let's consider a pathway or a bus that connects high-speed components and transfers data between them. So the newer and advanced the PCIe of your CPU, GPU, and motherboard the faster the data transfer in between them and the more efficient and faster your components.
Lastly, you would have also seen the L2 and L3 cache memory and the different numbers written in front of them, these caches are basically the memory of the CPU and separated from the core chip of the microprocessor, its also called static ram and is responsible for a lot of processes. Many new CPUs have larger caches and it's a good thing, the larger the cache the less the process and memory performance gap.
These were the major differences between old and new processors, I hope it cleared all your confusion.
Final Verdict:
Overall my best CPU pick for the RTX 3090 is the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X and for the best budget CPU for the RTX 3090 the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X.
This was my listing of the best CPUs for the RTX 3090, I hope you liked it and it helped in clearing all your confusion regarding which CPU to choose for your RTX 3090. If you have any recommendations or queries regarding the RTX 3090 or any of the CPUs then feel free to express yourself in the comments section down below. That is it for today, I will see you soon with another article, until next time, Play hard and Enjoy gaming !!!
FAQs
Will the i9 9900k bottleneck The RTX 3090?
The Intel Core i9 9900K will not bottleneck the RTX 3090 at all however if you look closely you will find a 0,4% bottleneck, which is again negligible and considered 0. So don't get worried about this your i9-990k is a perfect fit for the RTX 3090 and will give u the ultimate gaming experience.
What CPU is best for RTX 3090?
The best CPU for the RTX 3090 is the AMD Ryzen 9 5950 X because of its unbelievably extraordinary clock speeds, the PCIe gen 4.0 buses, 12 cores, and 24 threads, an exceptional single thread rating, and a great memory specification. In a nutshell, this processor will take you to another dimension when combined with the RTX 3090.
Is it worth it to buy a high-end CPU for RTX 3090?
In my opinion, if you buy a high-end GPU whose MSRP is 1500 dollars then its totally worth it to buy a high-end CPU for the card as well because you have already spent so much on the GPU that it would not do justice to such a powerful GPU being paired with a lowly CPU. It should be paired with a CPU of its class that can meet its performance figures and has 0 bottlenecks.
Which CPU is the most powerful for RTX 3090?
As discussed earlier the most powerful CPU for the RTX 3090 from this list is the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X without even a shred of doubt.
References:
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In this article, I have comprehensively compared and explained the 8 best CPUs for the RTX 3090
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Posted Jun 10, 2023
One of the longest and most research-intensive articles I have ever written. Had to go through the specs of each and every top-end cpu and make a verdict.
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