The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is an advanced graphics card with numerous jaw-dropping technologies like second-generation Ray Tracing and third-generation Tensor cores. The card uses NVIDIA Ampere architecture to power 12GB of GDDR6x memory with a 384-bit memory interface. You can get the most out of gaming, content creation, 3D rendering, and other graphics-intensive tasks if you have the best CPU for RTX 3080 Ti. This is because a CPU behaves the same way in a computer as the brain acts in our body, supervising all the elements connected to the system. It influences the performance, speeds, data flow, and more of a computer and controls the efficiency and performance.
In short, when the GPU is excellent, you must pair it with a CPU of the same caliber. Otherwise, an imbalance combo can cause bottlenecks that ultimately affect your gaming experience. But sadly, the process of finding the best-suiting and compatible process is a challenging task. You may have to spend hours researching different processors, several complicated terminologies, and hunting different online stores. But don’t worry since we have done all the hefty research. We have tested several processors from both AMD and Intel and reviewed the good ones. You must read this entire post before selecting one, especially the shopping guide. Let’s read this whole post together!
Quick shopping tips
Several factors are there that you must consider when purchasing a compatible processor. We have discussed each and every aspect related to the processor in this CPU buying guide. But if you don’t have much time to read the whole post, you can check this short buying to know all the important aspects. Let’s uncover!
Your Usage and Budget: These are the two main factors before buying any computer components, plus these can vary from user to user. You must know your usage and ability to spend bucks before heading toward the market or finding a processor online. If you’re an expert content creator or a gamer who plays high-end games, then you may have to invest in some pricey product. However, users with average usage can uncover a chip that will be affordable and perform very effectively.
CPU Socket: Compatibility is the essential aspect of every PC component that you must consider when purchasing. In the case of the CPU, you must match its socket with your motherboard and ensure that the board accommodates it. A CPU socket is given on the motherboard where the processor fits. Both AMD and Intel have multiple processors, so multiple socket types. But if you want to know more about this aspect, check this post on CPU-motherboard compatibility.
Cores, Threads, and Multi-threading: If I simplify the concept, a core is like a path from where specific data can pass, so more cores mean more data can flow. In contrast, threads allow a core to perform more than one task, increasing the performance. On top of these, multi-threading ability enables the CPU to use more than one core and threads to maximize the output. You must prefer a processor with more cores and threads with multi-threading over one with a lower count.
Cache memory: A processor takes the instruction from the volatile memory or RAM and then operates to supervise other elements to act according to those informational sets. It may take the chip more than the necessary time to extract the instruction resulting in lower efficiency. Cache memory comes into the field to deal with this issue. It acts as a middleman between RAM and CPU and reduces the CPU’s accessing time by storing the required information. Ensure the chip you’re buying has at least 16MB of L3 cache.
Performance and Bottlenecks: As I mentioned in the introduction section, the RTX 3080 Ti is a top gaming processor with impressive graphics benchmarks. We can’t just pair any processor with the chip since a low-performing chip may cause bottlenecks. If the CPU is not fast enough, it will not be able to use the graphics abilities of the graphics card. So, ensure the processor you like can handle the card to get optimal performance.
Overclocking headroom: Who doesn’t know about overclocking? Almost every computer user is familiar with this term. Every processor comes with a base clock and a boost frequency value, and the difference between these is referred to as overclocking headroom. Many CPUs can’t be overclocked since they have a locked multiplier. You must prefer a chip with a higher boost clock speed and higher overclocking headroom since it directly affects performance.
The Best CPU for RTX 3080 Ti You Can Buy Today
| Award | Design | Best | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Flagship CPU For RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best Enthusiast CPU For RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best Value CPU For RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best Overall CPU For RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best Premium CPU For RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best Powerful CPU For RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best AMD CPU for RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon | |
| Best Intel CPU for RTX 3080 Ti |  | view on amazon |
AMD Ryzen 9 5950x
Best Flagship CPU For RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 9 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Cache: 8MB L2, 64MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.4GHz | Boost clock: 4.9GHz | Rated TDP: 105W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓All-rounder performance
✓Unlocked for overclocking
✓Multi-threading efficiency
✓Feature-rich AM4 platform
✓PCIe 4.0 support
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Expensive
✗No integrated graphics
✗No bundled cooler
AMD not only provides great computer elements to budget-conscious users but also to the users with ultra-edge usage plus enough bucks in their pocket. So, if you don’t care about the price and want the final version of the processor performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950x is for you. It stands toe-to-toe against the Intel i9-10980 XE Extreme Edition and feels its foots stronger with 8% more performance in gaming and model creation plus 23% more effectiveness in the case of 3D model rendering.
You must be well aware of the HEDT-class processors known for their highest performance capabilities. With 16 cores and 32 threads plus 8MB L2 and 64MB massive L3 cache, the 5950x almost falls into the category of HEDT-class chips. It has a base clock of 4.9GH that can rise up to 5.2GHz, providing a minor 0.3GHz of overclocking headroom, but it’s okay when the chip has such a high boost clock speed. Hence, it has everything to be the best flagship CPU for RTX 3080 Ti and is a perfect fit for developers, high-end gamers, and content creators.
Other than that, the users can utilize their DDR4 memory modules with 3200MHz of memory speed since the processor supports it. Also, it has PCIe 4.0 connection, so the users can freely customize the rig while having the freedom to choose between a wide range of motherboards like 400-series and 500-series. Summing up my whole experience in one line, the Ryzen 9 5950x is a perfect chip for all types of heavy usage with effective multi-threading and single-core abilities, but it is expensive at the same time.
Intel Core i9-10900K
Best Enthusiast CPU For RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 10th Generation Intel Core i9 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Cache: 20MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 5.3GHz | Rated TDP: 125W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent price/performance ratio
✓Leading gaming efficiency
✓Unlocked multiplier
✓Overclocking potential
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No bundled cooler
✗Power consumption
✗PCIe 3.0 support
We have done heavy research before writing the article and tried our best to add the best out of the best processors in this post. The Intel Core i9-10900k is one of those chips carrying powerful performance combined with the fastest speeds and lowest latencies. I’m going to add some stats we have got against the AMD Ryzen 9 3900x and last-generation Core i9-9900k during practical testing sessions. The 10900k can boost the single-core capabilities by 5% against the 3900x and multi-core performance by 15% from the 9999k chip.
Besides Intel’s hyper-threading to take down multitasking, the processor carries numerous other technologies, including thermal velocity boost technology, thermal boost technology, and more, in one packet. You will not miss anything with this best enthusiast CPU for RTX 3080 Ti that you may need in heavy-duty gaming sessions. It has 10 cores and 20 threads combined with a 20 MB Intel Smart Cache. On top of that, the Turbo Boost Max 3.0 enables the chip to increase its base clock of 3.7GHz straight up to a 5.3GHz Max Turbo Boost.
As the AMD 5900x is famous for multi-purposing, the Core i9-10900k is well-known for more vital gaming capabilities. If we showcase some graphics benchmarks, it will impress you with 140+ fps with RTX 3080 Ti at 2k and impressive 1440p graphics resolution while maintaining a three-digit refresh rate. Since the chip is from the Comet Lake family, you can upgrade to various Z490 models via the LGA1200 socket supporting the PCIe 3.0 interface. The box doesn’t contain a cooler and the card has a rated 125W TDP, you need to connect an aftermarket solution.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Best Value CPU For RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 9 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 4MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost clock: 4.7GHz | Rated TDP: 105W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Impressive multithreading
✓Excellent single-core performance
✓DDR4-3200 support
✓PCIe 4 support
✓Power-efficient
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No bundled cooler
✗No integrated graphics
If you’re a gamer like me who is always conscious regarding budget and item’s price then you must check the AMD Ryzen 7 5800x. No one neglects that it’s the best value CPU for RTX 3080 Ti since it carries an excellent price/performance ratio. The processor is powered by 7nm Zen 3 architecture, which provides better multi-threading and enhances the instruction per cycle or IPC by 19% over the previous architecture. In short, if you can’t afford the processors like Ryzen 9 5950x but still don’t want to compromise on the performance, the Ryzen 7 5800x is for you.
Starting discussing the specifications table, the card comes with 8 cores and 16 threads where the cores directly coordinate with a 32MB of L3 cache to boost the efficiency by reducing the latencies. Other than that, it has a 4MB L2 cache and a base clock speed of 3.8GHz that can increase up to 4.7GHz boost frequency. Many users are very conscious of the total volatile memory a chip can hold. Well, this one can bump up the memory speed of DDR4 memory modules up to 3200MHz.
Further, you can utilize PCIe 4.0 connectivity in the form of 20 lanes and can connect it to the 400-series or 500-series mother circuits via an AM4 socket. Remember, it doesn’t have integrated graphics and a bundled cooler, so you have to compromise over these aspects. I would like to add some useful benchmarks hierarchy of the 5800x with the RTX 3080 Ti. You can have 130+ fps with the combo and expect a good-quality 4k or 2k gaming and content creation. It acts impressive while playing games or creating content to beat its Intel 10th Gen processors.
Intel Core i7-10700K
Best Overall CPU For RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 10th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 16MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost clock: 4.1GHz | Rated TDP: 125W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Lower per-thread pricing
✓Turbo Boost Max 3.0
✓Excellent gaming performance
✓Huge overclocking headroom
✓115x cooling solutions support
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No PCIe 4.0 support
✗No cooler included
Start reviewing the Intel Core i7-10700k by putting it head-to-head against the Intel Core i9-10900k processor. The i7 10700k carries nearly the same gaming benchmarks hierarchy as the i9 10900k with $100+ fewer bucks. Plus, the differences between both the chips are ashes into the air when we uncover the clock speed and overclocking performance. Interestingly, the i7 10700k supports Intel’s Turbo Boost Max 3.0, enabling the chip to gain 100MHz more boost frequency, and you must know what it means, more power. Isn’t it enough to call it the best overall CPU for RTX 3080 Ti? Yes, it is.
Intel has given 8 cores, and 16 threads with this chip—the same core and threads count was given in the previous-generation flagship. It offers a heavily enriched single-core performance and hyper-thread technology, enabling the CPU to multitask effectively. Its 3.8GHz base clock speed can increase up to 5.1GHz Max Turbo frequency leaving a massive overclocking headroom. Other specifications include Intel UHD Graphics 630 for integrated graphics support and 16MB of Intel Smart Cache.
After adding some graphics performance benchmarks, I’ll add some more facts about this card. When paired with the RTX 3080 Ti, you can achieve 2k 120+ fps and even 4k 60+ fps graphics resolution but consider it a perfect combo for 1440p quality with a three-digit refresh rate. Since it has an all-rounder approach to gaming, it’s the best CPU for RTX 3080 Ti. It supports DDR4-2933 memory on the DDR4-2666 that was given in previous generations. Also, via the LGA1200 socket, consider connecting it with the Z490 mother circuit with the compatibility of all the 115x cooling solutions.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Best Premium CPU For RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 9 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Cache: 6MB L2, 64MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.8GHz | Rated TDP: 105W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent value for money
✓Great performance
✓Compatible with 500-series mobos
✓PCIe 4.0 support
✓Power-efficient
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No bundled cooler
✗No integrated graphics
Team Red has been in the field for decades producing advanced technologies and advancing the previous features to fulfill the current-era needs. The users have to tackle load-taking games and serious content creation that wasn’t available a few years ago. If you’re a gamer and reading this post, I’ll suggest you pick the AMD Ryzen 9 5900x since it’s the best CPU for RTX 3080 Ti. It can provide high-quality gaming graphics with a three-digit FHD to 4k graphics resolution and the best 120+ fps experience.
The most advanced 7nm AMD’s Zen 3 architecture powers this card, and if we compare it with the previous-generation Zen 2, it is way more effective and powerful. The 12 cores and 24 threads are undoubtedly enough to allow you to enjoy a peak-level performance. On top of that, the chip comes with a 6MB L2 cache along with a 64MB L3 cache memory and a base clock of 3.7GHz that can bump straight up to 4.8GHz, depending on the load. Overall, this chip is a great alternative to Ryzen 9 5950x with improved single-core performance.
Moreover, the processor supports DDR4 memory modules and can run those with 3200MHz memory speed. The PCIe 4.0 connection allows the chip to sit on many 400-series or 500-series motherboards like X570 or B550 mobos. Interestingly, so much can happen and be executed with 105W rated TDP making the item power-efficient. The tests show that this Ryzen 9 5900x is the best premium CPU for RTX 3080 Ti because it provides the same performance as the higher-end Intel Core i9-12900k and Ryzen 9 5950x.
Intel Core i9-9900K
Best Powerful CPU For RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i9 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 16MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1151 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 5.0GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Good gaming performance
✓Unlocked multiplier
✓5GHz peak one-core clock
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No cooler included
✗Cooling requirement
With the evaluation of the tech and gaming market, every brand has been trying its best to produce more-advanced computer components. The same is happening between Intel and AMD in the processor field. Intel introduced the Intel Core i9-9900k to fight against AMD’s Ryzen 7 series and provide a best-suiting chip to high-end gamers and content creators. If we compare the Intel i9 with the i7, it wins with higher clock speeds and 30% more speeds with its hyper-threading technology.
The i9 9900k is from the 9th generation Coffee Lake processors’ family, so it is built over the same 14 nm lithography as other chips from the series. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, topped with a 16GB Intel Smart Cache, which is famous for higher performance and low latencies. Further, its base clock speed of 3.6GHz can bump up to 5.0GHz, leaving a massive headroom for overclocking. The chip is giving me a tough time for my team to uncover any of its downsides, but don’t worry, and we’re still trying.
All jokes aside, if you pair it with a graphics card like the RTX 3080 Ti, you will enjoy an all-new level of graphics performance. You can expect 135+ fps at 2k and 60+ at 4k graphics resolution depending upon the games. So, why not go for it? Like Intel always provides integrated graphics in its chip, this one has Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics with a 1.2GHz maximum GPU frequency. Since the chip is built over an LGA1151 package and has PCIe 3.0 support, the Z370 and Z390 mother circuits can boost the memory speed up to 4000MHz with the help of Intel Extreme Memory support.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Best AMD CPU for RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 7 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 512KB L1, 4MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.4GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Prism with RGB LED
REASONS TO BUY
✓Good performance/price ratio
✓Efficient and fast
✓A 32MB L3 cache
✓PCIe 4.0 support
✓A Wraith Prism cooler included
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Zen 2 architecture, not Zen 3
Who doesn’t like to have a heavy-duty processor without spending much? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of speed and performance. Remember, you don’t have to break your bank when buying a processor but invest in a good masterpiece with the adequate performance you need. That’s why the AMD Ryzen 7 3700x is on our list, offering an impressive set of features at a pocket-friendly price point. If we check its capabilities, putting it against its siblings, the Ryzen 7 3800x provides the same gaming efficiency, but the 3900x has 3-4% more enhancements in some tasks.
It is powered by the 7nm Zen 2 architecture, not the Zen 3 architecture. The Zen 2 definitely lags behind the Zen 3 but leads the Zen and Zen+ in performance, anyway. Other than this, the card has no downside and is the best AMD CPU for RTX 3080 Ti graphics unit. You can fetch just enough from its 8 cores and 16 threads with a 4MB L2 cache and an adequate 32MB L3 cache memory. The core frequencies will remain between a 3.6GHz base clock and a 4.4GHz boost clock frequency giving to 0.8GHz overclocking headroom to move.
Since it is not a very premium type of chip and falls in the low-to-mid-end category, we can’t expect too much from it. But still, it can enable us to play games with 100+ fps at medium settings with up to 1440p graphics resolutions. Interestingly, it wins over its counterparts’ PCIe 4.0 connection with a 50% performance boost in its own PCIe 4.0 connection. It has DDR4-3200 support and consumes minimum energy with its 65W TDP. Are you a customer with a tight pocket? If yes, then you will save some bucks for a CPU cooler since the CPU’s box carries one.
Intel Core i5-11600K
Best Intel CPU for RTX 3080 Ti
Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 750 | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 3.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.9GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓More affordable than Ryzen 5 5600x
✓Excellent multithreading performance
✓Strong single-core efficiency
✓Unlocked for overclocking
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Weak PCIe 4.0 support
✗Power-inefficient
There are many reasons to add the Intel Core i5-11600k to our list. Most importantly, it is a mid-end gaming chip carrying an outstanding value out of the whole 11th generation Rocket Lake series. You can get an effective touch of speedy hyper-threading along with excellent multi-core and single-core performance benchmarks. If we sit and calmly compare the 10th-generation with the 11th-generation processors, we will find a lot of improvements. The 11th Gen version of this chip carries more clock speeds, improved memory bandwidths, enhanced graphics technologies, and more in a row.
We are totally confident to say it is the best Intel CPU for RTX 3080 Ti and recommend it over the Intel Core i9 11900k and i7 11700k processors. Coming to the specifications, it has 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 12MB of Intel Smart Cache known for multi-core optimized goodness. In single-core and multi-core modes, its base clock speed of 3.9GHz can increase up to 4.6GHz of boost clock speed, depending upon the software or game you’re running. No doubt, such specifications clearly stipulate that Intel is trying to solidify its positioning against the same-priced AMD processors.
It has the Intel UHD Graphics 630 chip for integrated graphics and all-rounder connectivity with DDR4 memory PCIe 4.0 support. However, the PCIe 4.0 is not that efficient when paired with the new Z590 motherboard’s chipset, just like what we have seen in the Intel Core i9 lineup. Overall it’s a great chip, much more affordable than the Ryzen 5 5600x with adequate 1440p graphics capabilities and 120+ fps depending upon the resolution settings. But there is no in-box cooler, so make sure to buy a third-party one to deal with thermal mismanagement.
Conclusion
NVIDIA has been in the tech field for decades and has taken a significant graphics cards market share. No doubt, whenever someone asks an experienced tech enthusiast about buying a graphics unit, the answer is always the NVIDIA RTX series. We have explained in detail about this card in the introduction. You can enjoy an efficient touch of graphics quality, especially during intense gaming sessions and content creation. However, you need to get a CPU of the same caliber to fetch its full potential. Due to this reason, we have tried our best to add the best CPU for RTX 3080 Ti in this post. The article contains every bit of information that may help you uncover a compatible piece of tech.
Remember, there are eight best out of best graphics units and their detailed reviews in this post, along with their specialties. You must read the check the buying guide section that will help you choose precisely. Most importantly, explore your needs and requirements and then select an item. I’m sure you’ll get your dream graphics card. If you need a budget-friendly card, you can go for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800x since it has everything you can in gaming at an affordable price. However, users who need massive performance and have many bucks in their pocket can go for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950x. If you need something else, then explore the other products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth upgrading to 3080 Ti?
Yes, it’s totally worth it. The GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is a perfect graphics card with excellent performance benchmarks. The NVIDIA Ampere architecture powers it along with second-generation Ray Tracing for generating realistic visuals and third-generation Tensor cores to enhance the AI-based graphics quality. On top of that, 12GB of GDDR6x memory works perfectly fine based on a 384-bit memory bus.
Will the i9 9900k bottleneck the RTX 3080 Ti?
No, the Intel Core i9 9900k will not bottleneck the RTX 3080 Ti. The chip has an incredible set of features to ensure good in-gaming performance. Further, it has an unlocked multiplier, so its clock speed can increase up to a 5GHz one-core clock.
What CPU is best for RTX 3080 Ti?
The market is full of hundreds of processors to pair with the RTX 3090 Ti, but an unsuitable chip may cause bottlenecks. So, we have chosen the AMD Ryzen 9 5900x as a perfect option to pair with the RTX 3090 Ti. It carries a great value to price with excellent performance and power efficiency. You can utilize its PCIe 4.0 support to connect a wide range of motherboards like 500-series.
EDITOR
Arslan Ashraf is a dedicated tech writer with a rich background in Computer Science and five years of experience in the field. While pursuing his Bachelor's degree from Virtual University, he has honed his expertise in CPUs and CPU Coolers. His ability to simplify complex technological concepts has made him a valuable resource for a wide audience.![Best AM4 CPUs of 2024 — [Tested & Reviewed Top 6 Processors]](https://www.ingameloop.com/wp-content/uploads/best-am4-cpus-450x210.jpg.webp)
