I'm on the lookout for the best CPU (and possibly a motherboard) to use with my new RTX 3060 Ti for gaming. I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of my GPU, but I'm not too well-versed in CPU choices. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
If you're looking for top performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D would be amazing, but that might be overkill for most uses. For a great balance of price and performance, the Intel i5-12400F is a solid choice, especially with a good upgrade path in the future. If you're on a tighter budget, you can also consider the Ryzen 5 5600 or i5-9600X.
Honestly, pretty much any CPU that isn’t ancient will work well with the RTX 3060 Ti. If you want something brand new, the Intel i5-12400F is a fantastic budget option. For a slightly more powerful setup, the Ryzen 5 9600X is a great choice too. Just make sure to get a compatible motherboard and RAM as well!
For the 9600X, look for any AM4 socket motherboard, preferably one with decent VRM if you plan to overclock. You can even get a budget-friendly one without fancy features!
Here’s a recommended setup for your RTX 3060 Ti:
- **CPU**: Intel Core i5-13400F (around $120)
- **Motherboard**: ASRock B760 Pro RS/D4 (~$110)
This combo gives you a decent performance without breaking the bank. For a bit more power (and cost), the i5-14600K with a Z790 motherboard is another option, but it might be unnecessary for your needs.
Great advice! But how do I know which motherboard to choose if I go with the 9600X? Thanks for all the help!