Choosing the Right CPU to Pair with a 5070 Without Bottlenecking

Don't stress too much about bottlenecking – it's pretty much inevitable. Usually, in setups like yours, the GPU ends up being the component that limits performance. Are you leaning towards Intel or AMD for your CPU?

If you're building a new PC, consider going with the AM5 series for future upgrade possibilities. It also depends on factors like your gaming resolution, what titles you play, and your budget. You could even manage well with a Ryzen 5 7600 model.

A bottleneck is always present in any build, so just pick a reliable option like the Ryzen 5 9600x and don’t overthink it.

For a solid CPU to match the 5070, I'd recommend going with an Intel i5 from the 12th generation or higher, like the i5 12600. It's capable, but keep in mind it's essentially a dead chipset now. Alternatively, the Ryzen 5 series (7000 or 9000) offers great performance as well. Personally, I use a 12600k with my 4070 Super and it's running smoothly without complaints, though a faster CPU could improve frame rates.

The concept of matching CPUs with GPUs can be misleading. What really matters is your desired frame rate. For instance, if you're aiming for 144 fps on a 144Hz monitor, your CPU won't need to be as high-end as someone targeting 240fps. This means you could potentially run the same GPU with different CPUs based on your gaming goals.