I recently got an RTX 3060 TI and I'm looking to upgrade my CPU and possibly my motherboard to go with it. I'm not very knowledgeable about this, so I'd love some advice on the best CPU to pair with the GPU. If you could suggest a good motherboard too, that would be great!
4 Answers
If you're asking for the best CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D is fantastic, but that might be overkill. Depending on your budget, you could go for something like the Intel Core i5-7600X or even the Ryzen 5 5600, which are both solid choices. For a more budget-friendly option, the Intel Core i5-12400F is great and offers good future upgrade potential.
Honestly, any CPU that's not ancient will work well with the 3060 Ti. If you're after new parts, the Intel Core i5-12400F is about $100 and is a solid minimum choice. For something with a bit more longevity, you could check out the Ryzen 5 9600X, priced around $175. Just make sure to pick a compatible motherboard!
Here's a great pairing for your RTX 3060 TI:
- **CPU**: Intel Core i5-13400F (10-Core, $119.99)
- **Motherboard**: ASRock B760 Pro RS/D4 (ATX LGA1700, $109.99)
Total: $229.98. This should give you excellent performance!
If you're looking for something more powerful and can spend a bit more, consider the Intel Core i5-14600K, paired with a Gigabyte Z790 motherboard. But, keep in mind, that setup is a bit of an overkill for most gaming.
If you opt for a 9600X, look for a motherboard that supports the AM4 socket. Brands like ASUS and MSI have good options. You should also consider your RAM requirements when picking a motherboard. If you want to play it safe, just check compatibility on websites like PCPartPicker before you purchase anything.
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