Hey everyone! I'm looking to pair a CPU with my RTX 5070 Ti, and I've decided to go with an AMD processor. There's a bundle available at my local micro-center that includes a Ryzen 7 9700X for $429.99, which seems convenient. However, I've heard some concerns that the 9700X might bottleneck the 5070 Ti. I'm hoping to get recommendations for the best CPU based on my gaming needs and budget. I'm primarily gaming at 1440p to 4K and dabble in some minor 3D modeling. I've got $750 left after purchasing the GPU at MSRP, and my total budget is around $1500, maybe $1600 if necessary. I'm planning to play titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, and Elden Ring. What do you all think?
4 Answers
If you're set on the 5070 Ti, the 7800X3D is the best option without going overboard, but if it's too pricey, the 9700X will still work great. Keep in mind that if you're gaming mainly at 4K, your GPU will likely be the limiting factor anyway. It's about balance!
The 9700X will handle your setup just fine! Sure, in some rare cases, it might bottleneck a bit, especially when compared to something like the 9800X3D, but honestly, for your budget and needs, the 9700X is a solid choice. Don't overthink the bottlenecking; just enjoy your gaming!
Yep, the 9700X is a great match for the 5070 Ti! I've seen a lot of folks successfully using that combo.
Just to clarify, when you say bundle, do you mean CPU plus motherboard? With a $750 budget left, it’s crucial to consider any parts you could reuse from an older build—or if you’re starting from scratch, you might need to adjust your expectations. The 9700X is still a fantastic chip, and it shouldn’t obstruct your GPU performance significantly!
Yeah, the bundle includes CPU, motherboard, and RAM. I’m starting fresh since I'm giving my old PC to someone else. Luckily, I have the peripherals all set, so I’m just focusing on the new build with that budget!