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NVIDIA has once again shaken up the budget graphics card market with the introduction of the GeForce RTX 4060. With promising performance and a host of fresh features under its belt, the RTX 4060 is one of the most competitive graphics cards on the market right now. Once you have this graphics card secured, it is time to choose the perfect CPU that will allow the RTX 4060 to fully stretch its wings.
Here’s a quick look at our selected CPUs for RTX 4060 and a brief comparison of their specs:
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: We understand the importance of making informed decisions. That’s why our team spends significant time testing every product we review. Find out more about how we test.
If you have a higher budget, you can check out the best CPU for RTX 4060 Ti as well.
Best CPU For RTX 4060
Here is a selection of the best CPUs for RTX 4060 that you can buy right now:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- Intel Core i5 13400F
- Intel Core i3 13100F
- Intel Core i5 13600K
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
Best AMD CPU for RTX 4060
Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6MB | Base Clock: 3.8 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.1 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Excellent single-threaded performance
- Unlocked multiplier
- Has integrated graphics
- Very efficient
Cons
- No DDR4 support
- Weak box cooler
Performance: AMD has equipped the Ryzen 5 7600 with 6 cores and 12 threads, which is the standard for Ryzen 5 CPUs for a few generations now. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the 6 cores can clock as high as 5.1 GHz in lightly-threaded applications like gaming. With the tremendous IPC (instructions per clock) improvements brought forth by the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 7600 has excellent gaming performance and makes a perfect pairing for the RTX 4060.
Cooling: The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is not the most unreasonable gaming CPU in terms of temperature, and that is evident by its 65W base TDP. In fact, you can certainly use the included Wraith Stealth cooler if you’re strapped for cash, but that may yield some uncomfortable thermal numbers. In my testing with the Noctua NH-U14S, the Ryzen 5 7600 peaked at around 70C at stock settings while under an all-core load. While it is not strictly necessary, I do recommend a decent tower cooler or a 240mm AiO liquid cooler for the Ryzen 5 7600 if you have room for upgrades.
Overclocking Potential: In keeping with the beloved AMD tradition, the Ryzen 5 7600 also has an unlocked multiplier. You can manually overclock this processor quite easily, but I do recommend you choose an aftermarket cooler if you are planning to do so. The overclocking headroom was also quite healthy on my particular sample, as I managed to hit an all-core overclock of 5.3GHz at a voltage of 1.35V. Be advised, however, that your mileage will certainly vary depending on the silicon quality and cooling solution that you provide.
You want the ideal AMD CPU for RTX 4060: When you consider the whole package, the Ryzen 5 7600 is the best overall AMD CPU that you can pair with the RTX 4060.
What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For RTX 4060?
With its superb gaming performance, efficient architecture, and excellent value, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is the best AMD CPU for RTX 4060.
These work great with the Ryzen 5 7600 as well:
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 9/10 |
Intel Core i5 13400F
Best Intel CPU for RTX 4060
Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 10 (6P + 4E) | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 9.5MB | Base Clock: 1.8 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Relatively affordable
- Low power draw
- Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
Cons
- No overclocking support
- No integrated graphics
Performance: Despite being positioned as a budget gaming processor in Intel’s product range, the Core i5 13400F should not be underestimated. Thanks to Raptor Lake’s innovative core architecture, this CPU boasts an impressive configuration of 10 cores and 16 threads, delivering excellent single-threaded performance. In my testing, I found that the i5 13400F does not introduce any significant bottlenecks when paired with the RTX 4060 at 1080p, 1440p, or even 4K resolutions. With a notable boost clock of up to 4.6 GHz on its 6 P-Cores, the i5 13400F excels in lightly-threaded tasks such as gaming.
Cooling: The Core i5 13400F comes with a TDP of just 65W, indicating promising thermal performance as well as low power draw. During my testing, the Core i5 13400F, coupled with a Noctua NH-U14S cooler, demonstrated pleasantly low temperatures of 51°C during gaming sessions. Even under a demanding multi-core stress test, the temperatures reached a peak of approximately 59°C, still maintaining a very satisfactory range. The CPU comes bundled with a stock cooler that suffices for regular usage, but for improved temperature control, upgrading to a tower air cooler or a 240mm AiO liquid cooler is recommended.
Overclocking Potential: Intel’s Core i5 13400F, regrettably, lacks an unlocked multiplier, restricting manual overclocking options for this processor. In comparison to AMD’s options in this price range, which offer full overclocking support, this can be considered a minor drawback. However, considering its exceptional value for money, the Core i5 13400F still provides excellent gaming performance that is more than sufficient for the RTX 4060 in the majority of gaming scenarios.
You want the ideal Intel CPU for RTX 4060: On the Blue team, it doesn’t get much better than the Core i5 13400F as a perfect pairing for the RTX 4060, especially in terms of price-to-performance.
What Makes It The Best Intel CPU for RTX 4060?
Owing to its excellent single-threaded performance, affordable price, and extremely efficient architecture, the Intel Core i5 13400F is the best Intel CPU for RTX 4060.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 9/10 |
Intel Core i3 13100F
Best Budget CPU for RTX 4060
Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 4 (4P + 0E) | Threads: 8 | L2 Cache: 5MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.5 GHz | TDP: 58W | Unlocked: No
Pros
- Low power draw
- Very affordable
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- Decent box cooler
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- No integrated graphics
Performance: Intel has equipped the Core i3 13100F with 4 cores and 8 threads, which is a remarkable configuration for a budget CPU such as the Core i3. Moreover, there are no efficiency cores in this particular CPU, as all 4 cores are configured to be P-Cores. Intel has clocked the cores up to 4.5 GHz thanks to the variable Turbo Boost technology, yielding very impressive single-threaded performance. Along with the IPC improvements of the Raptor Lake architecture, the Core i3 13100F delivers satisfactory gaming performance in the majority of modern gaming titles when paired with the GeForce RTX 4060.
Cooling: Conforming with the trend of efficient budget CPUs, the Core i3 13100F is actually a very well-behaved CPU in terms of cooling. Intel advertises a base TDP of 58W for this part, while the Turbo peak power package is claimed to be 89W. Intel also provides a very decent stock cooler with the Core i3 13100F, which is more than acceptable for normal use. If you get bored with the plain looks and unremarkable acoustics of the Intel stock cooler, then you may want to invest in a budget CPU cooler as an upgrade. Nevertheless, the Core i3 13100F raises no alarms in the cooling department.
Overclocking Potential: The Core i3 13100F comes with a locked multiplier, which means you cannot manually overclock this processor. This might be a bit of a drawback for those enthusiasts who want to squeeze a bit more performance out of this CPU. You can actually still overclock the CPU using BCLK overclocking, but that is an unstable process that can lead to widespread system instability with little-to-no performance gains.
You are on a limited budget: As an entry-level gaming CPU, the Core i3 13100F delivers superb value for money when paired with the RTX 4060.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RTX 4060?
The Intel Core i5 13100F delivers satisfactory gaming performance with the RTX 4060 while being extremely efficient and affordable, making it the best budget CPU for RTX 4060.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
Intel Core i5 13600K
Best High-End CPU for RTX 4060
Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 14 (6P + 8E) | Threads: 20 | L2 Cache: 20MB | Base Clock: 2.6 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.1 GHz | TDP: 125W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Exceptional gaming performance
- High overclocking headroom
- Superb multi-threaded performance
- Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
Cons
- Expensive
- High power draw
Performance: The Core i5 13600K excels particularly in single-threaded performance, making it a standout feature of this processor. Intel’s distinctive core layout incorporating P-cores and E-cores contributes to the Core i5 13600K’s impressive configuration of 14 cores and 20 threads, striking an excellent balance between gaming and productivity. With an impressive boost clock of 5.1 GHz, the i5 13600K is often seen at the top of gaming performance charts in many modern titles. It proves to be a reliable companion for the RTX 4060, delivering remarkable gaming performance without any discernible bottlenecks. The Core i5 13600K was also selected as one of the best CPUs for streaming.
Cooling: Despite Intel’s specified TDP of 125W for the Core i5 13600K, cooling this processor can pose a considerable challenge. Based on my testing, with a custom loop cooling solution, my Core i5 13600K sample reached a peak temperature of 76°C during an all-core Cinebench R23 run. It is advisable to opt for a robust dual-tower air cooler or a 360mm AiO liquid cooler for the Core i5 13600K, especially if you have any intentions of overclocking. The aggressive Intel Turbo Boost feature is the reason behind the high thermal output since it maximizes the power budget of the processor in favor of performance.
Overclocking Potential: With the Core i5 13600K having an unlocked multiplier, users have the opportunity to extract additional performance from this CPU through manual overclocking. After experimenting, I managed a P-Core frequency of 5.6GHz and an E-Core frequency of 4.4GHz, utilizing a VCore voltage of 1.330V. During peak usage, our sample reached a temperature of 81°C and drew a power of 192W, underscoring the need for the best CPU cooler when pursuing overclocking.
You want superior gaming performance: When paired with the RTX 4060, the Core i5 13600K allows the GeForce graphics card to maximize its potential and deliver exceptional gaming performance.
What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RTX 4060?
The exceptional gaming performance, high overclocking headroom, and vast compatibility of the Intel Core i5 13600K make it the best high-end CPU for RTX 4060.
More for Core i5 13600K:
- Intel Core i5-13600K Review
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best GPU for Intel Core i5-13600K
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Efficiency: 7/10 |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Best Value CPU for RTX 4060
Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | Base Clock: 3.9 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Low power draw
- Integrated Vega graphics
- Overclockable
Cons
- No DDR5 support
- No PCIe 4.0 support
Performance: AMD’s Ryzen 5 CPUs have a very similar core layout, and the Ryzen 5 5600G is no different. AMD has used a single CCX design in the manufacturing of the Ryzen 5 5600G, which improves single-threaded performance and reduces latency significantly. The hyperthreaded 6 Cores have a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz, making it a great choice for lightly-threaded applications such as gaming. The onboard Vega graphics are quite useable and can be utilized to play simple games in a pinch. This APU is very well-equipped to be paired with a value-oriented GPU such as the RTX 4060.
Cooling: The Ryzen 5 5600G is not a particularly power-hungry CPU, and the nominal 65W TDP number agrees with that statement. AMD provides a satisfactory stock Wraith cooler with the Ryzen 5 5600G, which can be used if you don’t plan on overclocking. In my testing, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G peaked at around 57C when put under an all-core stress test while being cooled by a Noctua NH-U14S cooler. You do not need a premium CPU cooler for this CPU, as any well-built aftermarket air cooler can do a fine job of keeping this CPU cool and quiet.
Overclocking Potential: As a very welcome bonus, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G also comes with an unlocked multiplier. You can try your hand at manual overclocking to squeeze a bit more performance out of this CPU, provided you have an adequate cooling solution. Your mileage may vary, but my particular sample reached a stable all-core overclock of 4.5GHz with a 1.35V on the VCore. This yielded a very pleasant bump in gaming performance while having an acceptable impact on temperatures.
You want the maximum bang for the buck: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, with its affordable price point and low platform cost, delivers superb value for money.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RTX 4060?
With its low price of entry, affordable motherboards, and wide compatibility, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is the best value CPU for RTX 4060.
The following components work well with the Ryzen 5 5600G:
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Efficiency: 9/10 |
More CPU roundups:
Gaming Benchmarks of The Best CPUs For RTX 4060
Our team of hardware specialists designed an array of tests to judge the gaming performance of the various CPUs in our test suite, yielding the following results.
Important CPU Key Terms
When looking for a gaming CPU, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these essential terms:
- Cores: CPUs are divided into parts known as cores, which are responsible for executing various functions.
- Threads: Threads are data strings utilized by cores to enhance multitasking capabilities.
- Cache: CPUs contain a small amount of high-speed memory known as cache, directly stored on the CPU.
- Clock Speed: The clock speed of a processor refers to the number of data cycles it completes per second, ranging from the base clock to the boost clock.
- TDP: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power, which estimates the amount of heat emitted by a processor in watts.
- IPC: Instructions per clock, also known as IPC, is a measure of the amount of work done by the processor in each data cycle or clock.
- Overclocking: Overclocking involves running a CPU at a higher frequency than its default clocks.
How We Picked The Best CPU For RTX 4060
Even for experienced PC builders, the task of choosing the best CPU for a graphics card can be daunting. In the budget segment, it is even more important to gauge the value proposition while juggling the performance and compatibility factors.
I used the following factors to choose the best CPU for RTX 4060.
Gaming Performance
When choosing a CPU for the RTX 4060, it’s important to gauge the gaming performance of the processor with your graphics card. Opt for a processor with a high number of cores and threads to handle the demands of modern games. Look for CPUs with high clock speeds and the ability to boost to even higher frequencies to ensure smooth and responsive gaming experiences. Additionally, consider CPUs with modern architectures and large cache sizes to maximize performance in gaming scenarios. In gaming, it is important to prioritize CPUs that deliver better single-threaded performance, even in modern titles.
Value For Money
While considering a CPU for the RTX 4060, it’s crucial to evaluate the value proposition of both components. Look for a CPU that offers a good balance between price and performance, ensuring that neither the CPU nor the graphics card overshadows the other in terms of cost. Consider CPUs that provide reliable performance for gaming at an affordable price point. Additionally, it is important to consider which features are crucial for your build and which features can be considered extra or unnecessary.
Overclocking Support
Overclocking is a bonus factor that can improve the performance of your CPU; therefore, it should definitely be considered when building a gaming PC. Look for CPUs that have an unlocked multiplier along with a sizeable power budget, as these factors contribute to successful and stable overclocking. Additionally, consider CPUs that have a reputation for being overclocking-friendly and have ample headroom for potential performance gains. Keep in mind that overclocking may require additional cooling solutions and proper knowledge of the process to achieve desired results effectively.
Related Read: Does Overclocking Reduce CPU Lifespan?
Platform
Since the RTX 4060 is a value-oriented graphics card, it is important to gauge the stability and upgrade potential of the CPU platform when shopping for a CPU. You want to choose a motherboard chipset or platform that has some sort of future upgrade path. Moreover, it is important to consider the choice between DDR4 and DDR5 memory, where applicable. It does not make financial sense to choose a budget CPU only to be stuck in a locked platform with no upgrade path down the road. It may be wise to pay a premium for a chipset that offers a better future upgrade path.
Efficiency
When selecting a CPU for the RTX 4060, prioritizing energy efficiency and low power draw is essential. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) gives a rough estimation of the power demands of a particular CPU. An energy-efficient CPU is easy to manage and does not require a premium power supply or a fancy motherboard to power it. Additionally, consider CPUs that offer power-saving features, such as intelligent power management and dynamic frequency scaling, to further optimize power usage without compromising performance.
Cooler Requirements
It is also crucial to judge the cooling requirements of a particular CPU before buying it. You have to be sure of the thermal demands of a particular CPU before finalizing your decision, especially if you plan to overclock it. Opting for more efficient CPUs is more reasonable if you plan to use to stock cooler or a basic air cooler. If you have a premium AiO liquid cooler, it can open the door to more high-end gaming CPUs and prevent thermal throttling completely. If you plan to overclock a CPU down the road, make sure you have the ideal CPU cooler to manage the increased heat output.
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FAQs
You should get the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 to pair with the RTX 4060 if you want to go with an AMD CPU. On the Intel side, the Core i5 13400F is an equally impressive option that can maximize the performance of the GeForce RTX 4060.
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G can be considered the minimum CPU for 4060. It delivers satisfactory gaming performance with the RTX 4060 in modern titles while being extremely efficient and delivering excellent value for money.
In my testing, the GeForce RTX 4060 has a 19% lead in gaming over its predecessor, the RTX 3060 12 GB. The RTX 4060 is roughly level with the competing AMD Radeon RX 7600 and falls a bit behind the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti in gaming performance.
The GeForce RTX 4060 has a Total Graphics Power (TGP) rating of 115W, while Nvidia recommends a 550W power supply for this graphics card.
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[Hardware Expert]
With a major in Computer Science, Sameed is a tech enthusiast who puts his passion for gadgets into words and creates informative blogs. From comparing different hardware to reviewing the best RAMs, motherboards, and graphics cards for your next build, Sameed has covered a wide spectrum of topics that have given him a special insight into every nook and cranny of the tech world. Sameed is also a certified expert at Computer Hardware & Networking.
Get In Touch: sameed@tech4gamers.com
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