Every year NVIDIA puts a great deal of engineering and resources into inventing its top-notch GPUs. The RTX 4080 is another powerful iteration of the NVIDIA graphics card that requires an equally or more powerful CPU to be paired with. You can estimate the power of this GPU by just looking at the specs it comes with. For a GPU as powerful as that one, you will need to pair it with a capable CPU.
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Our RTX 4080 CPU Selections, all compared with each other, and different types:
Make sure to get the best variant of the GeForce RTX 4080:
Best CPU For RTX 4080
Here are my top 6 picks for the best CPU to pair with the RTX 4080:
- Best AMD CPU For RTX 4080: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Best Intel CPU For RTX 4080: Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best Overall Gaming CPU for RTX 4080: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Budget CPU for RTX 4080: Intel Core i5-13600k
- Best High-end CPU for RTX 4080: Intel Core i9-13900K
- Best Value CPU For RTX 4080: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
Best AMD CPU for RTX 4080
Specifications: Socket: AM5 | Architecture: Zen 4 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 4.5 GHz | Boost Clock: 5.4 GHz | TDP: 105W
Pros
- Supports latest PCI 5.0 and DDR5
- Eco mode available to limit TDP
- Excellent single-core performance
Cons
- High Temperatures
Performance: Comprising 8 cores and 16 threads, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X can quickly render high-end graphics. The default base clock speed of the Zen 4 AMD CPU is 4.5 GHz, with a potential max boost clock speed of 5.4 GHz. However, it repeatedly touched even 5.5 GHz in my testing while boosting, which is a definite bonus.
Cooling: Expectedly, an enormous amount of heat generation follows all these excellent performance specs. The default TDP of the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is 105W which is not light. So, I will recommend a 240mm AIO to prevent this octa-core beast from thermal throttling.
Future Proofing: Fortunately, the Ryzen 7 7700X will remain capable of playing games at 1440p for the next couple of years. Furthermore, the AM5 platform adds plenty of future upgradeability thanks to its support for DDR5 RAM and PCI 5.0 slots. You won’t miss out on overclocking either, which is always nice to see.
Buy It If:
Here is an image of the Ryzen 7 7700X:
✅You want a capable mid-range product: With the Ryzen 7 7700X, the RTX 4080 can truly achieve its maximum performance. Plus, the processor doesn’t cost nearly as much as other flagship CPUs.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You want an easy-to-cool CPU: Although it is an excellent choice, the Ryzen 7 7700X runs quite hot, making it necessary to use a high-end cooler.
What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For RTX 4080?
The Zen 4 Ryzen 7 7700X has everything needed to run your RTX 4080 at its full potential. Moreover, it can also support upcoming GPUs for at least a few years, saving you from replacing your CPU anytime soon. Its all-in-one performance bundle undoubtedly makes the Ryzen 7 7700X the Best AMD CPU For RTX 4080.
- Read Our Ryzen 7 7700X Review
- Best Cooler for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Best Motherboard for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Future Proofing: 8/10 |
Intel Core i7-13700K
Best Intel CPU for RTX 4080
Specifications: Socket: LGA1700 | Architecture: Raptor Lake | Cores: 16 (8E+8P) | Threads: 24 | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz, 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.20 GHz , 5.30 GHz | TDP: 125W ,253W
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5
- Pricing is reasonable
Cons
- High Thermals
- High Power Consumption
Performance: The Intel Core i7-13700K also offers a total core count of 16, along with 24 threads. It offers competitive frequency ranges, reaching a boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz on performance cores. The efficient and performance cores were running at the advertised turbo frequencies out-of-the-box in my testing.
Cooling: Regarding suitable cooling solutions, Intel recommends an AIO liquid cooler (or air equivalent) of 280mm or greater. It means you will have to spend good money to fulfill the premium cooling requirements of the Intel Core i7-13700K. Of course, a higher-end cooler is required if you intend on overclocking.
Future Proofing: Intel Core i7-13700K only falls slightly short in terms of gaming performance compared to the Intel Core i9-13900K, making it a fairly future-proof offering. Combine that with its overclocking capabilities, and you might not have to worry about upgrading for the next 2-3 years at the very least.
After testing, our hardware tester, Nauman Siddique was surprised by the i7-13700K’s balanced performance, stating:
“If you seek both gaming excellence and extra performance, the Core i7-13700K is the choice to make.”
Buy It If:
Captured image of the Ryzen 7 7700X before our tests:
✅You want balanced performance: The gaming performance of the Core i7-13700K is truly exceptional, especially considering its price tag.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You want a less power-hungry processor: Intel CPUs maintained their reputation of being power-hungry in Raptor Lake as well. As a result, we see extreme power requirements in the Intel Core i7-13700K.
What Makes It The Best Intel CPU For RTX 4080?
The Intel Core i7-13700K offers good performance in every aspect. If you can fulfill its power and cooling requirements, you can efficiently run your RTX 4080 at its maximum conditions with this CPU, and that’s why we have picked it as the Best Intel CPU For RTX 4080.
- Read Our Intel Core i7-13700K Review
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i7-13700K
- Best GPU For i7-13700K
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Future Proofing: 9/10 |
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best Overall Gaming CPU for RTX 4080
Specifications: Socket: AM5 | Architecture: Zen 4 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: 5.0 GHz | TDP: 120W
Pros
- Enormous L3 cache
- Best CPU for gaming to date
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- Underwhelming productivity performance
- Expensive cooling solutions required
Performance: The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a default base clock frequency of 4.2 GHz. The maximum clock speed it can reach is 5.0 GHz which is enormous. It comprises a total of 8 cores and 16 threads. AMD further boosted the L3 cache to 96MB with its second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, making it stand out as a gaming CPU.
Cooling: Despite the better gaming performance, the TDP and power consumption are impressive and far better than any of Intel’s processors. But it does not mean you will be saved from spending a good amount on your CPU cooler. A 280mm or even a 360mm AIO will be needed to maintain optimal temperatures.
Future Proofing: Lastly, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D fully lives up to its reputation as the best gaming CPU to date. You will not regret investing in it, especially considering the longevity it offers through its gaming prowess. It also supports the latest DDR5 and PCI 5.0 slots; however, manual overclocking is disabled.
Buy It If:
Here are some of the pictures of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D from our review:
✅You want the best gaming experience: If you want an unbeatable gaming CPU for your RTX 4080, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D should be your top pick without any second thoughts.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You want better productivity performance: The impact of the 3D V-cache is only limited to gaming applications. Therefore, the productivity performance is quite underwhelming.
What Makes It The Best Overall Gaming CPU For RTX 4080?
In gaming performance, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D surpassed all its competitors significantly. The key reason for this extraordinary gaming performance is the 3D V-cache, which can only impact gaming applications. Therefore, the unmatched gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D makes it the Best Overall Gaming CPU For RTX 4080.
- Best Cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best RAM for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best GPU For Ryzen 7 7800X3D
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Future Proofing: 9/10 |
Intel Core i5-13600K
Best Budget CPU for RTX 4080
Specifications: Socket: LGA1700 | Architecture: Raptor Lake | Cores: 14 (8E+6P) | Threads: 20 | Base Clock: 2.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz | Boost Clock: 3.90 GHz , 5.10 GHz | TDP: 125W ,181W
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Decent performance for mid-range setups
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5
Cons
- Nothing significant
Performance: The Intel Core i5-13600K has 8 efficient and 6 performance cores. Similarly, it has a total thread count of 20, twelve of which come from the P-cores. Keeping in mind that the i5-13600K is aimed at the budget segment, the turbo frequency is quite a powerful punch, sitting at 5.1 GHz for the performance cores.
Cooling: Much like the rest of the 13th-gen lineup, the Core i5-13600K requires a beefy cooling solution to maintain safe temperatures. During my testing, the temperatures peaked at 76C with a custom loop; however, using a capable 240mm AIO cooler or an air cooler should work with the processor.
Future Proofing: Given its value-oriented price tag and the lower performance compared to higher-end 13th gen counterparts, the Core i5-13600K is not necessarily the processor to go for when it comes to future-proofing. Of course, overclocking is a possibility for those looking to get a little more out of the CPU in the future.
In his review, Nauman Siddique pointed out the Core i5-13600K’s fantastic price-to-performance, stating:
“The Intel Core i5-13600K stands out as the best value gaming CPU in the market.”
Buy It If:
The Core i5-13600K installed on our motherboard:
✅You have a limited budget: If you are looking for a budget-friendly CPU to run your RTX 4080 without bottlenecking, the Intel Core i5-13600K is the CPU you should go with.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You want a power-efficient CPU: Much like the rest of the 13th-gen lineup, the Core i5-13600K is not very power-efficient.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RTX 4080?
The Intel Core i5-13600K offers all the essential features to run your RTX 4080 efficiently at a reasonable price. Given its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, I have crowned the Intel Core i5-13600K as the Best Budget CPU For RTX 4080.
- Read Our 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 Budget CPU Coolers
- Best GPU For i5-13600K
| Performance: 7/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Future Proofing: 7/10 |
Intel Core i9-13900K
Best High-end CPU for RTX 4080
Specifications: Socket: LGA1700 | Architecture: Raptor Lake | Cores: 24 (16E+8P) | Threads: 32 | Base Clock: 2.20 GHz, 3.0 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.30 GHz, 5.40 GHz | Max Frequency: 5.80 GHz | TDP: 125W ,253W
Pros
- Unmatched single-core and multi-core performance
- Enormous core count
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5
Cons
- Very expensive
- Extremely power hungry
- High thermals
Performance: The Intel Raptor Lake boasts 32 threads from 8 P-cores with hyper-threading and 16 E-cores, delivering a significant performance boost over its predecessor. Operating frequencies range from 3.00 GHz to 5.40 GHz for performance cores and 2.20 GHz to 4.30 GHz for efficiency cores.
Cooling: The Core i9-13900K is arguably one of the most challenging processors to cool since it is capable of drawing 253W of power during turbo-frequency operation. You will have to spend well on the Core i9-13900K’s high-end cooling requirements to keep it operating under its thermal limit.
Future Proofing: The Core i9-13900K’s top-charting performance makes it a safe option to rely on if you are an option that does not require an upgrade anytime in the near future. That said, future upgradability is mostly limited to 14th gen offerings due to the LGA 1700 platform.
Buy It If:
Here is the i9-13900K during our testing:
✅You want top-of-the-line performance: If you’re looking for the most top-tier processor that nails both gaming and productivity, then the Core i9-13900K is for you.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You are working with a limited budget: The Core i9-13900K is one of the most expensive processors you can currently get your hands on.
❌You have a low-wattage PSU: Apart from being an extremely expensive processor, the Core i9-13900K also consumes a ton of power while generating lots of heat.
What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RTX 4080?
The Intel Core i9-13900K is one of the most top-performance CPUs found on the planet. It can efficiently run your RTX 4080 and even higher GPUs. Its enormous number of cores and increased operating frequencies make it the Best High-End CPU For RTX 4080.
- Best Cooler for Intel Core i9-13900K
- Best Motherboard for Intel Core i9-13900K
- Best RAM for Intel Core i9-13900K
- Best GPU For i9-13900K
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Future Proofing: 10/10 |
Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best Value CPU For RTX 4080
Specifications: Socket: AM4 | Architecture: Zen 3 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz | Boost Clock: 4.50 GHz | TDP: 105W
Pros
- Tremendous L3 cache
- Great Gaming Performance
- Value for money
Cons
- No DDR5 and PCI 5.0 support
- No overclocking support
- Okay productivity performance
Performance: The Ryzen 7 5800X3D has 8 cores and 16 threads. It operates at a default base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and can reach a maximum boost frequency of 4.5 GHz. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D leverages 3D V-cache technology, boasting 96MB of L3 cache, which enhances gaming performance significantly.
Cooling: Rated for a TDP of 105W, you won’t run into major challenges when searching for a cooler for the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. I found that a 240mm AIO or a dual-tower air cooler provides enough thermal headroom. Since overclocking isn’t supported, a beefier solution isn’t required.
Future Proofing: Future-proofing is one aspect the Ryzen 7 5800X3D falls short on since the “Zen 3” architecture only supports PCI 4.0 slots and DDR4 RAM modules. Adding on to that, newer generation Ryzen processors aren’t supported by the AM4 platform either.
Buy It If:
✅You are looking for value: The Ryzen 7 5800X3D features a 3D V-cache feature that provides a total L3 cache of 96MB, which is highly beneficial in gaming applications.
✅You own an AM4 motherboard: The Ryzen 7 5800X3D makes for the perfect upgrade for anyone who already owns an AM4 motherboard.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You want future upgradability: Based on the “Zen 3” architecture, Ryzen 7 5800X3D does not support DDR5 or PCI 5.0 slots, which isn’t ideal. The lack of overclocking support does not help either.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU For RTX 4080?
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D offers excellent features for what you are paying. At a reasonable price, this Ryzen CPU powered with a 3D V-cache can help you ace many games with your RTX 4080. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the Best Value CPU For RTX 4080.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Future Proofing: 7/10 |
Gaming Benchmarks Of The Best CPU for RTX 4080
What good is a claim that is not backed by actual proof? Therefore, to support my claims and maintain your trust in Tech4Gamers, I tested these CPUs at 1080p resolution with various triple-A games. Additionally, I also ran a few tests related to productivity apps. Here is what I found in my testing:
Important CPU Key Terms
Here are some essential terms that will help you understand the CPU architecture:
- Core: The individual processing unit inside the CPU which independently executes instructions.
- Threads: The independently executable smallest portions of a computer program.
- Base Clock Speed: The default operating speed of the CPU without any performance boost.
- Boost Clock Speed: The maximum CPU operating speed reached under heavy load.
- TDP: The maximum heat that can be generated by a CPU under certain load conditions.
- Cache: A small memory comprising three levels (L1, L2, and L3) that stores frequently accessed instructions by CPU.
- Socket: The physical interface between the CPU and the motherboard, which enables communication between the two.
How To Choose The Best CPU For RTX 4080
To assist you further, I have provided some key factors to consider while choosing the best CPU for RTX 4080.
- Budget: You should carefully consider and select the CPU that lies within your budget. Many CPUs can offer exceptional performance, but their price range may only suit professional users. So, opting for a CPU that targets your price range while providing excellent performance is good practice.
- Performance: Similarly, performance is another critical factor to consider when choosing a CPU. You should know what performance you expect from your CPU, i.e., whether you are looking for high-resolution support, multithreaded productivity app performance, or gaming excellence. For example, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D might be a gaming performance masterpiece but does not prove exceptional in productivity.
- Thermal Efficiency and Power Consumption: If you show reluctance in considering your CPU’s power and cooling requirements, you might have to pay a heavy price. For example, if you buy the Intel Core i9-13900K, you must select an enormous VRM motherboard and a liquid cooler of 280 mm or more, which can be very costly.
FAQs
The specific CPU choice for RTX 4080 depends on your needs and resources. For example, if you are not on a budget and want a top-notch gaming CPU, you can opt for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. But if you are looking for a high-end CPU that excels in productivity apps performance, you should go for the Intel Core i9-13900K.
While there is no distinct answer to this question, I believe the minimum CPU that can run your RTX 4080 without interruption is the Intel Core i5-13600K. Any CPU below the Intel Core i5-13600K benchmark will cause performance issues with your RTX 4080.
The Intel Core i5-13600K meets the minimum compatibility requirements of RTX 4080 and can run your RTX 4080 without bottlenecking.
Feel free to check out other options:
- Best CPU For RTX 4090
- Best CPU For RTX 4070 Ti
- Best CPU For RTX 4060 Ti
- Best CPU For RTX 4070 Ti Super
- Best CPU For Streaming
Recent Updates
- March 14, 2024: To make your decision easier, I’ve added Cinebench R23 results, 1080p gaming FPS, and average power consumption for my shortlisted CPUs (based on my testing).
- January 12, 2024: Few text changes to improve readability.
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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
