ReviewsProcessors5 BEST CPU For RTX 4060 Ti In 2023

5 BEST CPU For RTX 4060 Ti In 2023

In this guide, I will walk you through our selection of the best CPU for RTX 4060 Ti based on performance, features, efficiency, and value.

With the release of the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, NVIDIA has added a very strong value champion to its graphics card stack, aimed primarily at the mainstream gaming market. The RTX 4060 Ti aims to compete in the mid-range segment and offers a very strong price-to-performance ratio. After securing one of the best RTX 4060 Ti variants, the next step is to pair it with an appropriate CPU that will not hold back the power of your graphics card.

Here’s a quick look at our selected CPUs for RTX 4060 Ti and a brief comparison of their specs:

CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Intel Core i5 13600K
Intel Core i5 13400F
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core i7 13700K
Looks
AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked
Intel Core i5-13400F Desktop Processor 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) 20MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked
Award
Best AMD CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
Best Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
Best Overall Gaming CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
Best Budget CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
Best High-End CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
What We Liked
Superb gaming performance, Affordable price point, Unlocked for overclocking
Excellent single-threaded performance, Relatively affordable, Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
Very affordable, Great gaming performance, Low power draw, Included box cooler
Superb value proposition, Efficient power package, Overclockable, Affordable motherboards
Best-in-class gaming performance, Substantial overclocking headroom, DDR4 and DDR5 support
What We Disliked
No DDR4 support
Relatively high power draw, No included box cooler
Locked multiplier, No integrated graphics
No DDR5 support, No integrated graphics
Expensive, High power draw
Socket
AMD AM5
FCLGA1700
FCLGA1700
AMD AM4
FCLGA1700
Cores
6
14 (6P + 8E)
10 (6P + 4E)
6
16 (8P + 8E)
Threads
12
20
16
12
24
Base Clock
4.7 GHz
2.6 GHz
1.8 GHz
3.7 GHz
2.5 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 5.3 GHz
Up to 5.1 GHz
Up to 4.6 GHz
Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes
Up to 5.4 GHz
TDP
105W
125W
65W
65W
125W
Unlocked
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Looks
AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Award
Best AMD CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
What We Liked
Superb gaming performance, Affordable price point, Unlocked for overclocking
What We Disliked
No DDR4 support
Socket
AMD AM5
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base Clock
4.7 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 5.3 GHz
TDP
105W
Unlocked
Amazon
CPU
Intel Core i5 13600K
Looks
Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked
Award
Best Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
What We Liked
Excellent single-threaded performance, Relatively affordable, Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory
What We Disliked
Relatively high power draw, No included box cooler
Socket
FCLGA1700
Cores
14 (6P + 8E)
Threads
20
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 5.1 GHz
TDP
125W
Unlocked
Amazon
CPU
Intel Core i5 13400F
Looks
Intel Core i5-13400F Desktop Processor 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) 20MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz
Award
Best Overall Gaming CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
What We Liked
Very affordable, Great gaming performance, Low power draw, Included box cooler
What We Disliked
Locked multiplier, No integrated graphics
Socket
FCLGA1700
Cores
10 (6P + 4E)
Threads
16
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 4.6 GHz
TDP
65W
Unlocked
Amazon
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Looks
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
Award
Best Budget CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
What We Liked
Superb value proposition, Efficient power package, Overclockable, Affordable motherboards
What We Disliked
No DDR5 support, No integrated graphics
Socket
AMD AM4
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes
TDP
65W
Unlocked
Amazon
CPU
Intel Core i7 13700K
Looks
Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked
Award
Best High-End CPU for RTX 4060 Ti
What We Liked
Best-in-class gaming performance, Substantial overclocking headroom, DDR4 and DDR5 support
What We Disliked
Expensive, High power draw
Socket
FCLGA1700
Cores
16 (8P + 8E)
Threads
24
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 5.4 GHz
TDP
125W
Unlocked
Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-13

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Best CPU For RTX 4060 Ti

Here is a selection of the best CPUs for RTX 4060 Ti that you can buy right now:

  1. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
  2. Intel Core i5 13600K
  3. Intel Core i5 13400F
  4. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
  5. Intel Core i7 13700K

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Best AMD CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X - Best AMD CPU For RTX 4060 Ti
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6MB | Base Clock: 4.7 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.3 GHz | TDP: 105W | Unlocked: Yes

Pros

  • Superb gaming performance
  • DDR5 platform
  • Efficient architecture
  • Affordable price point
  • Unlocked for overclocking

Cons

  • No DDR4 support

With the release of the AMD AM5 platform, the mid-range CPU market is now more competitive than ever. AMD’s fan favorite, Ryzen 5 7600X, is a superb CPU to pair with the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, thanks to its impressive gaming performance and solid value proposition.

Performance: Based on the brand new Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 7600X brings impressive improvements in instructions per clock (IPC) as well as performance-per-watt. AMD has equipped the Ryzen 5 7600X with 6 cores and 12 threads, but unlike the Intel competition, all cores are “performance” cores. The respectable 5.3 GHz boost clock is another strong weapon in the arsenal of the Ryzen 5 7600X, resulting in superb single-threaded performance in modern games.

Cooling: The Ryzen 5 7600X is quite reasonable in its thermal demands, and you can expect to get away with a reasonable air-cooler or 240mm AiO liquid cooler. AMD claims a TDP of 105W for the Ryzen 5 7600X, which gives the CPU a reasonable power budget for boosting. In my testing with the Noctua NH-U14S, the Ryzen 5 7600X peaked at around 72C while gaming, although the multi-core stress test pushed the temperatures to nearly 82C on stock clocks. These temperatures are acceptable since the AMD Zen 4 architecture is configured to take full advantage of the entire power budget.

Overclocking Potential: AMD holds the distinct advantage of providing unlocked multipliers on all their mainstream desktop CPUs, and the Ryzen 5 7600X is no different. Although the overclocking potential of the CPU varies from chip to chip, it can still yield beneficial improvements with a bit of tuning. My testing yielded an all-core overclock of 5.3 GHz at 1.29V, which had a positive impact on both performance and gaming temperatures. You should note, however, that you may need one of the best CPU coolers if you want to try your hand at manual overclocking.

Power Consumption: The Ryzen 5 7600X is also a rather efficient CPU, especially during gaming. During the course of my testing, the CPU peaked at around 46W of power draw during gaming while at stock settings. In a multi-core stress test, the power draw hit a maximum peak of 96W while at 100% utilization, which is still a fairly comfortable number. You do not need to worry about high power draw with the Ryzen 5 7600X.

Comparison: The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X holds a 16% lead in gaming performance at 1080p over the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, according to our Ryzen 5 7600X vs. Ryzen 5 5600X comparison. Moreover, the Zen 4 CPU holds a staggering 29% lead in productivity tasks over the Ryzen 5 5600X as well. This allows us to understand the generational leap that AMD took with the new Zen 4 architecture over the outgoing Zen 3 platform.

Value For Money: Affordability and value for money are crucial considerations when building a gaming PC. The Ryzen 5 7600X hits the sweet spot in this regard, offering an excellent balance of performance and price. The Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are rather new, and the DDR5 memory kits are relatively pricey, but the affordable B650 motherboards add to the value proposition of the Ryzen 5. With gaming performance that rivals the top gaming CPUs on the market at a mid-range price point, the Ryzen 5 7600X truly nails the value factor.

Buy It If:

AMD Ryzen 7600X
AMD Ryzen 7600X

You want the ideal AMD CPU for RTX 4060 Ti:  The Ryzen 5 7600X complements the RTX 4060 Ti perfectly thanks to its excellent gaming performance, solid efficiency, and affordable price point.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want DDR4 support: Since the AMD AM5 platform only supports DDR5 memory, you will have to change your existing DDR4 memory kit.

What Makes It The Best AMD CPU For RTX 4060 Ti?

With the new Zen 4 architecture, superb single-threaded performance, low power draw, and impressive value for money, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is the best AMD CPU for RTX 4060 Ti.

Performance: 10/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10 Efficiency: 9/10

More for Ryzen 5 7600X:

Intel Core i5 13600K

Best Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

Intel Core i5 13600K - Best Intel CPU For RTX 4060 Ti
Intel Core i5 13600K

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

  • Excellent single-threaded performance
  • Relatively affordable
  • Unlocked multiplier
  • Support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory

Cons

  • Relatively high power draw
  • No included box cooler

Intel’s Core i5 series has been offering some really competitive CPUs in the last few generations, and the Core i5 13600K stands out from the crowd. The i5 13600K bridges the gap between budget and premium options, as it offers an unlocked multiplier with impressive gaming performance without breaking the bank.

Performance: The single-threaded performance of the Core i5 13600K really stands out. Thanks to Intel’s unique core layout with P-cores and E-cores, the Core i5 13600K boasts a total of 14 cores and 20 threads, which is a great balance for both gaming and productivity. With a high boost clock of 5.1 GHz straight out of the box, the i5 13600K is a solid pairing for the RTX 4060 Ti as it delivers an impressive gaming performance that does not create any noticeable bottlenecks.

Cooling: Although Intel quotes a TDP of 125W for the Core i5 13600K, it can definitely pose a challenge in terms of cooling. My Core i5 13600K sample peaked at 76C during an all-core Cinebench R23 run while being cooled by a custom loop. It is safe to assume that you will need a heavy-duty dual-tower air cooler or a 360mm AiO liquid cooler for the Core i5 13600K, even if you don’t plan on overclocking. The temperatures are fairly comfortable during gaming and other lightly-threaded applications, however.

Overclocking Potential: Since the Core i5 13600K is fully unlocked, users can also squeeze a bit more performance out of this CPU by manually overclocking it. I eventually settled on a P-Core frequency of 5.6GHz and an E-Core frequency of 4.4GHz, with a 1.330V voltage on the VCore. This is a very impressive overclock on this particular CPU and shows good overclocking headroom, although your mileage may vary. Be advised, however, that you will need a powerful CPU cooler to handle overclocking on this CPU, as our sample reached 81C with a power draw of 192W at peak usage.

Power Consumption: Despite having a 125W advertised TDP, the Intel Turbo Boost technology makes use of an expanded power budget to allow for higher boost clocks. Under stock settings, my sample of the Core i5 13600K posted a power draw of 179W at full load, which is within the 181W limit for the turbo frequency operation. However, this is certainly a higher power draw than competing AMD Ryzen CPUs at stock settings.

Comparison: The generational leap between Intel’s 12th and 13th generations is quite substantial, thanks to architectural improvements and new core layouts. As a result, even a mid-range CPU like the Core i5 13600K has nearly identical gaming performance to the flagship Core i9 12900K, according to our Core i5 13600K vs. Core i9 12900K comparison. This means that the newer i5 part holds a tremendous advantage in terms of value as it has a lower platform cost.

Value For Money: Speaking of value, the Core i5 13600K puts up a strong showing in this department. The initial price tag is reasonable when compared to the performance, and you can even use older Z690 motherboards and cheaper DDR4 memory with the i5 13600K. This improves the overall value proposition of the i5 13600K when compared to rival AMD’s AM5 CPUs which only support DDR5 memory.

Buy It If:

Intel Core i5 13600K
Intel Core i5 13600K (Image by Tech4Gamers)

You want the ideal Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti: The Core i5 13600K complements the RTX 4060 Ti perfectly if you want to go with the Blue team. The gaming performance is top-notch; it is overclockable and delivers excellent value for money.

Don’t Buy It If:

You don’t have a great CPU cooler: The Core i5 13600K draws a significant amount of power and runs a bit hot, even at stock settings. You will need a powerful CPU cooler to handle this CPU at its peak.

What Makes It The Best Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti?

Thanks to its best-in-class gaming performance, high overclocking headroom, and versatile compatibility, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the best Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti.

Performance: 10/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10 Efficiency: 8/10

More for Core i5 13600K:

Intel Core i5 13400F

Best Overall Gaming CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

Intel Core i5 13400F - Best Overall Gaming CPU For RTX 4060 Ti
Intel Core i5 13400F

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

  • Very affordable
  • Great gaming performance
  • Low power draw
  • Included box cooler

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • No integrated graphics

The Intel Core i5 13400F is a fantastic processor for value-hunters and gamers who want to pair their RTX 4060 Ti with a competent gaming CPU without spending too much. It brings a lot of strong features from Intel’s Raptor Lake platform while being quite efficient and affordable.

Performance: The Core i5 13400F falls in the budget spectrum of gaming processors in Intel’s lineup, but don’t let that fool you. With Intel’s unique core layout, the Core i5 13400F boasts a whopping 10 cores and 16 threads, with strong IPC performance to boot. The CPU can boost up to a respectable 4.6 GHz on its 6 performance cores, making it a strong performer when it comes to single-threaded tasks like gaming. The i5 13400F does not produce any significant bottleneck with the RTX 4060 Ti on 1080p, 1440p, or 4K, according to my testing.

Cooling: Intel claims a very modest TDP of 65W for the Core i5 13400F, which bodes well for its thermal output. The i5 13400F does come with a stock cooler which is adequate for normal operation; however, you may want to upgrade to a tower air cooler or 240mm AiO liquid cooler for better temperatures. My Core i5 13400F sample exhibited very comfortable temperatures of 51C while gaming when paired with a Noctua NH-U14S. While under a multi-core stress test, the temperatures peaked at around 59C, still in very comfortable territory.

Overclocking Potential: Unfortunately, the Core i5 13400F does has a locked multiplier, which means you cannot manually overclock this processor. This is a slight drawback when compared with competing offerings from AMD, which do have an unlocked processor. However, the standard gaming performance of the Core i5 13400F is more than good enough for the RTX 4060 Ti, especially when you consider the affordable price point.

Power Consumption: The Core i5 13400F is a supremely efficient processor, which is a huge strength of this CPU when compared to other options in this price bracket. My test results revealed that the Core i5 13400F peaks at around 44W of power consumption during gaming, which is a very favorable result. The power consumption increases to around 63W in an all-core stress test, signifying the power budget limit of this particular CPU. The i5 13400F is the CPU to shortlist if you want an efficient processor for your RTX 4060 Ti.

Comparison: Comparing the Core i5 13400F to other budget CPUs in this price bracket gives us a strong idea of the value proposition of this processor. As noted in our Core i5 13400 vs. Ryzen 5 5600X comparison, the Core i5 13400 holds a 7.6% lead in gaming performance over the Ryzen 5 5600X while using 15.4% less power. This shows the strong advantage of the i5 13400/F over the Ryzen 5 5600X in both performance and efficiency.

Value For Money: The Core i5 13400F is one of the best budget CPUs right now and is a great value pairing for the RTX 4060 Ti in terms of gaming performance. Thanks to its DDR4 and DDR5 support, it even offers flexibility in memory choice and can be used with last-gen Z690 motherboards as well. Moreover, the 13400F variant lacks integrated graphics, allowing you to save a bit of money over the standard Core i5 13400 if you plan on using a dedicated graphics card.

Buy It If:

Core i5-13400F
Core i5-13400F

You want a budget gaming CPU: The Core i5 13400F delivers excellent gaming performance in the majority of modern titles when paired with the RTX 4060 Ti without breaking the bank.

You don’t have a high-end cooler: With its low TDP and reasonable power draw, the Core i5 13400F is one of the most efficient processors around.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want integrated graphics: All “F” series chips have their iGPUs fused off.

What Makes It The Best Overall Gaming CPU For RTX 4060 Ti?

The Core i5 13400F delivers great performance in modern games, has a very low power draw, and is quite affordable, making it the best overall gaming CPU for RTX 4060 Ti if you just plan on gaming.

Performance: 8/10 Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10 Efficiency: 10/10

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Best Budget CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X - Best Budget CPU For RTX 4060 Ti
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Socket: AMD AM4 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 3MB | Base Clock: 3.7 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 4.6 GHz | TDP: 65W | Unlocked: Yes

Pros

  • Superb value proposition
  • Efficient power package
  • Overclockable
  • Affordable motherboards

Cons

  • No DDR5 support
  • No integrated graphics

AMD’s Zen 3 lineup is always a good place to look when shopping for a budget gaming CPU in 2023. The Ryzen 5 5600X fits the bill perfectly as it is a very affordable option that has plenty of gaming performance to handle the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti.

Performance: The Ryzen 5 5600X is a great choice for a gaming CPU since it is built on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture with a redesigned single-CCD layout. This means that the 6 cores and 12 threads of the Ryzen 5 5600X are tuned for excellent single-threaded performance with low latency, thus making this CPU a great choice for gaming. Its high IPC and a respectable boost clock of 4.6 GHz further enhance its suitability for gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU such as the RTX 4060 Ti.

Cooling: Just like the previous AMD Ryzen 5 processors, the Ryzen 5 5600X is also a very tame CPU in terms of thermal output. In fact, you can get away with using just the stock cooler that comes in the box if you don’t plan on overclocking. Under a Noctua NH-U14S, the Ryzen 5 5600X peaked at around 57C at full load in my testing. Any reasonably competent air cooler or a 240mm liquid AiO cooler is a great choice to cool the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Overclocking Potential: As is common with AMD desktop processors, the Ryzen 5 5600X is also fully unlocked for overclocking. You will need a decent aftermarket cooler to push the Ryzen 5 5600X beyond its limits, but the results are actually quite promising. My sample reached an all-core overclock of 4.6GHz when pushing the VCore to 1.35V. Your mileage will most definitely vary depending on the silicon quality of your chip and the VRM configuration of your motherboard.

Power Consumption: There are no major concerns with power consumption when it comes to the Ryzen 5 5600X, simply because it is a fairly efficient processor. It falls in the middle of the pack in terms of power consumption when compared to other competing processors in this price bracket. With my particular sample. The CPU package peaked at 74W of power draw when measured in an all-core stress test. This result is quite reasonable for a CPU rated at 65W of TDP. 

Comparison: AMD’s introduction of the Zen 3 architecture was a huge leap in their challenge for the gaming performance crown. The new architecture brought a tremendous leap in single-threaded performance, as is evident from our Ryzen 5 5600X vs. Ryzen 5 3600 comparison piece. The new Zen 3 part holds a substantial lead of around 24% in gaming scenarios over the Ryzen 5 3600, while the productivity lead grows to a whopping 65%. This just shows the sheer dominance of the Zen 3 architecture and its generational leap.

Value For Money: Value is the strongest point in favor of the Ryzen 5 5600X when paired with the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. Since the latter is a mid-range GPU aimed at value-hunters, it makes sense to join its forces with a budget CPU like the Ryzen 5 5600X that provides tremendous value for money. Moreover, DDR4 memory and B550 motherboards are very affordable nowadays, thus further adding to the value proposition of the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Buy It If:

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

You are on a tight budget: With its low initial cost, affordable motherboards, and support for DDR4 memory, the Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent gaming CPU option on the cheap.

You want to overclock: The Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier and can be overclocked, even on affordable B-series motherboards.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want DDR5 support: The AMD AM4 platform does not support DDR5 memory.

You want integrated graphics: The Ryzen 5000 series CPUs do not have integrated graphics.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RTX 4060 Ti?

Thanks to the Zen 3 architecture, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X delivers great gaming performance while being very affordable, making it the best budget CPU for RTX 4060 Ti.

Performance: 7/10 Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10 Efficiency: 9/10

More for Ryzen 5 5600X:

Intel Core i7 13700K

Best High-End CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

Intel Core i7 13700K - Best High-End CPU For RTX 4060 Ti
Intel Core i7 13700K

Socket: FCLGA1700 | Cores: 16 (8P + 8E) | Threads: 24 | L2 Cache: 24MB | Base Clock: 2.5 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.4 GHz | TDP: 125W | Unlocked: Yes

Pros

  • Best-in-class gaming performance
  • Impressive multi-core performance
  • Substantial overclocking headroom
  • DDR4 and DDR5 support

Cons

  • Expensive
  • High power draw

If you are looking for a high-end desktop CPU to maximize the potential of your RTX 4060 Ti, then look no further than the Intel Core i7 13700K. This Core i7 chip is a high-performance variant aimed at gamers and enthusiasts who want the best gaming performance along with strong productivity performance in one package.

Performance: Intel has equipped the Core i7 13700K with a whopping 16 total cores, split into 8 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores. This configuration yields a total of 24 threads for the Core i7 13700K, making it a powerhouse of both gaming and productivity. With its sky-high boost clock of 5.4 GHz and superb IPC numbers, the 13700K is one of the fastest gaming processors on the market at the time of writing. The GeForce RTX 4060 Ti can be fully maximized at 4K, 1440p, and even 1080p resolution with no noticeable bottlenecks.

Cooling: Thanks to its expanded power budget and aggressive boosting behavior, the Core i7 13700K does tend to run quite warm. Despite its 125W TDP, the newest iteration of Intel Turbo Boost makes full use of the total power budget to maximize performance, thus increasing temperatures. The Core i7 13700K reached a peak of 75C in an all-core workload in my testing while being cooled by a custom liquid cooling loop. It is evident that you will need a powerful 360mm AiO cooler for this particular CPU.

Overclocking Potential: One of the major advantages of the Core i7 13700K is its unlocked multiplier, allowing for manual overclocking. The overclocking potential varies from chip to chip, but the Core i7 13700K, in general, is a healthy overclocker. At a VCore voltage of 1.350V, my sample reached 5.7 GHz on the P-Cores, while the E-Cores settled at 4.6 GHz. This is a very impressive overclock, which yielded a 7% increase in Cinebench R23 scores in the all-core test.

Power Consumption: With overclocking comes increased power consumption too. The Core i7 13700K already has a fairly high power draw, and overclocking pushes it even further. At stock clocks, my Core i7 13700K sample peaked at 211W of power drawn by the CPU package when under an all-core load. This power draw increased to 272W when overclocked to 5.7GHz with a VCore of 1.35V. Therefore, the Core i7 13700K draws a lot of power, and this should be considered when choosing a cooler for your i7 13700K.

Comparison: In the battle of the high-end desktop CPUs, Intel has managed to claw back the crown from AMD. According to our Core i7 13700K vs. Ryzen 7 7700X comparison, the Intel CPU holds a noticeable lead over the AMD counterpart in gaming scenarios while also having an advantage in multi-threaded applications thanks to its higher core and thread count. The Intel Core i7 13700K also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, making it a better value for the money.

Value For Money: Speaking of value, the Core i7 13700K is certainly acceptable in terms of price-to-performance ratio, despite having a relatively higher price point. Even though it is an expensive CPU, the performance figures are exceptional, making it a decent value in the long run. The 13700K can also be used with a cheaper DDR4 memory kit and last-gen Z690 motherboards, thus saving you a bit of money on other components.

Buy It If:

Core i7-13700K
Core i7-13700K (Image By Tech4Gamers)

You want the highest gaming performance: The Core i7 13700K is one of the very fastest gaming processors on the market, so it is a great choice if you want to fully maximize your RTX 4060 Ti.

Don’t Buy It If:

You do not have a premium CPU cooler: Thanks to its high power draw and thermal output, the Core i7 13700K needs a heavy-duty CPU cooler to be paired with it.

You don’t want an expensive CPU: The price tag of the Core i7 13700K is quite high, making it a premium CPU pairing for the RTX 4060 Ti.

What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RTX 4060 Ti?

The Core i7 13700K is the best high-end CPU for RTX 4060 Ti, thanks to its unparalleled gaming performance, high overclocking headroom, and superb productivity performance. 

Performance: 10/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10 Efficiency: 7/10

More for the Core i7 13700K:

Verdict: What Is The Best CPU For RTX 4060 Ti?

Core i5-13400F
Core i5-13400F

In conclusion, the Intel Core i5 13400F is the best CPU for RTX 4060 Ti thanks to its excellent gaming performance, remarkable efficiency, and affordable price point. In addition to being quite cheap up front, the Core i5 13400F also comes with a useable box cooler and can be used with a last-gen 600-series motherboard as well as cheaper DDR4 memory, making it an even better value option.

Gaming Benchmarks of the Best CPUs for RTX 4060 Ti

Here at Tech4Gamers, we do not believe in making hollow claims. Our dedicated team of hardware specialists puts each product through a comprehensive array of tests tailored specifically to provide an unbiased assessment based on factual evidence. For this particular roundup, we rigorously tested our chosen CPUs across a diverse set of gaming scenarios to accurately gauge their performance.

What Is CPU Bottlenecking?

i5-13600K Box
Core i5-13600K Box (Image By Tech4Gamers)

When it comes to gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks, a CPU bottleneck can occur when the performance of a more powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) is limited by the processing power of the CPU.

This situation arises when the CPU is unable to keep up with the data processing demands of the GPU, leading to suboptimal utilization of the GPU’s capabilities. As a result, the overall performance of the system is hindered, and the full potential of the powerful GPU cannot be realized.

One of the main reasons for CPU bottlenecking in relation to a powerful GPU is a mismatch in performance levels. If the CPU is outdated or not powerful enough, it may struggle to feed data to the GPU at a rate that matches its processing capabilities. This imbalance can result in the GPU being underutilized as it waits for the CPU to provide it with the necessary instructions and data. As a result, the GPU spends more time idle, reducing its overall performance potential.

Another factor that can contribute to CPU bottlenecking is the nature of the tasks being performed. Some applications and games are more dependent on CPU processing power than GPU performance. In such cases, even if a powerful GPU is present, the CPU may still become the limiting factor, as it struggles to keep up with the computational demands of the software. This situation can occur when running heavily CPU-dependent tasks, such as physics simulations, artificial intelligence algorithms, or complex game engines that rely on extensive CPU calculations.

More on bottlenecking:

1080p vs. 1440p. vs. 4K CPU Usage

1080p 1440p 4K
Highest CPU usage Balanced CPU usage Lowest CPU usage
Highest framerate Framerate falls from 1080p Lowest framerate
Lowest GPU usage Higher GPU usage than 1080p Highest GPU usage

At 1080p resolution, the CPU usage tends to be highest among the 3 common resolutions. This is because the CPU has to process a larger number of frames per second to maintain smooth gameplay. The increased frame rate puts a heavier computational load on the CPU, resulting in higher CPU usage. Therefore, in gaming or other tasks that heavily rely on the CPU, you may observe higher CPU utilization at 1080p.

Moving to 1440p, the CPU usage typically decreases compared to 1080p. The higher resolution reduces the number of frames that the CPU needs to process per second. As a result, the CPU workload becomes lighter, leading to a reduction in CPU usage. GPU utilization, on the other hand, increases at 1440p since the higher pixel count puts a significant strain on the graphics processor.

At 4K resolution, the CPU usage tends to be the lowest among the three resolutions. The higher resolution requires more graphical processing power, which is primarily handled by the GPU. Consequently, the CPU’s computational load is reduced, resulting in lower CPU usage compared to 1080p and 1440p. This is why 4K gaming is less CPU-intensive, as long as the CPU is not a bottleneck in other aspects of the system.

Important CPU Key Terms

Here are some key CPU terms you should know when shopping for a CPU in 2023.

  1. Cores: A CPU core is part of a CPU that is dedicated to performing various functions and executing different tasks.
  2. Threads: Threads are a subset of cores designed to improve multitasking.
  3. Cache: The cache (divided into L1, L2, and L3 cache) is a type of super-fast memory stored directly onto the CPU for quick access.
  4. Clock Speed: The clock speed varies between a base clock and a boost clock. It is a measure of the number of cycles that the processor can complete in one second.
  5. TDP: The TDP (Thermal Design Power) gives an estimate of the amount of heat that the processor is capable of putting out.
  6. IPC: The IPC (Instructions Per Clock) denotes the work done in each clock cycle by the processor.
  7. Overclocking: The process of allowing your processor to run faster than the default clock speeds is known as overclocking.

How We Picked The Best CPU For RTX 4060 Ti

Choosing the best CPU for any particular graphics card can be a challenge, but the task is made more difficult when you are shopping in the budget segment of the market. Here, you have to be more careful with the features you want and the extras you want to avoid.

Here are some of the factors I used to pick the best CPU for RTX 4060 Ti.

Gaming Performance

Our Test Bench
Our Test Bench

When selecting a CPU for the RTX 4060 Ti, it is crucial to consider the gaming performance of the processor. A powerful CPU can effectively complement the capabilities of the graphics card, ensuring optimal gaming performance and minimizing bottlenecks. Look for CPUs with high clock speeds, multiple cores, and strong single-thread performance to maximize your gaming experience with the RTX 4060 Ti. Processors with newer and more efficient architectures often have better instructions-per-clock (IPC), resulting in higher performance.

Overclocking

Overclocking CPU
Overclocking an AMD CPU using AMD Ryzen Master. Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
In addition to gaming performance, it is essential to consider the overclocking capability and potential of the CPU when selecting one for the RTX 4060 Ti. Overclocking can boost the CPU’s clock speed and overall performance, allowing for smoother gameplay and improved frame rates. Look for CPUs with unlocked multipliers, high power budgets, and aggressive boosting technologies to fully exploit the overclocking potential and enhance your gaming experience with the RTX 4060 Ti.

Related ReadDoes Overclocking Reduce CPU Lifespan?

Thermals and Power Draw

AIO cooler
AIO cooler installed. (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Considering the power draw and temperatures of the CPU is crucial when choosing a processor for the RTX 4060 Ti. CPUs with a high power draw can strain the system’s power supply and output large amounts of heat. Additionally, higher temperatures can impact overall system performance and can result in thermal throttling. It can be wise to opt for CPUs with efficient power management and lower TDPs to ensure optimal power efficiency, lower temperatures, and a reliable gaming experience.

Value For Money

When purchasing a CPU for the RTX 4060 Ti, it is crucial to consider the price point and value for money. While high-end CPUs may offer top-tier performance, they can come with a significant price tag. Assess your budget and prioritize CPUs that strike a balance between performance and affordability. Look for processors that offer competitive performance in relation to their cost, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment when pairing it with the RTX 4060 Ti.

Platform Support

GIGABYTE Z790 Motherboard
GIGABYTE Z790 Motherboard (Image by Tech4Gamers)

It is very important to carefully consider the upgrade potential and longevity of the platform when choosing a CPU for the RTX 4060 Ti. In the modern day, a motherboard chipset can support only 2-3 generations of CPUs before it is replaced, thus impacting the upgrade path of the platform. Moreover, it is important to consider the memory generation of your choice since DDR4 is slowly but surely being replaced by DDR5 at the time of writing.

Why You Should Trust Us

With a history spanning over a decade, Tech4Gamers comprises passionate teams with extensive expertise in the realm of tech journalism. Acknowledged by reputable tech companies such as DeepCool, ASUS, and MSI, Tech4Gamers has achieved significant milestones.

Over the years, Tech4Gamers has broadened its range of services to include comprehensive computer hardware reviews alongside an expansion in news coverage. Throughout this evolution, our dedication to authenticity remains steadfast. Each product undergoes meticulous evaluation in ideal conditions, guaranteeing accurate and reliable assessments.

FAQs

What CPU should I get for RTX 4060 Ti?

If you want an Intel CPU, you should get the Intel Core i5 13600K for the RTX 4060 Ti. If you are on Team AMD, then the Ryzen 5 7600X is the best AMD CPU for RTX 4060 Ti.

What is the minimum CPU for RTX 4060 Ti?

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X can be considered the minimum CPU for RTX 4060 Ti. It is a budget option that delivers great gaming performance with the RTX 4060 Ti for a very reasonable price.

What CPU won’t bottleneck an RTX 4060 Ti?

The Intel Core i5 13400F is a CPU that won’t bottle an RTX 4060 Ti in most games, and it comes at an affordable price. If you want the best of the best, the Intel Core i7 13700K is a high-end choice for the RTX 4060 Ti.

How much power does the RTX 4060 Ti use?

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti has a rated TDP of 165W, and Nvidia recommends a 550W power supply for this particular graphics card.

Can the RTX 4060 Ti do 1440p gaming?

Yes, the RTX 4060 Ti can definitely do 1440p gaming, provided you are willing to alter the graphics settings a little bit. The DLSS 3.0 frame-gen technology also helps a lot in supported games.

If you want to stream your games as well, be sure to check out our selection of the best streaming CPUs too.

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