The Best CPUs To Pair With The RTX 4060 TI For Gaming

Nvidia’s RTX 4060TI was released in July to mixed reception from consumers and enthusiasts alike, with many praising its efficiency but criticizing its performance gains (or lack thereof) in rasterization and its pricing, which pits it as a direct replacement of the RTX 3060TI while being noticeably more expensive than a GPU that it beats by a margin of 10-15% in most benchmarks.

That being said, the RTX 4060TI does have its own, somewhat obvious advantages. It is part of a newer architecture, based on Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace that handles Nvidia’s newer DLSS3 tech considerably better than its predecessors, in addition to packing new RT cores and a larger L2 cache that allows for better performance at lower resolutions in particular.

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It will also likely see more driver-based support down the line than its predecessors given it being a relatively new release with optimizations being often targeted towards the latest GPUs by Nvidia versus their legacy counterparts, a factor that should be taken into account while purchasing an RTX 4060TI over its relatively older competition.

If you have purchased an RTX 4060TI, or are about to, you might also be interested in pairing it with a more modern CPU if you are looking to upgrade or start afresh with a new PC build to avoid a significant bottleneck or eke out the highest possible performance possible from Nvidia’s latest mid-tier GPU.

Things to Consider When Buying a CPU for the RTX 4060 Ti:

• Price: It’s important to choose a CPU that complements the RTX 4060 Ti in both pricing and specifications. Gamers who are looking to obtain the most value should spend no more than $200 on the CPU, but enthusiasts who want no compromise on productivity can opt for higher-end options.
• Bottleneck: The RTX 4060 Ti needs a CPU that can push it to its boundaries without reaching 100% usage. A CPU that hits 100% usage before the GPU will bottleneck the latter in performance.
• Core/Thread Count: For budget gaming builds, 4 cores with hyperthreading is the minimum requirement for gaming in 2023. The higher, the better. However, the processor should belong to one of the latest generations of processors for a higher single/multicore performance.
• Efficiency: An ideal gaming CPU shouldn’t consume hundreds of watts. Being a power-efficient component itself, the RTX 4060 Ti will make a very power-efficient system with a CPU that is also power-efficient.

Game Rant’s picks for the best CPUs To Pair With The RTX 4060 TI For Gaming

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

The Best Overall CPU for RTX 4060TI

Hexacore Juggernaut

$219 $299 Save $80

Gamers interested in upgrading to a newer CPU from Team Red will find the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X to be of spectacular value thanks to its high single-core performance, efficient hexacore architecture, and compatibility with newer technology such as PCI-E 5.0 and DDR5 memory. It also abandons AMD’s AM4 design, going for a pin-less processor offering by moving them to the motherboard instead.

Brand

AMD

CPU Model

Ryzen 5 7600X

CPU Socket

AMD AM5

Cores

6

Threads

12

PCIe 4.0 Support

PCI-E 5.0 and lower

Base Clock Speed

4.7 GHz

Boost Clock Speed

5.3 GHz

Cache

6MB L2 + 32MB L3 Cache

RAM

Up to 128 GB DDR5 5000 MHz

TDP

105W

iGPU

2-Core AMD Radeon Graphics

Pros

• Extremely power efficient versus the competition for gaming and productivity
• Supports the new AMD AM5 socket which allows better upgradeability down the line based on the longevity of the previous socket AM4 platform
• Offers Integrated Graphics as part of its bundled offerings
• Excellent Value for money; Replaces AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D as the value gaming chip for AMD users

Cons

• Slightly faster than the competition for single-core and significantly slower when it comes to multi-core performance due to its limitations as a hexacore CPU
• Does not come with a stock cooler
• AMD’s AM5 motherboards are slightly pricier than Intel’s equivalent 12th and 13th generation offerings on average

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a 6-core, 12-thread processor that is great for most modern games, offering better single-core performance than its predecessors and decent multicore performance at a price point that can arguably be considered superior to the competition. The hexacore processor, which also tops our list as the best overall gaming CPU in 2023, is an excellent alternative to Intel’s beefier mid-range CPUs.

While it is somewhat slower than the competition in multicore performance, it does turn the tables on Intel’s Raptor Lake offering in single-core (and more specifically games), thanks to its excellent Zen 4 core efficiency and higher clocks, making it the CPU you should be getting if you decide to go AMD this generation, or if you simply want to game primarily on your brand-new system.

Intel Core i3-13100F

Best Budget Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

$112 $138 Save $26

The Intel Core i3 13100F is a superb choice for budget-gaming builds. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it is capable of handling the RTX 4060 Ti pretty decently and can go well even with mid-range GPUs. While there isn’t any iGPU present on this one, it allows users to cut the cost significantly compared to the i3 13100. The performance remains the same as it is literally the same chip with all other specifications being identical. 

Brand

Intel

CPU Model

Core i3 13100F

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Cores

4

Threads

8

Architecture

Raptor Lake

Process

Intel 7(10nm)

Base Clock Speed

3.40 GHz

Boost Clock Speed

4.50 GHz

Cache

L3: 12MB, L2: 5MB

Graphics

No iGPU

TDP

58-110W

iGPU

N/A

Pros

• Excellent Single Core Performance in its price class versus the competition
• The cheapest 13th generation Core series processor you can buy
• Has a stock cooler as part of its package, allowing you to save on a dedicated cooling option
• Doesn’t require an expensive chipset and can be used on an entry-level H610 chipset motherboard

Cons

• A Quad Core CPU feels dated in 2023 as more games take advantage of multi-core CPUs in a more meaningful way
• No integrated graphics
• Multi-threaded performance isn’t comparable to the similarly priced Ryzen 5000 CPUs from last generation

Despite being one of the cheapest Raptor Lake CPUs, the Core i3 13100-F is as capable as some of the mid-range Ryzen CPUs from the Zen 3 family. Boasting 4 Performance cores and 8 threads, it will be perfect for budget gaming builds that cost under $1000. Even though it’s a locked chip without any headroom for overclocking, its boost clock speed of 4.50 GHz will make sure the games get all that horsepower to push those framerates as high as possible.

Even being short on cores compared to options like Ryzen 5500 and Ryzen 5600, it still delivers comparable performance in some games while offering an easy path to upgradeability, thanks to the LGA 1700 platform that supports Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs and the insanely fast DDR5 memories. Combining it with the RTX 4060 Ti and an entry-level motherboard with the stock cooler will make sure users get a high value out of each dollar spent.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU

Best Budget AMD CPU for RTX 4060TI

Hexacore Zen 3 Offering

$157 $309 Save $152

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a midrange CPU, excellent for gaming setups. This is the fastest six-core AM4-based processor from AMD and features 12 processing threads. According to the company, the processor can deliver 100-plus FPS performance in the world’s most popular games. The processor supports DDR4 memory with a sweet spot of 3600MHz.

It offers 4.6 GHz boost clock speeds out of the box with overclocking potential in tow coupled with 35 MB of cache. This model comes bundled with a quiet and capable AMD Wraith Stealth cooler.

Brand

AMD

CPU Model

5600X

CPU Socket

AMD AM4

Cores

6

Threads

12

PCIe 4.0 Support

PCI-E 4.0

Base Clock Speed

3.7GHz

Boost Clock Speed

4.6GHz

Cache

3MB L2 + 32MB L3

Graphics

N/A

TDP

105W

Pros

• Excellent value for money hexacore CPU
• Offers decent multicore performance versus the competition
• Has plenty of choices in terms of memory and motherboards as part of the mature AM4 platform
• Overclockable even on budget chipsets like B450/B550

Cons

• lackluster single-core performance vs Intel and AMD”s newer, current generation processors
• Limited upgrade options as AMD’s latest processors have moved to socket AM5, making an upgrade a costly affair factoring in a new motherboard and memory
• No integrated graphics

AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the most balanced CPUs in the market currently with its 6-core, 12-thread offering being a balanced, yet affordable offering for gamers and content creators alike. Based on the AMD socket AM4 platform, there is no shortage of motherboard options for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and DDR4 memory has never been cheaper, making for a well-rounded offering this summer if you are inclined to upgrade or build a new PC altogether.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, while superior to Intel’s similarly-priced (of late) Core i3 13100F processor in terms of core count and multicore performance, does have weaker single-core performance in tow, which is crucial for gaming performance, making it a decent upgrade to pair with the Nvidia RTX 4060TI, but one that can be a situational upgrade for most thanks to Intel’s better single core offerings in the same price range.

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU

Best Value CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

The Ryzen 5700X offers unmatched value by offering 8 cores and 16 threads at a sub-$200 price, which makes it a bargain for any budget, mid-range, or high-end GPU. Its superb Zen 3 architecture still rocks in providing significant uplifts in gaming and productivity performance. Moreover, the overclockability and excellent power efficiency make it a compelling choice for mid-range gaming builds.

Brand

AMD

CPU Model

Ryzen 7 5700X

CPU Socket

AM4

Cores

8

Threads

16

Base Clock Speed

3.4 GHz

Boost Clock Speed

4.6 GHz

Cache

L3: 32MB, L2, 4MB

TDP

65W

iGPU

N/A

Architecture

Zen 3

Process

7nm

Graphics

No iGPU

Pros

• 8 Cores and 16 threads for a sub $200 price
• Superior gaming and productivity performance over 5600X
• Can be overclocked even on a budget B450/B550 chipset motherboard
• Power efficient with just a TDP of 65W

Cons

• Inferior to 6-core Zen 4 based Ryzen CPUs in gaming
• AM4 platform not ideal for upgradeability
• Supports only DDR4 memories

An 8-core 16-thread CPU for any gaming build is sufficient enough to carry out intensive gaming sessions as well as productivity. While the Ryzen 5600X is a satisfactory choice for those looking for a cheaper option, the 5700X isn’t that costly either. At a much lower price compared to when it was launched, the Ryzen 5700X offers specs that are currently unheard of at this price. With 8 cores/16 threads, not only does gaming become much easier, but users will also have sufficient cores/threads left for the background tasks.

Moreover, productivity tasks like rendering, compiling, and streaming become fairly quick, which can help content creators save their precious time. Even though it doesn’t outperform the latest Ryzen 7000 CPUs in gaming, the price difference makes it a more valuable choice for budget and mid-range gaming builds.

Intel Core i5 14600KF 14-Core, 20-Thread CPU

Best Mid-Range Intel CPU for RTX 4060 Ti

$303 $325 Save $22

Core i5 14600KF is the newest addition to the Raptor Lake Refresh family. While it isn’t significantly faster than the 13600KF, it is still a little better in gaming when compared to the latter. With 14 cores and 20 threads, users are no longer going to lack the horsepower they need to maximize RTX 4060 Ti’s potential.

Brand

Intel

CPU Model

Core i5 14600KF

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Cores

14 (6P + 8E Cores)

Threads

20

Base Clock Speed

3.5 GHz

Boost Clock Speed

5.3 GHz

Cache

20MB L2 + 24MB L3 Cache

Architecture

Raptor Lake Refresh

Process

Intel 7 (10 nm)

Graphics

N/A

Power Draw

181W (Turbo)

Pros

• 14 Cores/20 Threads for crazy gaming/productivity performance
• Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memories
• Features higher boost clock speeds compared to its predecessor

Cons

• No integrated graphics
• High power consumption

When it’s about who has the better specs, the Raptor Lake Refresh comes out to be the greatest lineup at the moment. Replacing the i5 13600KF, the 14600KF brings identical specs except for the higher clock speeds that result in a noticeable increase in performance. While not an ideal upgrade for users who already own a Raptor Lake Core i5, it is hands down the best mid-range overclockable CPU for elite gaming performance.

Even though the gap between the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7600X and Core i5 14600KF isn’t significant, the latter outperforms the former decisively in most games and annihilates it in multitasking and productivity applications. For the RTX 4060 Ti, it might be overkill, but it would be one of the finest choices for future-proofing the system.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The Best High-End CPU for RTX 4060TI

The Best Gaming CPU Bar None

$359 $449 Save $90

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AMD’s latest and greatest CPU when it comes to gaming. With an excellent and highly efficient gaming performance that tops the charts currently, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled prowess when it comes to gaming on a PC.

The octa-core CPU currently happens to be the fastest in the business for gaming even as it leads efficiency charts at the top, making it a very sought-after gaming upgrade.

Brand

AMD

CPU Model

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

CPU Socket

AM5

Cores

8

Threads

16

PCIe 4.0 Support

Yes, Supports up to PCI-E 5.0

Architecture

Zen 4

Process

5nm

Base Clock Speed

4.2GHz

Boost Clock Speed

5.0GHz

Cache

8MB L2 + 96MB L3

TDP

120W

iGPU

Yes, Integrated Radeon 2 Core

Pros

• The fastest gaming CPU money can buy at the time of writing
• Much more power efficient compared to the competition
• Offers some level of overclocking support unlike the last generation Ryzen 7 5800X3D to allow better performance tuning
• Can be handled by most mid-range CPU coolers with ease versus its competition that requires significantly more cooling to function ideally

Cons

• The octa-core offering for a sub $450 processor seems relatively underwhelming compared to the competition
• Performs and behaves somewhat identically to the Ryzen 7 7700X for most multicore productivity use cases

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is currently the fastest consumer-grade CPU money can buy for gaming, and it also happens to be one of the most efficient ones on offer at the highest end. The 8-core, 16-thread offering from Team Red decimates most games with ease thanks to its significantly larger, stacked L3 cache as part of what AMD calls 3D V-Cache technology.

As the fastest CPU out there, it isn’t really the first one that comes to mind, especially when you are considering pairing it with Nvidia’s Mid-range RTX 4060 TI (or alternatively, the RTX 4060) but it is the most capable CPU out there currently for gaming, and you will almost certainly be GPU-bottlenecked in any game with the RTX 4060TI long before u get bottlenecked by AMD’s current king of the hill while gaming.

FAQ:

Q: What is the best CPU to pair with the RTX 4060 and RTX 4060TI for gaming?

A: Both the mid-range AMD Ryzen 5 7600X and the Intel Core i5 13600KF are excellent gaming CPUs that would pair well with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 and RTX 4060TI. If we were to pick one however, we would probably lean towards the cheaper Ryzen 5 7600X given its better efficiency, value for money and slightly better single core performance.

Q: What is the Nvidia RTX 4060TI performance equivalent from last generation GPUs?

A: The closest Nvidia GPU to the RTX 4060TI is the RTX 3070 in terms of raw performance (DLSS3 performance notwithstanding); Both offer a 10% performance uplift compared to the last generation Nvidia RTX 3060TI.