Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 4070
Six processors that pair with an RTX 4070 at 1440p and 1080p, compared on cache, cores, platform and price.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4070 is a 1440p card, so it rarely needs a flagship CPU. What it needs is a chip that does not hold it back in CPU-heavy games.
We compared six processors on cache, cores and platform cost, using manufacturer specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Match for an RTX 4070
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D96MB of L3 on a six-core AM5 chip.
Best for: 1440p builds around a 4070.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for High Refresh
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DEight cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: 4070 owners with 1080p 240Hz monitors.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Entry Zen 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XSix Zen 5 cores at 65W.
Best for: New AM5 builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pairing
Intel Core i5-14600KFFourteen cores with DDR4 support.
Best for: Intel builds reusing DDR4.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pairing
AMD Ryzen 5 7600A bundled cooler.
Best for: Keeping total cost down.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Pairing
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D96MB of L3 on AM4.
Best for: Older AM4 PCs getting a 4070.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96MB of L3 on a six-core AM5 chip. | 1440p builds around a 4070. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores with 96MB of L3. | 4070 owners with 1080p 240Hz monitors. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Six Zen 5 cores at 65W. | New AM5 builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Fourteen cores with DDR4 support. | Intel builds reusing DDR4. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A bundled cooler. | Keeping total cost down. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 96MB of L3 on AM4. | Older AM4 PCs getting a 4070. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Match for an RTX 40701 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- 1440p builds around a 4070.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. It matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on L3 cache (96MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600 at 6 cores. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 7600 and below the Core i5-14600KF at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Best for High Refresh2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- 4070 owners with 1080p 240Hz monitors.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It carries the same 96MB of L3 as the 9800X3D at a lower boost clock and a lower price. Its 5GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 8 cores.
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 120W: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W, and the Core i5-14600KF comes in at 125W. You also get the Zen 4 architecture. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Core i5-14600KF and below the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Best Entry Zen 53 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings Zen 5 to six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- New AM5 builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It is AMD's current entry point for AM5 builds that plan a later CPU upgrade. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. Nothing else here matches its 5.4GHz boost clock; the Core i5-14600KF comes closest at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600 on core count (6 cores). It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It undercut the Ryzen 5 7600 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600KF
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Best Intel Pairing4 of 6
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel builds reusing DDR4.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. On L3 cache it trails the group at 24MB, while the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 14 cores core count; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes closest at 8 cores. Its 125W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 65W. You get an LGA1700 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and its an AM4 socket.
DDR4 or DDR5 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 7600 uses DDR5 memory. It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
- Boost clock of 5.3GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB)
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB) is the stronger choice.
Best Budget Pairing5 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the six-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Stealth cooler included.
Best for
- Keeping total cost down.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
The cooler saves money on a first AM5 build. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.1GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores). It also offers the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 9600X and the pricier Ryzen 5 7600X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is core count; for more, the Core i5-14600KF offers 14 cores.
Best AM4 Pairing6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- Older AM4 PCs getting a 4070.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache (96MB). Its 4.5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 5.4GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores. On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W, and the Core i5-14600KF comes in at 125W. It is the only pick here with an AM4 socket; the Core i5-14600KF has an LGA1700 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 memory; compare the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which has DDR5 memory. It also offers a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform
- Drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update
- Core count of 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
Boost clock is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 5 9600X covers it better at 5.4GHz.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We lined up six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 6 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Ryzen 5 7600X3D to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 5 7600X3D for 96MB of L3 on a six-core AM5 chip; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for eight cores with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 5 9600X for six Zen 5 cores at 65W.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for RTX 4070
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Across these 6 picks L3 cache spans 24MB (the Core i5-14600KF) to 96MB (the Ryzen 5 7600X3D). The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is the pick for L3 cache.
How much boost clock you need
Here boost clock runs from 4.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X, a 20% spread. If boost clock is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 9600X sets the ceiling at 5.4GHz.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 7600 to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600KF, a 133% spread. Start with the Core i5-14600KF if core count decides it.
Memory
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600 list DDR5; the Core i5-14600KF lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D lists DDR4. Sort out memory before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 4, 1 and 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Core i5-14600KF and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D go without; the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
How to Choose a CPUs for RTX 4070
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p builds around a 4070 | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on a six-core AM5 chip |
| 4070 owners with 1080p 240Hz monitors | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Eight cores with 96MB of L3 |
| New AM5 builds | Ryzen 5 9600X | Six Zen 5 cores at 65W |
| Intel builds reusing DDR4 | Core i5-14600KF | Fourteen cores with DDR4 support |
| Keeping total cost down | Ryzen 5 7600 | A bundled cooler |
| Older AM4 PCs getting a 4070 | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB of L3 on AM4 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 32MB | 5.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 9600X, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 5 7600, Ryzen 5 7600X3D, Core i5-14600KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Core i5-14600KF compare with the Ryzen 5 9600X on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X against 5.3GHz on the Core i5-14600KF, a 2% difference. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D closes the ranking at 4.5GHz.
Is the Core i5-14600KF ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on core count?
The Core i5-14600KF leads at 14 cores, with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 7600 at 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 9600X?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (96MB against 32MB) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 9600X still leads on boost clock (5.4GHz) and rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 9600X sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600X3D the Best Match for an RTX 4070?
It carries the badge for 96MB of L3 on a six-core AM5 chip. It gives up boost clock (4.7GHz against 5.4GHz) to the Ryzen 5 9600X, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for 1440p builds around a 4070.
Do the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Core i5-14600KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600 use AM5; the Core i5-14600KF uses LGA1700; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses AM4.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D apart?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is the closest match for an RTX 4070 on AM5. Step up to the 7800X3D for high-refresh 1080p, pick the i5-14600KF on Intel, and use the 5800X3D to refresh an AM4 PC.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
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- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 Ti and 4070 Ti Super
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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