Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 Super
Six processors for an RTX 4070 Super at 1440p, compared on game cache, cores and platform cost.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4070 Super sits between the RTX 4070 and 4070 Ti and targets 1440p. A six- or eight-core processor with a large cache keeps it from waiting in CPU-heavy games.
We compared six processors on cache, cores and platform cost, using manufacturer specifications.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Match for an RTX 4070 Super
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W.
Best for: 1440p AM5 builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Efficient Eight-Core
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
Eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Quiet builds that also stream.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
Best Eight-Core Value
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
Eight Zen 4 cores with a 5.4GHz boost.
Best for: Keeping the CPU budget low.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Pairing
Intel Core i5-13600K
Fourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support.
Best for: LGA1700 builds.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Upgrade
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
96MB of L3 on AM4.
Best for: AM4 owners buying a new card.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best High-Refresh Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Eight cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: Competitive 240Hz play.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W. | 1440p AM5 builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating. | Quiet builds that also stream. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight Zen 4 cores with a 5.4GHz boost. | Keeping the CPU budget low. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (opens in a new tab) |
| Fourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support. | LGA1700 builds. | Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K (opens in a new tab) |
| 96MB of L3 on AM4. | AM4 owners buying a new card. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores with 96MB of L3. | Competitive 240Hz play. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Match for an RTX 4070 Super1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- 1440p 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 the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. It matches the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache (96MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz).
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 65W. 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7700X cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9700X cost more.
Key dimensions & 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
- Core count trails the Core i5-13600K (14 cores)
Best Efficient Eight-Core2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9700X runs eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W default rating.
Best for
- Quiet builds that also stream.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs only a modest cooler and has room to grow with AMD's power boost setting. It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on L3 cache (32MB). On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X (5.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 65W. 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-13600K cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 7700X at the time of writing
Best Eight-Core Value3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700X offers eight Zen 4 cores at a 105W rating and a 5.4GHz boost clock.
Best for
- Keeping the CPU budget low.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Its price has fallen well below its launch level. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.4GHz boost clock ranks second of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz).
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 105W. 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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D was closest. What it gives up: L3 cache of 32MB, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB); by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 105W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
- 5nm process
- PCIe 5.0 support on AM5
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache of 32MB, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB)
Best Intel Pairing4 of 6
Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-13600K is the previous-generation fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for
- LGA1700 builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It fits the same boards as the 14600K. Its 24MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 96MB. Its 5.1GHz boost clock ranks third of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 14 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X (8 cores). On rated power it trails the group at 125W, while the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1700 socket; compare the Ryzen 7 9700X, which has an AM5 socket.
It is the only pick here with DDR4 or DDR5 memory; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D has DDR5 memory instead. You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 24MB
- Max boost: 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads: 14 cores
- Rated power: 125W
- Threads: 20
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory: DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB)
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W)
Best AM4 Upgrade5 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- AM4 owners buying a new card.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs comin is a problem.
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 7 9700X leads at 5.5GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X at 105W. No other pick in this guide offers an AM4 socket; compare the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, which has an AM5 socket.
It is the only pick here with DDR4 memory; the Ryzen 7 7700X has DDR5 memory instead. You also get a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update. Only the Ryzen 7 7800X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key dimensions & 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
Best High-Refresh Pick6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- Competitive 240Hz play.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
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 7 9700X (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On rated power it sits mid-pack at 120W: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W, and the Core i5-13600K 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. When we checked, only the Core i5-13600K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D cost more.
Key dimensions & 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 7 7700X at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
What to Look for in a CPUs for RTX 4070 Super
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
How to Choose a CPUs for RTX 4070 Super
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p AM5 builds | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W |
| Quiet builds that also stream | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating |
| Keeping the CPU budget low | Ryzen 7 7700X | Eight Zen 4 cores with a 5.4GHz boost |
| LGA1700 builds | Core i5-13600K | Fourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support |
| AM4 owners buying a new card | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB of L3 on AM4 |
| Competitive 240Hz play | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Eight cores with 96MB of L3 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Core i5-13600K | 24MB | 5.1GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 5 7600X3D |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X, Core i5-13600K, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
What memory should I pair with it?
AM5 and LGA1851 use DDR5; AM4 uses DDR4. For AM5, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit is a common pairing; check the board's memory support list.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is the best-matched CPU for an RTX 4070 Super. Pick the 9700X for efficiency, the 7700X for value, the i5-13600K on Intel, the 5800X3D for AM4 and the 7800X3D for high refresh.