Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 Ti and 4070 Ti Super
Six processors for an RTX 4070 Ti or 4070 Ti Super, compared on cache, cores and platform.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4070 Ti has 12GB of memory and the 4070 Ti Super 16GB, but both need the same kind of processor: six to eight fast cores with a large cache. This guide covers both.
We compared six processors on cache, cores, rated power and platform, using AMD and Intel specifications. We did not benchmark them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Match for an RTX 4070 Ti
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DEight cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: High-refresh 1440p builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Zen 5 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DEight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: Builds that may take a faster card later.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D96MB of L3 on six cores.
Best for: Spending more on the card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1700 Pairing
Intel Core i5-14600KFourteen cores with integrated graphics.
Best for: Intel builds on Z790 or B760.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1851 Pairing
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KFTwenty cores without integrated graphics.
Best for: New Intel builds.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Heat Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XEight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Compact or quiet builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for an RTX 4070 Ti1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- High-refresh 1440p builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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 fifth of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 7 265KF (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (4.7GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores.
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 Ryzen 7 9700X and below the Ryzen 7 9800X3D 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 7600X3D at the time of writing
Best Zen 5 X3D2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs 96MB of L3 cache with eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for
- Builds that may take a faster card later.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
AMD moved the cache below the cores on this generation, which lets it clock higher than the 7800X3D. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes in at 4.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X on core count (8 cores).
It also comes with an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the rest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- 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
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at the time of writing
Best Budget X3D3 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
- Spending more on the card.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 9800X3D on L3 cache (96MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core Ultra 7 265KF leads at 5.5GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 20 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. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i5-14600K the next step up.
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
- Boost clock trails the Core Ultra 7 265KF (5.5GHz)
The catch
It gives ground on boost clock, where the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 5.5GHz.
Best LGA1700 Pairing4 of 6
Intel Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K is an unlocked fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for
- Intel builds on Z790 or B760.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards, which keeps older memory useful. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. On L3 cache it trails the group at 24MB, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 96MB.
On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes in at 4.7GHz. Its 14 cores core count ranks second of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 7 265KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (6 cores). It matches the Core Ultra 7 265KF on rated power (125W).
An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses an LGA1851 socket. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the pricier Core Ultra 7 265KF, at the time of writing.
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
- Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 96MB.
Best LGA1851 Pairing5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the 265K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- New Intel builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for any display output. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 30MB: the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 96MB, and the Core i5-14600K comes in at 24MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 5.5GHz.
On core count it leads this guide at 20 cores, ahead of the Core i5-14600K (14 cores). It matches the Core i5-14600K on rated power (125W). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses an AM5 socket.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Core i5-14600K and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 30MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W.
Best Low-Heat Pick6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X runs eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W default rating.
Best for
- Compact or quiet builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It needs only a modest cooler and has room to grow with AMD's power boost setting. Its 32MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (96MB) and ahead of the Core i5-14600K (24MB). It matches the Core Ultra 7 265KF on boost clock (5.5GHz).
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. It was priced above the Core Ultra 7 265KF and below the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at the time of writing.
Key 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 5 7600X3D at the time of writing
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to the Ryzen 7 9700X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 7800X3D for eight cores with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D for 96MB of L3 on six cores.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 7600X3D ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for RTX 4070 Ti
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Here L3 cache runs from 24MB on the Core i5-14600K to 96MB on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a 300% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D sets the ceiling at 96MB.
Boost clock across these picks
The Core Ultra 7 265KF tops boost clock at 5.5GHz and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D sits lowest at 4.7GHz; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the Core Ultra 7 265KF if boost clock decides it.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count
The Core Ultra 7 265KF tops core count at 20 cores and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D sits lowest at 6 cores. For less, the Core i5-14600K is the runner-up at 14 cores ($150 to $250 tier).
Memory
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Ryzen 7 9700X list DDR5; the Core i5-14600K lists DDR4 or DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 6 picks to 5 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Core i5-14600K, the Core Ultra 7 265KF and the Ryzen 7 9700X go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a CPUs for RTX 4070 Ti
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh 1440p builds | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Eight cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Builds that may take a faster card later | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Spending more on the card | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on six cores |
| Intel builds on Z790 or B760 | Core i5-14600K | Fourteen cores with integrated graphics |
| New Intel builds | Core Ultra 7 265KF | Twenty cores without integrated graphics |
| Compact or quiet builds | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight cores at a 65W rating |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 7 265KF | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X3D, Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Core Ultra 7 265KF, Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core Ultra 7 265KF ahead of the Core i5-14600K on core count?
The Core Ultra 7 265KF leads at 20 cores, with the Core i5-14600K at 14 cores. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is at the other end of this group with 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 7600X3D?
What it brings is boost clock (5.2GHz against 4.7GHz) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 7600X3D sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Core Ultra 7 265KF the Best LGA1851 Pairing?
It earns the label for twenty cores without integrated graphics. It gives up L3 cache (30MB against 96MB) and rated power (125W against 65W) to the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the cheapest pick. It suits new Intel builds.
Do the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Core i5-14600K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X use AM5; the Core i5-14600K uses LGA1700; the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses LGA1851.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D apart?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D: second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best partner for either card. The 9800X3D adds headroom, the 7600X3D saves money, and the i5-14600K or Core Ultra 7 265KF cover Intel builds.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4070
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsHow to Choose a Motherboard for Your PC Build
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 Ti Super
- Topic hubAll processors guides
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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