Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 Ti Super
Six processors for an RTX 4070 Ti Super, chosen to balance CPU cost against a 16GB card aimed at 1440p and entry 4K.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4070 Ti Super carries 16GB of memory and sits between 1440p and 4K. At 4K the card does most of the work, so the CPU budget can shrink; at high-refresh 1440p cache matters again.
We compared six processors on L3 cache, core count, 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.
Most Headroom
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DEight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: High-refresh 1440p.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Match for a 4070 Ti Super
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D96MB of L3 on eight cores below the 9800X3D's price.
Best for: Most RTX 4070 Ti Super builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Power Eight-Core
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XEight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Quiet or compact builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Eight-Core AM5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700XEight Zen 4 cores with a 5.4GHz boost.
Best for: Saving for the card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1700 Value
Intel Core i5-14600KFFourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support.
Best for: Intel builds reusing memory.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1851 Entry
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KFFourteen cores on Intel's current socket.
Best for: New Intel builds on a budget.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Most Headroom1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs AMD's 3D V-Cache with eight Zen 5 cores, and games that lean on cache respond to it more than to extra cores.
Best for
- High-refresh 1440p.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the chip to pair with a high-end graphics card when the CPU would otherwise hold frame rates back. On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 5.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700X on core count (8 cores).
You also get second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores and 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 most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
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 Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
Best Match for a 4070 Ti Super2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Most RTX 4070 Ti Super builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. Its 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 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700X at 8 cores.
It also offers first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache and 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 Ryzen 7 9700X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D cost more.
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
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz)
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
The catch
Boost clock is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9700X covers it better at 5.5GHz.
Best Low-Power Eight-Core3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Quiet or compact builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. 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 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7700X at 8 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. When we checked, only the Core i5-14600KF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D cost more.
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 Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
Best Budget Eight-Core AM54 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The Ryzen 7 7700X brings eight Zen 4 cores with high clocks to AM5 at a lower price than the X3D chips.
Best for
- Saving for the card.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It gives esports titles plenty of headroom without the cache premium. 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 7800X3D (5GHz).
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 105W: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes in at 125W. 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. When we checked, only the Core Ultra 5 245KF cost less, and the Core i5-14600KF cost more.
Key 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
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores)
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
The catch
Core count is its weakest area, and the Core i5-14600KF covers it better at 14 cores.
Best LGA1700 Value5 of 6
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Intel builds reusing memory.
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 display output. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.3GHz: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in at 5GHz.
It matches the Core Ultra 5 245KF on core count (14 cores). An LGA1700 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses an AM5 socket. You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and its DDR5 memory.
It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7700X and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, 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
- 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 7 9800X3D
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has it.
Best LGA1851 Entry6 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- New Intel builds on a budget.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600KF at 24MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 5.2GHz.
It matches the Core i5-14600KF on rated power (125W). An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses an AM5 socket. It also offers 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support.
It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It undercut the Ryzen 7 7700X and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 14
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB)
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 96MB.
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side 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 9800X3D to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for 96MB of L3 on eight cores below the 9800X3D's price; the Ryzen 7 9700X for eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 245KF ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for RTX 4070 Ti Super
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Across these 6 picks L3 cache spans 24MB (the Core Ultra 5 245KF) to 96MB (the Ryzen 7 9800X3D). For less, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the runner-up at 96MB.
Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 5GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to 5.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X, a 10% spread. The Ryzen 7 7700X comes second at 5.4GHz, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Ryzen 7 9700X.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Core count across these picks
The Core i5-14600KF tops core count at 14 cores and the Ryzen 7 7700X sits lowest at 8 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the Core Ultra 5 245KF is the runner-up at 14 cores.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Core Ultra 5 245KF list DDR5; the Core i5-14600KF lists DDR4 or DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core Ultra 5 245KF go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a CPUs for RTX 4070 Ti Super
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh 1440p | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Most RTX 4070 Ti Super builds | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB of L3 on eight cores below the 9800X3D's price |
| Quiet or compact builds | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating |
| Saving for the card | Ryzen 7 7700X | Eight Zen 4 cores with a 5.4GHz boost |
| Intel builds reusing memory | Core i5-14600KF | Fourteen cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support |
| New Intel builds on a budget | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Fourteen cores on Intel's current socket |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Core Ultra 5 245KF, 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 | Core Ultra 5 245KF, Ryzen 7 7700X, Core i5-14600KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 9700X ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X on boost clock?
The Ryzen 7 9700X tops boost clock at 5.5GHz; the Ryzen 7 7700X follows at 5.4GHz, 2% apart. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D closes the ranking at 5GHz.
Which has the lowest rated power: the Ryzen 7 9700X or the Ryzen 7 7700X?
Between the top two, it is 65W on the Ryzen 7 9700X against 105W on the Ryzen 7 7700X, a 38% difference. The spread runs down to the Core Ultra 5 245KF at 125W.
Is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D worth paying more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (96MB against 24MB) and rated power (120W against 125W) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 5 245KF still leads on core count (14 cores). The Core Ultra 5 245KF 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 L3 cache and rated power decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 7 9800X3D the Most Headroom?
It carries the badge for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3. It gives up core count (8 cores against 14 cores) to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, the cheapest pick. It is aimed at high-refresh 1440p.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core i5-14600KF differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700X use AM5; the Core i5-14600KF uses LGA1700; the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses LGA1851.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D apart?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D: second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache. The Ryzen 7 9700X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best-matched CPU for an RTX 4070 Ti Super, and the 9800X3D adds headroom. The 9700X and 7700X cost less, and the i5-14600KF or Core Ultra 5 245KF cover Intel builds.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 Ti and 4070 Ti Super
- Related guideThe Best RTX 4070 Ti Super Graphics Cards
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 4K 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: motherboardsM.2, SATA and PCIe Lane Sharing: Why a Port Can Go Dark
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4070 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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