Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 4080 and 4080 Super
Six high-end processors for an RTX 4080 or 4080 Super, compared on cache, cores and platform.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4080 and 4080 Super are close in speed and share 16GB of memory, so this guide covers both. At 1440p they can outrun weaker processors, so cache and clock speed matter.
We compared six processors on cache, cores, rated power and platform, 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 4080
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DEight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D96MB of L3 on eight cores for less than the 9800X3D at the time of writing.
Best for: Saving money for the card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1700 Pairing
Intel Core i7-14700KTwenty cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support.
Best for: Intel builds reusing memory.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1851 Pairing
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KTwenty cores on Intel's current platform.
Best for: New Intel builds.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Twelve-Core Pick
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XTwelve Zen 5 cores.
Best for: Heavy multitasking alongside games.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for an RTX 40801 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs 96MB of L3 cache with eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for
- 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
AMD moved the cache below the cores on this generation, which lets it clock higher than the 7800X3D. Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 8 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X at 120W. It also offers 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. When we checked, only the Core i7-14700K and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D cost more.
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 7 265K at the time of writing
Best Value X3D2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the first eight-core AM5 chip with 3D V-Cache.
Best for
- Saving money for the card.
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. On boost clock it trails the group at 5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on core count (8 cores).
It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X on rated power (120W). It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Core i7-14700K, based on our last check.
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 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700K (20 cores)
The catch
If boost clock is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) is the stronger choice.
Largest Game Cache3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D combines sixteen cores with 128MB of L3 cache.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the chip for players who also render, compile or encode on the same machine. On L3 cache it leads this guide at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB). Nothing else here matches its 5.7GHz boost clock; the Core i7-14700K comes closest at 5.6GHz.
Its 16 cores core count ranks third of 6 here, behind the Core i7-14700K (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8 cores). Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads at 120W. It also offers 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies and a design aimed at both games and content creation. 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 9800X3D and the rest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 128MB
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (120W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 120W.
Best LGA1700 Pairing4 of 6
Intel Core i7-14700K
The Core i7-14700K has twenty cores on LGA1700 and supports DDR4 or DDR5.
Best for
- Intel builds reusing memory.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs strong cooling to hold its boost clocks. Its 33MB L3 cache ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) and ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265K (30MB). It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265K at 20 cores. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Core Ultra 7 265K has an LGA1851 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which has DDR5 memory.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards. When we checked, only the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 33MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 28
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 7 265K at the time of writing
Best LGA1851 Pairing5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
The Core Ultra 7 265K uses Intel's LGA1851 platform with twenty cores.
Best for
- New Intel builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is strong in multi-threaded work and supports only DDR5. Its 30MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 128MB. Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i7-14700K at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700K at 125W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has an AM5 socket instead.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 9 9900X was closest.
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
- Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
The catch
L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D covers it better at 128MB.
Best Twelve-Core Pick6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X has twelve Zen 5 cores for work that scales with threads.
Best for
- Heavy multitasking alongside games.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
For games alone, the eight-core X3D chips are the better buy. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 64MB: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB, and the Core Ultra 7 265K comes in at 30MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-14700K at 5.6GHz.
Its 12 cores core count ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Core i7-14700K (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on rated power (120W). You also get the Zen 5 architecture.
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. Its price falls between the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 7 265K 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.
- What we compared
- We compared six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 6 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 9 9900X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share integrated graphics.
- 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 for less than the 9800X3D at the time of writing; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the largest L3 cache here (128MB).
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 7 265K ($250 to $500) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs for RTX 4080
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 30MB on the Core Ultra 7 265K to 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 327% spread. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes second at 96MB, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 6 picks boost clock spans 5GHz (the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) to 5.7GHz (the Ryzen 9 9950X3D). For less, the Core i7-14700K is the runner-up at 5.6GHz ($250 to $500 tier).
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC How much core count you need
Across these 6 picks core count spans 8 cores (the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) to 20 cores (the Core i7-14700K). The Core Ultra 7 265K comes second at 20 cores, in the same price tier as the Core i7-14700K.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Ryzen 9 9900X list DDR5; the Core i7-14700K lists DDR4 or DDR5.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Core i7-14700K, the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Ryzen 9 9900X go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a CPUs for RTX 4080
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 4K and high-refresh 1440p builds | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Saving money for the card | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB of L3 on eight cores for less than the 9800X3D at the time of writing |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Intel builds reusing memory | Core i7-14700K | Twenty cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support |
| New Intel builds | Core Ultra 7 265K | Twenty cores on Intel's current platform |
| Heavy multitasking alongside games | Ryzen 9 9900X | Twelve Zen 5 cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D 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 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Core i7-14700K | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 7 265K was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Core Ultra 7 265K, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Core i7-14700K, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on L3 cache?
Between the top two, it is 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D against 96MB on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 33% difference. The Core Ultra 7 265K is at the other end of this group with 30MB.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Core i7-14700K?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops boost clock at 5.7GHz; the Core i7-14700K follows at 5.6GHz, 2% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 5GHz.
What does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D add over the Core Ultra 7 265K?
What it brings is L3 cache (128MB against 30MB) and boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.5GHz). It does not win everywhere: the Core Ultra 7 265K still leads on core count (20 cores) and rated power (125W). On our last price check the Core Ultra 7 265K was in the $250 to $500 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Core i7-14700K our Best LGA1700 Pairing pick?
It carries the badge for twenty cores with DDR4 or DDR5 support. It makes sense for intel builds reusing memory.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core i7-14700K differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X use AM5; the Core i7-14700K uses LGA1700; the Core Ultra 7 265K uses LGA1851.
What extras do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D include?
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 9 9950X3D: 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best CPU for an RTX 4080 or 4080 Super. The 7800X3D is the value pick, the 9950X3D and 9900X suit creators, and the i7-14700K or Core Ultra 7 265K cover Intel.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for 4K Gaming
- Related guideThe Best High-End Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming
- 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: motherboardsWhat Is a Motherboard VRM and When Does It Matter?
- Similar guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4080 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
View all articles