Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for the RTX 4080 Super
Six processors for an RTX 4080 Super, weighted toward high-refresh 1440p, where the CPU sets the frame-rate ceiling more often than at 4K.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4080 Super is quick enough at 1440p that a mid-range processor can hold it back in fast shooters and simulation games. Large L3 caches and high boost clocks help most there.
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for 1440p at 240Hz
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
96MB of L3 with a 5.6GHz boost, the highest boost among the eight-core X3D chips here.
Best for: High-refresh 1440p monitors.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Balance
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3.
Best for: Most RTX 4080 Super builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
96MB of L3 on the Zen 4 platform.
Best for: Putting more of the budget into the card.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
The largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel LGA1851 Pick
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
Twenty cores without integrated graphics.
Best for: New Intel builds.
Our take Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (opens in a new tab)
Best LGA1700 Upgrade
Intel Core i7-14700KF
Twenty cores that drop into Z690 and Z790 boards.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Intel PC.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for 1440p at 240Hz1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for
- High-refresh 1440p monitors.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It targets players who want the most gaming headroom AMD offers in an eight-core chip. It is AMD's second-generation X3D eight-core chip with 96MB of L3 cache. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 96MB.
On boost clock it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 5.6GHz. 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. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the pricier Ryzen 9 9900X3D, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 96MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- 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
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i7-14700KF at the time of writing
Best Balance2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Most RTX 4080 Super builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
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. Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (5GHz). It also offers 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.
Key dimensions & 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 i7-14700KF at the time of writing
Best Value X3D3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Putting more of the budget into the card.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. On boost clock it trails the group at 5GHz, while the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on core count (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. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Core Ultra 7 265KF and the pricier Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at the time of writing.
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
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core Ultra 7 265KF (20 cores)
Largest Game Cache4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D adds 3D V-Cache to a twelve-core layout.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. On L3 cache it leads this guide at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (96MB). On boost clock it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 5.5GHz.
Its 12 cores core count ranks third of 6 here, behind the Core Ultra 7 265KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (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. 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 9850X3D.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 120W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.5GHz 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 i7-14700KF at the time of writing
Best Intel LGA1851 Pick5 of 6
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the 265K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- New Intel builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for any display output. Its 30MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads at 128MB. It matches the Ryzen 9 9900X3D on boost clock (5.5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 125W. No other pick in this guide offers an LGA1851 socket; compare the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which has 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Core i7-14700KF and below the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB)
Best LGA1700 Upgrade6 of 6
Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Upgrading an existing Intel PC.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. Its 33MB L3 cache ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (128MB) and ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265KF (30MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D on boost clock (5.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 20 cores. It is the only pick here with an LGA1700 socket; the Core Ultra 7 265KF has an LGA1851 socket instead. No other pick in this guide offers DDR4 or DDR5 memory; compare the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which has DDR5 memory.
It also offers 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core Ultra 7 265KF was closest. Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D covers it better at 120W.
Key dimensions & 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: No
Pros
- 5.6GHz 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 7 9850X3D (120W)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
What to Look for in a CPUs for RTX 4080 Super
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a CPUs for RTX 4080 Super
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh 1440p monitors | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB of L3 with a 5.6GHz boost, the highest boost among the eight-core X3D chips here |
| Most RTX 4080 Super builds | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 |
| Putting more of the budget into the card | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB of L3 on the Zen 4 platform |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| New Intel builds | Core Ultra 7 265KF | Twenty cores without integrated graphics |
| Upgrading an existing Intel PC | Core i7-14700KF | Twenty cores that drop into Z690 and Z790 boards |
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 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Core Ultra 7 265KF | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
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 $250 to $500 | Core i7-14700KF, Core Ultra 7 265KF, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
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 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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D gives an RTX 4080 Super the most headroom at high refresh rates, and the 9800X3D is the balanced choice. The 7800X3D saves money, the 9900X3D suits streamers, and the Core Ultra 7 265KF or i7-14700KF cover Intel builds.