Key Points
- The RTX 3060 Ti is a contemporary and high-performing GPU that can easily handle most games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions.
- The Intel Core i5-13600K is the best overall CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti, offering excellent single-core performance and the option to use DDR4 or DDR5 RAM.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is a powerful and efficient processor that is a great runner-up choice for the RTX 3060 Ti.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a budget-friendly option with great flexibility and overclocking capabilities for the RTX 3060 Ti.
- The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a deluxe choice that provides extreme performance and future-proofing, although it comes at a higher cost than the RTX 3060 Ti itself.
What are the best CPUs for the RTX 3060 Ti? NVIDIA’s mid-range GPU still has plenty of life in it in 2023, and you could very easily build a monster of a build with the right components. Rather than short-change yourself with the wrong CPU choice, we’ve compiled some of our favorite choices for gaming and general usage.
The RTX 3060 Ti is still very contemporary in the grand scheme of things, and these CPUs should help you get up and rolling with any new game on the market. Don’t get stuck with the wrong sort of build; get the right components the first time so you can enjoy the likes of something like Starfield or Modern Warfare 3.
- Best Overall: Intel Core i5-13600K
- Best Runner-Up: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- Best Budget Choice: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Best Deluxe Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
What Is the RTX 3060 Ti?
- 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- GPU Clock Speed: 1695 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1695 MHz
- 256-bit memory interface
- PCI Express x8 hardware interface
The RTX 3060 Ti is an updated version of the RTX 3060 and boasts better overall performance. You could easily max out most games with the high-powered GPU at 1080p or 1440p. You could even stretch to 4K gaming, but you’ll likely have to adjust quality settings on your end to get an acceptable framerate.
The RTX 3060 Ti can still be readily found on store shelves and can be had for a good bit less than the new RTX 4060. If you’re in the market for a contemporary GPU, it is a fine choice for a mid-range build.
Specs
| NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti | |
|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1.41 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 1.67 GHz |
| Memory Amount | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit |
| Architecture | Ampere |
| Maximum Resolution | 7680 x 4320 @60 Hz |
| Maximum Monitors Supported | 4 |
#1 Best Overall: Intel Core i5-13600K
- 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads
- Performance hybrid architecture
- Up to 5.1 GHz
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
It is hard to top the Intel Core i5-13600K for the price. If you’re looking for one of the absolute best CPUs for the RTX 3060 Ti, look no further. You’ve got 14 total cores, 20 processing threads, and speed to spare. The latest generation of Intel processors has upped the power consumption, but you’re getting stellar performance in exchange.
The 13600K is one of the strongest processors on the market in terms of single-core performance, which means gaming is going to be a breeze. It even beats the likes of comparable processors from AMD in the same price range. You’ve also got the option of using DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, depending on your motherboard of choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible performance for the price range. | You’ll need a beefy aftermarket cooler to keep it running efficiently. |
| The 13600K can use DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. | A good power supply is needed to power this and the RTX 3060 Ti. |
Check out the Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon.
Best Runner-Up: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- 3.80 GHz clock speed
- 32 MB of L3 cache memory
- Socket AM5
- 5 nm process technology
The AM5 socket from AMD has brought a whole new dimension of performance to the table. What makes the Ryzen 5 7600 one of the best CPUs for the RTX 3060 Ti is the increased performance from previous AMD processors. You’ve got fewer cores than the 13600K, but this is a powerful processor with 6 cores and 12 threads to call on.
The Ryzen 7600 will prove to be a match for any modern game when paired with the RTX 3060 Ti. You’ve got access to a greatly increased cache, DDR5 RAM, and supremely efficient performance. The Ryzen 7600 draws significantly less power, so you can choose a cheaper PSU if needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Ryzen 5 7600 is one of the most efficient processors on the market currently. | It has fewer cores than the 13600K. |
| The AM5 socket brings PCI-E 5.0 support and DDR5 RAM. | You’ll need a new motherboard if you’re a current AMD customer. |
Check out the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon.
Best Budget Choice: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- 6 cores and 12 processing threads, which provide impressive multitasking capabilities
- Reaches 100+ FPS
- The AMD Wraith Stealth cooler is included
- Supports DDR4 memory, with a max boost of 4.6 GHz and 35 MB of cache
- Compatible with PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X couples performance with affordability for a package that’s hard to beat. You’re getting access to great performance on the Zen 3 architecture, with 6 cores and 12 threads. This is an older CPU, so you can still use the AM4 socket if you’re a current AMD user.
What makes the Ryzen 5 5600X one of the best CPUs for the RTX 3060 Ti is its overall flexibility. You can overclock this processor easily. It has great single-core performance, maybe not on par with the 13600K, but good enough to handle any game on the market currently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has great performance for gaming when paired with the right GPU. | It is still stuck on the AM4 socket. |
| You can easily overclock it with the right cooling. | There isn’t an integrated graphics chip. |
Check out the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon.
Best Deluxe Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
- 12 cores and 24 processing threads
- 5.6 GHz Max Boost
- 76 MB cache
- DDR5-5200 support
Last, but certainly not least, is one of AMD’s most powerful processors, the Ryzen 9 7900X. Now, let’s get it straight, the Ryzen 9 7900X is probably absolute overkill when paired with the RTX 3060 Ti. However, it does keep your rig fairly future-proof if you do want to upgrade to a flagship GPU later on.
You’ve got performance on par with the latest i9 processors from Intel with 12 cores and 24 threads. This absolute monster of a processor is also able to be overclocked, meaning you can truly maximize performance if you have a capable cooler for your CPU.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is one of the most powerful processors you can purchase right now. | You’ll need a new AM5 motherboard. |
| DDR5 and PCI-E 5.0 support is native for the new AM5 socket. | It costs more than the RTX 3060 Ti itself. |
Check out the Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon.
Picking the Best CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti: What to Know
Before putting together a build with the RTX 3060 Ti as the center point, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be aware that your computer is a cohesive whole, so pairing up with other strong components will go a long way in maximizing your overall performance.
Core and Thread Count
You should be aiming for six cores at an absolute minimum. Given modern CPUs, this is like a baseline to keep in mind. More cores and threads don’t always translate directly to excellent performance, but they can go a long way to helping distribute workloads. You’ll also want to look for a CPU with excellent instructions per cycle, or IPC; this will be a clearer indication of how it is going to perform under extreme loads.
Power Consumption
Power consumption isn’t a massive deal, especially for a gaming PC. However, you’ll want to make sure you have a good PSU to accommodate your GPU, CPU, and any other component you’re throwing in the case. You can plug all of your components into a number of PSU calculators to see the overall wattage you need.
While shopping for a power supply, you’ll want to get one with a good efficiency rating. The absolute lowest you should settle for is 85 Plus Bronze. Silver or Gold are preferred, and will generally have better overall construction. White can be cheaper, but you risk your entire rig with lower-quality capacitors and circuits.
Component Support
Every CPU has a list of components it can support. This usually extends to the likes of PCI-E lanes, RAM, and other peripherals like M.2 or NVMe drives. All of the CPUs featured in this guide will take full advantage of the power of the RTX 3060 Ti, make no mistake there.
However, you’ll have to make the decision as to whether you want to opt for the older and cheaper DDR4 RAM or to go ahead and take the plunge with DDR5 among other considerations. Intel users are already used to migrating to new motherboards on a regular basis, but you’ll likely have to invest in a new one if you’re an AMD user with the AM5 socket.
Using the Best CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti: What It’s Like
So, what is it like using a rig built around your GPU of choice? The RTX 3060 Ti isn’t comparable to the likes of the RTX 4090, but it is more than enough for any modern game provided you’re sticking with lower resolutions.
On well-optimized games, you’ll have zero hitching or frame drops. More demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield will prove to be a good exercise for your PC. You should be able to easily max out Cyberpunk 2077, but ray tracing may prove to be a hurdle without a few tweaks to the configuration files.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Maryia_K/Shutterstock.com.
