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The Nvidia RTX 5070 is the company's latest 70-class GPU designed specifically for 1440p gaming. It will hit shelves in February, replacing the 4070 and 4070 Super with better performance in the latest video games. Thanks to DLSS 4, Nvidia has claimed the card can deliver framerates as high as the 4090, which used to be a halo-tier card in the last generation.
If you're planning a build with the upcoming 70-class pixel pusher, we have listed the ideal CPUs to consider in this article. There's everything from budget options to high-end chips.
Multiple capable CPUs can be paired with the Nvidia RTX 5070
5) AMD Ryzen 5 7600X ($198)
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a budget CPU from the last generation. It has been significantly discounted to just under $200 these days, making it an ideal choice for mid-range gamers looking for a build with the RTX 5070 for under $1,000. Despite being a bit old, this chip packs enough single-core performance to handle the Blackwell card without major bottlenecks.
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In terms of hardware specifications, the 7600X is a six-core and 12-threaded chip. Boost clocks run as high as 5.3 GHz. It is a bit difficult to cool as well, with a rated TDP of 105W. However, since it is based on the AM5 platform, you get ample upgradability. A decent motherboard will easily last you a couple of years.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for gaming and everyday workloads.
- Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 for future-proofing high-performance builds.
- Strong single-core speed for CPU-intensive applications and workflows.
Cons:
- Only six cores, limiting performance for demanding multi-threaded tasks.
- The stock cooler isn't enough for long gaming or rendering sessions.
- Integrated GPU is basic and insufficient for visual processing tasks.
4) Intel Core i5-14600KF ($219)
The Intel Core i5-14600KF is Team Blue's answer to the Ryzen 5 7600X. It packs slightly better single core and productivity performance, making it the ideal choice for gamers looking for slightly better metrics without exceeding the $1,000 budget. However, a key drawback of the chip is the LGA1700 platform, which has been replaced with the newer LGA1851 Arrow Lake offerings.
In terms of specifications, the 14600KF is a 14-core and 20-threaded chip. You get maximum boost clocks of up to 5.3 GHz with the chip. It is built for overclockers and enthusiasts and could be quite power-hungry at a rated maximum of 181W. Investing in a high-end cooler is necessary for this processor.
Pros:
- Strong single-thread performance for gaming.
- At $219, this chip is an affordable option for mid-range builds with efficiency cores.
- Overclocking potential for additional performance in demanding workloads.
Cons:
- Lacks integrated graphics, mandating a dedicated GPU at all times.
- Can run hot under boost without robust cooling.
- Higher power draw during extended multi-core workloads.
3) Intel Core i7-14700 ($329)
The Intel Core i7-14700 continues to enjoy a recommendation due to its careful balance of single-core performance, multi-tasking features, and affordable pricing. The chip is one of the best options for gamers looking for high-end performance without breaking the bank, making it a superb pair with the RTX 5070.
Coming to the specs sheet, you get a whopping 20 cores with the chip, with eight performance-rated 'P' cores and the remainder being efficient ones. In terms of operating speeds, the chip goes as fast as 5.6 GHz. However, these impressive numbers come with a high operating power cost. At max, the chip can draw up to 253W.
Pros:
- The 20 cores make it great for multitasking and background tasks.
- The boost clock of 5.6 GHz enhances gaming and single-threaded workloads.
- A higher L3 cache improves responsiveness in rendering and large datasets.
Cons:
- High power draw at peak performance can stress lower-end PSUs.
- The large number of cores can require advanced cooling solutions.
- Marginal upgrade over the 13700 in some real-world scenarios.
2) AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D ($379)
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is another last-gen chip that continues to be a recommendation for the RTX 5070 given its value proposition. The processor has been designed for gamers. Specific features include its 3D V-cache, which enables GPUs to output up to 20% extra frames in certain games. Moreover, it has been discounted to $379 these days, earning it a recommendation on this list.
The chip packs eight cores and 16 threads. In terms of operating speeds, the processor can go up to 5 GHz. You get 64 MB of 3D V-cache, with another 32 MB designated as L3 cache. The chip is a bit power hungry, consuming up to 120W. However, you get overclocking support with the processor, unlike the 14700.
Pros:
- Massive 96 MB 3D V-Cache excels at memory-bound workloads and gaming.
- Industry-leading power efficiency in high-performance scenarios.
- Top-tier choice for gamers and researchers needing optimized cache.
Cons:
- The eight-core limitation impacts performance for some productivity tasks.
- Requires fine-tuned memory settings for maximum performance.
- No integrated graphics—dedicated GPU is necessary.
1) AMD Ryzen 9 9900X ($409)
Choosing high-end processors for the RTX 5070 is a bit tricky because gamers have to keep the budget in mind. However, the discounts that AMD is running on its new Ryzen 9 9900X makes it an option to consider. The chip is a step below the 9950X, but is much cheaper than the flagship. These days, it's selling for around $409, making it an option to consider.
The Ryzen 9 9900X is a 12-core and 24-threaded chip. In terms of operating clock speeds, the processor goes up to 5.7 GHz. While you don't get any 3D V-cache with the chip, it comes with 64 MB of L3 cache, which should suffice for most gaming workloads. However, you'll have to invest dearly on cooling hardware for this chip.
Pros:
- 12 cores and 24 threads—perfect for heavy parallel workloads.
- The base clock of 4.4 GHz enables rapid performance out of the box.
- Strong performance-to-core ratio for creators and researchers.
Cons:
- The high TDP of 170W means more heat and power draw.
- AM5 socket requires investment in DDR5 and newer motherboards.
- No iGPU, which can be inconvenient for diagnostic situations.
Overall, these are some of the best chips if you're considering a build around the RTX 5070. We have listed options from a variety of price points, keeping the requirements of the graphics card in mind. You can purchase any CPU based on how much you have to splurge.
