The RTX 3060 Ti is an amazing graphics card that offers a complete package of performance. However, to enjoy the true performance of this graphics card unit, you need to pair it with the right CPU. 

Choosing the best CPU for 3060 Ti is pretty tricky, especially for newbie gamers. However, if you are also looking to build a gaming PC and have decided to use RTX 3060 Ti, there are six amazing CPUs reviewed in this article that you can consider.

Read the reviews, and go through the buying guide to select a suitable CPU for your needs so that you can easily overclock it for maximum performance.

#1. Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor: Best CPU for RTX 

Specs 

• Cores/Threads: 8/8
• Base Frequency: 1.30 GHz 
• Top Boost Frequency: 5.0 GHz 
• Socket: LGA1200
• TDP: 125W

The Intel Core i7 desktop processor is for those looking for a fantastic performance. Powered by Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Support, the CPU is capable of handling intensive tasks, and you don’t have to worry about performance.

Compatible with  Intel 400 series and Intel 500 series select chipset-based motherboards, the CPU works well with RTX 3060 Ti. With this CPU, you can quickly hit 60 FPS in AAA and 100 FPS in eSports games without toning down the GPU’s performance.

However, if you are looking for a CPU for professional-level video and graphics editing, I will not recommend the Intel i7 since the next processor in this list is fit for these tasks. 

Intel offers this CPU for Nvidia GeForce in two models, the one I have reviewed here has eight cores, while the other model comes with 16 cores. One thing that impressed me the most was the performance gains of this CPU unit. 

While the i7 from Intel may not be a great buy if you are on a budget, if you can squeeze some more bucks to get performance, this one is worth every penny. 

The LGA 1200 socket makes it compatible with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU, so just get this unlocked processor, and enjoy the impressive performance. Lastly, it comes with PCIe Gen 4.0 Support, so you can use DirectStorage and enjoy new gaming innovations.

What are the Pros?

• It has higher clock frequencies
• Perfect for 4K and 1440p 
• The processor comes with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology
• It offers customized gaming performance

What are the Cons?

• It may run hot if you overclock it too often 
• High power consumption as compared to some processor 

Verdict 

Choose Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor if you need superb gaming performance without any lags. The processor can easily handle any game and even help unleash the performance of the Nvidia  GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU. 

#2. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Unlocked Desktop Processor: Another Good Pick  

Specs 

• Cores/Threads: 8/16
• Base Frequency: 3.8 GHz 
• Top Boost Frequency: 4.7 GHz 
• Socket: AM4
• TDP: 105W

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is undoubtedly one of the best processors from the AMD CPU lineup. However, there are plenty of things that make it the best choice for Nvidia  GeForce  RTX 3060 Ti GPU, including the amazing performance that the processor offers.

While its benchmark rating is less than Intel Core i7, you can still expect fair performance. The CPU has got tons of features, including multiple threads, cores, and nice rings of fans. What I have experienced with AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is that the CPU requires you to tweak the BIOS.

Talking about the maximum load temperature, the CPU for 3060 Ti can easily withstand up to 74 °C, so get a good fan to stabilize the heat. If you love gaming, you will surely find this CPU an amazing option.

It can easily deliver elite 100-plus FPS performance in the world’s most popular games. AMD ships it unlocked for overclocking so you can run tasks requiring more processing capabilities.

If you are using an X570 or B550 motherboard, you can enjoy using the PCIe 4.0 support as well. Unfortunately, the PCIe 4.0 support isn’t compatible with other motherboards.

I’d recommend the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X to people looking for high-end gaming. Make sure to tweak the BIOS according to the CPU to enjoy maximum performance.

What are the Pros?

• The AMD Ryzen Master Utility tool gives you real-time updates 
• It offers excellent 100-plus FPS performance
• Unlocked for overclocking 
• It does not overheat easily 

What are the Cons?

• The performance is not very impressive without BIOS tweaks 
• The PCle 4.0 support doesn’t work with all motherboards

Verdict 

It wouldn’t be wrong if I call AMD Ryzen 7 5800X a beast CPU to use with RTX 3060 Ti. It has eight cores and 16 threads, thus, you get unmatched gaming performance irrespective of the games you play.

#3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: Best CPU with Stealth Cooler 

If you don’t want the CPU to overheat when you use it to its full capacity, AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the best choice. It comes with a Wraith Stealth Cooler that dissipates the heat evenly and keeps the CPU components from getting fried.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the newest processors from AMD and is pretty popular among gamers. The CPU features six threads, and eight cores, along with AMD’s Boost and Balanced Clock multiplier that help you get the best performance.

You might sometimes think that this processor is slightly pricey according to the competition, but it really does justice when you experience its performance. When paired with a good GPU like the RTX 3060 Ti, the performance can get a boost, and it is visible when you multitask on your PC.

Even if you play games like COD Warzone, you’ll see the processor doing a fair job, and there won’t be any major lags, provided your PC has a good amount of RAM. 

What I absolutely love about the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the 4.6 GHz Max Boost that quickly offers amazing performance. AMD ships this processor unlocked for overclocking, so a few tweaks in the BIOS will help you get more performance.

Furthermore, the CPU comes PCle 4.0 ready, but you will need a B550 or X570 motherboard to enjoy that bandwidth. 

What are the Pros?

• It comes unlocked for overclocking. 
• The CPU can handle light as well as some heavy tasks 
• It offers elite 100+ FPS performance
• This chip has great stability 

What are the Cons?

• May not handle extreme overclocking 
• Tweaking the BIOS is not that easy for everyone 

Verdict 

Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor if you need moderate gaming performance. The chip can easily handle multitasking, while you can play the most popular games such as Far Cry New Dawn and Battlefield 5. 

#4. Intel Comet Lake Core i5-10400 Desktop Processor: Best Budget Pick  

Specs 

• Cores/Threads: 6/12
• Base Frequency: 2.90 GHz 
• Top Boost Frequency: 4.3 GHz 
• Socket: LGA 1200
• TDP: 65W

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you should compromise on performance, so I have picked the Intel Comet Lake Core i5 processor for this list. Equipped with 12 threads and six cores, the processor has popularity for being a reliable workhorse that can easily handle a decent load.

Unfortunately, Intel has not designed it for overclocking, and even if you try tweaking the BIOS, you can end up frying this chip. However, the clock boost is around 4.3 GHz, and that’s pretty enough to do a lot of things simultaneously.

When combined with RTX 3060 Ti, you will see a noticeable difference in terms of performance. You can even use this CPU for tasks like moderate video editing and gaming. 

Another thing that impressed me a lot was how this chip handled high FPS. It can easily outperform the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 for many popular games. Lastly, its socket makes it super compatible with the RTX 3060 Ti. 

What are the Pros?

• It has a decent boost clock capability 
• A reliable processor for a variety of tasks 
• Multi-tasks effortlessly 
• The Intel Quick Sync video lets you do video editing without any lags 

What are the Cons?

• You cannot overclock this processor.
• Not designed for high-end gaming 

Verdict 

Core i5 from Intel should be your choice if you are on a budget and need something that can handle all moderate tasks effortlessly. This is a very competitive processor in its price range and is super compatible with RTX 3060 Ti.

Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying the Best CPU for 3060 Ti 

Choosing a CPU is not as easy as you may think. Yes, there are not a lot of features to consider, but in order to get excellent performance, you have to ensure the CPU is perfect for your needs. Below I have listed some factors you should consider when choosing a CPU.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider in a CPU is compatibility. Since you have decided to use the 3060 Ti, you should only choose processors that are compatible with it. All the CPUs that I have reviewed in this article are compatible with RTX 3060 Ti, so you can choose any of them. 

Cored/threads 

The cores/threads of a CPU impact its performance and speed. A basic CPU chip with a few cores is enough to handle light tasks, including browsing. However, if you need a chip for intensive usage, you should choose one with a higher number of cores. 

Brand 

When it comes to CPUs, there are only two brands, i.e., Intel and AMD. Both brands have some amazing CPUs to offer, and the choice here is entirely up to you. You can compare the benchmarks of both CPUs to get an idea of what’s better for your needs.

Overclocking Capabilities 

Determining the overclocking capabilities of a processor is only possible when you use it, but that is not the case here. The best resort to this problem is to compare the performance of both processors. You will find plenty of YouTube videos where the creators compare the overclocking capabilities of the processors you are looking to purchase.

Budget 

RTX 3060 Ti is a budget GPU, and it does not mean the CPU should be very expensive. Consider your requirements, and then finalize a processor that fits your budget. Also, keep in mind the scope of the future so that you don’t have to upgrade after a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion 

These are the best CPUs for 3060 Ti you can buy to get excellent performance. All the processors that I have listed in this article are fully compatible and have a socket that fits with the GPU directly. 

If you need a CPU for overclocking or for maximum performance, I’d recommend the Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor. On the other hand, if you need something on a budget, consider the Intel Comet Lake Core i5-10400 Desktop Processor.