When you’re into PC gaming, your graphics card is like the engine of your gaming machine. It’s responsible for making your games look awesome and feel smooth. But guess what; your computer also has a brain called the CPU. To make your games run like a dream, you need the right CPU in parallel with the graphic card to enjoy the gaming to the fullest.
In this article, we’ll help you pick the best CPU for GTX 1070 to maximize your gaming setup and enjoy games without any hiccups.
8 Best CPUs for GTX 1070 in 2024
Upon different opinions of gaming experts, we have gathered the 8 best CPUs for GTX 1070 and we are sure that you will have the best experience with all of these CPUs.
1. Intel Core i5-9600K
Before we explore the Intel Core i5-9600K in detail, let’s understand why it’s a noteworthy CPU choice, especially when paired with your GTX 1070 graphics card.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Intel Core i5-9600K is a 9th generation CPU with 6 cores and 6 threads. It is known for its strong single-core performance, making it excellent for gaming.
- Clock Speed: It comes with a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, which can be overclocked for higher performance.
- Compatibility: The CPU uses the LGA 1151 socket, so it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your motherboard.
- Overclocking Potential: One of its standout features is its overclocking potential, allowing users to push it beyond its stock performance.
Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1151
- Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz base, overclockable
- Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): 95W
- Excellent single-core performance for gaming.
- Overclocking capability for enthusiasts.
- Competitive pricing compared to some high-end CPUs.
- Limited multi-threading capabilities.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Let’s start by highlighting why the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a compelling choice to pair with your GTX 1070, offering a balanced blend of gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Ryzen 5 5600X is part of AMD’s Zen 3 lineup, offering 6 cores and 12 threads.
- Clock Speed: It boasts a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz.
- Performance: Known for its strong gaming performance as well as multitasking capabilities.
- Compatibility: It uses the AM4 socket, compatible with many AMD motherboards.
Specifications:
- Socket: AM4
- Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz base, 4.6 GHz boost
- Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 12 threads
- TDP: 65W
- Impressive single-core and multi-core performance.
- Excellent value for its performance.
- Compatible with a wide range of motherboards.
- Slightly higher power consumption compared to some competitors.
3. Intel Core i7-10700K
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s understand why the Intel Core i7-10700K is a top contender for maximizing gaming and content creation potential alongside your GTX 1070.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Intel Core i7-10700K is an 8th generation CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads.
- Clock Speed: It has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and can be overclocked for even higher performance.
- Performance: Suitable for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
- Socket Compatibility: Requires an LGA 1200 motherboard.
Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz base, overclockable
- Cores/Threads: 8 cores, 16 threads
- TDP: 125W
- Strong multi-core performance for productivity tasks.
- High overclocking potential.
- Good value for its performance.
- Requires a compatible LGA 1200 motherboard.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Let’s begin by recognizing why the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X stands out as a strong contender, offering remarkable single-core and multi-core performance to enhance your GTX 1070 gaming experience.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Ryzen 7 5800X is a part of AMD’s Zen 3 lineup, offering 8 cores and 16 threads.
- Clock Speed: It features a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.7 GHz.
- Performance: Ideal for gaming and content creation.
- Compatibility: It uses the AM4 socket, compatible with various AMD motherboards.
Specifications:
- Socket: AM4
- Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz base, 4.7 GHz boost
- Cores/Threads: 8 cores, 16 threads
- TDP: 105W
- Outstanding single-core and multi-core performance.
- Ideal for gaming and content creation.
- Compatible with various AM4 motherboards.
- May require a dedicated cooler for efficient cooling
Related Article: Best LGA 1150 CPUs
5. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Before diving into the details, let’s explore why the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a popular choice to accompany your GTX 1070, delivering excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Ryzen 5 3600 is part of AMD’s Zen 2 lineup, offering 6 cores and 12 threads.
- Clock Speed: It features a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.2 GHz.
- Performance: Known for its excellent gaming performance and affordability.
- Socket Compatibility: It uses the AM4 socket, making it compatible with various AMD motherboards.
Specifications:
- Socket: AM4
- Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz base, 4.2 GHz boost
- Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 12 threads
- TDP: 65W
- Exceptional value for gaming performance.
- Efficient power consumption.
- Compatible with a wide range of AM4 motherboards.
- May not be as strong in multi-core tasks compared to higher-end CPUs.
6. Intel Core i5-10600K
Let’s start by understanding why the Intel Core i5-10600K is a solid choice to power your gaming rig alongside your GTX 1070, delivering a balance of gaming prowess and affordability.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Intel Core i5-10600K is a 10th generation CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads.
- Clock Speed: It has a base clock speed of 4.1 GHz and can be overclocked for additional performance.
- Performance: Well-suited for gaming and mid-range productivity tasks.
- Socket Compatibility: Requires an LGA 1200 motherboard.
Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Clock Speed: 4.1 GHz base, overclockable
- Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 12 threads
- TDP: 125W
- Good gaming performance with potential for overclocking.
- Competitive pricing.
- Compatible with LGA 1200 motherboards.
- Requires a compatible LGA 1200 motherboard.
7. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Before we explore its features, let’s acknowledge why the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a formidable choice for those seeking both gaming excellence and productivity prowess to complement the GTX 1070.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Ryzen 9 3900X is part of AMD’s Zen 2 lineup, offering 12 cores and 24 threads.
- Clock Speed: It features a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz.
- Performance: Ideal for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
- Socket Compatibility: It uses the AM4 socket.
Specifications:
- Socket: AM4
- Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz base, 4.6 GHz boost
- Cores/Threads: 12 cores, 24 threads
- TDP: 105W
- Exceptional multi-core performance.
- Suitable for demanding gaming and productivity tasks.
- Compatible with a wide range of AM4 motherboards.
- Higher price point.
8. Intel Core i9-10900K
Before we dive into its specifications, let’s explore why the Intel Core i9-10900K is a heavyweight contender, offering top-tier gaming performance and multitasking capabilities alongside your GTX 1070.
Features:
- Cores and Threads: The Intel Core i9-10900K is a 10th generation CPU with 10 cores and 20 threads.
- Clock Speed: It has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 5.3 GHz.
- Performance: Offers high-end gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Socket Compatibility: Requires an LGA 1200 motherboard.
Specifications:
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz base, 5.3 GHz boost
- Cores/Threads: 10 cores, 20 threads
- TDP: 125W
- Excellent multi-core performance.
- Top-tier gaming performance.
- Compatible with LGA 1200 motherboards.
- High power consumption.
Related Article: Best CPUs for RTX 3090 in 2023
Conclusion
Selecting the best CPU for GTX 1070 depends on your specific needs and budget. The Intel Core i5-9600K and AMD Ryzen 5 5600X offer excellent gaming performance, while the Intel Core i7-10700K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X provide additional multi-core capabilities for productivity tasks.
Consider your usage scenario and motherboard compatibility when making your choice, and don’t forget to factor in cooling solutions for overclocking if necessary.
