Interested in building a high-performance rig with the RTX 4090? Discover the CPUs that will get you there! Let’s find out: What is the Best CPU For 4090?
The fastest GPU currently offered to customers is Nvidia’s RTX 4090, which makes it the best choice for workloads like productivity and gaming. It is still one of Nvidia’s most costly consumer-grade GPUs, however, with the Founders Edition priced around $1600 and several other SKUs costing close to or more than $2000.
When compared to its less expensive predecessor, the RTX 3090TI, which had a higher MSRP, this one offers an impressive performance boost and is priced at less than $2k for aftermarket units. It is also far more than just a valuable piece of hardware. AMD, which presently offers the RX 7900XTX GPU at the top of its portfolio, does not directly compete with the RTX 4090 in the GPU market.
Best CPU For 4090
AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D
The Best Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
The Best Alternate Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
Intel Core i5 14500 14-Core, 20-Thread CPU
The Best Budget Intel CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Best Budget AMD CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Best AMD Gaming CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
- Best CPU For 4090
- Selecting the Best CPU For 4090 in 2024
- Best CPU For 4090 in 2024
- The Best Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
- AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D
- The Best Alternate Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
- Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
- The Best Budget Intel CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
- Intel Core i5 14500 14-Core, 20-Thread CPU
- The Best Budget AMD CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- The Best AMD Gaming CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best CPU For 4090 2024 | The Most Powerful PC You Can Build Right Now! RTX 4090, i9 13900K 8K EMU, 4K Gaming, INSANE
- Conclusion | Best CPU For 4090
- Best CPU For 4090 | FAQs
Selecting the Best CPU For 4090 in 2024
Consider the following factors while looking for The Best CPU For 4090:
1. Computing Performance: It may be helpful for customers to use a high-core count, high-clocked CPU that can handle demanding multi-threaded programs without overheating or bottlenecking the RTX 4090 if they want to optimize performance during computing-intensive apps or benchmarks. Given these factors, CPUs such as the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Intel Core i9 14900K, and Core i7 14700K are important competitors.
2. Gaming Performance: Users can choose processors with the greatest single-core rates or ones with a ton of cache to enable game-specific performance boosts if they are gamers trying to squeeze out the most frames per second. This includes some of the best CPUs designed exclusively for gaming, such as the Intel Core i9 14900K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
3. Efficiency: Efficiency is important because it determines how much power and cooling are needed to get the CPU paired with the RTX 4090 to run at a level that gamers and power users both will find satisfactory. In addition to potentially increasing future energy costs, this may require the purchase of more costly parts, such as motherboards, power supplies, and specialized liquid cooling, in order to meet the CPU’s thermal and power delivery demands.
Best CPU For 4090 in 2024
The Best Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D
As AMD looks to reclaim the gaming crown with the same technologies that made the previous generation 5800X3D such a strong CPU, the 16-core, 32-thread desktop AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor is the company’s reply to a rising Intel 13th generation processor portfolio.
| Brand | AMD |
| Socket | AM5 |
| TDP | 120W |
| Cores | 16 |
| L3 Cache | 128MB |
| iGPU | Yes |
| Boost Clock | 5.7GHz |
Pros
- AMD’s top-tier 16-core gaming CPU
- More efficient than its competitors
- 128MB of L3 cache
- Needs less cooling
Cons
- Slower than a cheaper 7950X
- Weaker than Intel’s Core i9 CPUs
For most gamers, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which has 16 cores and 32 threads, requires no introduction. It led the campaign for AMD’s reborn Ryzen 7000-based X3D series to take down Intel’s 13th-generation CPUs, which had held the top position in terms of performance for gaming. This also holds for the 14th generation Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs from Intel.
In contrast, AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a more powerful CPU for heavy users and gamers than its predecessor, and it can utilize the RTX 4090 more effectively than any of its competitors for productivity and gaming.
The Best Alternate Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
At an amazing 6GHz natively, the Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-thread CPU is the company’s top-end 14th-generation CPU. It also delivers the greatest boost rates for an Intel consumer-grade CPU to date.
| Brand | Intel |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| TDP | 253W |
| Cores | 24 |
| L3 Cache | 36MB |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Boost Clock | 6GHz |
Pros
- 32 threads & 24 cores
- High single-core performance
- Supports DDR4 & DDR5 RAM
Cons
- Requires a high-end coolers
- Low power efficient
Like its predecessor, the Intel Core i9 14900K is a 24-core, 32-thread monster with the thread-crunching capability to support its promise in productivity apps and gaming. It supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory across motherboards with both Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation chipsets & delivers the greatest single-core performance that Intel presently provides. This enables the flagship CPU to be configured in a wide variety of ways.
Together with these benefits, the Intel 14900K has one more advantage over the Intel Core i9 13900K, which is the availability of Intel’s Application Optimizer (APO) scheduler optimizations, which are limited to the outstanding 14th-generation CPUs since Intel has promised support for its older-generation CPUs. Also, it provides a special AI-enabled version of the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU), which has already helped some users break the 6GHz speed limit of Intel’s newest CPU.
The Best Budget Intel CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
Intel Core i5 14500 14-Core, 20-Thread CPU
With its Performance and Efficient cores pushed up by 200 MHz, the Intel Core i5 14500 CPU is a locked Raptor Lake Refresh CPU that delivers greater speeds than its predecessor, the 13500. The 14-core, 20-thread CPU is priced similarly to its predecessor and has the same core configuration—six performance and eight efficiency. It is also compatible with current motherboards that use chipsets based on the 12th and 13th generations, LGA 1700.
| Brand | Intel |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| TDP | 65W |
| Cores | 14 |
| PCIe | PCI-E 4.0/5.0 |
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Boost Clock | 5GHz |
Pros
- 20 threads & 14 cores
- Excellent thermal solution
Cons
- Weak single-core performance
Its 14-core, 20-thread configuration (6 performance + 8 efficiency cores) has AMD’s offerings beat with ease when it comes to multi-threaded benchmarks, even as it commands a respectable single-core score versus its equivalent 12th CPU offerings that feature Alder Lake cores. It offers a relatively milder lead versus the 13th generation Core i5 13500 CPU, which it supplants as part of the 14th generation Refresh CPU lineup.
When it comes to multi-threaded benchmarks, its 14-core, 20-thread combination (6 performance + 8 efficiency cores) easily defeats AMD’s products. Additionally, it achieves a decent single-core score when compared to its equal 12-th CPU offerings, which include Alder Lake cores. As a member of the 14th generation Refresh CPU range, it provides leadership over the 13th generation Core i5 13500 CPU.
Although it is an excellent match to AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X and Ryzen 7 7700X CPUs, both of which it easily exceeds in multi-threaded workloads, these minor internal changes do not make it a direct threat to Intel’s 13600K and 14600K CPUs. In addition to becoming compatible with DDR4 RAM, it also offers a lower entry barrier than AMD, which insists on DDR5 RAM being the only choice for its AM5–based CPUs. This might allow consumers to upgrade more gradually.
The Best Budget AMD CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a fantastic deal for gamers looking to upgrade to a newer CPU because of its strong single-core performance, effective hexacore design, and compatibility with newer technologies like PCI-E 5.0 and DDR5 memory. Additionally, it skips AMD’s AM4 architecture in favor of a motherboard-mounted pin-less CPU.
| Brand | AMD |
| Socket | AM5 |
| TDP | 105W |
| Cores | 6 |
| L3 Cache | 32MB |
| iGPU | 2-Core AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Boost Clock | 5.3GHz |
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Offers a lot of upgrade options
- Supports DDR5 & PCI-E 5.0
- Nvidia G-Sync
Cons
- Low workloads
- No stock cooler
When it comes to an affordable gaming CPU, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X has it all: good gaming performance, efficiency, and powerful single-core performance, all wrapped up in a tidy, cost-effective package. Because of its higher core speeds and better performance in games, the 6-core, 12-thread CPU rivals Intel’s 13th generation locked CPUs at the sub-$200 price point.
In contrast to its predecessor, which had stock cooling even though it was unlocked, the Ryzen 5 7600X does not have a CPU cooler; however, it does have improved efficiency, gaming performance, and what appears to be better upgradeability in the future. This is because industry observers generally believe that AMD’s new socket, AM5, will be in place for a substantial amount of time. This is a lot longer than Intel’s overall strategy for its CPU sockets, which have evolved at a far faster rate.
The Best AMD Gaming CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
When it comes to gaming, AMD’s newest and best CPU is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled ability in PC gaming, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim with a great and extremely efficient gaming performance that now leads the rankings.
| Brand | AMD |
| Socket | AM5 |
| TDP | 120W |
| Cores | 8 |
| L3 Cache | 96MB L3 |
| iGPU | Integrated Radeon 2 Core |
| Boost Clock | 5.0GHz |
Pros
- Fastest gaming CPU
- Much efficient than the competitors
Cons
- weaker than Intel CPU
Currently dominating the gaming CPU rankings, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an 8-core, 16-thread processor that uses its larger stacked L3 cache to deliver superior efficiency and outstanding performance. With far less power consumption and required cooling than any other Intel CPU, it is the best option for gamers looking to avoid CPU bottlenecks when gaming with an RTX 4090 GPU.
As an updated AMD CPU that makes the most of the 3D V-Cache, it also fully utilizes the advantages of the AM5 socket, enabling PCI-E 5.0 and DDR5 memory. When combined with an X670E motherboard, it does, interestingly, also provide more PCI-E 5.0 lanes than its competitors from Intel’s highest-end 13th-generation CPUs, making it a more future-proof choice.
Best CPU For 4090 2024 | The Most Powerful PC You Can Build Right Now! RTX 4090, i9 13900K 8K EMU, 4K Gaming, INSANE
Conclusion | Best CPU For 4090
- The Best Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090: AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D
- The Best Alternate Overall CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090: Intel Core i9 14900K
- The Best Budget Intel CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090: Intel Core i5 14500
- The Best Budget AMD CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- The Best AMD Gaming CPU To Pair With The RTX 4090: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Best CPU For 4090 | FAQs
Is the RTX 4090 the fastest gaming GPU currently on the market?
Yes, Nvidia RTX 4090 is certainly the fastest GPU for gaming, according to several benchmarks outperforming both Nvidia’s and AMD’s highest–ranking GPUs.
How many CUDA cores does the RTX 4090 offer?
The Nvidia RTX 4090 has 16,384 CUDA cores, compared to a theoretical maximum of 18,432 CUDA cores, As part of its AD102 chip–based offerings.
