NVIDIA graphics cards are improving significantly with each new generation, and things are the same with the all-new GeForce RTX 4000-series graphics cards. The power consumption of the graphics cards has also increased, and now the TDP of high-end graphics cards is above 300 watts. Overall, the performance improvement in this generation is around 30 to 50% when we compare it with the previous-generation graphics cards. In this article, we will check the best CPU for RTX 4080.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 is the mainstream high-end graphics card from the RTX 4000 series, and there are two RTX 4080 in this generation, one with 12 GB memory and one with a 16 GB memory buffer. The graphics card we are discussing here is the 16 GB variant, and it comes with 9728 shader processing units, 304 Texture Mapping Units, and 112 Render Output Units. The clock rates of the graphics card are greatly improved from the previous generation, with the base clock set at 2205 MHz and the boost clock set at 2505 MHz.
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The graphics card’s memory is quite interesting, as it uses GDDR6X memory with a memory bus width of 256 bits. The effective memory clock of the graphics card is 23 Gbps, which was never seen in a graphics card before, leading to an impressive memory bandwidth of 735.7 GB/s. Moreover, there are 76 RT cores in the graphics card and 304 Tensor cores.
Now, when it comes to a processor for a GPU like RTX 4080, you have to make sure that you use something powerful that can handle the raw power of this mighty graphics card. Intel has just released the 13th-generation Core i-series processors, while AMD has released the Ryzen 7000-series processors. Both these processors are competing fairly with each other, with AMD having a slight edge in power efficiency.
AMD processors use the B650 and X670 motherboards, while Intel processors use the Z790, H770, and B760. The naming of these chipsets is, although not matching, the feature-set is quite similar, providing DDR5 memory interface and PCI-E 5.0, etc.
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Best CPU for RTX 4080 Reviews

Intel’s family of 12th-generation processors proved to be the answer Intel needed to fight back against AMD after lagging for quite some time. Intel’s Core i9-12900K is one of the processors leading the fight based on the “Alder Lake” architecture. It possesses two performance and efficient cores (P-cores and E-cores). Performance cores (P-cores) are the powerhouse dealing with all the heavy-duty tasks, while efficient cores (E-cores) handle the lighter tasks. In other words, browsing is especially beneficial for increasing laptop battery life.
The Core i9-12900K P Cores also offer hyperthreading, further enhancing your experience in terms of performance. As for what this CPU packs, which makes it incredible and a beast among other processors, it has a max turbo frequency of 5.20 GHz. For performance cores, use a 5.10 GHz max turbo frequency and a base frequency of 3.20 GHz.
For efficiency, use a 3.90 GHz max turbo frequency and a base frequency of 2.40 GHz. It has 16 cores, 8 performance cores, and 8 efficient cores. PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 support, 24 total threads, a 125-watt base processor power, and a maximum turbo power of 241W. With this much power, this CPU can compete with the game’s most powerful processors and work with the most powerful GPUs, most notably the Nvidia RTX 4080.
The Nvidia RTX 4080 is one of the most demanding GPUs in the gaming world right now, and if not partnered up with a processor that can handle all its needs, it will only be a burden. Out comes the Intel Core i9-12900K, powerful, fast, and capable of handling the RTX 4080 as it passes all the requirements needed to run this beastly GPU with flying colors.
The Core i9-12900K is suitable for users who wish to overclock their systems to the limit because it is fully unlocked for easy overclocking. No matter your needs, the Intel Core i9-12900k will undoubtedly deliver exceptional performance, making it one of the ideal companions for RTX 4080.
A graphics card and processor are not enough to get the most power out of them, but you also need a capable motherboard, and we’ve already reviewed a few Best Motherboard for i9 12900K. Also, if you are looking for a Graphics Card for i9 12900K, we’ve already made a guide.

The Core i5-12600K was Intel’s first truly effective weapon, leveling the playing field with AMD and outperforming AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X. The Core i5-12600 K’s suggested maximum retail price is $299, also the Ryzen 5 5600X’s market price. For the same price, the Intel Core i5-12600K performs better than the Ryzen 5 5600X, but there’s more to the tale. The initial platform entry cost is much higher with the Intel CPU. You’ll also need a new motherboard, DDR5 memory, and CPU cooler to get the most out of the processor.
This mid-range CPU is based on the “Alder Lake” architecture. The Alder Lake CPUs from Intel are the first to use a hybrid core design for desktop PCs, enabling significant performance increases and improved efficiency. Intel’s Core i5-12600K has a 6+4 design, which means it contains six performance cores (P-cores) and four efficiency cores (E-cores), totaling 10 cores.
The performance cores (P-cores) feature hyperthreading, enabling the processing of 16 threads at once. Performance cores can operate up to 4.9 GHz, while efficiency cores can operate up to 3.6 GHz. All cores have access to the 20 MB Smart Cache. The inbuilt memory controller supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory at 4800 MT/s (dual channel). Rated at 125-watt base power and 150-watt max turbo power, along with PCIe 5.0 support, and manufactured at 10nm. The 10nm node from Intel is a process technique that relies on a 13-layer metallization stack and FinFET transistors.
Considering everything, it’s no mystery why the Core i5-12600K is compatible with a highly demanding GPU such as the Nvidia RTX 4080. What’s truly remarkable about the Core i5-12600K is its awesome specifications at such an affordable price. If you want a cheap yet powerful CPU to pair up with the Nvidia RTX 4080, then Intel’s Core i5 12600K is your answer.
When buying the Best Motherboard for i5 12600K, there are many options, but spending hundreds of dollars on a mid-range processor doesn’t make any sense. So we’ve made this easy for our users with a dedicated guide on this topic.

Some of the best CPUs money can buy are AMD’s new Ryzen 7000 models. It shouldn’t be surprising that the new AMD Ryzen 9 7900x performs better than any of Intel’s earlier-generation CPUs, given that these processors are AMD’s response to Intel’s 12th-generation processors. AMD is also launching an entirely new platform called AM5 to enable these processors. Even though this implies a new motherboard is needed for these processors, which may seem like a hassle, AMD has vowed to support AM5 through at least 2025. With AM5, you can update your CPU over time without buying a new motherboard, much like the previous AM4, which lasted for five years and generations.
Regarding specs, AMD Ryzen 9 7900x performs noticeably better than the Intel Core i9 12900k. Amazingly, the new AMD CPU boasts a 4.7 GHz base clock and a 5.6 GHz turbo boost frequency. The processor only has 12 physical cores, but it makes up for it with 128 GB of DDR5-5200 memory, 64 MB of shared L-3 cache, 24 total threads, and a cutting-edge 5 nm manufacturing process. In addition to everything else, AM5 provides longer support than Intel’s LGA 1700. Its GPU boost rate of 2200 MHz further enhances its appeal as a processor.
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900x is one of the most potent, cutting-edge, and reasonably priced CPUs currently on the market, and it works especially well with the Nvidia RTX 4080. This contemporary processor allows users to overclock and readily satisfy all demanding Nvidia RTX 4080 specifications. This combination is among the greatest choices for someone who needs a computer that operates incredibly quickly and can play video games at an incredible but reliable frame rate.

AMD released the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in April 2023. This chip was the first to introduce 3D V-caching technology to the world. The 5800X3D processor highlighted how much of a difference a change in caching technology can make by outperforming Intel’s flagship model, the Core i9 12900K, solely in terms of gaming performance. Only slightly quicker than this CPU are the Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X; however, they only offer comparative gains of around 2% across various AAA games. However, unlike every other Ryzen processor, the 3D V-caching-capable Ryzen 7 is a locked chip. Overclocking the core is, therefore, not possible, but memory may be overclocked.
The improved and affordable Ryzen 7 processor is based on the last-generation Zen 3 architecture. Similar to the Ryzen 7 5800X, it has 8 cores and 16 threads. The processor’s base rate is 3.4 GHz, while its boost clock may reach a maximum of 4.5 GHz. It includes a massive 96 MB L3 and 4 MB L2 cache. The chip also has a low 105 W TDP. Additionally, this CPU uses 128 GB of DDR4 memory, which may slightly hinder its production potential but also keeps the cost low.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a gaming-focused processor. Users may choose this processor if their primary purpose is to run video games speedily. Users will, however, be better off with other AMD or Intel chips if their gaming setup also serves as a workstation. Nevertheless, users won’t be dissatisfied if they want to run CPU-intensive programs as the Ryzen 7 5800X3D still has a respectable amount of productivity potential. As a result, it pairs perfectly with the powerful Nvidia RTX 4080. Regarding game performance, the pairing of AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Nvidia RTX 4080 is possibly the best.

AMD’s first CPU with the Zen 4 architecture is the Ryzen 5 7600X. On the bottom of the Zen 4 7000 series lies the Ryzen 5 7600X, which is still a powerhouse. The 7600X is made for gamers on a budget who want unmatched performance and raw power at a cost they can afford. Making a reasonably priced, dependable processor like the Ryzen 5 7600x aims to regain some market control that was lost following the release of Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs. AMD believes its new Zen 4 architecture will help bring them success.
The Ryzen 5 7600X is a 6-core, 12-thread processor built on a single 5nm manufacturing process. It supports DDR5 and has a 105W TDP. It also boasts a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz and a boost speed of 5.3 GHz. While 6-core is far from optimum, the price makes this chip worth buying. Additionally, because it is made for the new AM5 socket, customers must upgrade their motherboards before installing this chip. This has the advantage of AMD guaranteeing AM5 support until 2025. Compared to Zen 3, new Zen 4 CPUs boost peak clock speeds, improve IPC, and almost double the L2 cache capacity.
The Ryzen 7000 Series' availability of integrated graphics across the board is the most notable feature upgrade. As a result, the 7600X is not an APU but a CPU with adequate graphics to perform all the tasks the most expensive CPUs can also carry out. While the Ryzen 5 7600X is a powerful and quick CPU, there are more powerful and quickest currently on the market. It does, however, claim the additional advantage of being reasonably priced. Businesses that don’t require discrete GPUs but still need the processing power will find the Ryzen 7000 Series more appealing. If the user’s focus user focuses on gaming, then pairing this powerful CPU with the NVIDIA RTX 4080 won’t disappoint you at all.