Here is our prime picks for the perfect CPU to pair with the RTX 5080
Up to date: Jan 20, 2025 11:19 am
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Nvidia has lately introduced the primary wave of RTX 50 collection graphics playing cards to be launched; 4 SKUs are meant to hit the market with a staggered launch. First to see the sunshine of day is the RTX 5080 and 5090, that are set to launch on January thirtieth. The RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti are confirmed to comply with go well with in February. Due to AI and Neural rendering, these GPUs are extra highly effective than ever and, for as soon as, appear to be very fairly priced at MSRP.
The RTX 5080 is the second-fastest GPU within the 50 collection lineup as of the time of writing, so that you’ll want a robust CPU to maintain up with the gaming prowess of the brand new era. Reality be instructed, if you have already got a top-of-the-line GPU, just like the 4090 or the 7900 XTX, and have an appropriately paired CPU, then you definitely’re okay. However should you don’t, listed here are the perfect CPUs to pair with the RTX 5080.
Merchandise at a look
Why you want a high-end CPU for the RTX 5080
The RTX 50 collection has innovated in additional than pure rasterization efficiency; it has additionally seen main developments in AI and neural rendering. With DLSS 4 and MFG (Multi-Body Era) enabled, players can anticipate as much as 2X the efficiency of its predecessor, the RTX 4080. Nonetheless, that is solely the case within the video games that assist it. Pure rasterization efficiency is nearer to a 20% enhance.
Nonetheless, it is a sizeable efficiency uplift, and also you don’t need to be restricted by your CPU when gaming. In case you’re into your RTS video games or any recreation that requires a number of physics calculations, you’ll seemingly stay CPU-limited it doesn’t matter what you buy. Nonetheless, enjoying a mixture of video games is perhaps value selecting up one thing a bit of extra succesful. Any efficiency out of your GPU (or CPU) left on the desk is wasted worth). It’s typically a positive line to stroll.
We typically fear that GPU know-how is accelerating far quicker than CPU know-how, which means that at some point, even the perfect processors could also be closely restricted by the newest GPUs. This worry may turn into a actuality except AI is carried out into CPUs within the subsequent cycle, however that’s a dialogue for an additional day.
Finest CPU for RTX 5080
With that out of the best way, it’s time to get into what we take into account the perfect CPU for the RTX 5080.
Specs
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core pace: 4.7 GHz
- Increase core pace: as much as 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 assist: Sure @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
What We Assume
The 9800X3D is arms down the perfect gaming CPU we’ve examined thus far. The positive aspects over the earlier era are wholesome (as much as 21% quicker), and options the second era of 3D V-cache know-how.
Causes to Purchase
- Finest gaming efficiency of any CPU (as of the time of writing)
- Glorious worth for cash at MSRP
- Makes use of AM5 commonplace, can improve from 7000 collection with no additional value
- Turbo recreation mode improves gaming efficiency additional in some titles
Causes to Keep away from
- Very low inventory, sells out quick
- plenty of scalpers driving up the worth
- Not the perfect multi-core efficiency (you may want a non-X3D CPU for workloads)
AMD’s Ryzen 9 9800X3D has established itself as the perfect CPU for pairing with the RTX 5080 should you’re constructing a pure gaming PC. Nonetheless, should you want one thing extra versatile for productiveness or blended workloads, you may take into account a CPU with extra cores or await the newly introduced Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which guarantees a stability of labor and play.
Our evaluation discovered the 9800X3D trailing behind Intel’s Core Extremely CPUs in sure multithreaded duties. However this processor leaves all the things else (together with a few of AMD’s personal lineup) within the mud relating to gaming. The one actual competitors is the earlier era’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which is barely extra environment friendly and consumes much less energy. Nonetheless, the 9800X3D outshines it because of fewer restrictions and higher gaming efficiency. It’s the last word CPU for gaming with the RTX 5080, providing unparalleled efficiency for lovers.
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The 9800X3D options 8 cores and 16 threads with a most increase clock of as much as 5.2 GHz, all inside a modest 120W TDP. This implies you don’t want a very highly effective CPU cooler to keep up affordable temperatures. AMD has additionally re-engineered the cache die on this era, putting it below the CCD for higher thermal effectivity and eradicating insulating silicon helps. This leads to improved temperature management, even throughout prolonged gaming periods.
Constructed for the AM5 platform, the 9800X3D permits seamless upgrades from a Ryzen 7000 collection CPU with out requiring an entire overhaul. It’s appropriate with 600 and 800 collection motherboards, providing entry to the newest options and connectivity choices. In case you’re already utilizing a high-quality X670 or related AM5 board, upgrading your motherboard is pointless—this CPU will slot proper in and take your RTX 5080 construct to the subsequent degree.
Specs
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Increase pace: 5.7 GHz (Max Increase)
- L1/L2/L3 Cache: 80KB/1MB/64MB
- Default TDP: 170W
What We Assume
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X is Workforce Purple’s present flagship (in a pre-9950X3D world), it is ready to present a helpful mix of gaming efficiency and multithreaded workstation efficiency because of AMD’s revolutionary Zen 5 CPU core. Good to pair with the RTX 5090.
Causes to Purchase
- Excellent stability of workstation and gaming efficiency
- AMD’s Zen 5 core means processors are extra environment friendly than ever
- Competes with the 285K with PBO enabled
Causes to Keep away from
- Will get scorching when PBO is enabled
- Will get scorching when PBO just isn’t enabled
- Outclassed in gaming efficiency by 9800X3D (however so is each different CPU)
The Ryzen 9 9950X stands as AMD’s flagship for uncooked energy and multi-core efficiency (at the very least till the 9950X3D comes out), making it a first-rate contender for pairing with the RTX 5080. Whereas it might not surpass the X3D lineup in gaming efficiency, the 9950X holds its floor admirably, particularly in demanding workloads.
Constructed on AMD’s Zen 5 core structure, this CPU is impressively environment friendly for its capabilities. Though some software program hiccups initially marred its launch, patches and updates have since polished the 9950X into the powerhouse it was meant to be.
As we talked about in our evaluation, In multi-core workloads, the 9950X excels, even dominating in lots of situations. Nonetheless, it does face stiff competitors from Intel’s Core Extremely 9 285K, which narrowly edges it out in some productiveness duties. Whereas enabling Precision Increase Overdrive (PBO) can bridge the efficiency hole, we warning that working PBO long-term can push the 9950X to its thermal limits. Thankfully, this CPU shines in gaming, usually pulling forward in efficiency, making it a implausible selection for the RTX 5080, the place stability between gaming and multitasking is essential.
285K vs 9950X evaluation artificial multi core
285K vs 9950X evaluation common energy consumption
285K vs 9950X evaluation energy
285K vs 9950X evaluation artificial single core
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The 9950X options 16 cores and 32 threads, all able to boosting as much as 5.7 GHz. It’s constructed for heavy multitasking and intensive workflows, with a TDP of 170W and a PPT of 230W. This effectivity locations it roughly 20W forward of its Intel rival on paper, although in observe, the 9950X can run a bit hotter. Pairing it with a sturdy cooling resolution ensures it delivers constant efficiency with out throttling.
This CPU is appropriate with any AM5 motherboard that includes the LGA 1718 socket. For the perfect expertise with the RTX 5080, we advocate investing in a high-quality motherboard that totally helps its options, comparable to PCIe 5.0 and DDR5. In case you’re on the lookout for a CPU that delivers excellent gaming efficiency whereas dominating productiveness duties, the Ryzen 9 9950X is an distinctive selection to maximise the potential of your RTX 5080 setup.
Specs
- Core configuration: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: 24
- P-Core Pace: 5.5 GHz (increase) 3.7 GHz (base)
- E-Core Pace: 4.6 GHz (increase) 3.2 GHz (base)
- DDR5 assist: DDR5 @ 6400 MT/s
- TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (excessive): 125W / 250W / 250W / 295W
What We Assume
We have now our gripes with the Core Extremely collection from Intel, however they do get the job performed relating to multi-core efficiency. If you’d like, pound-for-pound, the perfect CPU for workloads, then that is the only option. In case you can choose one up on the proper worth, and don’t thoughts shopping for one more Intel motherboard, that’s.
Causes to Purchase
- Very sturdy multi-core efficiency regardless of no SMT
- Enhancements have been made since launch by microcode updates
- Typically could be discovered on sale because of poor preliminary gross sales
Causes to Keep away from
- Poor gaming efficiency in comparison with the likes of X3D CPUs
- Nonetheless runs scorching regardless of not being multithreaded
- MSRP is excessive contemplating you need to purchase an LGA 1851 motherboard too (AND DDR5 reminiscence should you’re nonetheless on DDR4
- Finest used for multithreaded workloads
The Core Extremely 9 285K is Intel’s latest Arrow Lake flagship, ushering within the ‘Core Extremely’ naming conference. Whereas its preliminary launch was considerably underwhelming on account of mediocre gaming efficiency, subsequent microcode updates have improved gaming stability and total efficiency. This CPU is designed to excel in multi-core duties, making it a robust contender for energy customers who pair it with an RTX 5080, the place balanced efficiency is essential.
In our testing, the 285K barely outpaced AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X in multi-threaded workloads, making it a beast for productiveness. Nonetheless, gaming benchmarks confirmed it falling barely behind the 9950X, although Intel’s post-launch updates promise higher gaming efficiency transferring ahead. This shouldn’t be a serious concern in case your focus leans extra in direction of work than gaming. For RTX 5080 homeowners who worth versatility, the 285K nonetheless brings loads of energy to the desk.
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The CPU options 24 cores and 24 threads, constructed on Intel’s large.LITTLE structure. This consists of 8 P-cores (efficiency cores) with a lift clock of 5.6 GHz and 16 E-cores (effectivity cores) boosting to 4.6 GHz. Whereas it is a drop from the 6 GHz seen within the 14900K, the 285K’s balanced design makes it a succesful choice for high-end techniques. The TDP is rated at 125W, however below load, each PL1 and PL2 limits hit 250W, so a high-quality cooling resolution is a should for sustained efficiency.
This CPU requires a brand new LGA 1851 motherboard. Whereas any appropriate board will work, we advocate investing in a Z890 motherboard to unlock your system’s full potential. For players and creators trying to pair their RTX 5080 with a CPU that delivers sturdy multi-core efficiency and respectable gaming capabilities, the Core Extremely 9 285K is a forward-looking selection that may simply deal with trendy workloads.
Specs
- Core configuration:: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: : 32
- P-Core Pace: : 5.8GHz (increase) 3.2GHz (base)
- E-Core Pace: : 4.4GHz (increase) 2.5GHz (base)
- DDR5 assist: : Sure @ 5600MHz
- TDP: 125W base 253W PL1 & PL2
What We Assume
The 14900K (should you didn’t have one which self-immolated) is a sturdy future-proof CPU from Intel. It has been many die-hard Intel followers CPU for a while now, as many take into account the Core Extremely collection not well worth the improve. You possibly can’t go unsuitable with the 14900K (as long as you apply the microcode replace to cease it, you recognize, exploding).
Causes to Purchase
- Robust gaming efficiency
- World’s solely CPU to spice up to six GHz as commonplace (time of writing)
- Nice multi-core efficiency
- Require extra inexpensive motherboards
Causes to Keep away from
- Comparable efficiency to the 13900K (on launch was not value worth hike)
- Can nonetheless be costly
- Inferior to X3D CPUs relating to gaming efficiency.
The Core i9-14900K is the flagship CPU of the Raptor Lake Refresh lineup. Whereas Intel has since launched the Arrow Lake lineup, the 14900K nonetheless stands tall as a reliable selection. It’s a strong choice for players and creators, significantly these pairing it with a high-end GPU just like the RTX 5080, which calls for a CPU able to maintaining.
This CPU is actually an enhanced model of the 13900K, now able to hitting a staggering 6 GHz increase clock. Whereas the 13900K is turning into more and more uncommon, the 14900K presents related efficiency with trendy availability, making it a really perfect pairing for the RTX 5080. Its uncooked energy ensures no bottlenecking, letting the RTX 5080 shine in gaming and productiveness workloads.
Our evaluation discovered that the 14900K delivers sturdy gaming efficiency, albeit barely behind AMD’s X3D lineup in sure situations. Nonetheless, it excels in multi-core duties, making it a implausible selection for these needing a CPU that seamlessly switches between gaming and demanding workstation duties.
The 14900K options 24 cores and 32 threads, using Intel’s environment friendly large.LITTLE structure. This configuration consists of 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, able to boosting to six GHz and 4.4 GHz, respectively. Nonetheless, this efficiency comes with a hefty energy draw. The CPU’s base TDP is 125W; below load, it could possibly demand as much as 253W or much more with a vast PL2 Tau restrict. You’ll desire a strong cooling resolution and a high quality PSU to maintain issues working easily.
For the perfect outcomes with the RTX 5080, take into account pairing the 14900K with a Z790 motherboard. Whereas older LGA 1700 motherboards are appropriate, the Z790 presents improved options and higher future-proofing, supplying you with extra improve flexibility. In case you’re eyeing the RTX 5080 and desire a CPU to match its efficiency, the Core i9-14900K is a superb choose that balances energy, options, and worth.
Methods to pair the RTX 5080 with a superb CPU
The factor you need to attempt to keep away from is bottlenecking the RTX 5080 with a gradual CPU. The reality is that so long as you’ve gotten a comparatively high-end processor, it’ll most likely be capable to sustain with the upper resolutions, comparable to 1440p, 4K, and 8K in some instances. The decrease the decision, the simpler it’s for the GPU to course of the frames (as a result of there are fewer pixels to cope with).
In case you play video games in 1080p, this GPU is certainly overkill. Nonetheless, that is the one case the place higher-end CPUs might wrestle to maintain up with the frames the GPU is pushing, particularly in physics-based video games. If you wish to play 1080p, we advocate avoiding the RTX 50 collection on the whole, as they’re far too highly effective and fairly wasted on 1080p.
Last phrase
If it’s good to pair a CPU with an RTX 50 collection GPU, you have to a robust CPU, irrespective of the cardboard. The 50 collection goes far past the capabilities of any card we’ve seen thus far, because of AI and neural rendering. Avoiding bottlenecks is the secret when making a CPU and GPU pairing, which is why all of our choices are top-tier. In case you’re a gamer eager to get essentially the most out of the RTX 5080, then you definitely’ll most likely need to select 9800X3D, because it’s the perfect CPU proper now for gaming efficiency. Then again, in order for you pure workload efficiency, the Core Extremely 9 285K is an effective selection.
If you’d like a superb combine of labor and play, it could possibly be a good suggestion to attend till the 9950X3D and accompanying 9900X3D CPUs are launched, as they’re slated to supply the perfect middle-ground by way of gaming and productiveness efficiency. After all, we don’t know this for certain, as we don’t have any efficiency benchmarks to go off till the CPUs hit the market. Nonetheless, don’t let the AI efficiency of the 50 collection beguile you; pure rasterization efficiency is way lower than the promised 2X positive aspects in efficiency. So, should you play video games that aren’t don’t assist DLSS 4 and MFG, you may not must go as ‘all-out’ on a CPU.
