GPU Compatibility Guide
Best CPU for RTX 4070
Find the perfect CPU to pair with your RTX 4070 for maximum gaming performance. Avoid bottlenecks and get balanced system recommendations.
Performance Score: 770/1000
Updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
The best CPUs for your RTX 4070 are the Core i9-10900K and Core i9-10900KF. Both offer excellent balance with no significant bottlenecking at 1440p or 4K gaming.
Top CPU Matches for RTX 4070
Based on real-world benchmarks and performance balance analysis. Click any CPU to test the exact combination.
BEST MATCH
Intel
Core i9-10900K
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads10/20
Boost Clock5.3 GHz
Gaming Score860
Price$488
Intel
Core i9-10900KF
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads10/20
Boost Clock5.3 GHz
Gaming Score860
Price$463
AMD
Ryzen 7 6800H
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads8/16
Boost Clock4.7 GHz
Gaming Score800
Price$449
AMD
Ryzen 7 3800XT
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads8/16
Boost Clock4.7 GHz
Gaming Score780
Price$399
Intel
Core i5-12500
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads6/12
Boost Clock4.6 GHz
Gaming Score850
Price$202
Intel
Core i5-12400
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads6/12
Boost Clock4.4 GHz
Gaming Score830
Price$192
Intel
Core i5-12400F
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads6/12
Boost Clock4.4 GHz
Gaming Score830
Price$167
Intel
Core i9-11900
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads8/16
Boost Clock5.2 GHz
Gaming Score860
Price$439
RTX 4070 Specifications
VRAM
12GB GDDR6X
TDP
200W
Performance Score
770/1000
Generation
Ada Lovelace
CPUs to Avoid with RTX 4070
Avoid These CPUs
These older or lower-tier CPUs will bottleneck your RTX 4070 significantly, limiting your gaming performance:
- • Intel Core i3 (9th gen and older)
- • AMD Ryzen 3 (3000 series and older)
- • Intel Core i5 (8th gen and older)
- • Any dual-core processors
Test Your Exact Configuration
Use our interactive bottleneck calculator to test specific CPU + RTX 4070 combinations and get detailed compatibility analysis.
Open Bottleneck Calculator