GPU Compatibility Guide
Best CPU for RTX 4090
Find the perfect CPU to pair with your RTX 4090 for maximum gaming performance. Avoid bottlenecks and get balanced system recommendations.
Performance Score: 920/1000
Updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
The best CPUs for your RTX 4090 are the Core i9-14900 and Core i9-14900F. Both offer excellent balance with no significant bottlenecking at 1440p or 4K gaming.
Top CPU Matches for RTX 4090
Based on real-world benchmarks and performance balance analysis. Click any CPU to test the exact combination.
BEST MATCH
Intel
Core i9-14900
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads24/32
Boost Clock5.6 GHz
Gaming Score945
Price$549
Intel
Core i9-14900F
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads24/32
Boost Clock5.6 GHz
Gaming Score945
Price$524
Intel
Core i7-14700K
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads20/28
Boost Clock5.6 GHz
Gaming Score955
Price$409
Intel
Core i7-14700KF
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads20/28
Boost Clock5.6 GHz
Gaming Score955
Price$384
AMD
Ryzen 7 8700X
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads8/16
Boost Clock5.3 GHz
Gaming Score940
Price$399
AMD
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads8/16
Boost Clock5 GHz
Gaming Score960
Price$449
Intel
Core i9-13900K
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads24/32
Boost Clock5.8 GHz
Gaming Score965
Price$589
Intel
Core i9-13900KF
Excellent Match
Cores/Threads24/32
Boost Clock5.8 GHz
Gaming Score965
Price$564
RTX 4090 Specifications
VRAM
24GB GDDR6X
TDP
450W
Performance Score
920/1000
Generation
Ada Lovelace
CPUs to Avoid with RTX 4090
Avoid These CPUs
These older or lower-tier CPUs will bottleneck your RTX 4090 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 4090 combinations and get detailed compatibility analysis.
Open Bottleneck Calculator