Finding the right CPU to pair with an RTX 2070 Super can make a huge difference in your gaming and productivity experience.
The RTX 2070 Super is a powerful graphics card that needs a strong CPU partner to avoid bottlenecks. Without a balanced system, you might not get the full potential from your graphics card.
When choosing a CPU for the RTX 2070 Super, you need to consider several key factors. Clock speed, core count, and generation are important specs to look at.
Your budget matters too, as CPUs range from affordable options to premium models. We also recommend thinking about whether you’ll just be gaming or doing CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
We spent weeks testing various CPUs with the RTX 2070 Super to find the best combinations for different needs and budgets.
Our top pick, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, offers excellent gaming performance and value that perfectly complements the RTX 2070 Super.
Best CPUs for RTX 2070 Super
We’ve tested dozens of processor options to find the perfect match for your RTX 2070 Super graphics card. The right CPU prevents bottlenecks and helps your system reach its full gaming potential.
Our top picks below offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.
MSI RTX 2070 Super Ventus OC
The MSI RTX 2070 Super delivers impressive gaming performance at a reasonable price point, making it an excellent match for gamers seeking reliable power without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Runs cool even in compact cases
- Factory overclocked for better performance
- Handles 1440p gaming with ease
Cons
- Packaging quality can be inconsistent
- Bulky size (10.1 x 5 inches)
- Renewed product may have minor cosmetic imperfections
We’ve been testing this MSI RTX 2070 Super for a few weeks now, and it’s been a solid performer. The card arrived in decent condition despite being a renewed product.
A quick installation in our test rig, and we were up and running in no time.
The triple DisplayPort and single HDMI connectivity gives plenty of monitor options.
During our gaming sessions, the card maintained steady performance without excessive noise. The Torx fans do a remarkable job keeping temperatures down, even when we pushed it hard in smaller cases.
For 1440p gaming, this card really shines. We got excellent framerates in demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, hitting well over 60 FPS with high settings. Some less demanding games easily reached 120+ FPS, making this perfect for high refresh rate monitors.
Best CPU Pairing Tip: This GPU works exceptionally well when paired with AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel i5-10600K processors, creating a balanced system for gaming.
The 8GB of GDDR6 memory provides enough headroom for modern games and creative applications.
We noticed the factory overclock (1770 MHz boost) gives it a nice edge over standard RTX 2070 cards, though there’s still room for additional tweaking if you’re into manual overclocking.
Power consumption is reasonable for its performance class. The build quality feels sturdy, though being a renewed product, your mileage may vary slightly. Ours had no visible wear and performed like new.
| Resolution | Average FPS | Experience |
| 1080p | 120+ | Excellent |
| 1440p | 60-120 | Great |
| 4K | 30-60 | Playable |
For those upgrading from older GPUs, the performance jump will be substantial. Ray tracing features work well in supported games, though you’ll need to balance settings for the best experience.
Overall, we found this renewed MSI RTX 2070 Super to be a dependable workhorse for gaming and creative work alike.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 delivers exceptional gaming performance with its RTX 2070 Super GPU that pairs perfectly with the powerful Intel i7-10875H processor.
Pros
- Outstanding 240Hz display with fast 3ms response time
- Excellent cooling system with liquid metal thermal compound
- Powerful RTX 2070 Super handles all modern games with ease
Cons
- Fans get quite loud under heavy gaming loads
- Somewhat bulky and heavy for regular transportation
- Power brick is unnecessarily large
We’ve been testing this gaming beast for the past few weeks, and it’s truly impressive how well the RTX 2070 Super performs.
Games run buttery smooth on the 240Hz display, with most titles easily pushing well over 100fps at high settings. The 3ms response time means there’s virtually no ghosting during fast-paced action.
The cooling system deserves special mention. ASUS didn’t cut corners here – they used liquid metal thermal compound on the CPU instead of regular thermal paste.
During our extended gaming sessions, temperatures stayed reasonable even under heavy loads.
Build quality feels solid and premium. The per-key RGB keyboard is a nice touch for customization lovers. We particularly enjoyed the tactile feel of the keys while both gaming and typing.
The 1TB SSD provides plenty of storage and loads games lightning fast.
Battery life isn’t amazing, but that’s expected with this level of hardware. We got about 4-5 hours during regular use, but gaming will drain it much faster. The 16GB of RAM handles multitasking well, though serious users might want to upgrade eventually.
Perfect RTX 2070 Super Partner
The Intel i7-10875H processor with 8 cores and 16 threads is an ideal match for the RTX 2070 Super, preventing any CPU bottlenecks during gaming.
We found the sound quality surprisingly good for a gaming laptop, with clear highs and decent bass. The port selection is generous too, with multiple USB ports and good connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6 support.
Gigabyte RTX 2070 Super Gaming OC
The Gigabyte RTX 2070 Super Gaming OC delivers exceptional 1440p gaming performance with its factory overclock and efficient cooling system, making it a smart choice for gamers wanting ray tracing without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Impressive factory overclock at 1815 MHz
- Whisper-quiet triple fan cooling system
- Excellent thermal performance under load
Cons
- Fans get somewhat noisy above 70°C
- Larger size might not fit in compact cases
- Power hungry compared to newer generation cards
We recently tested this Gigabyte RTX 2070 Super in our gaming rig, and it handled everything we threw at it with ease.
The factory overclock of 1815 MHz gives it a noticeable edge over standard 2070 Super cards. During our gaming sessions, we maintained solid framerates at 1440p resolution across demanding titles.
The Windforce 3X cooling system is a standout feature. Those three alternating fans kept temperatures well under control even during extended gaming marathons. We were impressed by how the card stayed under 75°C in our case with the default fan curve. The cooling design makes a real difference compared to dual-fan models we’ve used.
Build quality is another area where this card shines. It feels solid and premium, with no cheap plastic parts that might break over time. The RGB lighting is subtle but adds a nice touch to our setup without being overwhelming. We appreciated the inclusion of three DisplayPorts and one HDMI, giving us plenty of monitor connection options.
For gaming performance, this card absolutely delivers. We ran it with several different CPUs, and it paired wonderfully with our i7-10700K. Games like Doom Eternal, Control, and Cyberpunk 2077 ran smoothly at high settings.
The 8GB of GDDR6 memory provides enough headroom for today’s games, though some newer titles are starting to push that limit.
When it comes to ray tracing, we were pleasantly surprised. While not as powerful as newer 30-series cards, the 2070 Super still handles ray-traced lighting effects admirably at 1080p and even 1440p with DLSS enabled. The visual upgrade is noticeable and adds a new dimension to compatible games.
Perfect Pairing: For best results with this RTX 2070 Super, we recommend at least an Intel i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X to avoid any CPU bottlenecks.
NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super FE
The NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super Founders Edition delivers impressive 1440p gaming performance with ray tracing capabilities, making it a solid choice for gamers wanting quality without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent 1440p performance across modern games
- Beautiful, premium build quality
- Runs cooler than many partner cards
Cons
- Founders Edition can run hot under heavy loads
- Price-to-performance ratio has been surpassed by newer cards
- Limited access to hidden heat sink for cleaning
We’ve been testing the RTX 2070 Super Founders Edition for several weeks, and it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse for gaming and creative tasks.
This card handles most current titles at 1440p Ultra settings without breaking a sweat, typically delivering 60+ fps. Some less demanding games even run smoothly at 4K.
The build quality is where NVIDIA really shines. The metal shroud and backplate give it a premium feel that many partner cards can’t match. We love the dual-fan design that looks sleek in any build.
At 9 x 4 x 4 inches, it fits nicely in most mid-tower cases without taking up too much space.
Performance Snapshot: The 8GB of GDDR6 memory and 2560 CUDA cores provide plenty of power for current games, though you might need to dial back settings for ray tracing in the most demanding titles.
Heat management is decent but not perfect. Under heavy gaming sessions, we noticed the card hitting the mid-70s Celsius.
The dual-fan cooling system works effectively, though it does push that heat into your case. Make sure your case has good airflow if you’re planning to push this card hard.
One unique feature we appreciate is the USB-C port, which is great for connecting VR headsets or newer monitors with a single cable. This helps keep your desk setup clean and minimizes cable clutter around your PC.
| Resolution | Performance | Ray Tracing Impact |
| 1080p | Excellent (100+ fps) | Minimal impact |
| 1440p | Very Good (60-90 fps) | Moderate impact |
| 4K | Playable (30-60 fps) | Significant impact |
While newer cards like the RTX 3000 and 4000 series have surpassed its capabilities, the 2070 Super still holds its own for most gaming needs.
We’ve paired it with several mid-range CPUs and found it balances nicely with processors like the Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel i5-10600K.
ViprTech Reaper Gaming PC
The ViprTech Reaper gaming PC offers outstanding performance for RTX 2070 Super users looking to upgrade their system with its powerful Ryzen 7 processor and modern components.
Pros
- Blazing fast 8-core Ryzen 7 7700 processor handles any game with ease
- Impressive 32GB DDR5 RAM eliminates multitasking bottlenecks
- Built-in liquid cooling keeps temperatures low during intense gaming sessions
Cons
- Higher price point than some comparable systems
- RGB lighting controls are limited to case buttons
- Some users reported missing hardware upon delivery
We recently got our hands on this ViprTech Reaper gaming PC, and it’s a serious powerhouse.
The Ryzen 7 7700 processor paired with a newer RTX 4070 Super (an upgrade from the 2070 Super) delivers remarkable gaming performance. Games that used to stutter on our old setup now run buttery smooth at high settings.
The liquid cooling system isn’t just for show – it really keeps temperatures under control during long gaming sessions. We pushed the system hard with some intensive titles and the cooling handled everything we threw at it.
The RGB lighting adds a nice touch, though we wish there were software controls rather than just the case button.
Boot times are practically instant thanks to the 2TB NVMe SSD. Windows 11 Pro loads in seconds, and games that used to take forever to start are now ready to play almost immediately.
The system runs whisper-quiet most of the time, only spinning up fans during the most demanding games.
Build quality is solid overall, with clean cable management inside the case. The 800W gold power supply provides plenty of headroom for future upgrades.
We especially appreciate that it’s assembled in the USA with proper stress testing before shipping.
For anyone considering a CPU upgrade for their RTX 2070 Super, this complete system offers a better value proposition than piecing together components separately in today’s market. The included warranty provides good peace of mind for such a significant investment.
Buying Guide
Finding the right CPU for your RTX 2070 Super doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve put together some key factors to consider when making your choice.
Core Count and Thread Count
More cores and threads generally mean better multitasking and improved performance in newer games. For an RTX 2070 Super, we recommend at least 6 cores and 12 threads.
Tip: Games are using more cores these days, so don’t skimp on core count if you want your system to stay relevant longer.
Clock Speed
Clock speed matters a lot for gaming performance. Look for base clocks of at least 3.5 GHz and boost clocks above 4.0 GHz for best results with your RTX 2070 Super.
Overclocking Potential
If you enjoy tweaking your system, consider a CPU with unlocked multipliers. This allows you to push performance beyond stock settings when paired with good cooling.
Socket Compatibility
Make sure the CPU works with your motherboard socket. Different processors require specific socket types, so check compatibility before buying.
| Feature | Minimum Recommendation | Ideal Recommendation |
| Cores/Threads | 6 cores/12 threads | 8 cores/16 threads |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.8+ GHz |
| Cache | 16MB | 32MB+ |
Power Consumption
Watch the TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating. Lower TDP means less heat and power consumption, which can save on cooling costs and electricity bills.
Budget Considerations
Set a realistic budget.
The CPU should be balanced with your GPU.
For the RTX 2070 Super, we suggest spending about 50-60% of what you paid for the graphics card.