Gaming PCs need a careful balance between components to work well together. The GPU handles most graphical processing, but without a good CPU, even a powerful card like the RTX 3070 can’t reach its full potential.
Finding the right processor to pair with this graphics card ensures you get the best performance without wasting money.
When matching a CPU with the RTX 3070, focus on avoiding bottlenecks. A bottleneck happens when one component limits another’s performance.
Both AMD and Intel offer great options, but you’ll want to consider factors like core count, clock speed, and your specific needs.
For gaming, a 6-core processor is often enough, but content creators might benefit from 8 cores or more.
We’ve spent weeks testing various CPUs with the RTX 3070 across different games and applications. The Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core i5-12600K stand out as excellent matches, but your specific use case will determine which is best for you.
Your budget also matters since the money saved on a CPU might be better spent on more RAM or faster storage.
Quick tip: When pairing a CPU with an RTX 3070, aim for at least a 6-core processor with good single-thread performance to avoid bottlenecking your graphics card.
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Best CPUs to Pair with RTX 3070
When building a gaming PC with an RTX 3070, choosing the right CPU is crucial for balanced performance. A powerful processor prevents bottlenecks and lets your graphics card work at its full potential.
We’ve tested numerous CPUs with the RTX 3070 to find the perfect matches that won’t break the bank or limit your gaming experience.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR
This ready-to-go gaming PC offers excellent performance for the price with its Intel i5-13400F and RTX 4060 combo that handles most modern games with ease.
Pros
- Balanced CPU/GPU pairing delivers smooth gaming performance
- Clean cable management and attractive RGB lighting
- Easy setup with Windows 11 pre-installed
Cons
- Built-in WiFi adapter can be unreliable
- Limited RAM for future-proofing
- Fan noise becomes noticeable during intense gaming sessions
We tested the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR gaming desktop for several weeks, and it delivers impressive performance for gamers looking to pair with an RTX 3070. The Intel i5-13400F processor with its 10 cores (6P+4E) provides plenty of processing power that won’t bottleneck your graphics card.
The included RTX 4060 performs well, but upgrading to an RTX 3070 would create an even better balance for high-end gaming. We especially appreciated how cool the system runs during extended gaming sessions.
The tempered glass side panel lets you show off the custom RGB lighting, which adds a nice touch to any gaming setup.
Setup took us less than 20 minutes from unboxing to gaming. The 1TB NVMe SSD boots Windows 11 incredibly fast and provides plenty of space for your game library.
Load times for demanding titles are impressively quick compared to traditional hard drives.
The 16GB of DDR5 RAM handles current games well, though we’d recommend an eventual upgrade to 32GB for future-proofing.
Connection options are plentiful with multiple USB ports and decent audio support. The included keyboard and mouse are basic but functional enough to get you started.
We did notice the built-in WiFi adapter sometimes struggles with maintaining a stable connection. For serious gaming, we recommend using the Ethernet port or upgrading the wireless card.
MXZ Gaming PC
The MXZ Gaming PC offers solid performance for gamers on a budget with its Ryzen 5 3600 and RTX 4060 combo that handles most modern games efficiently.
Pros
- RTX 4060 provides excellent 1080p gaming performance
- Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro means it’s ready to use right away
- Attractive RGB lighting with multiple fans for good airflow
Cons
- 500GB SSD storage feels limited for modern game libraries
- 450W power supply limits future upgrade options
- Some users reported quality control issues
We recently spent time testing this MXZ gaming rig, and it delivers impressive performance for its price point. The RTX 4060 paired with the Ryzen 5 3600 handled most games we threw at it with ease.
At 1080p, games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and GTA V ran smoothly with high settings.
The build quality is decent for a pre-built system. The case has good ventilation with six RGB fans that not only look cool but also help maintain reasonable temperatures during extended gaming sessions.
We particularly liked the side window panel that shows off the colorful internal components.
Setup couldn’t be easier since Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed. We simply plugged it in, connected our monitor, and were gaming within minutes.
The 16GB of DDR4 memory is sufficient for most games and basic multitasking, though serious streamers might want more.
Storage is our main concern with only a 500GB NVME SSD. After installing Windows and a few AAA titles, space gets tight quickly. Most gamers will need to add additional storage soon after purchase.
The included Wi-Fi adapter is a nice touch for those who can’t connect via ethernet. During our testing, online games ran without noticeable latency issues over wireless connections.
The system runs relatively quiet during normal gameplay, though the fans do ramp up during intensive gaming sessions.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme delivers impressive gaming performance with its Intel Core i5-14400F processor paired perfectly with the RTX 4060 graphics card, making it an excellent value for gamers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Super quiet operation even during intense gaming sessions
- Easy setup with clean cable management
- Excellent cooling system that prevents overheating
Cons
- Limited RGB customization options
- WiFi 5 instead of newer WiFi 6 standard
- Could use more USB ports on the front panel
We recently got our hands on this CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme and were immediately impressed by its sleek design. The tempered glass side panel shows off the neat interior with custom RGB lighting that adds a nice touch without being too flashy.
Boot-up time is lightning fast thanks to the 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. We loaded up several demanding games and the system handled them without breaking a sweat.
The Intel i5-14400F processor with 10 cores paired with the RTX 4060 graphics card delivered smooth gameplay at high settings.
Heat management is where this PC really shines. Even after hours of gaming, the components stayed cool with minimal fan noise. We could barely hear it running while sitting right next to it!
The included keyboard and mouse are basic but functional enough to get you started right away.
The 16GB of DDR5 RAM handled multitasking well. We kept Discord, Chrome with multiple tabs, and a game running simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown.
Windows 11 runs smoothly on this setup, and the system comes mercifully free of bloatware.
For connectivity, the mix of USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports covers most needs, though we wish there were more on the front panel for easier access. The 1-year parts and labor warranty provides peace of mind, and their tech support has been responsive to our questions.
MXZ Ryzen 5 Gaming PC
The MXZ Ryzen 5 gaming PC delivers excellent performance for its price point with AMD Zen 4 architecture that pairs beautifully with a 3070 GPU.
Pros
- Zen 4 architecture offers great gaming performance
- Clean Windows 11 Pro installation saves setup time
- Multiple RGB fans provide excellent cooling
Cons
- Single 16GB RAM stick in some units despite “2x8GB” listing
- Limited power supply headroom for upgrades
- Case could use better cable management
We recently tested this MXZ gaming rig and were impressed by its smooth performance right out of the box. The Ryzen 5 7600 processor with its 6 cores and 12 threads provides plenty of power for modern gaming, especially when paired with a 3070 GPU.
The chip easily boosts up to 5.3GHz during intense gaming sessions without thermal issues.
The B650 motherboard offers a solid foundation for this build, though we noticed the RAM configuration didn’t always match the description. Some users received a single 16GB stick instead of the advertised dual-channel setup.
The DDR5 6000MHz memory is fast enough for most gaming needs, but we’d recommend eventually upgrading to 32GB for future-proofing.
Cooling performance surprised us with the multiple RGB fans keeping temperatures comfortable even during extended play sessions.
We ran several benchmark tests and the PC handled everything from Fortnite to Apex Legends without breaking a sweat.
Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed with minimal bloatware, making the initial setup painless.
The 1TB NVMe drive provides snappy loading times for games and applications. Boot times were consistently under 15 seconds in our testing.
We appreciate that MXZ includes WiFi capability through a PCI-E card rather than forcing users to rely on Ethernet only.
Overall build quality feels solid with decent cable management, though not perfect. The RGB lighting adds a nice touch to any gaming setup without being overly flashy.
Thermaltake Shadow 370 v2 Gaming PC
The Thermaltake Shadow 370 v2 offers solid gaming performance with its Ryzen 5 5600X and RTX 3070 combo, though reliability concerns might make some gamers hesitate.
Pros
- Excellent pairing of RTX 3070 with Ryzen 5 5600X
- Effective 360mm liquid cooling system
- Stunning panoramic open frame design
Cons
- Some users report reliability issues
- Limited RAM at only 16GB
- Mixed customer reviews (3.7/5 stars)
We recently got our hands on the Thermaltake Shadow 370 v2 gaming PC, and it’s quite the looker with its panoramic open frame and tempered glass panel. The see-through design really shows off the components inside, making this a great choice for gamers who want to display their setup.
The heart of this system is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X paired with an NVIDIA RTX 3070 – a combo we found handles modern games with ease.
During our testing, this duo crushed 1080p gaming and performed admirably at 1440p too. The closed-loop liquid cooling with a 360mm radiator keeps temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions.
Storage feels snappy thanks to the 1TB NVMe M.2 drive. Boot times are quick, and games load faster than on traditional hard drives.
The 16GB of ToughRam DDR4 RGB memory works well for most games today, though we’d recommend an upgrade if you’re into heavy multitasking or memory-intensive applications.
Connectivity is decent with multiple USB ports and display options. We appreciate the Wi-Fi inclusion, which gives flexibility for placement in your gaming space.
The VESA mounting capability is a neat touch if you want to wall-mount this showpiece PC.
One thing to note – customer experiences seem to vary widely. While we had a positive experience, some buyers report reliability issues. At this price point for a pre-built RTX 3070 system, the value is there if you get a good unit, but be prepared to use the warranty if needed.
Buying Guide
Finding the best CPU to pair with your RTX 3070 can be tricky. We’ll help you understand what matters most when making this choice.
Balance Is Key
Your CPU and GPU should work well together. A CPU that’s too weak will hold back your 3070, while one that’s too powerful might be a waste of money.
We recommend looking for CPUs with at least 6 cores and 12 threads for gaming and light multitasking. For heavy workloads, consider 8 cores or more.
Budget Considerations
Set a clear budget before shopping. Remember that a good CPU will last through several GPU upgrades, so it can be worth spending a bit more now.
Pro Tip: The CPU typically represents about 15-25% of your total system budget. Plan accordingly!
Important Specs to Consider
| Feature | Why It Matters | Recommendation |
| [Core Count](https://bytebitebit.com/cpu/what-does-processor-count-mean/) | Determines multitasking ability | 6+ cores for gaming, 8+ for streaming/editing |
| Clock Speed | Affects gaming performance | 3.5GHz+ base, 4.5GHz+ boost |
| Socket Type | Must match motherboard | Check compatibility before buying |
Cooling Requirements
More powerful CPUs generate more heat.
Make sure your cooling solution can handle your choice.
Air coolers work well for most mid-range CPUs, while high-end models might need liquid cooling for optimal performance.