The RTX 2060 is a solid mid-range graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p with high settings. When paired with the right CPU, it creates a balanced gaming system that delivers smooth gameplay without breaking the bank.
Finding the perfect processor to match your RTX 2060 is crucial for maximizing performance and preventing bottlenecks.
CPU choice matters because the wrong processor can limit what your graphics card can do. Too weak, and your RTX 2060 won’t reach its full potential. Too powerful, and you’re spending extra money for performance you can’t use.
We recommend focusing on processors with strong single-core performance, as most games still rely heavily on this metric.
After testing numerous CPU and RTX 2060 combinations, we’ve found that AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X offers the best balance of price and performance. Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide plenty of processing power for both gaming and multitasking, making it our top pick for RTX 2060 owners looking to upgrade their systems.
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Best CPUs for RTX 2060
Finding the right CPU to pair with your RTX 2060 graphics card is crucial for balanced gaming performance. We’ve tested numerous processors to identify which ones deliver the best value and prevent bottlenecking with this popular mid-range GPU.
Our top picks below represent the ideal balance of price, performance, and future-proofing for RTX 2060 owners.
KAER RTX 2060 Graphics Card
The KAER RTX 2060 offers excellent value for gamers looking to pair with a mid-range CPU thanks to its reliable performance and reasonable price point.
Pros
- Handles modern games smoothly at 1080p
- Runs cooler than expected with dual fan design
- Easy driver installation through Nvidia’s website
Cons
- Power hungry compared to newer cards
- Bulky size may be tight in smaller cases
- Limited ray-tracing performance
We recently installed this KAER RTX 2060 in our test rig, and it delivered impressive results for the price. The black and red design looks sharp in a gaming setup, and the dual 90mm fans kept things cooler than we expected during extended gaming sessions.
Setup was straightforward – we just plugged it into our PCI slot, connected the 8-pin power connector, and downloaded the latest drivers from Nvidia’s website. Within minutes, we were up and running.
The card includes DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI outputs, which gave us plenty of options for our monitor setup.
In real-world gaming, the 6GB of GDDR6 memory handled most titles at 1080p with high settings without breaking a sweat. Cyberpunk and other demanding games ran smoothly, though you’ll want to pair this with at least a mid-range CPU to avoid bottlenecks.
We noticed the card stays surprisingly quiet even under heavy load.
For the price point, this card delivers solid value. The RTX 2060 may be from an older generation, but it still packs enough punch for most modern games. Just make sure your power supply can handle it – we recommend at least a 500W unit as specified by KAER.
Remember that while this card supports ray-tracing, it won’t deliver the same experience as newer RTX cards. That said, for gamers on a budget looking to pair with a mid-range CPU, this KAER model hits a sweet spot of performance and affordability.
MSI RTX 3060 Gaming Graphics Card
The MSI RTX 3060 is an excellent mid-range graphics card that delivers impressive performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming without emptying your wallet.
Pros
- Generous 12GB GDDR6 memory perfect for modern games
- Runs cool and quiet with efficient twin fan design
- Excellent ray tracing performance for the price point
Cons
- Slightly bulky for smaller PC cases
- May struggle with demanding 4K gaming
- Power requirements might need PSU upgrade
We’ve been testing the MSI GeForce RTX 3060 over the past few weeks, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite graphics cards in this price range.
The card handles 1080p gaming beautifully, pushing well over 100 FPS in most modern titles with settings maxed out. At 1440p, it still delivers smooth gameplay with only minor setting adjustments needed.
The twin Torx fan design keeps temperatures surprisingly low even during extended gaming sessions. We noticed the card rarely exceeds 70°C under heavy load, which is impressive considering its power. The fans remain whisper-quiet during normal operation, only spinning up when really pushed.
Ray tracing performance surprised us for a card at this price point. While not as powerful as its bigger siblings in the RTX family, it handles ray-traced lighting effects admirably in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Control. DLSS support helps boost frame rates considerably when ray tracing is enabled.
The 12GB of VRAM is particularly future-proof, giving this card more longevity than some competitors. We found this especially helpful when running memory-intensive applications like AI tools and content creation software. For gamers who also dabble in 3D rendering or video editing, this extra memory buffer is a significant advantage.
Port selection is excellent with three DisplayPort 1.4a connections and one HDMI 2.1 port, making it versatile for multi-monitor setups. The card supports PCIe 4.0, though it works perfectly fine in older PCIe 3.0 systems with minimal performance loss.
For anyone pairing this with an RTX 2060, this represents a substantial upgrade path that won’t require replacing your entire system. We found it pairs nicely with mid-range CPUs while still allowing them to shine without bottlenecking.
EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra
The EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra offers impressive 1080p gaming performance with ray tracing capabilities at a price point that makes it an excellent match for mid-range gaming systems.
Pros
- Excellent cooling with quiet dual fans
- Real-time ray tracing for realistic lighting effects
- Sturdy metal backplate for durability
Cons
- Limited overclocking headroom
- Only 6GB VRAM may restrict future game settings
- Power hungry compared to newer GPU options
We’ve been testing the EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra for several weeks now, and it’s proven to be a reliable performer for 1080p gaming. The card stays surprisingly cool even during long gaming sessions thanks to its effective dual fan setup. You’ll barely notice it’s running most of the time – the noise levels are impressively low.
The metal backplate isn’t just for show. It adds structural support and helps with heat dissipation. We appreciate this level of build quality in a mid-range card.
The RTX 2060 handled all our 1080p games at high to ultra settings without breaking a sweat, typically delivering well over 60 FPS.
Ray tracing is where this card really shines compared to older GPUs. Games like Control and Cyberpunk 2077 look stunning with realistic lighting and reflections enabled. While you’ll need to use DLSS to maintain smooth framerates with ray tracing on, the visual improvement is worth it.
For competitive games, we were hitting well over 100 FPS in titles like Apex Legends and Valorant. The 6GB of GDDR6 memory is sufficient for current games, but we did notice some limitations when pushing texture settings in the newest titles. This might become more of an issue as games continue to demand more VRAM.
The card pairs well with mid-range CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel i5-12400F. There’s no bottlenecking with these combinations, making the RTX 2060 KO Ultra a smart choice for balanced gaming builds that won’t break the bank.
MSI RTX 2060 Ventus
The MSI RTX 2060 Ventus delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance with ray tracing capabilities at a price point that makes it a smart choice for gamers looking to pair it with the right CPU.
Pros
- Runs cool and quiet even during intense gaming sessions
- Handles ray tracing well in modern titles
- Compact design fits in most cases without clearance issues
Cons
- Power hungry compared to newer generation cards
- 6GB VRAM may limit future game performance
- Can struggle with some games at 4K resolution
When we tested this MSI RTX 2060, we were impressed by how well it handled modern games. The card stays surprisingly quiet during operation, which is a huge plus if you’re building a system that won’t distract you with fan noise.
Its Turing architecture really shines in games that support ray tracing, giving you beautiful lighting effects that older cards simply can’t match.
The 6GB of GDDR6 memory provides enough headroom for most current games at 1080p and 1440p. We ran several demanding titles and consistently got smooth framerates with settings cranked up high.
The boost clock of 1710 MHz gives it enough muscle to handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 with good visual fidelity.
For a CPU pairing, we found this card works wonderfully with mid-range processors. It doesn’t get bottlenecked easily, making it versatile for different system builds. The card’s power draw is noticeable though, so make sure your power supply can handle it.
Installation was straightforward in our test system with the card measuring 9.1 x 1.7 x 5 inches. We appreciate the three DisplayPort connections and HDMI output, giving plenty of monitor options.
Though not the newest GPU on the market, it still delivers solid performance for the price, especially if you’re building a balanced system around it.
CPU Pairing Tip: For optimal performance with the RTX 2060, we recommend pairing it with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i5-10400F to avoid bottlenecks while maintaining a balanced budget.
ASUS Dual RTX 2060 OC Edition
The ASUS Dual RTX 2060 OC Edition delivers exceptional 1080p gaming performance with silent cooling and reliable build quality at a value price point.
Pros
- Silent operation with 0dB fans when below 55°C
- Excellent overclocking potential with factory boost
- Durable design with protective backplate
Cons
- Large physical size may not fit smaller cases
- Entry-level for modern gaming standards
- Premium price compared to newer alternatives
We recently tested this ASUS RTX 2060 in several gaming rigs, and it continues to impress us with solid performance.
The card runs most AAA titles at 1080p with high settings without breaking a sweat. Its factory overclock gives it a nice boost over standard RTX 2060 models.
The cooling system really stands out in daily use. Those Wing-Blade fans stay completely silent during light tasks and only spin up when needed.
We particularly love the dust-resistant design that keeps the card clean even after months of operation.
Build quality feels premium with the aluminum backplate adding both protection and a nice aesthetic touch. The card’s software package is quite useful too. GPU Tweak II makes adjusting clock speeds and monitoring temperatures very straightforward.
For 1080p gaming, this card still holds its ground in 2025. We tested several demanding titles and found it handled everything smoothly. The 6GB VRAM is sufficient for most games at this resolution, though you might see some limitations in heavily modded titles.
Connection options are plentiful with DisplayPort, HDMI, and even DVI for older monitors. This flexibility allowed us to connect multiple displays without any adapters.
The value proposition is interesting now. While not the newest GPU available, we found it offers reliable performance at a more affordable price point than current-generation cards with similar capabilities.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right CPU for your RTX 2060 is crucial for getting the most out of your gaming experience. We’ve put together some key points to consider when making your purchase.
Budget Considerations
Your budget will greatly affect your CPU options. Mid-range CPUs generally pair well with the RTX 2060 without creating bottlenecks.
Pro Tip: Spending too little on your CPU can bottleneck your RTX 2060, while overspending might not give you noticeable performance benefits.
Important CPU Specifications
When choosing a CPU, pay attention to these key specs:
- Core Count: 6 cores is the sweet spot for gaming with an RTX 2060
- Clock Speed: Look for base clocks of at least 3.0 GHz
- Cache Size: Larger cache typically means better performance
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): Lower TDP means less heat and power consumption
Socket Compatibility
Make sure the CPU you choose works with your motherboard socket. Upgrading might require a new motherboard too.
| Specification | Minimum Recommended | Optimal |
| Cores/Threads | 4/8 | 6/12 or higher |
| Clock Speed | 3.0 GHz | 3.6 GHz or higher |
| Cache | 8MB | 12MB or higher |
Future-Proofing
We recommend getting a CPU with some headroom for future upgrades. This lets you keep your system relevant longer. When you eventually upgrade your GPU, you won’t need to replace the CPU as well.