NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3060 is the GPU that just won't quit, and it remains a top option in mid-range desktop gaming PCs thanks to its 1080p and 1440p capabilities.
To get the most out of your RTX 3060, you want to pair it with a capable CPU that isn't too overkill or too expensive. With those points in mind, I recommend AMD's Ryzen 5 7600X as a top pick.
February 11, 2026: I've replaced the older Intel chip options with much newer Core Ultra 5 and 7 CPU options. — Cale Hunt
Best overall
The Ryzen 5 7600X is a six-core Zen 4 processor with 12 threads and a boost clock up to 5.3GHz. It uses the AM5 platform (still in use by newer Ryzen 9000 chips), reducing the likelihood of a full system upgrade when you eventually want to replace it. It's down to just $177 at Amazon at the time of my latest update.
Upgrade AMD pick
Want more processing power? The Ryzen 7 7700X can deliver thanks to two extra cores and four more threads compared to the Ryzen 5 7600X. It also uses the AM5 socket for easier upgrades in the future, and it's now down to $248 at Amazon at the time of my latest update.
Future-proof AMD
The Ryzen 5 9600X is from AMD's latest Zen 5 lineup, released in August 2024. It boasts six cores, 12 threads, and a boost clock up to 5.4GHz, all at a modest 65W TDP that sucks less power than its predecessor. It's the best way to future-proof, and it's now down to $184 at Amazon when I last checked.
Optimal AMD
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D might be overkill for the RTX 3060, but it'll set you up nicely for a future GPU upgrade. The chip has AMD's coveted 3D V-Cache that directly boosts gaming performance, and it's the CPU that most of my gamer friends still use today. Find it for about $384 at Amazon.
Best Intel
Intel's Core Ultra 5 245K and 245KF (the extra 'F' just means it doesn't have integrated graphics and is often about $10 cheaper) are solid picks if you're a fan of Team Blue. It has more than enough power to keep up with the RTX 3060, and it also excels at productivity workloads. The KF version is down to $188 at Amazon as of my latest update.
Upgrade Intel
If you'd like more cores and more overall power for gaming and productivity, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and 265KF are both top options. You can usually find it for less than $300; at the time of my latest update, it's down to $269 at Amazon for the KF version, which lacks integrated graphics (no problem since you have an RTX 3060).
I've been building and upgrading desktop and gaming PCs for two decades, with plenty of experience testing and reviewing AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA hardware. If you need a new processor for your NVIDIA RTX 3060, you can't go wrong with the six picks I've collected here.
I still use NVIDIA's RTX 3060 GPU in my gaming PC, and it handles all of my favorites natively at 1440p or with a bit of DLSS upscaling magic. Picking a CPU to match is easy since I've tried so many over the years.
Choosing the best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3060
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I specifically built a modest gaming desktop with NVIDIA's RTX 3060 graphics card because I don't play anything too demanding. My monitors don't exceed 1440p resolutions, though they can reach up to 240Hz. While I paired my RTX 3060 with a Ryzen 5 5600X, AMD's next-gen Ryzen 5 7600X is now the go-to chip for most people.
In our AMD Ryzen 5 7600X review, former Windows Central Senior Editor Rich Edmonds remarked:
"If you're looking to build a new gaming PC or a machine for doing some work and browsing websites, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X offers more than enough performance headroom. Even more demanding PC games and software will be able to take advantage of the higher clock speeds, so long as you have adequate cooling."
The chip might run a bit hot and it requires an AM5 motherboard — an upgrade if you're coming from a Ryzen 5000 CPU — but it's currently on sale for about $177 at Amazon at the time of my latest update.
AMD's Ryzen 7 7700X is a step up if you want more processing power than the Ryzen 5 7600X, and it adds a couple of cores, four threads, and a slightly higher boost frequency. We reviewed the Ryzen 7 7700X, with Edmonds noting:
"If you do take the plunge and pick up the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, you won't be disappointed. The performance is amazing. Pair it up with a capable AIO and a 240mm radiator and you'll have one impressive gaming machine."
Be sure to pair the Ryzen 7 7700X with some proper RAM for the best results. It's currently discounted down to $248 at Amazon.
The Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 9600X are also on the list, and they lean toward different users. The former is great if you want to spend as little as possible and don't mind sticking with an older AM4 platform. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 9600X is one of the latest AM5 CPUs from AMD, setting you up well for the future.
Best CPUs for NVIDIA's RTX 3060: FAQ
Are AMD's Ryzen X3D chips the best option for the RTX 3060?
Chips with AMD's 3D V-Cache, like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D we reviewed, deliver impressive gaming performance thanks to the stacked L3 cache, though you won't see much of an improvement outside of gaming.
Nevertheless, its use of the AM5 socket means you won't have a tough upgrade route for AMD's more recent chips, and it could serve as a great placeholder while you wait for a big GPU deal.
Is NVIDIA's RTX 3060 good for 1440p gaming?
NVIDIA's RTX 3060 is perfectly capable of playing games at 1440p even five years after its launch. However, there are some caveats.
You're not going to be able to max out in-game settings, especially in demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, but with some tweaks in less demanding titles, you'll be able to enjoy triple-digit framerates. That's especially true when you can take advantage of NVIDIA tech like DLSS.
The RTX 3060 comes in 12GB and 8GB VRAM variants, so if you're concerned about current and future memory demands, I'd spend a bit extra on the 12GB model. Games are increasing their demand for VRAM all the time, so the extra 4GB shouldn't go to waste.
Former Senior Editor Rich Edmonds reviewed the NVIDIA RTX 3060, saying:
"It's more than capable of handling PC games at high settings and 1080p, even some at 1440p, but you'll see the limitations of the slower memory and fewer cores to handle more demanding tasks, especially if you enable ray tracing."
Is NVIDIA reviving the RTX 3060 to sell in 2026?
Rumors of NVIDIA bringing the RTX 3060 back for direct sales in 2026 kicked off during CES 2026, but so far, there's been no concrete proof that this plan is in action. Extreme DRAM shortages are affecting all tech, and a return to producing an older card could be the answer for gamers who want a solid mid-range card.
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