Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3060 in 2022

Intel's Core i9-12900K is a major competitor for the Ryzen 9, with a lower price and comparable performance. It uses Intel's new big.LITTLE hybrid core design, it runs at a 125W TDP, it's overclockable, and it brings DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 support. A new LGA 1700 socket is required, meaning you will need to also invest in a new motherboard no matter your old build. This is likely overkill for most people, but if you have the budget you won't be disappointed.

Want to go all-out with AMD performance? The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X might be overkill for most people, but if you have the budget it's going to absolutely crush anything you throw its way. It has 16 cores, 32 threads, and a 105W TDP with ceiling available for overclocking. It works with the AM4 socket, and it has DDR4 RAM and PCIe 4.0 support. This is also overkill for most people, but for those with the capital it will make a great choice.

The Core i7-12700K easily beats the Ryzen 7 5800X in most benchmarks, but it does cost a bit more. The DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 support set it up nicely for the future, but it does require a new motherboard to accommodate the LGA 1700 socket. It uses Intel's big.LITTLE hybrid design, with 12 total cores and 20 threads. It runs at a 125W TDP.

The Ryzen 7 5800X isn't quite as powerful as the i7-12700K, but it's less expensive and will still easily keep up with the RTX 3070. It has 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 105W TDP. It's overclockable and supports DDR4 RAM and PCIe 4.0. Thanks to the AM4 socket, you can use it with older AMD motherboards to help keep the cost down.

The Intel Core i5-12600K is an incredible mid-range CPU that beats out the Ryzen 5 in most benchmarks. It costs about the same amount, but you will have to factor in a new motherboard with LGA 1700 socket. DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 support set you up well for the future, and it benefits from the same big.LITTLE hybrid design as the other 12th Gen Intel CPUs. If you're on a tighter budget, this will make an awesome pairing with the RTX 3060.

The Ryzen 5 is about the same price as the Core i5-12600K, but it doesn't bring quite as much power with its 6 cores and 12 threads. Still, the lower 65W TDP, PCIe 4.0 support, and overclocking ceiling will appeal to many. Especially with the AM4 socket that doesn't absolutely require a new motherboard if you're upgrading from an older AMD build. This is an ideal pairing for the RTX 3060 for anyone working with a smaller budget.