NVIDIA’s RTX 5080 is the second graphics card launched as part of the RTX 5000 series range. This GPU, on paper, looks to be solid, but the only true indicator of its strength can be seen with some comparative performance benchmarks, which is something we’ve covered in our dedicated RTX 5080 review. However, if you’re looking to build a new gaming PC with the RTX 5080, what are the best CPUs to pair up with this powerful graphics card? We’ve tested an excellent range of processors to determine the best options for the RTX 5080.
In this series of buyer’s guides, we’ll be going over the best CPUs, PC cases and power supplies for the RTX 5080, catering to a range of use cases and budgets for gamers to build the ultimate system. This article explores the best CPUs to pair up with the RTX 5080, where we delve into each option’s specs, performance and pricing.
Our Top Pick: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is hands-down the best CPU for the RTX 5080. This is one of the most powerful gaming CPUs on the market, thanks to AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. This cache allows the 9800X3D to execute instructions in games incredibly quickly, significantly increasing framerates compared to other CPUs. Needless to say, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an incredibly strong pairing for those looking to build a gaming PC with the RTX 5080.
Best CPUs for the RTX 5080
1. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Again, AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D is at the top of our recommendations for a new graphics card. This is our go-to option for a high-performance gaming build because of its exceptional performance in modern titles. The 9800X3D and its predecessors are so strong because of the 3D V-Cache technology that AMD stacks on the CPU.
This cache acts as rapid storage for instructions to be read, written, and executed. Games require many instructions to be executed rapidly, so fast storage propels framerates even further when paired with the right graphics card. In terms of performance, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D easily handles 4K gaming without issues and is ideal for those with high-refresh-rate monitors.
| Key Specs | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|
| Core Count | 8 |
| Thread Count | 16 |
| Base Clock Speed | 4.7GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 5.2GHz |
| Max Cache | 104MB |
| Default TDP | 120W |
| CPU Socket | AM5 |
| Overclockable | Yes |
Regarding the specs, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a 5.2GHz boost clock speed, which is also unlocked for overclocking, a first for the 3D V-Cache range. This CPU has eight cores and sixteen threads, making it a solid competitor in multi-core workloads. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D also has a reasonably low TDP of 120W, allowing you to install a modest cooler to ensure it doesn’t throttle.
As we’ve addressed in our best CPUs for the 5090 buyer’s guide, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D’s biggest weakness is its capability in multi-core applications. There are better processors for threaded workloads that offer more cores and, often, a higher clock speed. A CPU like the Ryzen 9 9950X is a better alternative for workstation-style applications.
Pros
- Unrivalled gaming performance
- Competitive pricing
- Efficient
Cons
- Multi-core performance
- Difficult to pick up
2. AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is the next-best CPU after the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It is one of AMD’s strongest mid-range CPUs, offering a similar set of specs to the 9800X3D but minus the 3D V-Cache. This means that performance is slightly weaker in areas where the Ryzen 7 9800X3D thrives (namely, games), but not by a huge margin.
One of the key factors that makes the Ryzen 7 9700X a strong competitor in the CPU space is its boost clock speed, which maxes out at 5.5GHz. This allows the 9700X to quickly process instructions, making it an excellent option for intense AAA titles. Additionally, the Ryzen 7 9700X has a low TDP of 65W, which means the 9700X can sustain this blazing-fast boost clock speed when cooled adequately.
| Key Specs | AMD Ryzen 7 9700X |
|---|---|
| Core Count | 8 |
| Thread Count | 16 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.8GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 5.5GHz |
| Max Cache | 40MB |
| Default TDP | 65W |
| CPU Socket | AM5 |
| Overclockable | Yes |
Regarding the specs, the Ryzen 7 9700X shares a similar set of hardware to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with eight cores and sixteen threads, clocking in at a boost speed of 5.5GHz. This CPU is also overclockable, allowing enthusiasts to push the performance limits. Speaking of which, the Ryzen 7 9700X can handle 1440p and 4K gaming when paired up with a GPU like the RTX 5080. This CPU can also handle light workstation applications such as video or photo editing, thanks to its solid core count.
Much like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the biggest weakness of the Ryzen 7 9700X is its capability within more demanding workloads. While the Ryzen 7 9700X can handle lighter workstation applications such as video editing or Photoshop, rendering high-resolution footage or 3D modelling will prove much more burdensome for this CPU. If you’re looking for more of a workhorse processor, we’d recommend picking something with a better core count.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Low TDP
- Strong boost clock speed
Cons
- Threaded workload capability
- No bundled CPU cooler
3. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The last CPU we recommend as a pairing for the RTX 5080 is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Before the release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the 7800X3D was our go-to recommendation for a top-end gaming PC build. Despite this CPU being superseded by its newer sibling, it’s still worth considering for a high-performance system.
One of the critical strengths of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is its price point. While this CPU is still pricey over a year later, it’s a more affordable option than the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. At the time of writing, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is around £449 in the UK and can be found around the $500 mark from certain vendors in the US. This means those looking to leverage the superb performance of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology can still do so at a lower price than the 9800X3D.
| Key Specs | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|
| Core Count | 8 |
| Thread Count | 16 |
| Base Clock Speed | 4.2GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 5GHz |
| Max Cache | 104MB |
| Default TDP | 120W |
| CPU Socket | AM5 |
| Overclockable | No |
Regarding the specs, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a 5GHz boost clock but retains the eight cores and sixteen threads seen on the 9800X3D. This CPU has a slightly higher TDP of 120W, demonstrating the efficiency improvements of the Ryzen 9000 range. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D also isn’t overclockable, which will be a limiting factor to some enthusiasts. Despite this, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D can easily handle 4K gaming without issues.
In terms of caveats, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s biggest weakness is its availability. This CPU has become incredibly popular, and finding one can be a difficult task in itself. However, if you pick one up, it’s well worth pairing up with the RTX 5080.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Cheaper than 9800X3D
- Works on X870 motherboards
Cons
- Not overclockable
- Difficult to find
Performance
In this section, we’ll examine the performance of the CPUs we recommend in this buyer’s guide. Our in-house benchmarker, Harry Coleman, rigorously tests our data to ensure accuracy and fairness. The CPUs shown in the benchmarks below have been tested in a range of games and workstation-style applications to see how they perform across single- and multi-threaded workloads.
Battlefield 2042 4K High
In this first gaming benchmark, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D came out on top, leading the field with a solid 105FPS average. This is one of our strongest CPUs, bar the Core i9-13900K. Despite being slower than the aforementioned Intel processor, the 3D V-Cache bumps them up the graph, offering strong performance across the board.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X isn’t much further down the chart, sitting between the Intel Core i5-13400F and Core i5-13600K with an average of 95FPS. Ultimately, this is weaker than the 3D SKUs, but with a 10FPS difference, the Ryzen 7 9700X is still a strong competitor in this game.
Marvel’s Spiderman Remastered 4K High
In Spiderman Remastered at 4K high, we did see a slight change in the results. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D came out on top in this run with a 115FPS average, followed by the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 109FPS and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 107FPS. There isn’t a tremendous amount of variance in the numbers here.
It is slightly odd that the 7800X3D performed better, but after several retests with the 9800X3D, it’s clear that, for some reason, the former is just stronger in this particular game. Regardless, it’s great that the Ryzen 7 9700X can keep up with the 3D models in this title.
Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
In our Cinebench test, we ran a threaded benchmark that tests all CPU cores by rendering a high-resolution image. In this run, all three of the CPUs in this buyer’s guide remain relatively close together. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D sits on top with a score of 23432, followed by the Ryzen 7 9700X at 23393 and the 7800X3D with an output of 17972.
The higher boost clock speeds benefit these CPUs, as these are the only major differences between them. As we’ve established previously, Ryzen 7 options are generally not targeted as beastly multi-threaded powerhouses, which is why the results are weaker compared to a CPU like the 9900X, which has a considerable number of cores.
Cinebench R23 (Single Thread)
In the single-threaded run, the results shift in favour of the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, outputting a score of 2144 versus the 2104 and 1735 from the 9800X3D and 7800X3D, respectively. While the 3D SKUs would outperform the 9700X in games, this particular benchmark showcases the single-core strength without any enhancements like the 3D V-Cache. With a 5.5GHz clock speed, this is why the Ryzen 7 9700X is so strong in this benchmark.
3D Mark Timespy Extreme
In our last benchmark, we fired up 3D Mark’s Timespy Extreme, a 4K render equivalent to a video game. This run paints the Ryzen 7 9700X in a positive light with a CPU score of 7531, but the Ryzen 7 9800X3D isn’t far behind with a score of 7567.
The overall score places the 9700X just above the 9800X3D. Unfortunately, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D sits towards the bottom half of the graph, with its final score sitting at 6073. Overall, the results here are acceptable, but the CPUs we’ve chosen in this buyer’s guide are aimed more towards gaming than multi-core workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 3D V-Cache Work in Workstation Applications?
The 3D V-Cache is designed to work in games, so unless an application explicitly specifies implementing this cache, it won’t affect performance.
Do You Need Loads of CPU Cores for Gaming?
Most games will only ever use 1-4 cores at the maximum, so the eight-core processors in this buyer’s guide are more than ample.
Why Are There No Intel CPUs in this Buyer’s Guide?
Intel CPUs currently are more geared towards workstations than gaming. AMD’s current range offers excellent pricing to performance, which is why they make up the bulk of our recommendations.
