When purchasing or upgrading CPU for RTX 2080, there exist multiple factors worth considering to avoid compatibility issues with other components. Usually, all CPUs are compatible with all graphics cards, but you need to know if the CPU you have selected will be sufficient for the particular graphics card or not.
GeForce RTX 2080 was launched in 2018 along with RTX 2080 Super followed by RTX 2080 ti in 2019.
To ensure the best performance of Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 the CPUs worth considering are AMD Ryzen 9 5900 X, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, Intel Core i9-12900K, AMD Ryzen 5 5600, Intel Core i7-12700K, Intel Core i9-12900KS, Intel Core i5-12600K, and AMD Ryzen 5 3600X.
This article lists the CPUs that make the best combination with your RTX 2080 and the factors you need to check while wishlisting a CPU.
8 Best CPUs For RTX 2080 [Pricing And Features]
Below is a table that lists the CPUs for RTX 2080 and compares their major features along with the price. All these CPUs are compatible with RTX 2080 Super and Ti models as well.
| Processor | TDP | Cores | Threads | Clock Speeds | Price | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i9-12900KS | 150W | 16 | 24 | 5.5GHz | $749.99 | View |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5900 X | 105W | 12 | 24 | 3.7GHz | $389.99 | View |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | 105W | 8 | 16 | 3.8GHz | $309.99 | View |
| Intel Core i9-12900K | 125W | 16 | 24 | 3.2 GHz | $599.21 | View |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | 65W | 6 | 12 | 3.7 GHz | $199.98 | View |
| Intel Core i7-12700K | 125W | 12 | 20 | 3.6 GHz | $376.98 | View |
| Intel Core i5-12600K | 125W | 10 | 16 | 3.7 GHz | $277.97 | View |
| AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | 95W | 6 | 12 | 3.8GHz | $329.00 | View |
How To Select A CPU For Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080?
Your CPU should always be powerful enough to cater to challenges from other PC components. The processors have multiple specifications that make it confusing for beginners or even pro gamers to select an efficient CPU for the PC build.
The performance of the latest CPUs depends upon the clock speeds, cache sizes, and thread counts. Whether using it for gaming or high-end tasks dealing with graphics, your CPU has a significant role in frame rates, animations, quality streaming, and elements in gaming.
Here are some key CPU specifications to look at while choosing a CPU for RTX 2080 for the best gaming, streaming, and graphics experience:
TDP(Thermal Design Power/Profile)
TDP stands for Thermal Design Power/Profile and refers to the maximum heat a computer chip uses or generates. TDP is measured in watts. TDP tells us about the essential power consumption of the component. The higher the TDP high is the performance, the higher the temperature and the more power consumption.
For RTX 2080 CPU compatibility TDP in range of 100W-150W would be more than enough for optimal performance. You can prefer a CPU with higher TDP but also need to connect the cooler of same efficiency to dissipate the heat.
Clock Speeds
Higher the clock speeds better is the performance of your CPU. The clock speed is generally the cycles your CPU executes per second and is measured in GHz. Since CPUs adjust their clock speeds per the task being performed, they have minimum and maximum clock speeds mentioned.
For Nividea GeForce RTX 2080, A CPU with clock speeds in Range of 3.4 GHz-4.0 GHz should be enough.
Cores
In simpler words, a core is a processor of a CPU that reads and executes the instructions. Initially, CPUs had one core only, meaning that the CPU could focus on one task at a time. With advancements, we have CPUs with cores ranging from 4 to 18, thus enhancing the performance and productivity of the computer.
Also, Intel and AMD CPUs use threading technologies that break cores into small virtual cores for faster processing. These virtual cores are known as threads.
6 cores or more should be enough for high-end gaming as the minimum requirement lies to 4 cores.
Threads
Threads are virtual components termed after splitting cores. Threads in the CPU refer to a number of independent tasks it can handle at the same instance. Threads are virtual components in the CPU responsible for improving computing processes by calculating the exact amount of data CPU can process in given time.
When selecting a CPU always keep an eye on the threads and select a CPU with Hyperthreading/ SMT(Simultaneous Multithreading). One core has a minimum of 1 core and can have 2 cores too. Meaning that a 4-core CPU can have 4-8 cores.
For Nividea GeForce RTX 2080, A CPU with with 6 cores will have 6-12 threads which should be sufficient for playing with graphics and graphic rich games.
CPU Cache
A cache is a small memory part of the CPU that determines the performance of the system. CPU cache stocks the instructions that the CPU has to reuse. The size of the cache is proportional to CPU performance as storing instructions in the CPU cache lessens the time taken to access and execute the instructions.
There are of 3 types namely L1, L2, and L3 having their own limitations and strong points. L1 is the fastest cache in CPU and small in size, L2 is big in memory but slower in performance, and L3 is more spacious than L2 but flat in performance.
CPUs For NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080[Specs & Performance]
Here is the list of processors you can select for your RTX 2080. The list is in descending order in terms of performance. The performance of all these CPUs has been researched by multiple trusted resources.
1. Intel Core i9-12900KS
For RTX 2080
Intel launched its core i9-12900KS in March 2022 with gamers and content creators in mind. The company claims it to be the fastest processor for intense gaming and performance. The CPU comes with a warranty period of 3 years which isn’t disappointing at all.
The benchmarking by CPUBENCHMARK also acknowledges the astonishing performance by 12900KS. However, with certain upgrades, there has been a rise in the consumption of power and it becomes a tough task to keep the chip cooler.
| Specifications | Intel i9-12900KS |
| TDP Min/Max | 150W/241W |
| Clock Speeds | 5.5GHz |
| Efficient Cores | 8 |
| Performance-cores | 8 |
| Threads | 24 |
| Cache | 30 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| Total L2 Cache | 14 MB |
| Socket | FCLGA1700 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Multi core performance | Higher temperatures |
| Supports intense Gaming | High power requirements |
| DDR5 Memory support | Expensive |
| Multi-core performance |
2. AMD RYZEN 9 5900X
AMD RYZEN 9 5900 X is the best in its segments with efficient performance for gaming, streaming, video editing, and graphical chores. The processor is based on ZEN 3 architecture that comes with design improvements and a prime focus on single-core performance, energy coherence, and fewer latencies. Additionally, AMD storeMI allows easier expansion and acceleration of storage in the system. The power AMD MI technology can even help you achieve a 21speed level matching an SSD with an HDD.
Compared to all other processors for RTX 2080 in the table above, nothing comes close to RYZEN 9 5900X in this price range. This CPU is surely a game changer for online gaming, streaming, and daily workload. However, the RYZEN 9 5900 X doesn’t come with a cooler which isn’t a major turn but you will be required to invest in a third-party cooler to serve the purpose.
| Specifications | AMD Ryzen 9 5900 X |
| TDP | 105W |
| Clock Speeds | 4.8GHz |
| Efficient Cores | 8 |
| Performance-cores | 8 |
| Threads | 24 |
| Cache | 64 MB |
| Total L2 Cache | 14 MB |
| Socket | FCLGA1700 |