8 Best CPU for GTX 1660 Super

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 9 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Cache: 768KB L1, 6MB L2, 64MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Rated TDP: 105W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Prism with RGB LED

I think the best processors are the ones that carry mind-blowing performance but at a reasonable price. If you agree with this statement, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900x is the best overall CPU for GTX 1660 Super, since it’s the best performance-to-price chip. Team Red has given strong competition to Intel processors with an excellent multicore hierarchy for the best PC gaming experience. If we compare it with the Intel Core i9-9900k, it leads in multi-threading by 25-40% plus in multicore gains but lags in single-core performance.

It is one of the best mainstream processors in the market and almost falls into the HEDT category with 12 cores and 24 threads. Have you noticed that its core count is higher than the approximately same-priced Core i9 9900K? Yes, it’s. If we dig further, it’s based on the 7 nm Zen 3 core architecture, and the brand claims that it gives 15% more IPC than the 3rd generation Ryzen chips. It has a whopping 6 MB L2 cache and 64M64 MBB L3 cache memory, which AMD calls 70 MB of Game Cache.

Further, you can run it between a 3.8GHz base clock speed and a 4.6GHz boost clock to tackle any type of load. Since it has DDR4 memory support with up to 3200MHz memory speed, you can utilize your latest memory modules without any performance issues. Another plus point of this chip is its PCIe 4.0 support, for which the X570 chipset was waiting, and it got it now. The conclusion is that all gamers and serious content creators can optimally utilize this best CPU for GTX 1660 Super without any issue.

Intel Core i5-10600K

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 4.1GHz | Boost clock: 4.8GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No

Intel has replaced its previous Coffee Lake processors lineup with the Comet Lake series, but we can find a lot of similarities between both lineups. The Intel Core i5-10600k is from Comet Lake but is still fabricated on a 14nm process. Intel has won numerous titles in gaming with AMD-beating performance via its flagships like Core i9-10900k and i7-10700k, plus this i5-10600k will do the same, according to the brand. Interestingly, it holds its position against the Ryzen 5 3600x and 7 3700x in terms of good gaming performance.

The i5-10600k has 6 cores and 12 threads, which fall one tier below the i7-10700k, which has an 8-cores and 16-thread combination. Further, it has a 12MB Intel Smart Cache and a 4.1GHz base clock that can increase up to a 4.8GHz boost clock. Being a mid-tier chip, it doesn’t have Turbo Boost 3.0 but has a Hyper-Threading feature this time. So, it has adopted a lot from the i7 chip without becoming expensive, making it the best Intel CPU for GTX 1660 Super with impressive performance.

You can put up to 128GB non-ECC that will run with 41.6 GB/s memory bandwidth via DDR4-2666 supported by the chip. Personally, I was expecting PCIe 4.0 support instead of given PCIe 3.0 support. However, the chip is unlocked so it can vary its performance by transforming its input power and overclocking speed. It uses Intel UHD Graphics 630 for integrated graphics support, plus an advanced LGA1200 socket has replaced the previous LGA1151 socket. Now, you can pair it with the new Z490 series mother circuits.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 3MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth cooling solution

Not only does Intel have some affordable options, but AMD also has a lot of chips to give its customers packed with awesome performance. One such option from Team Red is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x, comprising a lot packed in a single ship. It gives strong competition to the Intel processors, especially in running single-core and multi-threading performance required software. Moreover, this is the best budget AM4 CPU for GTX 1660 Super because it’s not only available at an affordable price but also provides competitive performance. 

It is powered by the 7nm Zen 3 core architecture, and the brand has mentioned it as about 19% more effective in IPC than the previous Zen 2 architecture. If we unfold the specifications chart has 6 cores and 12 threads topped with 3MB L2 cache and 32MB L3 cache memory. You can fluctuate the performance with a wide range of clock speeds ranging between 3.7GHz base and 4.7GHz boost clock speeds. If we put it toe-to-toe against the Intel Core i9-10900k, the 5 5600x is beating in gaming as well as in price.

If we further dig deep into the chip, it has PCIe 4.0 support so that you can utilize the latest 400- or 500-series motherboard without any type of lag in speeds. Moreover, you can take the DDR4 memory modules to 3200MHz of its top memory speed. Like the previous Intel Core i5-9400F, it has only 65W default TDP, making it extra-efficient in power consumption and thermal mismanagement. Additionally, when the chip comes with a Wraith Stealth included cooler, it saves you spending extra bucks on a third-party cooler.

Intel Core i5-9400F

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Cache: 9MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: No | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1151 | Base clock: 2.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.1GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

We know the fact that the majority of the customers fall in the mid-range category in terms of their spending power. So, we have tried our best to add those chips with excellent performance but with a pocket-friendly price tag. One best CPU for GTX 1660 super is the Intel Core i5-9400F carrying the same efficiencies as the non-F variant, on which you even have to spend some extra bucks. However, this processor comes in a locked form, so you can’t alter its clock speed in both directions, underclock or overclock; plus, it can’t reduce power consumption as you want to. 

The previous Intel Core i5-10600k was from the 10th generation stack, but this one is a 9th generation Coffee Lake chip based on a 14nm process. It offers 6 cores and 6 threads, a slightly weird combination, but covered with a 9MB Intel Smart Cache to enhance the overall bandwidth. Moreover, you can increase its 2.9GHz base clock straight up to 4.1GHz with the help of Intel Turbo Boost technology. Undoubtedly, there would be some difference between the 10th generation same variant, but it’s not much noticeable. It is the best all-rounder CPU for GTX 1660 Super since you can utilize it for all types of usage.

Like its extended version, Core i5-10600k, it doesn’t support PCIe 3.0; instead, a 16-lane PCIe 3.0 support option is given. You can utilize up to 128GB of volatile memory with 41.6GB/s bandwidth via its DDR4-2666 support. It becomes a very power-efficient chip with only 65W of rated TDP value. Moreover, it has an LGA1151 socket so that you can go for the Z390 or other 300-series motherboards. The issue of no integrated graphics support will resolve with the dedicated GTX 1660 Super graphics card.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 384KB L1, 3MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.2GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth 

Every user receives each penny of their investment in the form of performance from all the computer elements. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 can fulfill your dream by providing you with a mid-to-high-end performance at a pocket-friendly price. If we compare its value and performance with other CPUs, it wins the title of the best value GPU for GTX 1660 Super. However, it is powered by 7nm Zen 2 architecture, being a 3rd generation chip, which is not as effective as Zen 3, but still, the chip has a lot of positive feedback.

A full-fledged ‘X’ variant is also available in the form of the Ryzen 5 3600X, which has some higher specifications and plenty of the same features. Anyhow, the 5 3600 has entry-level 6 cores and 12 threads combined with a 32MB L3 and 3MB L2 cache memory. You can enjoy any good overclocking level between a 3.6GHz base clock and a 4.2GHz boost clock. As you can see, the chip is everything just-enough, so you can go for it if you want an affordable but still adequate in-game performance.

Despite being affordable, some impressive features and support were added to the item. Firstly, it has PCIe 4.0 support in the form of 16 lanes, so you can effectively utilize the latest 500-series mobo or previous 400-series. On top of that, you can run DDR4 volatile memory modules with 3200MHz of memory speed. Most importantly, the chip is overclocked, and you can adjust the overclocking level as well as input power to support it. Further, a Wraith Stealth CPU cooler is also included in the box to save some more bucks.

Intel Core i7-9700K

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 8 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1151 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.9GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No

We have added all types of graphics cards including some with high-level performance and some with budget-friendly price tags. At the end of the article, we have the Intel Core i7-9700k for the users who can’t buy the pricey Core i9-9900k but still want to enjoy a similar performance. Finally, we have an unlocked chip on this list that can adjust its power and overclock according to the load. However, pricing is a bit of an issue if we compare its price tag with the competing AMD Ryzen 7 2700x, having a cooler and the same performance.

The chip is from the Coffee Lake processors family manufactured on Intel’s 14nm lithography. It has 8 cores and 8 threads with 12 MB Intel Smart Cache and a base clock of 3.6GHz that can go to a 4.9GHz boost clock. However, you can’t enjoy Hyper-Threading, and this absence will not bother us since some software can perform better on physical cores than logical ones. It has everything to be the best premium CPU for GTX 1660 Super. You can run 128GB DDR4 memory with 2666MHz memory speed and 41.6GB/s bandwidth.

The chip lacks PCIe 4.0 support but instead, 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 offered enough options for expansion purposes. Further, this chip is compatible with a wide range of 300-series mobos, including Z390 motherboards, via an LGA1151 socket. It includes Intel UHD Graphics 630 engine for integrated graphics support with enhanced graphics capabilities. When we come to thermals, it has a 95W default TDP which is the same as its predecessor but higher than the Ryzen 7 3700X, the close competitor, with 65 watts.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 12nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 576KB L1, 3MB L2, 16MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.4GHz | Boost clock: 3.9GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth cooling solution

AMD has launched three Ryzen 5 processors in the mid-tier processor market, and we have chosen Ryzen 5 2600 since it’s the best entry-level CPU for GTX 1660 Super. Out of the other two, one is the ‘G’ variant with integrated graphics support, and the other is ‘X’, which can simply be clocked higher than the one under the review. The Ryzen 5 2600 provides a middle ground to the users with a mid-tier performance. In addition, it stands against most of the Intel Core i5 series processors in terms of pricing and fine output.

The chip is powered by Zen+ core architecture based on a 12nm process—it’s not as good as the Zen 2 or Zen 3, but still good in terms of pricing. It has 6 cores and 12 threads along with a strong 576KB L1 cache, 3MB L2 cache, and 16MB L3 cache memory. You can take a 3.4GHz base clock to a rated 3.9GHz boost clock; however, it goes up to 4.2GHz under excellent water cooling. My team hasn’t noticed a big difference between its and its rivals’ performance. It delivers 62 fps for Tomb Raider than the Core i5 6600k with 59 fps.

Despite being a 2nd generation chip, it’s packed with many high-end features and technologies. It has PCIe 3.0, which is not as effective as PCIe 4.0 but still performs well when paired with the 300-series motherboard connected via an AM4 socket. The DDR4 memory speed lets you rock the volatile memory modules with a 2933MHz memory speed based on a dual-channel memory design. Other spices include Precision Boost 2.0, XFR2 technologies, and StoreMI to combine multiple drives into a single volume.

Intel Core i5-11400F

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 11th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 2.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.4GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

We have one of the latest Intel Core i5-11400F on our list which belongs to the 11th generation Rocket Lake processors’ family. It is one of the cheaper and one of the latest six-core processors on the market. Sadly, it’s a locked chip, so you can’t overclock or underclock to increase its performance or reduce its power consumption. In contrast, you can expect enthusiast-level gaming when you pair it with a good-quality graphics card. It is the best enthusiast CPU for GTX 1660 Super since users were happy with the performance when they tried this combination.

If we compare it with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x, both have the same 6 cores and 12 threads; however, this i5 11440F is available at half of the price but certainly not the performance. Moreover, it’s packed with a 12MB Intel Smart Cache, which is well-known for enhancing bandwidths. You can take its 2.6GHz base clock up to a 4.4GHz boost clock leaving a huge overclocking headroom to be utilized for peak-level performance. All of these features run with a 65W TDP without utilizing too much power.

You can utilize its PCIe 4.0 support split in the form of a 20-lane structure where four are given to sculpting one M.2 slot. The latest 500-series or the previous 400-series motherboard can effectively operate with this chip via the LGA1200 socket. The chip allows DDR4-type memory modules to reach up to 3200MHz memory speed and 50GB/s memory bandwidth based on dual-channel memory architecture. Sadly, it doesn’t have integrated graphics support, so you have to buy a dedicated graphics card, especially for gaming and content creation.

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