Are you a computer user who wants to play games at full settings or a serious content creator looking for decent graphics-intensive performance? If yes, you must focus on the perfect CPU and GPU combination. It will help you unlock your system’s capabilities and achieve peak output. We have the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 under discussion, which is powered by NVIDIA Pascal graphics architecture and has 8GB GDDR5 memory. It falls in the mid-tier category with enough power to provide excellent 1080p and 1440p in-game graphics–it’s not a perfect option for 4k. Remember, you must take care of the bottlenecks that happen due to putting an inappropriate chip with the graphics unit.
But if there is the best CPU for GTX 1070 in your computer, you don’t have to worry about any compromise over the performance. A good-quality graphics card complements the processors and helps it effectively multitask, which is an appreciated factor for smooth gameplay. In contrast, finding a compatible card isn’t an easy task. There are so many options in this field that an ordinary user gets confused in no time. But don’t worry. We have composed this post just to help you out in this situation. We have tested, chosen, and reviewed some perfect GPUs so you can get the most out of gaming, content creation, and other graphics-intensive tasks. Check the cards’ list before choosing one.
Quick shopping tips
You must check several factors, aspects, specifications, and more when buying a processor. All of those are given in the CPU buying guide. Suppose you don’t have much time. In such a case, let’s explore this short shipping guide!
Socket: A CPU socket is an important way to connect a chip to the motherboard. All the latest AMD chips have AM4 sockets, while Intel follows LGA-type with a specific pin count. All the chips from Intel either have an LGA1151 socket or an LGA1200 type socket on this list. You must match the CPU socket with the motherboard and ensure that the circuit accommodates the processor.
Core count: A CPU core is like a path through which the processing unit performs a particular operation by executing the instruction sets. If a processor has 6 cores and another has 12, the chip with 12 will win the performance competition. So, you must prefer a CPU having more cores if possible. Nowadays, the processor crosses the 70-mark and offers even 70+ cores which have been impressive for a while. However, you can go for a chip with at least 6 cores. For more details, read how many cores I need for better understanding.
Threads and multi-threading: A thread is like a wire via which a CPU sends and receives the information plus executes a particular operation. You can consider it as a virtual CPU performing all the calculations inside the CPU. On the other hand, multi-threading or Hyper-Threading is an ability of a CPU to perform multiple operations with a thread simultaneously. So, a chip with multi-threading enabled can perform better than one without. A chip with either an equal number or double threads as cores is okay.
CPU speeds: Most simply, CPU speed or clock speed is the overall performance speed of the unit. If it has higher speeds, the latencies will be lower, and it will take less time to perform a particular task. CPU speeds are split into the base clock and boost frequency. You must ensure that the purchased chip has at least a 2GHz base clock and enough boost speed.
Cache: Cache memory is the fastest type of memory, even crossing the volatile memory at speeds. We know that the CPU takes instructions stored in RAM, and all of this happens with the help of the cache. Cache memory takes the instructions and stores the information for later use. The key factor to remember is that the chip must have at least 12MB of cache memory.
Thermal management: Proper temperature management is necessary for any PC component, especially the processor, to perform well. When purchasing a good-quality CPU, you must combine it with an adequate thermal cooler as well. Suppose you have a fine-tuned cooler in your system. In such a case, you will be able to overclock your processor up to its true potential and get the most out of the gaming, content creation, and other computing chores.
Why should you trust us?
At GamingDairy, one thing that we know better than anything else is that transparency is key. We’re entirely focused on truthful knowledge in every experiment we conduct, every bit of information we collect, or interview some tech industry experts. Although we reviewed several tech products from tens of brands, we try our best to showcase whether those marketing lines are genuine or just a rumor. Therefore, presenting practical experience regarding any product is our priority.
We test processors, graphics cards, motherboards, RAM kits, CPU coolers, laptops, and other PC peripherals to ensure that every tech enthusiast gets what he needs. No brand can buy our recommendations. Instead, we have a team of expert testers and reviewers whose duties are to practically test every item that we get from the brands or purchase from the market and test to prove its validity and utility. In addition, we also mention the ideal users’ spot for every item, along with all possible pros and cons.
Moreover, we don’t forget modern inventions too. This is why we have created a separate news category to ensure that the readers are up-to-date with everything happening in the tech field. Suppose you’re a guy who is related to the tech field and wants to know everything before creating their next computer. In such a case, you must scroll to the latest news to carry on things. We also know that everybody often faces some issues with their computing machines. All types of guides are on this platform.
As I mentioned, we test all types of PC components and peripherals to give the users some truthful information. You can see the same thing in this article. We tested several but reviewed a few perfect products that met our standards. If you want a high-end CPU with all the current-era features, we have the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 for you. On the other hand, you can go for the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF, which is a satisfying staff choice. But the Intel Core i7-8700K is for budget-conscious users.
The Best CPUs for GTX 1070 You Can Buy Today
AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Best Value GPU for GTX 1070
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
REASONS TO BUY
✓Affordable
✓PCIe 4.0 support
✓Low power consumption
✓Unlocked multiplier
✓Bundled cooler
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Zen 2 architecture
✗No integrated graphics
The first CPU on the list is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600, which is an excellent affordable processor with adequate gaming performance. Moreover, if you’re a user who wants to receive every penny of your investment, this best value GPU for GTX 1070 should be your priority. It is powered by the 7nm Zen 2 core architecture, which is not as effective as the current 7nm Zen 3 but still provides enough gaming performance to run current-era AAA titles. Interestingly, all the users who have bought this chip are satisfied with its capabilities.
A fully loaded ‘X’ variant is also available in this chip which carries some enhancements and a few similar specifications and features but more overall performance for sure. Anyhow, this Ryzen 5 3600 features 6 cores and 12 threads with a base clock of 3.6GHz that can increase up to a 4.2GHz boost clock, depending upon the load. You don’t have to worry about the latencies since its 32MB L3 and 3MB L2 cache memory effectively increases the bandwidth for more performance.
It is the best GPU for GTX 1070 since it has everything you may need for gaming usage and content creation. Firstly, it comes with PCIe 4.0 support split into 16 lanes, allowing you to utilize the latest 400-series motherboards and even the latest 500-series ones. Also, you can put up to 128GB of DDR4 volatile memory and run it with a 3200MHz memory speed. I’m happy to see that it’s an unlocked processor so that you can adjust the clock speed and input power according to your needs.
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF
Best Ryzen GPU for GTX 1070
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 14nm | 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: 3.2GHz | Boost clock: 3.6GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Spire (No LED)
REASONS TO BUY
✓Affordable
✓Beating the original 5 1600
✓Perform like the Ryzen 5 1200
✓DDR4 – 2667 support
✓Bundled cooler included
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No PCIe 4.0 support
AMD has been in the market for decades and kept experimenting in the tech market by bringing new and advanced technologies and CPU variants. We have the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF on our list, an affordable product and an improvement to the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and Ryzen 5 2600. This 2nd generation chip brings an ultra-affordable price tag even lesser than the original 14nm Ryzen 5 1600, which already falls in the affordable category. Undoubtedly, it’s the best Ryzen GPU for GTX 1070 with a low price and a higher performance.
If we quickly recap the chip’s build, it is powered by the 12nm Zen+ core architecture and the Ryzen 5 2600 with the same 6 cores and 12 threads. You can deal with a wide range of loads by fluctuating its clock speeds between a 3.2GHz base clock and a 3.6GHz boost clock speed. On top of that, I’m delighted to see the cache split into three levels, where there is 576KB L1, 3MB L2, and 16MB L3 cache memory. It seems that the chip is packed with all types of required features.
Let’s add some helpful performance benchmarks that we have gotten from numerous testing sessions. In multi-core performance, the 1600 AF matches with the 2600. So, we can say that it has about 12% faster speeds than the original 1600. Moreover, at 1440p graphics in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the 1660AF and the expensive 5 2600 have similar performance. Apart from the impressive performance, it comes with 16-lane PCIe 3.0 support and Wraith Spire bundled cooler. So, you don’t have to spend extra bucks on any third-party CPU cooler.
Intel Core i7-8700K
Best Performance GPU for GTX 1070
Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 8th Generation Intel Core i7 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: LGA1151 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.7GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Improved than the 7th generation
✓Best 1080p gaming performance
✓Hyper-Threading
✓Overclocking headroom
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Z-series mobo is required
We were waiting for a long time to find a place and tell our users about the Intel Core i7-8700k which is an amazing mainstream processor. The brand has made a long list of improvements in the 7th generation Core i7-7700k and created this 8th generation masterpiece, the best performance GPU for GTX 1070. The i7-8700k’s Coffee Lake design is based on a 14 nm lithography, and the brand has claimed it is 26% more efficient and 52% power-efficient than the 1st generation 14nm process.
In the Cinebench R15 test, the i7 8700k easily beat the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X in the single-core test but provides the same performance in all-core mode. However, many users wanted to get the newer chip with the same price tag as the previous generation, but a price increase is totally acceptable when there is a straight 50% increase in cores. Further, the chip has 6 cores and 12 threads while supporting Hyper-Threaded cores along with 4.5GHz Turbo Boost speed and 3.7GHz base clock speed.
Moreover, it is equipped with a 12MB Intel Smart Cache to provide enhanced bandwidth. You can also take the memory speed of DDR4 128GB memory up to 2666MHz with 41.6GB/s bandwidth. Interestingly, we touched 36000MHz with the G.Skill Trident Z memory during the testing. It has the same LGA1151 socket as the 6th and 7th generation chips, so that it can use the Z370-chipset-based motherboards and the same cooling solution. It has Intel UHD Graphics 630 for integrated graphics and a 95W TDP value.
Intel Core i5-8400
Best Affordable GPU for GTX 1070
Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 8th 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: LGA1150 | Base clock: 2.8GHz | Boost clock: 4.0GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
✓Affordable
✓Strong gaming performance
✓Bundled cooler included
✓Power-efficient
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No Hyper-Threading
✗Locked ratio multiplier
We know the fact that the majority of the customers fall in the mid-range category and are looking for affordable tech items. If you’re one of those customers, the Intel Core i5-8400, the best affordable CPU for GTX 1070 is for you. It’s the most affordable six-core chip ever released, even the Ryzen 5 1600 with the same but pricey performance. If we add some benchmarks from the Cinebench R15, the i5-8400 is 9% faster than the Ryzen 5 1500X in multi-threaded, plus it has got almost 20% more score in single-threaded usage.
It’s from the 8th generation Coffee Lake family, built on a 14nm manufacturing process. A 6 core and 6 threads combination is ample for gamers with Intel Smart Cache and 8GT/s bus speed. Other than that, it can bring its 2.8GHz base clock up to a 4.0GHz boost clock to tackle a wide variety of loads. However, it sticks to the 3.8GHz maximum frequency when discussing single-core clock speed at standard usage.
You can put up to DDR4 volatile memory on a dual-channel memory design and operate that with 2666MHz speed and 41.6GB/s memory bandwidth. Well, it can perform all of its functions while staying at 65W default TDP, which makes it way more power-efficient than the ‘K’ variant with 95W TDP. Still, there are many reasons to call it the best CPU for GTX 1070 graphics card. It also has Intel UHD Graphics 630 for integrated graphics support. Since it’s not backward compatible, you have to invest in a Z370 chipset motherboard.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Best AMD GPU for GTX 1070
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 7 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 512KB L1, 4MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.4GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Prism with RGB LED
REASONS TO BUY
✓Good performance/price ratio
✓Efficient and fast
✓Lots of L3 caches
✓PCIe 4.0 support
✓A Wraith Prism cooler included
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Lags in single-core performance than rivals
✗No integrated graphics
Personally, I love those heavy-duty high-end desktop processors or HEDTs which have even 50+ cores and extreme performance. However, my pocket does not permit me to go for those expensive masterpieces. We can enjoy a good level of gaming performance without spending too many bucks on such beast types of things. The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X lets us bring our dream into reality and enjoy approximately the same performance. Further, if we compare it with its bigger brother, the 3900x, it’s only 4-5% more efficient in various games.
It is powered by the 7nm Zen 2 core architecture, which is obviously not as effective as the advanced 7nm Zen 3 but still capable enough to give a full bang for your bucks. It brings excellent 1080p graphics performance with 80+ fps on various AAA titles. Other than that, it has 8 cores and 16 threads with a 3.6GHz base clock that can bump up to a 4.4GHz boost clock, depending upon the loads. The CPU is the best AMD GPU for GTX 1070 since it provides all-rounder specifications, including 4MB L2 and 32MB L3 cache memory.
Since it’s an unlocked chip, it can overclock or underclock itself to achieve peak-level performance as well as lower power usage. You can take the performance of the SSD card up to two times more with the PCIe 4.0 than the previous expansion counterparts. Moreover, you can put 128GB of memory with the chip via DDR4 support and boost memory speed up to 3200MHz. A bundled cooler is included in the box, which is carved with attractive RGB lighting; hence, you can save your bucks here.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Best Enthusiasts GPU for GTX 1070
Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 7 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 12nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Cache: 768KB L1, 4MB L2, 16MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.3GHz | Rated TDP: 105W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Prism with RGB LED
REASONS TO BUY
✓More cores for less money
✓Higher clocks
✓Better memory capabilities
✓Backward-compatible with X370 mobos
✓Outperforming included cooler
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No Integrated graphics
✗Limited overclocking headroom
Team Red is well-known for advancing its previous available tech solutions and providing the users with the best out of bests advancements. With the brand’s weeks of handwork, the AMD 7 2700X has proven its identity as a great budget-friendly powerhouse inspired by the famous Ryzen 7 1800X processor. It has shown excellent benchmarks hierarchy during the testing sessions in various games and content creation software. It beats the Intel Core i7-8700k and even the Skylake Core i7-7820X from the Intel Core X stack.
In addition, it overtakes the as well from—this is something impressive. After the 14nm Zen architecture, AMD has jumped into the new 12nm Zen+ core architecture, also known as Pinnacle Ridge. The brand has made some enhancements like 10-15% better transistor performance, decreased DRAM latencies, and a more efficient cache. It has become the best enthusiast GPU for GTX 1070 since users know these enhancements and leave positive feedback. If we unfold the specifications sheet, it has 8 cores and 16 threads with a 3.7GHz base clock that can increase up to a 4.3GHz boost clock, depending on usage.
Apart from that, it has three levels of cache, including 768KB L2 cache, 4MB L2 cache, and 16MB L3 cache memory. Sadly, there is no on-die integrated graphics support, but you can buy a discrete one like the GTX 1070 or something else. As far as motherboard type matters, you can choose one with an X370 chipset or a more-advanced X470 mother circuit. In addition, you get an AMD’s Wraith Prism CPU cooler with a copper core, direct-contact heat pipes, a quiet high-velocity fan, and finally, customizable RGB LEDs.
Intel Core i7-9700K
Best Premium GPU for GTX 1070
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
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent single-core performance
✓Great gaming capabilities
✓Strong thermals
✓Integrated graphics
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No Hyper-Threading
✗Lacks PCIe 4.0 support
In every review post, we tried our best to add all types of products to the list including some budget-friendly options, incredible speeds, higher-end performance, and more. Following the ritual, we have added the Intel Core i7-9700k in this post for those users who can’t afford the pricey Core i9-9900k but still want the same performance. Since it’s an unlocked chip, you can adjust the overclocking level, power, and even performance according to the requirement. But the absence of a bundled cooler isn’t good news.
The Core i9-9900k is from the 10th generation Coffee Lake stack based on Intel’s 14nm lithography. If we check the specifications table, the chip comes with 8 cores and 8 threads with a 3.6GHz base clock that can boost up to a 4.9GHz boost clock to tackle a wide variety of loads. You will not be able to create a logical core since it’s not featured with Hyper-Threading, and it’s a downside. On top of that, it has a 12MB Intel Smart Cache memory which is well-known for having improved bandwidths and low latencies.
The features list is still a lot to discuss and prove the title of the best premium CPU for GTX 1070. You can take the speed of 128GB DDR4 memory up to 2666MHz and memory bandwidth up to 41.6GB.s. On top of that, it has Intel UHD Graphics 630 for integrated graphics support which often comes in pricey chips. There is no support for PCIe 4.0, but you can utilize PCIe 3.0 split into 16 lanes. Its 95W default TDP makes it less power-efficient than the competition, so it’s a downside.
Intel Core i5-9600KF
Best mid-range GPU for GTX 1070
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: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA1152 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓Perfect for 1440p gaming
✓Excellent single-threaded performance
✓Unlocked multiplier
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No bundled cooler included
✗Not very different than previous-gen
At the end of the list, we have the Intel Core i5-9600KF, a stepwise update over the previous-generation model with enough performance improvements to win your heart. In reality, it could be an adequate chip to perform well in gaming, but if you want something for content creation, you can choose something from the AMD family. Sadly, it comes with the exact core count as the predecessor and with a price point that puts it between the Ryzen 5 2600x and Ryzen 7 2700, where both come with a bundled cooler.
Comparing some crucial specifications, the chip is from the 14nm++ Coffee Lake processor family with 6 cores and 6 threads with a 9MB Intel Smart Cache. The brand has used solder-based thermal interface material between the heat spreader and CPU’s die to help its 3.7GHz base clock increase up to 4.6GHz multi-core Turbo Boost frequency. Moreover, it’s an unlocked chip, so it can overclock itself to increase performance or underclock to reduce power consumption.
Despite being a mid-range chip, it is packed with premium features to be the best mid-range CPU for GTX 1070. It has an integrated UHD 630 graphics engine for integrated graphics support. Two memory channels can accommodate 128GB DRR4 memory and run it with 2666MHz memory speed. If you want to utilize the 300-series motherboard, you must update the BIOS to overcome any issues. The conclusion is that the chip is a good choice for 1920×1080 resolution gaming and mid-tier content creation.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GTX 1070 is a tremendous mid-tier graphics card with a lot of good features and technologies to support your gaming experience. It is powered by NVIDIA Pascal architecture and has 8GB of GDDR6 memory. You can manage to get a smooth 1080p and 1440p graphics resolution if you put in the best CPU for GTX 1070 of the same caliber. A processor is the important part of a system that supervises the computer’s overall performance. A potent combo of CPU and GPU undoubtedly decides how your rig will work and optimize the graphics setting during gameplay.
In contrast, if we look at the market situation, it is filled with hundreds of awesome-looking options. However, we can’t just put any of the available processors with the card without knowing its true potential. Interestingly, this whole article is all about this topic. It comprises a buying guide section to help ordinary users understand some essential factors you must check before picking a chip. You can check eight products from Intel and AMD with their detailed reviews and pros and cons. In short, drop a wise decision to get optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best processor for GTX 1070?
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is a great chip to pair with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card. It has 8 cores and 16 threads packed with enough cache memory and excellent performance capabilities. It carries a good performance/price ratio and is an efficient and fast chip. Moreover, it supports PCIe 4.0 connectivity and has a Wraith Prism cooler included in the box.
Does GTX 1070 cause bottlenecks?
The NVIDIA GTX 1070 is a great graphics chip with excellent mid-tier graphics capabilities. It causes bottlenecks only when you pair a low-tier processor, like one with less than 6 cores. If you pair a good-quality chip, you will not face any type of bottleneck or lag.
Which is better, Intel or AMD?
Selecting one brand from Intel AMD as the best isn’t an easy question when both are experts in their fields. Intel is well-known for excellent multitasking purposes, while AMD is famous for high power, especially in gaming. Overall, both brands are unique, but you must go for a chip with an excellent price-to-performance ratio rather than a brand name.
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