You should understand how crucial it is to choose an excellent gaming card for your desktop if you play games, stream content online, or have a background in development & enjoy multitasking. A gaming card, though, cannot accomplish a lot and is essentially useless without the Best CPU for GTX 1070.
In addition, you’re interested in finding out which CPU pairs nicely with the GTX 1070. I spent three weeks testing the best CPUs for you. Moreover, we can all easily keep up with the GTX 1070, minimizing bottlenecks & allowing you to game at your highest level of efficiency.
Top Products:
Best AMD CPU for GTX 1070
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Has support for PCIe
- Fast speed
- Cooler fans are sufficient to keep temp low
- Reasonable price
Best intel CPU for GTX 1070
Intel Core i7-8700K
- Stable speed gaming and video editing
- Easy to install
- It can be overclocked for sufficient speed
- Hyper threading technology
Best Budget CPU for GTX 1070
Intel Core i5-8400
- Temp remains low
- Speed is adequate
- Fit perfectly
- Fans have thermal paste pre applied
Let’s look at the top CPUs for the GTX 1070: Say goodbye to those annoying delays in playing games with 1440p or 1080p quality images and more than 60 frames per second. However, if you simply have a GTX 1070, you won’t be capable of playing games smoothly unless you also have a powerful CPU.
Things to consider before buying the best GTX 1070 Processors
The best CPU to pair with GTX 1070 will match the specifications of the GPU and the motherboard. The following is the description of features and components that you will have to consider to get the best performance for gaming as well as multitasking.
Compatible socket
First of all, a CPU socket must be compatible with the motherboard to connect and function. Considering that the two most popular brands of CPU, Intel and AMD, have specific socket types for all models. Intel processors have LGA type sockets, while the new models of AMD processors use AM4 sockets.
Therefore, before buying, check the compatibility of these sockets with your motherboard. On the other hand, every GPU is connectable to any brand of CPU, but its efficiency depends on the power of the CPU.
Cores
As great speed is required for gaming or professional usage, a processor must be able to run efficiently for the required speed. The number of cores that a CPU has determines its speed. A number of cores can range anywhere from two to dozens, but usually, 4 to 6 cores are enough for gaming purposes. For the GTX 1070, a 6 core processor is preferred for gaming.
Threads
Just like the cores, threads of a CPU also determine the speed of tasks performed by a computer. If you are a professional, look for the CPU with multithreading or hyper threading technology, it will be better at operating multiple tasks at a time.
Overclocking ability of CPU
Other than the cores and threads, if you are looking for the best speed. Make sure that the CPU you are buying has an overclocking ability so that it can perform functions in less time. Otherwise, you won’t be able to run heavy games on your PC with the required speed.
You can also check the base clock and boost the clock’s latency rate. Lower latency rates mean that the processor will run faster and can offer better speed. Besides, the base clock of a CPU must be at least 3 to 4 GHz for gaming efficiently.
Cache memory
You might not know much about cache and its importance. But before buying a CPU, you should always check its cache memory speed. A reliable processor should have cache up to L3, at least for gaming or professional purposes. Also, the level 3 cache memory should be 6 to 12 MB as more MBs will deliver better speed.
List Of The Best CPU For GTX 1070 You Can Buy Now
| Award | Design | CPUs | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best selling CPU for GTX 1070 |  | View on Amazon | |
| Best intel CPU for GTX 1070 | Staff Pick | View on Amazon | |
| Best Overall CPU for GTX 1070 |  | View on Amazon | |
| Best Budget CPU for GTX 1070 | Budget Pick | View on Amazon | |
| Best AMD CPU for GTX 1070 | Best Pick | View on Amazon |
AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Best selling CPU for GTX 1070
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: AMD | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Multi-threading: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AM4 | Base clock: 3.6 GHz | Boost clock: Up to 4.2 GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Cache memory: 35 MB L1 + L2 + L3 cache
PROS
✓Great speed
✓Multi threading technology
✓Fairly priced
✓Reliable for gaming and multitasking
✓No lagging issues
CONS
✗Runs hot at overclocked speeds with stock coolers
After reading the reviews thoroughly, I bought an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 to pair with the GTX 1070 ti. Compared to other AMD CPUs at this price which is quite reasonable, this is a better choice in terms of both performance and durability. Before this CPU, I was using a 1920x threadripper, and the upgrade has improved my gaming experiences. I calculated the fps, and they were 100 more than the fps of 1920x with this processor.
I am able to perform any task with smooth speed, even running heavy games, it seems like a model built mainly for gaming to me. Having 6 cores and 12 threads makes it one of the best CPUs for GTX 1070 ti, as 6 cores are always preferred for Nvidia’s GTX series.
Although it can be overclocked and boosted up to three cores running at a speed of 4.2 GHz, the temp gets really high at that speed. It has a nice cooler but is not the best for heavy games. I had to use my old one for reliable heat dissipation as the CPU was running too hot at about 90 degrees after only 1 – 2 hours of use. Besides, it should have more than 65 watts of TDP for the speed that it offers.
Other than that, I didn’t notice any significant cons. And another great plus point is that this processor consumes less power for the performance it offers as compared to other models of Ryzen. Moreover, it has sufficient cache memory to upkeep the speed for multitasking and gaming. I never noticed any lagging with my system, so it proves to be a perfect match for GTX graphics cards.
Truly, a solid build processor that is durable and worth the price you pay for it. As a professional, I didn’t face any issues while installing and setting up. Just don’t forget to reset the bios before installing the processor. Also, watching tutorials would be a wise choice if you don’t know the process.
So overall, it is a great CPU for 1080p gaming, but if you are looking for something to work for more than that, you will have to get some other processor to run smoothly for that.
Intel Core i7-8700K
Best intel CPU for GTX 1070
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Intel | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Multi-threading: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 3.7 GHz | Boost clock: Up to 4.7 GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Cache memory: 12 MB Intel Smart Cache
PROS
✓Stable speed gaming and video editing
✓Easy to install
✓It can be overclocked for sufficient speed
✓Hyper threading technology
CONS
✗Stock coolers are not for overclocked speeds
✗Should have more PCI-E lanes
As the Intel Core i7-8700K processor has 6 cores and 12 threads, with the multi threading technology, it is reliable for running your PC at high speeds. I have been using this processor for gaming, and upgrading my PC with this processor for GTX was a great choice.
It proved to be one of the best CPUs for GTX 1070 8GB and ran well for every game I tested it with. I was not sure about how well it would handle the speed, but it was up to my mark at both base and overclocked speeds. What else do you need if you can overclock a CPU up to 4.7 GHz of speed?
With the speed and stability that is offered, one might wonder for how long it would be reliable. For an estimation, I have been running my computer on this processor for over 2 years and never faced any issues related to the performance. Even though I mostly run it at overclocked speeds as I am a gamer.
It’s because not only does it provide great speed, but also the temps never crossed 70 degrees for the games I have been running. However, I am using an aftermarket cooler for it. But you can test the stock coolers for yourself. they aren’t so bad for keeping it cool enough to perform efficiently.
The + 100 fps remains stable, and it doesn’t stutter at all during gaming or multitasking. Also, it has 12 MB Intel smart cache memory that adds to its smooth performance. Other than gaming, you can enjoy streaming or editing at 4k quality as well as transcoding and encoding with the same efficient speed. So definitely a plus point for video editors.
The build quality is amazing, and it comes in nice packaging. It is comparatively more reasonable in price for the performance it offers than many other costly processors. Very easy to install, just like any CPU.
Therefore, if you have a GTX 1070 and want to run games at overclocked speeds, save yourself from CPUs that aren’t fast enough for GTX 1070 and buy this powerful CPU without any hesitation for your system.
AMD Ryzen 5 1600
Best Overall CPU for GTX 1070
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: AMD | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Multi-threading: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AM4 | Base clock: 3.2 GHz | Boost clock: Up to 3.6 GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Cache memory: 3MB L2 / 16MB L3
PROS
✓Multi threading technology
✓Durable
✓Fast enough for gaming
✓Has pre applied thermal paste
CONS
✗Need to replace stock coolers for overclocked speed
The best CPU for the GTX 1070 is the one with 6 cores, and that has hyperthreading technology. AMD Ryzen 5 1600 has both features that are reliable for GTX 1070. Therefore, I bought it for gaming and to pair it with a GTX 1070, and it has beaten the 5 2600 in terms of performance and compatibility with my system.
After installing it, I directly overclocked it up to 3.6 degrees and tested it with every game that I play, and the smooth performance of the processor is remarkable. It runs at around 75 fps, thus guaranteeing smoothness and stability.
I was expecting it would get hot after an hour of gaming, and I realized that stock coolers are for sure reliable for stock speed and keep the temperature at 65 to 75 degrees, but you will have to get an aftermarket cooler for overclocked speeds.
Thanks to the hyperthreading technology and sufficient cache memory for speed with smooth performance. It is faster than my previous CPU for both gaming as well as video editing. It proved to be a great combo for those who need good graphics at 4k with stability.
The build quality seems good. I have had it installed for only a month, so I can’t say anything about durability, but I don’t think it will be an issue as ryzen CPUs are always durable. Also, with the speed that I have been running it on from the beginning, I haven’t faced any issues.
On opening the package, I realized it had thermal paste already applied and was sufficient for fitting it perfectly. So you don’t have to apply paste while installing, just install it and get started. I had the ryzen chip already mounted, so it was even easier for me to get it started.
For those who are confused, If the Ryzen software is not working for this chip, just uninstall it and install it again, it will work perfectly fine. In short, you won’t find any CPU performing any better in this price range with no major cons. My graphics card for sure needed this CPU!
Intel Core i5-8400
Best Budget CPU for GTX 1070
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Intel | Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Multi-threading: No | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 2.8 GHz | Boost clock: 4.0 GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Cache memory: 9 MB Intel Smart Cache |
PROS
✓Temp remains low
✓Speed is adequate
✓Fit perfectly
✓Fans have thermal paste pre applied
CONS
✗No hyper threading
✗A bit pricey as a non overclockable processor
Intel Core i5-8400 has the ability to reach up to 4 GHz of speed. Having 6 cores, it offers great speed for gaming as well as multitasking. I paired it with a GTX 1070 for 4k streaming and gaming, and the features of this CPU make it the best CPU for GTX 1070.
Being a high end graphics card, the GTX 1070 requires more power, and this processor is reliable for it. The 9 MB Intel smart cache is adequate for letting you perform any task without lagging or stuttering. Besides, the 9 MB cache memory allows the CPU to run any game thrown at it without any problem. Also, streaming at 4k with the best graphics has become possible for me with this combo of GPU and CPU.
It can operate at +200 fps for 1080p gaming. About the temperature, it remained cool even at the highest speed with the stock coolers. I was amazed as the temps remained at 50 degrees even under heavy loads. I had to use an aftermarket cooler for my previous ryzen CPU, but this CPU has much improved coolers. I usually run it for over 2 hours with the highest loads and never faced any issue with it.
Also, the fans and heatsink come with thermal paste already applied. So you can mount it easily. But check it before applying because sometimes these pre-applied pastes are not reliable. You can easily set it up, even as a beginner who don’t have experience with mounting processors, just watch some tutorials and get started. The software works perfectly fine, and the processor fits properly.
Overall, the processor is great and highly compatible with GTX 1070 users. But you can find better overclockable versions with the hyper threading technology if you need more speed.
Usually, gamers and professionals prefer a CPU with multi threading support, but if you can deal without that and choose this CPU, then it cannot be considered a con for the specs. Besides, for the price that you pay for it, this CPU is worth it and lets you build a system at an affordable price.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Best AMD CPU for GTX 1070
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: AMD | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Multi-threading: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AM4 | Base clock: 3.6 GHz | Boost clock: 4.4 GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Cache memory: 4 MB L2 / 32 MB L3 |
PROS
✓Has support for PCIe
✓Fast speed
✓Cooler fans are sufficient to keep temp low
✓Reasonable price
CONS
✗Pre applied thermal paste is not reliable
✗Stock cooler fans cannot be overclocked
Another compatible CPU for GTX 1070 is AMD Ryzen 7 3700x, which can offer high speeds and operate at + 100 fps. The CPU can be overclocked for more speed up to 4.4 GHz for gaming and multitasking. Therefore, reliable for those looking for fast speeds.
Moreover, this model of ryzen has 8 cores and 16 threads, which guarantee smooth running even for heavy loads. I have been using this processor for my PC set up with a GTX 1070 graphics card for over a year and experienced the best gaming as well as streaming with it.
No doubt, a level 3 cache of 32 MB makes it extremely faster, and you can perform several tasks without any stuttering. Also, with the AM4 socket’s support for PCIe, this seems to be a CPU build for gaming purposes.
Compared to Intel’s processors and the previous models of AMD, this processor is also very easy to install and set up. Although this is a great CPU for Nvidia’s graphics card and works with stability, I tried it for an AMD video card, and the software didn’t work properly.
My computer’s graphics have been great and smooth with this combo of graphics card and CPU. An overall best processor for GTX 1070 within a reasonable price not just for gaming but also for video production or editing at the best quality.
It is the finest quality built processor and will upkeep the performance for several years. Talking about the durability, the temps of this processor remains at 70 to 80 degrees under heavy load with the stock coolers.
The cooler fans work fine without making much noise and have nice LED lights, so I have not used any aftermarket cooler as it seems fine to me. But if you want something better, I would suggest the arctic freezer esports cooler.
The processor does have pre applied paste, but I didn’t take the risk of depending on it and applied the thermal paste again. In short, it is a solid built processor with PCIe support and no cons except for the non overclockable cooler fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i7 10700K good with the GTX 1070?
If considered, the i7 10700K is reliable and powerful enough for any GPU. Even for the GTX 1070, it runs perfectly fine. It has multi threading technology for fast speed for gaming and multitasking.
How much RAM does a GTX 1070 need?
For its ultimate performance, a GTX 1070 needs at least 8 GB of RAM with an interface for only GDDR5.
How much FPS can a GTX 1070 run?
The fps at 1440p vary for some dips of GTX 1070. On average, the GTX 1070 hits 50 – 60 fps.
What CPU is best with the GTX 1080?
For the GTX 1080, Intel Core i9-9900 KF is the best compatible CPU. It runs smoothly with 8 cores and hyperthreading technology to ensure efficiency.
Conclusion:
From the list above, all of the processors have some pros and cons, but all are the best processors for GTX 1070. With reliable speed and smoothness, they deliver excellent performance.
On top is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. With multi threading technology, you can perform several tasks without any lagging. Also, the Ryzen 5 1600 delivers almost the same performance. Just find some reliable aftermarket coolers for them. Other than those, Intel’s i7-8700k is also another great option under budget.