The Intel Core i9 9900k is a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks for all your gaming needs. With so many different products on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one will provide the best performance for your needs.
The right hardware is crucial for an immersive and smooth gaming experience. One of the essential components in your gaming rig is the graphics card, which can significantly impact your gaming performance. This article will explore the best GPU for i9 9900k, Intel’s flagship processor, to help you decide and take your gaming to the next level.
As the Intel Core i9-9900K is a powerful processor capable of handling high-performance tasks. Pairing it with a top-tier graphics card will help you get the most out of your system for gaming or other resource-intensive tasks. Below are the top 8 graphics cards that would make a great pair with the i9-9900K.
Top 5 Nvidia Best Graphics card for i9 9900k in 2023
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Best GPU for i9 9900k: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
GeForce RTX 3090 (Image credit: Amazon)
SPECIFICATIONS
Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 | Brand: Asus | Video Output Interface: HDMI | Chipset Brand: NVIDIA | Graphics Card Ram Size: 24 GB |
REASONS TO BUY Geforce RTX 3090 Graphics Card
1. Unparalleled Performance
The RTX 3090 offers the highest level of performance currently available in a consumer graphics card. This card is hard to beat if you want top-tier gaming and computational abilities. The 3090 can handle 8K gaming and gives around 60 FPS on ultra-settings.
In our testing, the results proved to be around 10-15% faster than the RTX 3080 and about 50% faster than the RTX 2080 Ti for comparison.
2. Excellent 4K and 8K Gaming
While most cards struggle to maintain good frame rates at 8K resolution, the RTX 3090 can make 8K gaming a reality, and it excels at 4K gaming.
3. Massive 24GB VRAM
The card comes with a massive 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM, making it ideal for memory-intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, high-resolution video editing, and data science workloads.
4. Professional Workloads
Beyond gaming, this card is also suitable for professional work in areas like machine learning, 3D modeling, and animation, effectively serving as a more affordable alternative to NVIDIA’s Quadro series for some tasks.
5. Ray Tracing and DLSS
The RTX 3090 supports NVIDIA’s real-time ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technologies, enabling incredibly realistic graphics and improved performance in supported games.
6. Multi-Monitor and VR Support
With its high performance and large amount of VRAM, the RTX 3090 is excellent for multi-monitor setups and provides an outstanding virtual reality experience.
7. NVLink Support
The RTX 3090 supports NVIDIA’s NVLink, which allows for multi-GPU configurations. This is particularly useful for extremely demanding tasks that can benefit from more than one GPU.
8. Future-Proofing
Given its high performance and feature set, the RTX 3090 is well-positioned to handle future software and gaming titles that will demand even more computational power.
Note that the RTX 3090 is also one of the most expensive consumer-grade graphics cards on the market, and its power requirements are substantial. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your system can accommodate it both financially and technically.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Expensive
✗ High power consumption
Best GPU for i9 9900k: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
GeForce RTX 3080 (Image credit: Amazon)
SPECIFICATIONS
Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | Brand: MSI | Video Output Interface: HDMI | Chipset Brand: NVIDIA | Graphics Card Ram Size:10 GB |
REASONS TO BUY Geforce RTX 3080 Graphics Card
1. Exceptional Performance
The RTX 3080 provides near top-of-the-line gaming and computational performance, only slightly trailing behind the RTX 3090. It offers a significant performance boost over previous generation cards like the RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti. In our testing, the 3080 pushed 120+ FPS in most AAA titles at 4K Ultra settings. In addition the 3080 is about 30% faster than the 2080 Ti, the previous generation’s top dog.
2. Excellent 4K Gaming
The card is well-suited for 4K gaming, delivering high frame rates and exceptional visual quality. This makes it a go-to option for gamers who want to experience ultra-high-definition visuals.
3. Ray Tracing and DLSS
Like the RTX 3090, the RTX 3080 also supports NVIDIA’s ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technologies. These technologies offer more realistic graphics and improved performance in supported games, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
4. Competitive Pricing
Although inexpensive, the RTX 3080 offers a better price-to-performance ratio than the RTX 3090. It delivers high-end performance without the exorbitant price tag of the more powerful RTX 3090.
5. Versatility
The RTX 3080 is not just a gaming card; it’s also capable of handling resource-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and more, making it a versatile option for content creators and professionals.
6. Ample VRAM
With 10GB of GDDR6X VRAM, the RTX 3080 has sufficient memory for most modern games and professional applications. While not as much as the RTX 3090’s 24GB, it is often more than adequate for most use-cases.
7. Multi-Monitor and VR Support
The card can efficiently handle multi-monitor setups and offers excellent performance for virtual reality experiences, providing versatility in different display configurations and immersive environments.
8. Future-Proofing
Given its advanced feature set and high performance, the RTX 3080 is reasonably future-proof. It’s expected to handle upcoming games and software applications that will require high computational power for several years to come.
The RTX 3080 strikes a balance between high-end performance and cost, making it a popular choice for gamers and professionals alike.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Expensive
✗ High power consumption
Best GPU for i9 9900k: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
GeForce RTX 3070 (Image credit: Amazon)
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 is an impressive card that offers a good balance of performance and value. Here are the top 6 reasons to consider buying this graphics card:
1. High Performance at a Lower Cost
The RTX 3070 delivers performance comparable to the RTX 2080 Ti, a former flagship model, but at a significantly lower price point. This makes it a very cost-effective option for those looking for high-end performance without breaking the bank.
2. Excellent for 1440p Gaming
The card is ideally suited for 1440p gaming, delivering high frame rates in most modern games. It can also handle 4K gaming to some extent, although you might need to adjust some settings for optimal performance.
3. Ray Tracing and DLSS Support
Like its more expensive counterparts, the RTX 3070 also supports NVIDIA’s ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technologies. These features enable more realistic lighting and graphics in supported games and can also offer performance improvements.
4. Versatility
The RTX 3070 isn’t just a gaming card; it’s also well-suited for content creation, video editing, and other GPU-intensive tasks. Its well-rounded capabilities make it a great choice for users who need their PC to serve multiple functions.
5. Lower Power Consumption
Compared to the higher-end models like the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090, the RTX 3070 consumes less power, making it a more efficient option. This might allow you to avoid having to upgrade your power supply unit, depending on your current setup.
6. Future-Proofing
The RTX 3070 is a relatively new card built on NVIDIA’s latest Ampere architecture, ensuring that it will be able to handle upcoming games and software applications for several years.
These features make the RTX 3070 an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance, cost-effective graphics card that doesn’t compromise much on features or capabilities.
Best GPU for i9 9900k: GeForce RTX 2080 Super Black Gaming
GeForce RTX 2080 (Image credit: Amazon)
SPECIFICATIONS
Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | Brand: EVGA | Video Output Interface: HDMI | Chipset Brand: NVIDIA | Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB |
REASONS TO BUY Geforce RTX 2080 Graphics Card
1. High Performance
The RTX 2080 Super is a high-end card that offers excellent performance in gaming and resource-intensive tasks, which complements the i9-9900K’s capabilities well.
2. Ray Tracing Capabilities
The card supports real-time ray tracing, providing more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in supported games.
3. DLSS Technology
NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) can boost frame rates while maintaining visual quality, providing a more fluid gaming experience.
4. VR-Ready
The RTX 2080 Super offers excellent performance for those interested in virtual reality, ensuring a smooth and immersive VR experience.
5. CUDA Cores
The RTX 2080 Super offers more CUDA cores compared to its non-Super variant, beneficial for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and more.
6. 4K Gaming
This card can run most games in 4K resolution at decent frame rates, which is perfect for users with high-resolution monitors.
7. Multiple Monitor Support
The card supports multi-monitor setups, allowing for a more expansive and immersive computing experience, whether for gaming, content creation, or productivity.
8. Future-Proofing
Given its high performance, the RTX 2080 Super is somewhat “future-proof,” meaning it should remain capable for upcoming games and software for several years.
9. Nvidia Ecosystem
Being an NVIDIA card, it integrates well with NVIDIA’s ecosystem, including software like GeForce Experience, which allows for easy driver updates, game optimizations, and more.
10. Build Quality
The ‘Black Gaming’ variant of the RTX 2080 Super often comes with robust cooling solutions and quality components that ensure longevity and reliable performance.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Heavy loads can make it noisy
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX series is certainly not new to the gaming world, and it offers some of the best GPUs for gaming enthusiasts. The RTX 2080 Super and the RTX 2080 Ti OC are excellent options. These cards are equipped with dedicated RT cores and Tensor cores, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced gaming experiences.
Best GPU for i9 9900k: GeForce RTX 2080 TI Gaming OC 11GB
GeForce RTX 2080 TI Gaming OC 11GB (Image credit: Amazon)
SPECIFICATIONS
Series: ZT-P10600B-10M | Brand: ZOTAC | Graphics Coprocessor: Gddr5 | Video Output Interface: DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI | Chipset Brand: NVIDIA |
REASONS TO BUY
1. Superior Performance
The RTX 2080 Ti generally performs better than the RTX 2080 Super, making it one of the most powerful consumer-grade GPUs available. This aligns well with the high performance of the i9-9900K.
2. Increased VRAM
The RTX 2080 Ti has 11GB of GDDR6 memory compared to the 2080 Super’s 8GB. This extra VRAM benefits 4K gaming and complex video editing tasks.
3. Higher CUDA Core Count
The 2080 Ti has more CUDA cores than the 2080 Super, offering better computational performance in machine learning, 3D rendering, and video editing workloads.
4. Ray Tracing and DLSS
Like the 2080 Super, the 2080 Ti also supports ray tracing and DLSS but performs these tasks even better due to its superior hardware.
5. 4K Gaming and Beyond
The RTX 2080 Ti can handle 4K gaming at higher frame rates compared to the RTX 2080 Super, providing a smoother and visually richer experience.
6. Overclocking Potential
The “Gaming OC” variant of the 2080 Ti typically offers better cooling solutions and is designed for overclocking, allowing for performance tweaking beyond its already high base capabilities.
7. Multiple Monitor and VR Support
The 2080 Ti can easily support multiple high-resolution monitors, and it offers a superb VR experience, just like the 2080 Super but with added performance headroom.
8. Longevity and Future-Proofing
Given its top-of-the-line performance, the RTX 2080 Ti is more “future-proof” than the RTX 2080 Super, ensuring it remains relevant for newer games and software for longer.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Customers reported that their video cards crashed soon
Some Final Thoughts
When choosing the best GPU for an i9 9900k, it’s important to consider other factors such as your budget and intended use. If you’re primarily interested in gaming, both the RTX 2080 Super and the RX 5700 XT offer excellent price-performance ratios. However, NVIDIA’s GPUs tend to have better-optimised software support for those applications if you’re a professional content creator, video editor, or rendering specialist.
Aside from the GPU, pairing it with a compatible motherboard is crucial to ensure smooth operation. The Z390 motherboard is a popular choice for unlocking the full potential of the i9 9900k and the performance of your chosen GPU.
On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 3900x is a high-end processor from AMD, known for its strong multi-threaded performance. It offers a higher core count and can handle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and content creation exceptionally well. When considering the GPU choice, both the i9 9900k and Ryzen 9 3900x can work with any GPU on the market.
The decision should be based primarily on your needs, such as gaming requirements, budget, and additional workload considerations beyond gaming. The Ryzen 9 3900x is suitable if you require a powerful CPU for multitasking or heavy workloads beyond gaming.
To help you make an informed decision, looking at gaming benchmarks can provide valuable insights into the performance differences between various GPUs. Game-specific benchmarks can give you an idea of how a particular GPU performs in your favourite titles, helping you choose the right card for your needs.
If you’re lucky enough to be shopping during the Black Friday sales, you may find great deals on these high-end GPUs, allowing you to maximize your budget and get the best value for your money.
In Conclusion
The best GPU for an i9 9900k largely depends on your budget, gaming preferences, and desired performance. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX series, including the RTX 2080 Super and the RTX 2080 Ti OC, offers top-tier gaming performance with features like ray tracing. Alternatively, AMD’s Radeon RX series, such as the RX 5700 XT and the RX 6900 XT, provide great value for money with strong gaming performance. Consider your budget, gaming benchmarks, frame rate and specific needs to make the best decision for your gaming rig. We have you covered here if you’re also interested in the Intel Core i7 best GPU.
FAQs
What is the best graphics card for i9 9900k? The best graphics card for i9 9900k depends on your specific needs and budget. Popular options include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, RTX 3090, and AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT.
Is the i9 9900k compatible with NVIDIA or AMD GPUs? Yes, the i9 9900k is compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. You can choose either brand based on your preference and requirements.
What are the key differences Between RTX 2080 Super Black and RTX 2080 Ti Gaming OC?
- Performance: The RTX 2080 Ti generally outperforms the RTX 2080 Super in most benchmarks and real-world tasks.
- VRAM: The RTX 2080 Ti has 11GB of GDDR6 VRAM, compared to the 8GB found on the RTX 2080 Super.
- CUDA Cores: The RTX 2080 Ti has a higher CUDA core count, offering better computational performance.
- Overclocking: The “Gaming OC” version of the RTX 2080 Ti is generally better suited for overclocking than most “Black” versions of the RTX 2080 Super.
- Price: The RTX 2080 Ti tends to be significantly more expensive than the RTX 2080 Super, which might be a consideration depending on your budget.
- Power Consumption: The RTX 2080 Ti generally consumes more power than the RTX 2080 Super, which could require a more robust power supply.
How much VRAM is recommended for i9 9900k? For optimal performance, it is recommended to have at least 8GB of VRAM. However, higher VRAM capacities, such as 10GB or 16GB, can benefit more demanding games and applications.
Can the i9 9900k handle ray tracing on high-end GPUs? Yes, the i9 9900k can handle ray tracing on high-end GPUs. However, the performance may vary depending on the GPU model and the specific game or application.
Will a lower-budget NVIDIA/AMD GPU be sufficient for the i9 9900k? A lower-budget NVIDIA or AMD GPU can still perform well with the i9 9900k, especially if you are not aiming for the highest graphics settings or resolutions. It ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget constraints.
Should I prioritize CPU or GPU when pairing with i9 9900k for gaming? While both CPU and GPU contribute to gaming performance, most games depend on GPU power. Therefore, it is generally recommended to prioritize a high-end GPU when pairing with the i9 9900k for gaming purposes.
Are there any specific considerations for overclocking the i9 9900k with a high-end GPU? When overclocking the i9 9900k with a high-end GPU, it is important to ensure proper cooling and power supply. Consider using an efficient CPU cooler and a high-quality PSU with adequate wattage to handle the increased power demands.
What is the ideal power supply wattage for running the i9 9900k and a high-end GPU smoothly? The ideal power supply wattage for running the i9 9900k and a high-end GPU smoothly can vary depending on your system’s specific GPU model and other components. Aim for a reliable PSU with a wattage rating that exceeds the combined power requirements of your components.
Are there any heat or temperature concerns when using the i9 9900k with a powerful GPU? It is crucial to watch heat and temperature when using the i9 9900k with a powerful GPU. Ensure proper airflow in your case, use a competent CPU cooler, and monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures regularly to maintain stable performance.
