Creating a gaming rig is difficult and very costly. But with the right choices, you can stay within budget and get yourself a good gaming rig. A GPU like the GTX 1660 Ti requires an excellent processor that will not bottleneck it. When you start the search for a compatible processor, things might not go as planned – the plethora of choices in the market will confuse you, and you might even freak out.
Several things add up to make a CPU the best for 1660 Ti. But what are they, and how to check them? Is there any way you get a few choices that can help you decide?
The answers to all these questions and more are present in this article. We will provide the details of the best CPUs for 1660 Ti in the market, and the list will help you decide the best processor for your graphics card according to your needs.
Our Top Best CPUs for 1660 Ti
1. AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Although there are better processors than the AMD Ryzen 5 5500, they are only suitable for the short run. The twelve threads and six processing cores provide some of the best gaming performance in comparison to all Ryzen processors with six cores. The most exciting thing about this processor is that it can deliver an FPS of above hundred during gaming in ideal conditions.
Pros: Cons:
So no matter how heavy your game is, the processor and the GPU will ensure it does not lag. Like any other Ryzen processor, the Ryzen 5 5500 also has an AM4 socket so that you can attach any chipset. The speed of this processor is overclockable, and with the help of a chipset motherboard like B450, you can easily overclock it without going out of budget.
This processor has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and can reach a turbo frequency of 4.2 GHz. As we mentioned before, the processor is overclockable, so you can go way beyond 4.2 GHz and experience unlimited speed during gaming. In terms of money, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 comes at a great price in comparison to the Intel processors. So it is a beneficial purchase.
2. Intel Core i9-12900KF
Intel Core i9-12900KF
The most powerful processor on our list has to be the Intel Core i9-12900KF. It has an efficient speed as it comes with sixteen cores and twenty-four threads. Out of the sixteen cores, eight are processing cores, while the other eight are efficient cores. To come up with the standards of the 1660 Ti, you need a processor like this.
Pros: Cons:
Compared to the previous generation CPUs, Intel’s i9 comes with a ten-nanometer technology that boosts the processor’s performance. Apart from that, the processor has a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and can reach a turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz, which is outstanding. Hyperthreading technology ensures that the processor can efficiently perform more than one task in a clock cycle.
Moreover, the processor has an extensive cache memory of 30 MB. Not only that, but it is also overclockable so that you can reach the highest speed limits. You can play AAA games without any lagging and also at 1080p. So to get the best out of your GTX 1660 Ti, the Intel Core i9-12900 KF is an excellent choice. Although it is a bit expensive, the performance justifies the cost of this Intel processor.
3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
If you are looking for the best processor which provides excellent power and performance within budget, then the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is the right choice. Like Intel’s i9, this processor also comes with hyperthreading technology, and it has twenty-four threads and twelve cores and can perform two tasks in one cycle.
Pros: Cons:
The triple-core design of this processor makes sure that you reach an FPS of above hundred, and your gaming graphics are ideal. Combine it with the GTX 1660 Ti, and you will be able to scoop out the best of it. This processor can support all games, including AAA games of high end. You can play these games at 1080p and also edit your videos, and in case of streaming, you can do that in high-quality.
This processor showcases the new 3-Zen architecture of Rayzen. Moreover, the processor has a clock speed of 3.7 GHz and can reach a turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz. If you think the specs stop here, you are wrong. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has an immense L3 cache memory (64 MB). With its great price, this processor is no less than a masterpiece.
4. Intel Core i5-11400F
Intel Core i5-11400F
If you are looking for a cheap but well-performing processor, you are at the right place. The Intel Core i5-11400F processor uses low power at base frequency, but if you attach a chip motherboard for overclocking, it may use high power.
Pros: Cons:
But the good thing is that it still supports PCIe 4.0. Moreover, the processor has six cores and twelve threads, making sure that your game does not lag. Although it is not like the rest of the processors on our list, its compatibility with the 1660 Ti is outstanding. Especially if you want something cheap and good enough to support your high-quality games.
The Intel Core i5-11400F has a base frequency of 2.8 GHz but can boost up to a turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz. This frequency is extraordinary for a processor like this. So if you only aim to play games and are not a fan of streaming, this processor is the right choice.
Buying Guide for the Best CPU for GTX 1660 Ti
Choosing the best CPU for your graphics card is challenging, and you need to make sure that the processor is compatible with your card and will enhance the gaming experience. And with the help of the following few points, you can decide which processor is the best.
• Cores and Threads
Cores and threads are two different things, but people often mix them up. The cores are present within the processor, while threads are independent processors. These come with two combinations, i.e., an equal number of cores and threads, or cores are half the number of threads. For multitasking and editing, your CPU must have more than six cores. But if your purpose is gaming only, then six cores are enough.
• Speed
The speed of a processor depends on many factors, including base and turbo frequencies, TDP, and much more. But you can get an idea of the processor’s speed from the frequencies. So make sure that whichever processor you choose has a turbo frequency of 4.0 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the TDP count?
To know the purpose of TDP, you must know what it is. TDP or Thermal Design Profile/Power is the maximum heat the chip generates. This heat is for overclocking and also affects the speed of the processor. Along with TDP, you need a cooler of the same watts for the best performance. In short, the thermal design power decides the speed of your processor.
2. Are gaming CPUs really important?
If you are a pro gamer, you would never ask this question. But for beginners, this is a valid question. To explain this, consider that you are running. Now, where does all the pressure apply, or in other words, where does all the force come from? Which part helps you to run? Now come to a PC. Where does it get the power from? Can a PC run without the presence of a CPU? And if your intended use is something big and heavy on the processor, how will the processor perform it without a CPU? It won’t, which is why gaming processors are built differently from typical CPUs and are essential for gaming.
Conclusion
Although Intel and AMD have been rivals from day one, their competition has grown day by day. With their growing competition, it becomes difficult to choose the best CPU for the 1660 Ti. But with the help of the detail on the essential factors of a processor, deciding the best is not difficult for you now.
The list above mentions the best processors for this graphics card to help you save some time. That brings us to the end of this post. Happy Gaming!
