John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super has been out in the market for years now. The launch of this card was well received by both gamers and PC builders alike. It offers better than what’s already available with a lot more power packed into it, all at a reasonable price tag. However, finding a suitable processor that can handle its specs isn’t easy. In this article, we will give you a few different options that will be perfect for the RTX 1660 Super and explain to you why a good CPU is important for this GPU.
Best CPU For RTX 1660 Super
| CPU | Our Opinion | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| I7 12700K | Most powerful CPU in this list, there will be a bit of bottleneck since your GPU isn't as good but you can always overclock the GPU. |  |
| I5 12600K | A bit worse than the I7 12700K but still easily the 2nd best option. Will have a no bottleneck if you overclock your GPU. | |
| Ryzen 7 5800X | A bit worse than the other 2 options due to being released prior to them, however it's still a very solid choice. | |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | Another solid choice, perfect for a mix of being cheap + decent performance | |
| I5 11600K | Older generation of Intel CPUs | |
| Ryzen 7 3800X | Weakest CPU we would suggest you to get. | |
The Intel Core i7-12700K is a 64-bit octa-core high-end performance desktop processor. Based on the Comet Lake microarchitecture, this processor operates at 3.6 GHz with a TDP of 125 W and supports DDR4 memory. The 12700K incorporates Intel’s new UHD Graphics 750 controller that has 12 EUs – which makes things like video playback and photo editing more seamless than before. Additional advanced features include Thermal Velocity Boost, which increases the single-core clock speed up to 5.1 GHz, Intel Advanced Vector Extension 512 (Intel AVX-512), and Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0.
With up to 3.9 GHz Turbo Boost 2.0 speeds, Intel® Core™ i5 processor allows for great performance and responsiveness with minimal thermal throttling, delivering an enhanced user experience. Optimized for Offers top-notch processing power and performance with Intel Core i5 Deca-core (10 Core) 3.70 GHz processor. This desktop computer uses hyper-threading architecture to deliver high performance for demanding applications with improved onboard graphics and turbo boost. The Socket LGA-1700 socket allows the processor to be placed on the PCB without soldering. This processor offers 16 MB of L3 cache that rapidly retrieves the most used data available to improve system performance. It also has Intel 7 architecture which enables improved performance per watt and microarchitecture makes it power-efficient. It comes built-in Intel UHD Graphics controller for great graphics and visual quality.
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is here to show off AMD’s third-generation “Zen” computing architecture. With 8 cores and 16 threads running simultaneously, the Ryzen 7 5800X is capable of handling anything thrown at it. Running up to 4.7 GHz on base frequency, the Ryzen 7 5800X takes gaming, content creation, VR experiences, and other tasks to new heights.
Alright, Gamers and PC Enthusiasts, it’s time to get serious. With AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core 3.7 GHz (4.6 GHz Max Boost) Socket AM4 Desktop Processor, you’ll be armed to dominate the battlefield for years to come. The world’s most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment Can deliver ultra fast 100+ FPS performance in the world’s most popular games.
Game like a pro with the latest technologies integrated into this PC, including a multi-core AMD Ryzen processor, powerful discrete graphics, and ample fast storage options. This desktop is built to keep you productive, creative, and entertained.
Built with the advanced 11th Gen Intel Core processors and a Z590 motherboard, the Intel Gamer NUC delivers new gaming experiences to players in both casual and e-sports communities. With the latest discrete graphics technology paired with the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11600K processor, this system is designed to take on AAA titles while leaving room for expansion.
Built with seven cores, the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X processor has 16 threads that create a smooth and fast computing experience. With speeds up to 4.5GHz, it creates a seamless response for your games and movies as you work swiftly through your tasks. The Wraith Prism cooler with color-controlled LED support that you receive with this model enables you to monitor temperatures with ease. Experience elite performance in games, content creation, and intense multitasking.
What too look for when trying to select a CPU?
There are many factors that determine which CPU is right for your needs. While some people may prefer to have more cores or threads, others may want to have higher frequencies or lower voltage. Some people may also be interested in having an integrated graphics while others would like to get one with a discrete graphics unit. There are so many things to consider but here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Do you plan on overclocking?
If yes, then you need something that supports XMP 2.0 or newer. You can find such processors in Intel’s i5 series and AMD’s Ryzen 5 series.
Is money tight? Then you should choose between AMD and Intel processors. Currently, Intel is offering faster and better value processors than AMD. But since AMD has recently launched new products in the budget segment, they are making quite an impact. So if you don’t care about gaming performance, then you might want to go for them.
Check out our guide on how to pick the right CPU for you.
Why is a powerful CPU important for gaming?
Gaming is always dependent on your system specifications. The latest games require high-end hardware to run smoothly. Your GPU plays a major role in this aspect, but your CPU plays a significant part as well. A powerful CPU can improve game loading times and reduce latency. And given how GPUs these days consume loads of electricity, a powerful CPU helps save costs on electricity bills.
Here are some reasons why a strong CPU is crucial for playing modern games:
It allows better multitasking. With more cores and threads, multi-tasking becomes easier. Multitasking is one of the most demanding processes performed by any computer today.
Having multiple apps running simultaneously increases productivity and gives you more time to focus on other tasks. It also improves overall efficiency. Modern games demand a great number of resources from your CPU. They need the CPU to render frames quickly and efficiently. To achieve this, the CPU must work at full capacity. That’s where a stronger CPU comes in handy.
It makes your system cooler. When you play demanding games, your CPU works overtime. As a result, it gets hot inside your case. If the heat is not dissipated properly then it could damage your components. Therefore, you should make sure that your case has adequate cooling capabilities.
It improves frame rates. Even though there aren’t many differences between different generations of processors, the newest ones offer better performance due to their higher clock speeds. Higher frequency translates to better performance, especially during rendering. Additionally, a stronger CPU provides more headroom for future upgrades. This way you won’t feel short-changed after upgrading later on.
It reduces lag. Laggy gameplay is one of the worst feelings ever! One reason for this is poor communication between your CPU and GPU. Since you’ve got two separate units working independently, there’s bound to be some sort of miscommunication. This leads to slowdowns and choppy visuals. On top of that, your CPU also takes a hit as it struggles to perform heavy calculations. Stronger CPUs prevent this issue altogether.
What is bottleneck?
As discussed earlier, finding a suitable processor that can handle the demands of a GPU isn’t easy. Most users tend to overlook the importance of the CPU in the whole process. After all, it’s just another component in your system. But the truth is that without a solid CPU, nothing else matters. A weak CPU cannot provide enough horsepower to sustain the load of a GPU. This results in slower frame rates and even crashes. So before buying a new PC, check whether your current CPU meets the requirements of the GPU or not. If not, then upgrade it with a better-performing CPU.
In summary, the best CPU for the RTX 1660 Super depends on what type of user you are. If you’re someone who prefers to build their own PCs or wants to buy prebuilt models, then you should choose based on reviews and benchmarks. If you’re someone who likes to overclock their systems then you’d want to consider choosing based on core count and frequency. Also, if you’re someone who doesn’t care about gaming performance then you should go for AMD processors.