John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
It’s no secret that the right video card can make or break a gaming experience. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your needs. If you’re looking to build or upgrade a gaming PC with an I7 12700K or the I5 12600K, check out our list of the best GPUs for the job!
We’ve narrowed it down to six contenders based on price, performance, and overall value.
Not everyone has a massive budget, especially since the I7 12700K itself is already quite expensive, as such, we will include the best GPUs for performance (while having no bottlenecks) as well as the cheapest ones that you could use with the I7 12700K with little to no bottleneck issues.
Top 6 Best GPU For I7 12700K / I5 12600K
I would highly suggest you pick one of the graphics cards we’ve shown you above, any weaker graphics cards will bottleneck your CPU while gaming which is something you don’t want to happen, we’ll explain what a bottleneck is in the FAQ section of this article (generally at the end!).
Our Opinion & Review
- Digital Max Resolution:7680 x 4320.590.4GT/s Texture Fill Rate
- Real boost clock: 1800 MHz; Memory detail: 24576 MB GDDR6X.
- Real-time ray tracing in games for cutting-edge, hyper-realistic graphics.
- Triple HDB fans 9 iCX3 thermal sensors offer higher performance cooling and much quieter acoustic noiseAvoid using unofficial software
- All-metal backplate & adjustable ARGB
The RTX 3090 is an absolute monster and it should be no surprise to see it listed at the top as it would be the perfect pair in terms of performance with 0 bottleneck issues.
When it comes to graphics cards, the NVIDIA RTX 3090 reigns supreme. With its leading position in both sales and performance for years now; there’s no surprise as this trend will continue even with new releases of powerful CPUs that are sure to be a hit among gamers looking up at least one card capable enough to handle any game they throw at them without issue.
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra Gaming Graphics Card is powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture. This card outperforms the NVIDIA Titan RTX in many benchmarks and features 24576 MB of ultra-fast GDDR6X memory. Get higher performance for high-resolution gaming, delivering 4K/240Hz, up to 8K/60Hz, and VR applications.
Take your gaming experience to the next level with real-time ray tracing in games for cutting-edge hyper-realistic graphics. Using the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 graphics card, gamers can play their favorite AAA titles at the highest settings with all the advanced features turned on at a high 4K resolution and get fast, responsive gameplay at Full HD resolution.
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 FTW3 ULTRA GAMING features the EVGA iCX3 cooling solution. This allows for better thermal performance and generates much less acoustical noise than the last generation fan design. The new 9 fan blade design on this model is nearly silent, which is made possible by the extra sharp fan blade angles.
The I7 12700K + RTX 3090 setup is significantly more expensive than some alternatives but if you have deep pockets then go ahead and want maximum performance then go ahead!
- 【NVIDIA AMPERE ARCHITECTURE】The all-new NVIDIA Ampere architecture delivers the ultimate play, featuring advanced 2nd generation Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd generation Tensor Cores with greater throughput.
- 【The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080】is powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture. Built with enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores, new streaming multiprocessors, and high-speed G6 memory, it gives you the power you need to rip through the most demanding games at 1440p resolution. Combined with the next generation of design, cooling, and overclocking with EVGA Precision X1, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Series creates a definition for ultimate performance.
- 【iCX3 TECHNOLOGY】iCX3 Technology combines sensors and micro control processors with improved iCX3 Cooling performance to make EVGA iCX3 the smartest and most-efficient cooling package available today.
- 【EVGA's iCX3 Fans】feature a 2nd Gen optimized HDB active motor for silent 0dB mode, asynchronous fan mode, and a special upraised "E" pattern that further reduces noise.
- 【Triple 2nd Generation HDB Fans】are installed on all air-cooled EVGA GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics cards to optimize airflow, increase cooling performance, and reduce fan noise.
Another great GPU, slight downgrade over the 3090, however, its performance is still insane when compared to other cheaper cards.
If you’re on the hunt for a powerful graphics card but the 3090 is too expensive for you then the 3080 might be the best choice for you. The RTX 3080 may be weaker than its bigger brother but it’s still one of those cards that can last years without needing to upgrade or overclock in order to get up and running with modern gaming demands as well!
We would recommend this one as the best GPU for I5 12600K.
This card delivers amazing performance, power efficiency, and gaming experience. The all-new NVIDIA Ampere architecture delivers the ultimate play, featuring advanced 2nd generation Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd generation Tensor Cores with greater throughput. They operate in concert to create unparalleled levels of realism, speed, and output — allowing you to enjoy and stream your favorite games at a whole new level. The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 brings performance from a higher plane.
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 featuring EVGA iCX3 Technology takes the award-winning EVGA ACX cooling technology and combines it with the next-generation platform and power delivery to bring you amazing performance and thermal solutions.
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra and Ultra XC models feature an all-new cooling design that provides superior performance. The cooling solution utilizes the latest Airflow Control Technology, HDB Fans, and a 2nd Gen optimized HDB active motor for silent 0dB mode and asynchronous fan mode. In addition to keeping the video card cool, EVGA is also reducing noise levels with a special upraised “E” pattern that further reduces noise by up to 15%, over previous designs.
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
- Boost Clock 1755 MHz, 8GB 256-bit GDDR6, 14 Gbps, PCIE 4.0; Low Hash Rate (LHR) 25 MH's ETH hash rate (est.)
- White LED Logo Lighting, IceStorm 2.0 Advanced Cooling, FREEZE Fan Stop, Active Fan Control, Metal Backplate
- 8K Ready, 4 Display Ready, HDCP 2.3, VR Ready.Avoid using unofficial software
- 4 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1, DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT API, OpenGL 4.6
About 10% better than the 3060 TI according to our tests.
The RTX 3070 is a great buy for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much on their graphics card. The performance will be about equivalent with an I7 12700k & I5 12600K in terms of bottleneck, which makes this one of the best 1440p/4K Gaming PCs in terms of value & performance that you can build at that price point and still get high frame rates in games without any lag or low FPS when playing competitively online against people running better computers than yourself – even if they have more powerful CPUs/GPUs!
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
- Boost Clock 1695 MHz, 8GB 256-bit GDDR6, 14 Gbps, PCIE 4.0; Low Hash Rate (LHR) 25 MH's ETH hash rate (est.)
- White LED Logo Lighting, IceStorm 2.0 Advanced Cooling, Active Fan Control, Freeze Fan Stop, Metal Backplate
- 8K Ready, 4 Display Ready, HDCP 2.3, VR Ready.Avoid using unofficial software
- 4 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1, DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT API, OpenGL 4.6
About 20% better than the 3060, we would 100% say this has to be the Best budget GPU. Cheap and high performance.
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is powered by the new NVIDIA Ampere architecture, delivering up to 2x the performance of previous-generation graphics cards.
Powered by ray tracing and AI cores, this card is designed for gamers who demand the best gaming experience.
The 8GB of GDDR6 memory ensures smooth gameplay at high resolutions and HDCP 2.3 allows for 4K streaming and playback.
VR Ready lets you experience immersive virtual reality games and applications. Metal backplate provides extra rigidity and cooling.
This graphics card would be the perfect choice in terms of value/performance when used along the I5 12600K.
- Game Clock: Up to 2050 MHz
- Boost Clock: Up to 2285 MHz
- External RGB LED Synchronization
- Video Streaming up to 8K
- High Performance 4K Gaming
Good GPU, no bottleneck & will last u for a good while.
This Graphics Card is amazing but also very expensive, as you can tell by its price. Obviously, this won’t be for everyone due to its price tag, we would still suggest the 3080 or the 3090 over this one, however, I know a lot of you prefer AMD over NVIDIA so this would be a good enough AMD option for you.
With this GPU you won’t be running into any bottleneck issues when paired with your CPU.
Enthusiasts want the ultimate in cooling and fan performance, which is exactly what the Red Devil delivers. The three cooling fans utilize two-ball bearing technology, increasing the longevity of the fans by up to 4 times. If that wasn’t enough, each fan can be controlled individually to increase efficiency.
The PowerColor Red Devil RX 6900 XT boasts the award-winning TRIXX boost software that helps overclock the card with just a few clicks. In addition, Mute Fan Technology intelligently stops the fan below 60°C and Three 8mm unique composite heat pipes provide excellent thermal transfer with direct touch to the GPU core. This powerhouse is tailor-made for those who demand incredible performance without compromise.
Equipped with a powerful triple-fan thermal design, ASUS RX 6900 XT delivers high clock speeds and low-temperature output. OC Mode allows you to push the boundaries of graphics while Silent Mode provides an excellent quiet-gaming experience keeping things cool and quiet with reduced clocks speed and fan noise.
In addition, designed with intelligent control for better thermal solutions and a stronger backplate for lower PCB bending, Red Devil provides more flexibility in rising up to your needs of overclocking up to 80MHz higher than the reference design. Do you want to get a taste of superior performance? With the magic of the red devil, the game is over!
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
- 12GB 192-bit GDDR6, 15 Gbps, PCIE 4.0; Boost Clock 1807 MHz
- IceStorm 2.0 Cooling, Active Fan Control, Freeze Fan Stop, Metal Backplate
- 8K Ready, 4 Display Ready, HDCP 2.3, VR Ready.Avoid using unofficial software
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1, DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT API, OpenGL 4.6
The cheapest GPU we would recommend, get anything less than this and it’s too old/far weaker / not worth the investment.
The RTX 3060 is perfect for gamers who want the best gaming experience possible at a very cheap price. It has NVIDIA’s latest Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, and 3rd Gen Tensor Cores, which all work together to create an incredibly realistic gaming experience.
Plus, it comes with 12GB of GDDR6 memory and a Boost Clock of 1807 MHz, so you’ll be able to play the most demanding games without any lag or slowdown.
And if that’s not enough, the RTX 3060 also features IceStorm 2.0 cooling technology, active fan control, freeze fan stop, and a metal backplate.
So whether you’re playing games, watching movies, or streaming content online, the RTX 3060 is likely a great choice if you’re on a very tight budget.
Should I overclock my GPU?
The RTX 3070,3080 and 3090 are powerful enough for an I7 12700K but if you have a weaker Graphics Card like the GTX 3060 Ti or any other card that is slower than those 3 then there will be some bottlenecking since your CPU can’t keep up with it. You should consider overclocking in order to get extra performance out of your current GPU.
If you have the I5 12600K then even the 3060 TI will be good enough without needing to overclock (although you could still do it to get some extra performance out of it since it still bottlenecks a tiny bit your CPU), if you have the 3060 then you should definitely overclock to reduce the bottleneck as much as possible.
For a tutorial on what OC’ing does for gaming we recommend you to read this guide.
Is the I7 12700K Good For Gaming?
Yes! The I7 12600k is one of the latest CPUs released in the market by Intel and as such is great for quite literally everything you can think of including gaming! It shouldn’t have any issues running all kinds of games at 1440p or even 4K while running at the highest graphics settings in the game.
As long as you have a strong GPU to match you will be perfectly fine!
Is the I5 12600K Good For Gaming?
The I5 12600K albeit weaker than the I7 counterpart is still amazing, in fact, most people regard the I5’s as the perfect CPUs for gaming since the hyperthreading benefits from I7 CPUs isn’t yet used nearly as often as we’d like in games as such in terms of value & performance ratio, arguably, I5’s are the kings. But again, you need a strong graphics card to match its power. If you have a good CPU/GPU Combo you’ll be fine running any game in the market for quite a few years even at higher resolutions like 1440p/4k gaming.
12600k vs 12700k
The 17 12700K is obviously better than the I5 12600K, it’s a direct improvement/upgrade, however, in terms of gaming, both are extremely good & top of the line CPUs, either of them will leave you satisfied with the results, however, the 12700k may last a couple good years longer at the expense of being a bit more expensive.
One thing to notice is that a lot of games don’t yet use hyperthreading which is one of the core features of the I7’s that the I5’s don’t have. However, over the next few years surely more games that use hyperthreading will start to come out and that’s when the I7’s will shine over the I5’s even for gaming.
At the end of the day, as long as you have a good Graphics Card to match, both of them are good and will last you a long time.
Does The I5 12600K Have Integrated GPU?
Yes, it has an integrated GPU, it has a Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Alder Lake) (300 – 1450 MHz), however, just like most integrated GPUs, you shouldn’t expect great performance from it, especially not for gaming unless you’re playing very old games with low graphical demands.