That being said, your new fancy GPU needs a good processor. The RTX 2060 and RTX 2060 Super add crazy awesome features like Ray-Tracing that take the realism up a notch in your games but all that power will be wasted if you have a bottleneck.
The CPU is one of the most common bottleneck-area in a modern machine but the good news is that you don’t need to buy a glorious Threadripper CPU. There are several awesome picks that will take FULL ADVANTAGE of your new GPU while also making your other computer tasks zoom.
If you’ve seen the occasional stutter in a game despite a nice GPU or 16GB of RAM, there’s a good chance your CPU is the culprit.
An underperforming i3 may just nullify all the progress that the new GPU is making! While a fully decked out i7 or i9 sound nice, games primarily need to only invest in the Ryzen 5 or i5 level processor lines to get the most out of a GPU.
Best CPUs For RTX 2060 And RTX 2060 Super in April 2021
My Top Pick
That makes the next part pretty simple for you. I’ve selected the top three processors I’d pair with a shiny new RTX 2060 or RTX Super and think you’ll find all three of these picks the best balance between price, power, and quality. For the newer RTX 3080 or RTX 3080Ti, check out these more powerful CPU picks.
1. One of the Best Cpus Overall CPU For the RTX 2060 And RTX 2060 Super is the Ryzen 5 3400 XT
The Ryzen 5 3600xt is a great pair with a RTX 2060 or RTX 2060 Super
You can pick up a Ryzen 5 3400XT on Amazon for under $250 right now. That is a steal for a more than capable processor. You will not run into any CPU bottlenecks with your Nvidia RTX 2060 or RTX 2060 Super using the latest Ryzen 5 model 3400 XT. It’s a great balance of power, speed, while still being budget-friendly for a gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT 6-core, 12-threads unlocked desktop processor with Wraith Spire cooler
- AMD’s fastest 6 core processor for mainstream desktop, with 12 procesing threads
- Can deliver fast 100+ FPS performance in the world’s most popular games
- Bundled with the quiet, capable AMD Wraith Spire cooler
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2. Best Intel CPU For RTX 2060 And RTX 2060 Super: Intel Core i5-10400
Intel is known as the solid dependable good guy of CPU technology. After railing AMD for the last few years they’ve recently had to pump out even better products to stay competitive meaning nothing but good movements coming from the battle of processor titans.
The i5-10400 is just a fine mid-range option coming out of Intel’s 10th most recent CPU iteration. If you are like me, you are a bit hesitant to go back to AMD, even if it costs a little more.
You could go for the most recent i5, the 10600K, but that’s going to cost more than $100 more, and if you are using a 2060 or 2060 Super, you likely won’t be at a bottleneck with the much cheaper 10400, so I’d save my money.
Intel just has a proven track record and has been the reigning champion for the last decade.
An RTX 2060 Super will perform amazing feats with this CPU and inside of gaming you’ll experience no bottlenecks.
Outside of gaming, things such as streaming and Media creation may take a bit of a hit with the lowered thread count. Intel specifically keeps the i7 line dedicated to hyper-threading and multitasking meaning those in production who game on the side will want an AMD product.
The 10400 comes unlocked meaning you can overclock it. For those with a little bit of experience who get a thrill out of pushing hardware to new levels, overclocking is an intense fun experience.
I don’t recommend being cheap on the Cooler (Intel was sort of cheap and didn’t provide one actually) because the RTX 2060 with a nice CPU will create some moderate heat.
If you want to overclock, a premium cooler or cooling solution like water-cooling is your best bet. Unfortunately, the money you’ll spend on water-cooling probably is best spent upgrading up other parts unless you are a diehard 1080p gamer.
With the 2060 and an i5 you’ll get decent performance with 2K, often hitting 70-80 FPS.
That means you can bump up to the next resolution if you are brave. If not, you may want to take advantage of tech like G-sync because you can definitely hit high framerates in the 1080p range with this setup
Pros
- Can be overclocked for even more insane performance
- Solid and dependable history from Intel
- The best balance of price and quality with intel comes from the i5-10400
- Capable of quality 2K gaming with the RTX 2060
Cons
- A cooler is not included meaning it’ll cost another $30 or so to pick up a new one. I recommend the classic Cooler Master.
- Not great at multi-tasking
Intel Core i5-10400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.3 GHz LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series Chipset) 65W, Model Number: BX8070110400
- 6 Cores / 12 Threads
- Socket type LGA 1200
- Up to 4. 3 GHz
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3. AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Best CPU For RTX 2060 And RTX 2060 Super Overall
The 3rd-Gen Ryzen 5 line-up has continued to impress us and the 3600 drops the deadweight of the Vega while bumping the core count and thread count up.
I personally don’t think Vega 11 integrated graphics are much of an edge but if you happened to get this far without your dedicated GPU, be forewarned that this processor needs a dedicated GPU to be any good.
With 6 CPU cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen 5 3600 doesn’t have the same struggle multitasking that a comparable i5 tends to face.
These threads allow it to easily outpace the i5-9600k significantly in unique scenarios like Video Editing. For those who game and work with multimedia, this CPU is an overall win! Gaming never needs more than a handful of threads so traditionally an i5 was the best option.
Since the arrival of streaming, gamers have needed more and more utility from a CPU and the Ryzen 5 3600 sticks the landing. With the ability to edit footage easily, game at blisteringly fast speeds with 2K resolution (You can give a go at 4K, we’d just recommend bumping the GPU up.), and perform well overall, the Ryzen 5 3600 is a great compliment to any RTX 2060 setup.
Technically you can mess around with overclocking as well and squeeze out some more frames but I don’t recommend doing that at this level as it’s risky and needs a good cooling investment.
AMD processors tend to overclock very well but your bottleneck will probably not be the CPU unless you are doing some additional unique activities with this beast of a card.
I can’t remember the last time I legitimately found myself wavering from hardcore Intel fandom but the last few years have slowly nudged me to value both manufacturers immensely. This CPU is one more reason that everything is different in 2020 and traditional notions of PC Gaming Rigs just don’t stand up anymore.
There are almost no cons to the Ryzen 5 3600 and many can find this card lower in price than the i5-9600k. If that isn’t a stunning reason to consider AMD, perhaps you’ll just be happier sticking with the products you know and love.
Pros
- Insane thread count with 12 threads allows great multi-tasking performance
- Can compete in some categories with the i7-9700k
- One of the best CPU’s to arrive in years
Cons
- No onboard integrated graphics
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
- 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
- 6 cores and 12 processing threads bundled with the quiet AMD wraith stealth cooler max temps 95°C
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Conclusion
A new CPU and GPU combo is frankly exciting, and whether you go with Intel or AMD, any of these 3 products will feel blazing fast. I can’t recommend eliminating that old CPU bottleneck as soon as possible.
You might have found one of these three processors to your liking and I’d have to say it’s worth considering an upgrade. Nothing is more annoying than lagging gameplay that hitches regularly. It’s like buffering a youtube video while gaming at the same time and just so frustrating.
With an RTX 2060 and one of out top 3 picks, you’ll be stutter-free in AAA modern games. As always, thanks for joining us as we roundup hardware and show you the best of the best in PC Gaming.
FAQ Best CPU for RTX 2060
What makes the Ryzen 7 3700X a strong competitor in gaming performance compared to the Intel Core i5-9600K when using an RTX 2060 GPU?
The Ryzen 7 3700X, with its higher thread count and processing power, provides a smoother gaming experience, especially in multi-threaded applications, compared to the Intel Core i5-9600K. When paired with an RTX 2060 GPU, it handles high-resolution gaming and graphic-intensive tasks with ease, making it a popular choice among gamers.
How does the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X enhance the gaming performance when paired with the RTX 2060, and why is it considered one of the best CPUs for this graphics card?
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, with its impressive single-threaded performance and higher clock speeds, significantly enhances gaming performance when paired with the RTX 2060. Its architecture provides efficient power consumption and heat generation, making it one of the best CPUs for ensuring the RTX 2060 can perform to its full potential without bottlenecking.
In the context of gaming performance, how does the Ryzen 5 3600X compare to the Ryzen 5 2600X when used with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060?
The Ryzen 5 3600X, with its improved architecture and higher clock speeds, offers superior gaming performance and faster processing capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 5 2600X, when used with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060. The newer model ensures better frame rates in games and enhanced multitasking for a smoother gaming experience.
Considering the RTX 2060 graphics card, why is it crucial to choose the right CPU like the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X for the best gaming experience?
Choosing the right CPU, such as the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, for an RTX 2060 graphics card is crucial because the CPU handles game logic and inputs while the GPU renders the gaming environment. A high-quality CPU ensures the GPU is fed with enough data to perform efficiently, preventing bottlenecks and providing a smoother, lag-free gaming experience.
What are the risks of pairing a good graphics card like the RTX 2060 Super with a suboptimal CPU, and how can this affect the gaming performance?
Pairing a good graphics card like the RTX 2060 Super with a suboptimal CPU risks creating a bottleneck where the graphics card is held back from its full potential, leading to lower frame rates and potential gameplay stutter. This imbalance can significantly affect gaming performance, especially in CPU-intensive games or settings.
Why is the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU considered one of the best budget CPUs for gamers building a PC with an Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card?
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU is considered one of the best budget CPUs for gamers using an Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio. It offers high multi-threading performance and good clock speeds, sufficient for handling games without bottlenecking the GPU, all at a more affordable price than newer CPU models.
How does the Intel Core i5-9600K CPU’s performance compare when matched with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU in gaming applications?
The Intel Core i5-9600K CPU, when matched with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, offers robust gaming performance, with high frame rates in most modern games at 1080p and good performance at 1440p. Its high single-core performance is beneficial for gaming, but it may lag behind in multi-threaded applications compared to similar Ryzen CPUs.
For someone using the RTX 2060, especially in a gaming setup, why is the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU often recommended over older or lower-tier models?
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU is often recommended for gaming setups using the RTX 2060, especially because of its higher core and thread count, which significantly benefits gaming and multitasking. Its newer architecture and larger cache improve processing speeds, ensuring the RTX 2060 isn’t bottlenecked and performs optimally in gaming scenarios.
When it comes to gaming, why might the RTX 2060 Super bottleneck with older CPUs, and how does choosing the best CPU like the Ryzen 5 5600X mitigate this issue?
The RTX 2060 Super may bottleneck with older CPUs due to their lower processing power and slower clock speeds, preventing the GPU from reaching its full potential in high-demand gaming situations. Choosing a best-performing CPU like the Ryzen 5 5600X, with faster clock speeds and newer architecture, mitigates this issue by ensuring the CPU can keep up with the GPU’s needs, providing a smoother, higher-quality gaming experience.
In the pursuit of the best performance in games, why is the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU considered a solid match for the RTX 2060, and how does it compare to its contemporaries in the same price range?
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU is a solid match for the RTX 2060 due to its multi-threading capabilities, decent clock speeds, and affordability, making it a cost-effective option for gamers. While it offers reliable performance for its price, newer models in the same price range may provide improved performance benefits like higher clock speeds and newer processing architectures, enhancing gaming experiences even further.
What differentiates the Intel Core i5 CPUs from others when it comes to being the best CPU for the RTX 2060 in gaming setups?
Intel Core i5 processors are known for their strong single-threaded performance, which is crucial for gaming. Their balance of price, power, and thermal efficiency makes them a popular choice for gamers who need competent performance to match the RTX 2060 without unnecessarily overspending on higher-end CPUs.
In the list of 6 best CPUs for RTX 2060, which ones stand out and for what reasons?
Among the 6 best CPUs for RTX 2060, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 stands out for its affordability and strong multi-core performance, and the Intel Core i5-9600K shines with its high clock speeds and overclocking potential. Both offer excellent gaming performance without causing a bottleneck with the RTX 2060 GPU.
When considering AMD and Intel processors, how does one determine which CPU is best for gaming applications, particularly with GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 2060 Super?
Determining which CPU is best between AMD and Intel for use with the Nvidia RTX 2060 Super involves considering factors like gaming performance, futureproofing, and budget. AMD CPUs generally offer better multi-threading performance, making them future-proof, while Intel CPUs often have better single-threaded performance, which benefits most games.
If a gamer is trying to find a CPU that complements the GeForce RTX 2060 Super, what are the main factors they should consider?
Gamers need to consider performance, budget, and compatibility when finding a CPU for the GeForce RTX 2060 Super. The CPU should be powerful enough to handle current and future games without bottlenecking the GPU, fit within their budget, and be compatible with their motherboard or potential future upgrades.
Why is the Ryzen 5 2nd gen, specifically the 2600X, still considered a viable CPU that you can get for gaming with current-gen GPUs like the RTX 2060?
The Ryzen 5 2nd gen, particularly the 2600X, remains a viable CPU for gaming due to its solid performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications, its affordability, and its forward compatibility with newer motherboards, making it a cost-effective option for gamers using current-gen GPUs like the RTX 2060.
What are some of the best CPUs for Nvidia RTX 2060 Super that ensure there’s no bottleneck?
Some of the best CPUs that ensure no bottleneck with the Nvidia RTX 2060 Super include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600, the Intel Core i5-9600K, and the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. These processors balance price and performance, providing sufficient power to leverage the full capabilities of the GPU.
What should consumers look for in a CPU that offers balanced performance when the RTX 2060 is still their GPU of choice for gaming?
Consumers should seek a CPU that offers high single-thread and multi-thread performance, has overclocking potential, and falls within a reasonable budget when the RTX 2060 is still their preferred choice. Compatibility with existing or future motherboards and cooling solutions is also important for a balanced build.
What are the critical factors in choosing a CPU for the RTX 2060 Super in the context of building a gaming PC?
Critical factors include matching the CPU’s performance capabilities with the RTX 2060 Super to prevent bottlenecks, considering the CPU’s gaming performance in current and anticipated future titles, ensuring motherboard and memory compatibility, and factoring in the cost relative to the overall budget for the gaming PC.
Why is it advisable to opt for either GTX or RTX touring architecture GPUs when assembling a gaming rig with high-end CPUs like the Ryzen Threadripper?
Choosing either GTX or RTX touring architecture GPUs is advisable with high-end CPUs like the Ryzen Threadripper because these GPUs offer advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS, enhancing gaming visuals and performance. They are designed to match the computational power of high-end CPUs, ensuring a balanced and powerful gaming system.
How does the Ryzen 5 2600X CPU fare in gaming when combined with the RTX 2060, and does it offer the best value for gamers on a budget?
The Ryzen 5 2600X, when combined with the RTX 2060, offers excellent gaming performance at 1080p and decent performance at 1440p, striking a balance between price and functionality. Its multi-threading capabilities and overclocking potential provide a great value for budget-conscious gamers seeking good performance.