The best picks for the RTX 5090
Updated: Jan 10, 2025 2:31 pm
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Nvidia recently announced the RTX 50 series at its CES 2025 keynote, and it’s taken the tech industry by storm. Before the announcement, rumours of performance gains were rife, but nobody expected the massive generational improvements that Nvidia unveiled. The RTX 50 series GPUs are hands down the most powerful consumer GPUs we have ever seen (mostly thanks to AI and neural rendering), and the RTX 5090 sits atop its generation as the flagship model.
To maximise the RTX 5090 and its insane capabilities, you will need an equally insane CPU to keep up. The issue with powerful GPUs is that the more performance they output, the more likely a CPU will bottleneck it. This is because (in our opinion) GPU performance improvements are generationally greater than that of CPUs. So, sooner or later, we may be left having to overcompensate in the CPU department.
Thankfully, that time isn’t right now, but it sure feels close when you glimpse what the 5090 is capable of. In this article, we will use our expertise to recommend a CPU to pair with the RTX 5090 and how to balance your system to avoid bottlenecks. It’s better to prepare now for the launch of the 5090 on January 30th.
Products at a glance
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Best CPU for RTX 5090AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
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Runner UpIntel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Core configuration: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: 24
- P-Core Speed: 5.5 GHz (boost) 3.7 GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: 4.6 GHz (boost) 3.2 GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: DDR5 @ 6400 MT/s
- TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (extreme): 125W / 250W / 250W / 295W
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Best CPU for ProductivityAMD Ryzen 9 9950XÂ
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Boost speed: 5.7 GHz (Max Boost)
- L1/L2/L3 Cache: 80KB/1MB/64MB
- Default TDP: 170W
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Best ‘budget’Intel Core i9-14900K
- Core configuration:: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: : 32
- P-Core Speed: : 5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: : 4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: : Yes @ 5600MHz
- TDP: 125W base 253W PL1 & PL2
Why is the RTX 5090 so insane?
Before jumping into the CPU recommendations, we should elaborate on why we call the 5090 insane. Well, to be honest with you, the entire 50 series is a little off its rocker in terms of performance. The 5070 alone claims to match the performance of the RTX 4090.
The RTX 5090 is apparently (according to Nvidia’s own benchmarks at CES 2025) around 2x as fast as the RTX 4090. In titles that support DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation. This is achievable thanks to the AI power packed into the 50 series Blackwell platform.
Many path tracing and rendering calculations are rendered using AI and neural learning, allowing the GPU to stay three or so frames ahead. When showcasing the real-time-rendered tech demo on stage, Nvidia claimed that out of the 33 million pixels in a frame, the GPU only had to calculate around 2 million of them, leaving the rest to AI. This is how the 5090 can output twice the performance of a GPU already considered a monster.
Best CPU for RTX 5090
With that out of the way, we can get into the meat and potatoes of the article: our top CPU picks for the RTX 5090.
Specifications
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
What We Think
The 9800X3D is hands down the best gaming CPU we have tested to date. The gains over the previous generation are healthy (up to 21% faster), and features the second generation of 3D V-cache technology.
Reasons to Buy
- Best gaming performance of any CPU (as of the time of writing)
- Excellent value for money at MSRP
- Uses AM5 standard, can upgrade from 7000 series with no extra cost
- Turbo game mode improves gaming performance further in some titles
Reasons to Avoid
- Very low stock, sells out fast
- lots of scalpers driving up the price
- Not the best multi-core performance (you might want a non-X3D CPU for workloads)
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the pinnacle of all gaming CPUs right now and is easily in the running to be the most popular CPU of AMD. This is further emphasised by the fact that there isn’t any stock. This is the best CPU to pair with the RTX 5090 if you want to build a pure gaming PC. However, if you’re looking for productivity tasks, you might want to invest in a CPU with a few more cores or wait for the newly announced Ryzen 9 9950X3D if you want to do a mix of work and play.
Our review shows that the 9800X3D falls behind in some multithreaded workloads, particularly the new Core Ultra CPUs, but it wipes the floor with everything else regarding gaming. The only CPU that somewhat comes close is the last generation’s 7800X3D. It is a little more efficient and consumes less power if that’s important to you. Part of the reason the 9800X3D can perform better is that it’s less restricted. This is the ultimate CPU for the RTX 5090 (at least until the 9950X3D is released).
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Despite this, the 9800X3D keeps 8 cores and 16 threads ticking over at a maximum boost speed of up to 5.2 GHz, all within a 120W TDP. So you don’t need the world’s beefiest CPU cooler to keep temperatures in check. In this generation, the cache die has been resized and moved under the CCD for better thermal efficiency. As a result, the insulating silicon supports have been removed, making it less temperature-sensitive.
Thanks to being manufactured for the AM5 platform, you can upgrade from a 7000 series CPU without skipping a beat. The 9800X3D is compatible with the 600 series motherboards and the 800 series (if you want a few more, faster features). Having said that, it’s not necessary to upgrade if you’re rocking an X670 or similar AM5 motherboard.
Specifications
- Core configuration: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: 24
- P-Core Speed: 5.5 GHz (boost) 3.7 GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: 4.6 GHz (boost) 3.2 GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: DDR5 @ 6400 MT/s
- TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (extreme): 125W / 250W / 250W / 295W
What We Think
We have our gripes with the Core Ultra series from Intel, but they do get the job done when it comes to multi-core performance. If you want, pound-for-pound, the best CPU for workloads, then this is the best choice. If you can pick one up at the right price, and don’t mind buying yet another Intel motherboard, that is.
Reasons to Buy
- Very strong multi-core performance despite no SMT
- Improvements have been made since launch through microcode updates
- Sometimes can be found on sale thanks to poor initial sales
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor gaming performance compared to the likes of X3D CPUs
- Still runs hot despite not being multithreaded
- MSRP is high considering you have to buy an LGA 1851 motherboard too (AND DDR5 memory if you’re still on DDR4
- Best used for multithreaded workloads
The Core Ultra 9 285K is the newest Intel flagship Arrow Lake processor under the new naming convention ‘Core Ultra’. Despite a rocky launch (thanks to mediocre gaming performance), subsequent microcode updates have improved gaming performance and stability. Thankfully, Intel focused on multi-core performance and created a chip that gives even the most powerful AMD beats a run for their money. All without being multithreaded.
Our review shows the Core Ultra 9 push slightly past the 9950X in multithreaded workloads, but it falls slightly behind when gaming. Full disclosure: our benchmarks are from the pre-corrective microcode update, so performance has been rumoured to be improved on the gaming front. If you only plan on using this PC for work, this shouldn’t matter too much.
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The 285K comprises 24 cores and 24 threads because the chip lacks multithreading. It still follows the big.LITTLE split core architecture, so breaking it down further brings us to 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, each with a 5.6 GHz and 4.6 GHz boost speed, respectively. Quite a drop from the 6 GHz of the 14900K. At first glance, the TDP of 125W might seem reasonable until you realise that the PL1 and PL2 are both 250W. Bring a good cooler, people.
As we mentioned, You need a new motherboard for the 285K; anything on the LGA 1851 platform is technically fine, but we recommend going for the Z890 to maximise the potential of your system.
Specifications
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Boost speed: 5.7 GHz (Max Boost)
- L1/L2/L3 Cache: 80KB/1MB/64MB
- Default TDP: 170W
What We Think
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X is Team Red’s current flagship (in a pre-9950X3D world), it is able to provide a useful blend of gaming performance and multithreaded workstation performance thanks to AMD’s revolutionary Zen 5 CPU core. Perfect to pair with the RTX 5090.
Reasons to Buy
- Very good balance of workstation and gaming performance
- AMD’s Zen 5 core means processors are more efficient than ever
- Competes with the 285K with PBO enabled
Reasons to Avoid
- Gets hot when PBO is enabled
- Gets hot when PBO is not enabled
- Outclassed in gaming performance by 9800X3D (but so is every other CPU)
The Ryzen 9 9950X is AMD’s best heavy lifter in terms of raw power and number of cores; it can hold its own in gaming performance, but it is outmatched by some of the X3D CPUs, as expected. Built on AMD’s Zen 5 core, the 9950X is incredibly efficient given its composition. we even thought it was too efficient, as AMD’s launch wasn’t the greatest either. Thankfully, Windows issues were fixed, and patches were applied to improve things slightly, converging to bring you the performance beast you see today.
Our review of the 9950X shows it dominates in multi-core workloads, but it slightly falls behind Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K. However, despite the thermal throttling, the 9950X can pull it back when PBO is enabled. We don’t recommend PBO as a long-term solution to bridging the gap between the two flagships, as the strain on the 9950X is too intense. Thankfully, gaming is a different story, with the 9950X pulling slightly ahead of Intel in the games we tested. Making this CPU a perfect all-rounder for the 5090.
285K vs 9950X review synthetic multi core
285K vs 9950X review average power consumption
285K vs 9950X review power
285K vs 9950X review synthetic single core
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The 9950X is a 16 Core and 32 Thread processor, perfect for multitasking. All cores can boost speed up to 5.7 GHz; because of this, it has a TDP of 170W but a PPT of 230, making it around 20W more efficient on paper than the 285K. But in reality, it does run a little bit hotter.
On an AM5 motherboard where, you’ll find this CPU, as it’s compatible with any motherboard that features an LGA 1718 socket. But once again, since it’s a generational flagship (for now), we recommend opting for the best motherboard you can afford to take full advantage of its features.
Specifications
- Core configuration:: 24 (8+16)
- Threads: : 32
- P-Core Speed: : 5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)
- E-Core Speed: : 4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base)
- DDR5 support: : Yes @ 5600MHz
- TDP: 125W base 253W PL1 & PL2
What We Think
The 14900K (if you didn’t have one that self-immolated) is a robust future-proof CPU from Intel. It has been many die-hard Intel fans CPU for some time now, as many consider the Core Ultra series not worth the upgrade. You can’t go wrong with the 14900K (so long as you apply the microcode update to stop it, you know, exploding).
Reasons to Buy
- Strong gaming performance
- World’s only CPU to boost to 6 GHz as standard (time of writing)
- Great multi-core performance
- Require more affordable motherboards
Reasons to Avoid
- Similar performance to the 13900K (on release was not worth price hike)
- Can still be expensive
- Not as good as X3D CPUs regarding gaming performance.
The Core i9-14900K takes me back to simpler times with the older naming convention; I still type ‘Core iXXX’ when I refer to the new CPUs before realizing what I’m doing. Anyway, the 14900K is the Raptor Lake Refresh flagship with something to prove. Many considered this generation to just be something to bridge the gap as we waited for Arrow Lake (which turned out to be a bit of a flop); this left gamers and content creators flocking to AMD and older generations of Intel CPUs for consolation.
The 14900K is similar to the 13900K of the previous generation, except it boosts to 6 GHz. The 13900K is hard to find now, but you can still pick up the 14900K for a decent price. It’s probably the lowest we’d go regarding CPUs for the RTX 5090.
Our review refers to the 14900K as a capable powerhouse with gaming and multi-core performance down to a tee. It struggles to keep up with the X3D CPUs in terms of gaming prowess (as does anything these days), but it can hold its own in productivity and workstation tasks when fed enough power.
The 14900K comprises 24 cores and 32 threads, as the 14th generation was still hyperthreaded. Again, the 14900K (much like the 285K) is built on the big.LITTLE architecture, with the core assembly of 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores. Each can boost to 6 GHz and 4.4 GHz, respectively. These cores require lots of power, as the base TDP is cited as 125W, and the PL1 and 2 come in at 253 W, with an unlimited PL2 Tau limit.
If you can pick up this CPU for a good price, you can also get an LGA 1700 motherboard for a reasonable one since they have been going since the 12th gen. However, we recommend going for a Z790 if you can stretch it. But it all depends on your needs and budget.
How to not bottleneck the RTX 5090
Bottlenecking is the killer of value that every PC builder fears, though the threshold changes with each display resolution. The idea of bottlenecking is one component can’t keep up with the other, and with the 5090 being 2X better than the 4090 in some cases, the fear you don’t have a CPU that can keep up is well-founded.
It sounds complicated, but it’s not too difficult to grasp; a CPU bottleneck (the one we’re afraid of) is where the CPU caps out before the GPU does, limiting performance. Since the RTX 5090 is not a 1080p GPU, it’ll likely get some insane numbers on the FPS charts (since 1080p, by today’s standard, is a low, easy resolution); I don’t think there’s a CPU made today that will be able to keep up with that.
4K is undoubtedly what the 5090 is made for, so it will have a harder time outputting a 4K image, lowering the FPS and allowing the CPU to keep up. technically, that then makes the GPU a bottleneck, but logically speaking, one of them has to be. As long as you’re not wasting some of your GPU potential, you’re not wasting its value.
Without personally testing the RTX 5090 in many games, it’s hard to tell where the line is; this is why basically every one of our picks for the 5090 is a flagship. We need a CPU that won’t struggle to keep up with this monster of a processing unit.
Final word
The RTX 5090 has taken the world by storm with promises of delivering twice the already monstrous RTX 4090 performance. To keep up with all those frames, your CPU will need all the help it can get. that’s why all of the CPUs in our recommendations are flagship CPUs and top performers, poised and ready to show you what they are made of.
The 9800X3D is the obvious choice for gaming, as it completely dominates all other CPUs in that arena. The productivity CPU pick is a tossup between the 9950X and the Core Ultra 9 285K, though the latter should be reserved for ‘work only’ workloads. In our opinion, it isn’t worth the investment as a gaming CPU. There are better and cheaper options out there.
We’re reserving a space on this list for the 9950X3D because if the rumblings of near 9800X3D gaming performance are true, it will quickly make for the perfect pairing with the RTX 5090. Either way, we’ll keep this list updated throughout the lifetime of the 5090, so you always know to tap to build the best system possible and not waste a penny on spent performance.
