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The GTX 1070 is a remarkable series. It is a powerful graphics card which, when paired with a quality processor, can show some extraordinary performance.
A decent unit helps users max out games at 1440p or 1080p with more than 60+fps with hardly any compromise.
If you already own a GTX 1070 or want to add it to your gaming setup, then you need to read this whole article thoroughly.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for CPU For Gtx 1070
- OUR TOP PICK: Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor
- RUNNER-UP: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor YD270XBGAFBOX
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor
Comparison of the Best CPUs For GTX 1070
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Are All CPUs For GTX 1070 The Same?
Not all CPUs are the same. They differ in the following aspects:
Types
There are two types of CPUs – Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). They are the market leaders in terms of quality and speed.
Intel’s desktop CPUs include Pentium, Core, and Celeron. AMD’s desktop processors include Phenom, Athlon, and Sempron. Intel has designed Pentium M, Celeron M, and Core mobile processors for notebooks. There are also mobile versions of Athlon and Sempron available while the Turion mobile processor comes in dual-core and ultra versions. Both companies produce both multi-core and single-core processors.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor YD270XBGAFBOX
Clock Speed
Cores and clock speeds are the most advertised aspect of processors. Clock speed is measured in hertz (such as 4.1 GHz) while the number of cores is measured in octa-core, hexa-core, quad-core, or dual-core.
Cache Performance
A cache is typically the RAM for your processor. This means all the functions recently performed by the CPU are stored in the cache. Thus, when these functions are requested again, the processor can access the data from the cache. This is much faster, as the processor does not have to perform the function a second time.
Processors are designed with different levels of cache, from L1 to L4, and you should compare cache size only at the same level. For example, an L3 cache of 6 MB is a better choice than an L3 cache of 4 MB.
How Do I Choose a CPU?
The CPU is a vital part of your computer system. Whether you are building a new PC or upgrading your existing one, the CPU that you choose will dictate your motherboard options. This is because each processor is compatible only with a particular set of chipsets and CPU socket. When choosing a CPU for your system, you should pay special attention to the following considerations:
Clock Speeds
The speed at which the chip operates is measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the number, the faster the processor is. Most of the CPUs available nowadays adjust their clock speeds according to their temperature and the task at hand. That is why you will see a turbo (maximum) speed and a base (minimum) speed listed.
Cores
Cores are the processors within the processor. Today, CPUs come with cores ranging from two to thirty-two. Typically, most processors come with four to eight cores. Each of these cores has the capacity to handle its own tasks. Unless you are looking for a bargain, it is best to have at least four cores.
Threads
Threads refer to the number of independent processes that a chip can handle at a time, which in theory, is the same as the number of cores. Most processors are equipped with multi-threading capability, which enables a single core to form two threads. AMD refers to it as Simultaneous Multi-threading, and Intel calls this Hyper-Threading. More threads result in enhanced performance and better multitasking on heavily-threaded apps like transcoders and video editors.
Review of the Best CPUs For GTX 1070
Pairing a good quality CPU with your GTX 1070 is a sure recipe for a great gaming experience. But with the number of choices available, it can become quite difficult to choose a model. Here, we have reviewed some of our top picks to make it easier for you to choose one that is just right for you.
Best Overall:
Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Uninterrupted gaming, overclocking to 5 Ghz hitch-free, and 1.35 vcore – these are the features that have made buyers very satisfied with this product. Users who played computer games and enjoyed video streaming found that this combination bogged down their system. But with the Intel Core i7-8700K processor, users were able to play games at 4K while transcoding videos for streaming. Buyers also find the leap from four to six cores immediately noticeable during multitasking.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Incomparable performance, economical components, no faffing with overclocking, an ecosystem, a motherboard that is going to last for many years, no need for water cooling, and many more features have made this product one of our favorites. This processor is a clear improvement over the previous processors by Intel with impressively higher multi-core and single-core numbers and exceptional gaming performance.
Who Will Use This Most
The Core i7 processor from Intel is a beast. It is the ultimate solution for gamers who want to enjoy the best experience. This chip delivers incredible out-of-the box performance, incredible overclocking, and amazing power consumption. Moreover, its exceptional hyper-threading performance puts it at a position well above the other processors available.
Bottom Line
The Core i7-8700K from Intel is simply the best processor in the Coffee Lake lineup. Its 12-threads, six-cores, and higher core clock way more than any of the models produced by its competitors. It is the best-rounded processor with virtually no weaknesses. Its attractive price is another plus point which gamers really appreciate.
Runner-up:
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor YD270XBGAFBOX
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who have upgraded to this processor are very happy with the results, as this chip undertakes all tasks with complete ease. They have found this chip to be not only great for gaming but also for multitasking, as well. They highly recommend this product to other users and assure them that they cannot go wrong with this product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Incredible performance, a highly affordable price, and very fast clocking speed allow this product to outperform compared to other CPUs available. Moreover, it comes with an RGB Wraith-Prism cooler that delivers almost silent acoustics together with capable thermal performance. This extraordinary cooler features an RGB LED illumination that gives the Ryzen 2700X a unique look.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want to multitask on your computer, then the Ryzen 2700X is worth the upgrade. If you stream videos, listen to music, or play online games while running hardware monitoring tools in the background, all at the same time, then this product is definitely for you. Ryzen 2700X is a perfectly balanced CPU, which is a must for every serious PC enthusiast.
Bottom Line
Voted as the best overall gaming CPU, this product allows you to experience the ultimate in content creation, gaming, and intensive multitasking. Ryzen 2700X is undoubtedly the best processor available. The enhancements made to XFR2 and Precision Boost, together with the Wraith Prism cooler provided, makes it an amazing value package.
Best for the Money:
Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers highly recommend this CPU for anyone who wants to have great gaming results without spending too much money. It is an extremely powerful chip that runs close to 3.9 on multiple cores, thus eliminating any worries regarding clock speed. They also assure potential users that they will not regret buying this product, particularly if they are on a budget.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This gamer’s chip from Intel offers fantastic value to its customers. It is a mix of gaming power and multi-core performance, which makes it one of the best CPUs available. Its powerful six-core design ensures competitive performance in heavier applications.The Core i5-8400 can easily be called the pound-for-pound gaming champion.
Who Will Use This Most
This versatile and powerful CPU is perfect for all game addicts and office users. With this installed, you can play games that could not be played on your system before, perform office automation tasks, Photoshop, rendering, and Corel without any hassle. This chip completely eliminates problems of low performance and ensures the efficiency of your system.
Bottom Line
The Intel Core i5 is a good choice because it provides numerous benefits at an unbelievably low price. It has a maximum turbo speed of 4 GHz and is capable of overclocking to an amazing 5.1 GHz with hardly any effort. Thus, Core i5-8400 is one of the most affordable Coffee Lake chips for hardcore gamers.
4. AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor YD260XBCAFBOX
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were pleasantly surprised with the performance of this CPU as they were able to run this all day at 4.2 GHz without having any heat issues. The solid OEM Spire heatsinks allow users to run multiple applications simultaneously without facing any problems related to stability or extreme temperatures. Many buyers were nervous at first, as its dynamic OC program seemed too good to be true. However, after using it for a few weeks, they can easily attest to its unparalleled performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Despite being cheaper than its rivals, the Ryzen 5 2600X processor does not lack in quality or performance. It efficiently manages clock speeds per core and makes optimal use of cache levels with the help of targeted adjustments to allocation dynamics. Ryzen 5 2600X is not just an amazing gaming CPU, with some serious multi-threaded chops, but also provides good value for money.
Who Will Use This Most
Serious gamers and computer enthusiasts pay special attention to their graphics cards and processors. However, with the help of this CPU, they can easily compete with confidence. It gives its rivals good value for money with its better single-core power, high multi-core performance, and fantastic gaming experience without sacrificing its affordability. Thus, this unit is ideal for gamers who take their processor performance quite seriously.
Bottom Line
If you want a gaming processor that will allow you to have the best gaming experience, then this CPU is for you. With its new 12nm Zen+ architecture and great boost clock, this CPU delivers exceptional gaming frame rates and highly improved multi-core performance. Moreover, it comes with a new premium RGB Wraith Prism, which adds more value to this product.
5. Intel Core i5-8600K Desktop Processor
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who paired this CPU with the GTX 1070 have reported having experienced gaming like never before. They claim that this product is the best, as they can play any game now without any issues. It is super-fast, and many buyers find that it provides the best quality for money.
Why it Stands Out to Us
From the performance point of view, the Intel Core i5-8600K is one of the best gaming CPUs available today. With a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, six overclockable cores, and a maximum turbo boost speed of 4.3 GHz, this CPU is like a dream come true for gamers.
Who Will Use This Most
This CPU is beyond perfect for people who use their desktop mainly for gaming. Its six cores operate between 3.6 and 4.3 GHz for streaming live gameplay, editing digital content, and running various other intensive tasks. You can also overclock the cores to work more than its maximum frequency for more performance.
Bottom Line
The Intel Core i5-8600K offers a significant boost compared to its predecessors, while the turbo boost bins ensure exceptional performance in lightly-threaded workloads. An excellent gaming performance, together with an easy overclocking experience, makes this CPU a well-sought-after unit by enthusiasts. Although the previous Intel quad-cores can also provide users with a sufficient amount of frames, this eight-generation CPU can certainly make for a better experience.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before investing in a good quality processor, it is vital to keep the following things in mind:
AMD or Intel
If you want to obtain the highest possible frames-per-second from your graphics card on your high-refresh monitor, then your choice should be Intel, as it is still the leader in gaming at 1080p in some selected games.
However, AMD, on the other hand, has considerably narrowed the gap with its advanced en architecture. It also offers more threads and cores, which makes these CPUs best for animation and professional-grade video editing.
What Do You Need Your Computer To Do?
Your processor type and budget will be greatly decided by what you need your computer to do. If you only want a processor that will allow you to browse the web, watch videos, and perform basic productivity tasks like light spreadsheet work and word processing, then an entry-level chip designed with two or four cores will be sufficient for you. However, if it takes hours for your current system to render a 4K video or 3D animation, or if you deal with complex math and massive databases, you need an advanced processor capable of handling such tasks.
Which Generation of CPU is Best For You?
Almost every year, Intel and AMD upgrade their processors with innovative architecture. The 9th-Gen Core Series is the current generation from Intel. For example, the Intel Core i7-9700K and the more advanced Intel Core i9-9900K. The latest processors from AMD belong to its Ryzen 3000 line, namely the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, Ryzen 7 3700X, and Ryzen 7 3800X. Although you can still find older generation processors on sale, it is not recommended that you choose one unless your motherboard does not support the latest models of CPU.
Conclusion
A gaming enthusiast wants nothing more than to get the best gaming experience. In order to do that, you need to find a CPU that works best with GTX 1070. We have reviewed some of the top chips to help you create an ultimate gaming system and enjoy gaming like before. So be sure to compare the specifications of various processors mentioned here before choosing one.
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