Best CPUs for AMD RX 9070
RDNA 4 without the XT's extra compute units, and the quieter, cooler member of the pair. Sixteen gigabytes at this level is the headline and it is a good one, because memory is what decides whether a mid-range card ages gracefully. The XT is meaningfully faster for a modest premium, so check both prices before you settle for this one.
Ranked below: 15 CPUs against the AMD RX 9070 at 1440p, balanced pairings first, then by bottleneck %.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CPU for the AMD RX 9070?
The Intel Core i5-13600K is the best CPU for the AMD RX 9070 with only a 10% bottleneck at 1440p. It has a gaming score of 87/100.
What is the cheapest CPU that won't bottleneck the AMD RX 9070?
The Intel Core i5-13600K is well-balanced with the AMD RX 9070, at only 10% bottleneck at 1440p.
Does the AMD RX 9070 need a high-end CPU?
Not necessarily. The AMD RX 9070 has a gaming score of 76/100, so a mid-range CPU will pair well. You don't need the most expensive CPU to avoid bottlenecking.
Test any CPU/GPU pair with our free bottleneck calculator.