8 Best CPU for GTX 1660 Super

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 9 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Cache: 768KB L1, 6MB L2, 64MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Rated TDP: 105W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Prism with RGB LED

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900x is the ideal CPU for the GTX 1660 Super, offering a superior performance-to-price ratio. According to TechSpot, AMD’s multicore hierarchy rivals Intel, providing an exceptional gaming experience. The Ryzen 9 3900x outperforms the Intel Core i9-9900k in multi-threading by 25-40% but slightly lags in single-core performance.

With 12 cores and 24 threads, this processor almost qualifies as a High-End Desktop (HEDT) chip, surpassing the similarly priced Core i9-9900K. Based on the 7 nm Zen 3 core architecture, AMD claims it offers 15% more Instructions Per Clock (IPC) than previous Ryzen chips. It features a substantial 6 MB L2 cache and 64 MB L3 cache, termed 70 MB of Game Cache by AMD.

The processor operates between a 3.8 GHz base clock speed and a 4.6 GHz boost clock, handling various loads efficiently. With DDR4 memory support up to 3200 MHz, it seamlessly utilizes the latest memory modules. Additionally, its PCIe 4.0 support, eagerly awaited by the X570 chipset, enhances overall performance. This combination makes the Ryzen 9 3900x an optimal choice for gamers and content creators using the GTX 1660 Super.

Intel Core i5-10600K

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 4.1GHz | Boost clock: 4.8GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No

The Intel Core i5-10600k from the Comet Lake family, fabricated on a 14nm process, excels in gaming performance, rivaling AMD’s Ryzen 5 3600x and 7 3700x. It features 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 12MB Intel Smart Cache, with a base clock of 4.1GHz, boosting to 4.8GHz.

Although it lacks Turbo Boost 3.0, it includes Hyper-Threading, making it an impressive mid-tier chip for the GTX 1660 Super. The i5-10600k supports up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 memory, delivering 41.6 GB/s bandwidth. Despite not supporting PCIe 4.0, it offers PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes.

It includes Intel UHD Graphics 630 and uses the LGA1200 socket, compatible with the new Z490 motherboards. This unlocked chip allows performance variations through overclocking, providing flexibility in gaming and content creation.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 3MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.6GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth cooling solution

AMD offers powerful and affordable chips like the Ryzen 5 5600X, which competes well with Intel in single-core and multi-threading performance. This is the best budget AM4 CPU for the GTX 1660 Super, providing excellent performance at an affordable price.

The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the 7nm Zen 3 architecture, 19% more effective in IPC than Zen 2. It features 6 cores, 12 threads, 3MB L2 cache, and 32MB L3 cache, with clock speeds from 3.7GHz to 4.7GHz. It outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900k in gaming and cost.

The chip supports PCIe 4.0 for the latest 400- or 500-series motherboards and DDR4 memory at 3200MHz. With a 65W TDP, it is power-efficient and includes a Wraith Stealth cooler, saving you extra cost on cooling solutions. The Ryzen 5 5600X is a solid mid-tier processor for gaming and content creation.

Intel Core i5-9400F

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Cache: 9MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: No | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1151 | Base clock: 2.9GHz | Boost clock: 4.1GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

The Intel Core i5-9400F is an affordable and efficient CPU for the GTX 1660 Super. It has 6 cores, 6 threads, and a 9MB Intel Smart Cache, enhancing overall bandwidth. It runs at a base clock of 2.9GHz, boosting to 4.1GHz with Intel Turbo Boost.

Unlike the Intel Core i5-10600k from the 10th generation, the i5-9400F is a 9th generation Coffee Lake chip based on the 14nm process. It doesn’t support overclocking, and it uses a 16-lane PCIe 3.0 connection.

It supports up to 128GB DDR4-2666 memory with 41.6GB/s bandwidth and a 65W TDP, making it power-efficient. Pair it with a Z390 or other 300-series motherboard for optimal performance. The lack of integrated graphics is mitigated by using a dedicated GTX 1660 Super.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 7nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 384KB L1, 3MB L2, 32MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.2GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth 

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 provides mid-to-high-end performance at a pocket-friendly price. Powered by the 7nm Zen 2 architecture, the Ryzen 5 3600 has received positive feedback despite not being as effective as Zen 3.

A higher-spec variant, the Ryzen 5 3600X, is also available. The Ryzen 5 3600 features 6 cores, 12 threads, a 32MB L3 cache, and a 3MB L2 cache. Its clock speeds range from a 3.6GHz base to a 4.2GHz boost, allowing for good overclocking.

This CPU supports PCIe 4.0 with 16 lanes, compatible with the latest 500-series and previous 400-series motherboards. It supports DDR4 memory at 3200MHz and is efficient with a 65W TDP. A Wraith Stealth cooler is included, adding value. This affordable chip delivers adequate in-game performance.

Intel Core i7-9700K

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 8 | Threads: 8 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA1151 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.9GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Bundled cooler: No

The Intel Core i7-9700k is a solid alternative for those who cannot afford the pricier Core i9-9900k, offering similar performance. This unlocked chip from the Coffee Lake family, built on Intel’s 14nm lithography, adjusts power and overclocking according to load but faces pricing competition from the AMD Ryzen 7 2700x.

It features 8 cores, 8 threads, and 12 MB Intel Smart Cache, with a base clock of 3.6GHz boosting to 4.9GHz. Despite lacking Hyper-Threading, it supports 128GB DDR4 memory at 2666MHz and has 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0. It’s compatible with 300-series motherboards, including Z390, via an LGA1151 socket and includes Intel UHD Graphics 630.

With a 95W TDP, it matches its predecessor’s thermal efficiency but exceeds the 65W TDP of the Ryzen 7 3700X. The i7-9700k is a premium choice for the GTX 1660 Super, balancing performance and expandability.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600

Brand: AMD | Series/Family: AMD Ryzen 5 Desktop Processors | Lithography: 12nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 576KB L1, 3MB L2, 16MB L3 | Multi-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: Yes | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: AMD AM4 | Base clock: 3.4GHz | Boost clock: 3.9GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Wraith Stealth cooling solution

AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600 is the best entry-level CPU for the GTX 1660 Super. It competes well with Intel i5 processors, offering mid-tier performance at a budget-friendly price. Powered by the Zen+ core architecture on a 12nm process, it has 6 cores, 12 threads, a 576KB L1 cache, a 3MB L2 cache, and a 16MB L3 cache.

Its base clock is 3.4GHz, boosting to 3.9GHz, and up to 4.2GHz with water cooling. It delivers 62 fps for Tomb Raider, compared to the i5 6600k’s 59 fps. The Ryzen 5 2600 supports PCIe 3.0, which works well with 300-series motherboards via an AM4 socket. It supports DDR4 memory at 2933MHz.

Features include Precision Boost 2.0, XFR2, and StoreMI for combining multiple drives into a single volume. Despite being a 2nd generation chip, it offers high-end features and technologies, making it a great budget option.

Intel Core i5-11400F

Brand: Intel | Series/Family: 11th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors | Lithography: 14nm | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache | Hyper-Threading: Yes | Unlocked Multiplier: No | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA1200 | Base clock: 2.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.4GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Bundled cooler: Yes

The Intel Core i5-11400F, from the 11th generation Rocket Lake family, is a cost-effective six-core processor. It offers enthusiast-level gaming when paired with a quality graphics card like the GTX 1660 Super. Although it’s a locked chip, limiting overclocking, it excels in performance for its price.

Compared to the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x, the i5-11400F also features 6 cores and 12 threads but at half the price. It includes a 12MB Intel Smart Cache, enhancing bandwidth. Its base clock is 2.6GHz, boosting to 4.4GHz, with a 65W TDP for power efficiency.

The chip supports PCIe 4.0 in a 20-lane structure and is compatible with 500-series and 400-series motherboards via an LGA1200 socket. It supports DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz and 50GB/s memory bandwidth. Although it lacks integrated graphics, pairing it with a dedicated GPU like the GTX 1660 Super ensures excellent gaming and content creation performance.

Read Also: Best CPUs for RX 6900 XT

What Should You Consider When Buying a CPU for GTX 1660 Super?

CPU Socket: Ensure your motherboard socket matches the CPU. AMD uses the AM4 socket for all chips, while Intel uses various LGA sockets like LGA 1151.

Number of Cores: More cores mean better performance for time-consuming tasks. Aim for a CPU with at least six cores.

Threads and Multi-threading: Threads carry and execute information. Multi-threading (or hyper-threading) allows a CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

CPU Cache: Cache memory, faster than RAM, sits between RAM and CPU, quickly passing instructions. Look for at least 12MB cache (Intel) or 3MB L2 and 12MB L3 cache (AMD).

Clock Speed: Clock speed measures a CPU’s execution speed. Higher clock speeds are beneficial for tasks like gaming. Aim for chips surpassing 5GHz.

Cooling: Adequate cooling is vital for maintaining performance. Consider liquid cooling for heavy-duty workloads and air cooling for mid-tier tasks or light gaming.

Selecting the right CPU ensures that your GTX 1660 Super performs optimally.