
Updated: Dec 12, 2022 10:13 am

The RTX 3060 is one of the better-performing budget GPUs available to date. The 3060 brought high FPS 1080p gaming to the hands of even the most frugal PC gamers. But as we know, every GPU needs a good support system, so we ask. What is the best CPU for RTX 3060?
Now read: Best CPU for RTX 3050
It’s not just about finding a CPU that will be compatible with the 3060, it’s about one that works well with the hardware. The last thing you want is a CPU that bottlenecks the new GPU you just acquired.
So, without further delay, let’s explore what the best choice of CPU is for the RTX 3060.
Best CPU for RTX 3060
Now we will reveal the best CPU to pair with the RTX 3060. And as a surprise to probably nobody, we’re recommending the Ryzen 5 5600X.
editorpick
Editor’s pick

Save $800
Samsung S95B 65″ QD-OLED TV
Samsung introduces the latest QD-OLED TV technology in the S95B – offering up stunning color accuracy, brightness, and contrast.
Alongside these characteristics, the S95B also features
Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is one of the best Price-to-performance CPUs available. The Ryzen 5 5600X has 6 cores and 12 threads to work with meaning it can cut through some of the less demanding multi-core workloads. But still, hold its own in single-core scenarios.
The 4.6GHz core speed ensures that the 5600X can handle gaming, as we all know, core speed is directly tied to gaming performance. This is a CPU that’s ideal to be paired with the RTX 3060, as it won’t cause any CPU bottlenecks, slowing the GPU down as a result.
The 5600X is truly an efficiency beast, outputting a surprisingly large amount of processing power for a remarkably tiny TDP of 65W, that’s almost 200W less than some of the top-dog CPUs out there. The Ryzen 5 5600X’s power-to-performance ratio is almost unbeatable.
With the 5600X, you won’t have to worry about upgrading your hardware. This is because the 5600X belongs to the AM4 socket standard. AMD has used this motherboard socket for many years and has inhabited motherboards for the last 6 or so years.
Best Budget CPU for RTX 3060
Although we recommend sticking with the CPU we recommend, for the most part, we do suggest the I5-12400f. If you can find this CPU for a good deal then you should consider one.


Core i5-12400F
Base clock speed:
2.50 GHz
Boost clock speed:
4.40 GHz
This CPU is one to watch, it performs around the same as the 5600X, however, it goes on sale much more frequently. If the 12400F cannot be found on sale then don’t bother. Unless you already have an Intel system of course, then you’re probably better off. It would be cheaper for you to take a loss on the CPU than it would be to upgrade to accommodate the new CPU.
Final word
no matter what CPU you choose on this list, both will serve you very well. Whether you’re AMD or Intel, we have you covered. We hope you found what you needed in this best CPU for RTX 3060 article.