The Intel i7-5820K is a high-end CPU that was launched in 2014 While the i7-5820K may not be the latest in CPU technology in 2024, it’s still a capable processor for many users. As we look ahead to 2024, it’s crucial to ensure that your system is equipped with the best possible components to maximize its performance. One of the key elements to consider when upgrading your i7-5820K processor is the GPU. In this guide, we will CRR review of the top three GPU options for the i7-5820K processor in 2024, focusing on their features, performance, and overall value. These options include the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, the AMD Radeon RX 6600, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply looking to enhance your system, these GPUs are sure to provide an exceptional experience alongside your i7-5820K processor.
Related: Best GPU For i7-5960X
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 6 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1785 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 120 W |
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a stellar choice for those looking to pair it with an i7-5820K, particularly for 1080p gaming. This GPU features 6GB GDDR6 VRAM, a boost clock of 1785 MHz, and 1408 CUDA cores, ensuring a smooth gaming experience with minimal bottlenecking when paired with the i7-5820K. Its performance is particularly impressive in eSports titles and modern games at high settings. Currently priced around $230, it offers excellent value for those who don’t need 4K gaming or advanced ray tracing. This GPU is most suited for casual gamers or those who are looking to upgrade their system on a budget. Its power efficiency, with a TDP of 125W, also makes it a great choice for a system that doesn’t have a high-wattage power supply.
However, it’s important to note that the GTX 1660 Super might not be the best option for future-proofing your setup. As games continue to evolve, the demand for more powerful hardware increases and this GPU might struggle to keep up in a few years, especially in 1440p or 4K gaming scenarios. Additionally, for streamers or content creators who require efficient video encoding, this GPU supports the Turing Encoder (NVENC), which is a significant advantage.
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong 1080p performance without bottlenecking on i7-5820K.
- Good price-to-performance ratio, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Low power consumption with a TDP of 125W.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Not ideal for future-proofing, especially in 1440p or 4K gaming.
- Limited ray tracing capabilities.
2. AMD Radeon RX 6600
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Memory Size (VRAM) | 8 GB |
| Clock Speed | 2044 MHz – 2491 MHz |
| Process Size | 7 nm |
| TDP | 132 W |
If you’re in the market for a new GPU to pair with your trusty i7-5820K, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a fantastic choice for delivering solid performance and energy efficiency, especially for 1080p gaming. Equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a 128-bit memory bus, this GPU will have you enjoy smooth gameplay in popular titles like Fortnite, CS:GO, and League of Legends in no time.
While it’s true that the RX 6600 might create a slight bottleneck with the i7-5820K in extremely CPU-intensive tasks or higher resolutions, its competitive pricing and support for AMD’s Smart Access Memory technology (when matched with a compatible AMD Ryzen CPU) make it an enticing option for mid-range gamers.
When compared to other GPUs in its price range, the RX 6600 holds its own in terms of performance and power efficiency. Its main competitors are the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 and the RTX 3050. While the RTX 3060 offers better ray tracing capabilities and slightly more VRAM (12GB), it consumes more power (170W TDP) and is generally more expensive. The RTX 3050, on the other hand, has a lower TDP (130W) and is more affordable but may not deliver the same level of performance as the RX 6600 in some games.
In summary, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 is an ideal pick for those seeking to pair it with an older CPU like the i7-5820K, with a focus on energy efficiency and 1080p gaming. While it may not reach the heights of higher-end GPUs, its competitive pricing and reliable performance make it a standout choice for mid-range gamers in 2024.
Reasons to Buy:
- Good synergy with the i7-5820K, especially at 1080p resolutions.
- Efficient power consumption with a TDP of 132W.
- Competitive pricing for the mid-range GPU market.
- Supports AMD’s Smart Access Memory technology for improved performance (though not applicable with the i7-5820K).
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Limited to 8GB VRAM, which might be a constraint in future games.
- Ray tracing performance is not on par with higher-end models.
- Slight bottlenecks may occur in extremely CPU-intensive tasks or at higher resolutions.
- No support for AMD’s Smart Access Memory technology when paired with the i7-5820K.
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Memory Size (VRAM) | 12 GB |
| Clock Speed | 1777 MHz |
| Process Size | 8 nm |
| TDP | 170 W |
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is one of the best mid-range GPUs that offers impressive performance, With 12GB of GDDR6 memory and a 192-bit memory bus, the RTX 3060 delivers fast and efficient data transfer, ensuring smooth gameplay and improved overall performance. The RTX 3060 excels in 1080p gaming, providing high to ultra graphics settings with excellent frame rates. While it can also run games at 1440p, you may need to adjust graphic settings in some more graphics-intensive games to achieve smoother frame rates. Despite this, the RTX 3060 still offers decent performance at 1440p in most games.
The RTX 3060 has its ray-tracing capabilities. However, it’s important to note that while this GPU supports ray tracing, its performance in this area is not as great as some higher-end models. This may be a consideration for gamers who prioritize ray tracing in their gaming experience.
The i7-5820K processor may cause a bottleneck in some CPU-heavy games when paired with the RTX 3060. While this is not a significant concern for most games, it’s worth keeping in mind if you frequently play titles that are known to be CPU-intensive. As for pricing, the RTX 3060 offers great value, both new and used. Its reasonable cost makes it an attractive option for gamers looking to upgrade their GPU without breaking the bank.
Overall, I suggest the RTX 3060 is a great pick for the i7-5820K to get the best performance from this processor. This GPU offers everything from gaming performance to more than enough VRAM, and I personally don’t recommend you go for a higher-end GPU because more powerful GPUs cause more bottlenecks in the processor, so you better stay with this GPU.
Reasons to Buy:
- 12GB GDDR6 memory and a 192-bit memory bus for fast and efficient data transfer.
- Excellent performance in 1080p gaming with high to ultra graphics settings.
- Decent performance at 1440p, though some adjustments may be necessary in graphically intensive games.
- Support for ray tracing, though performance is not as strong as higher-end models.
- Great value for the price, both new and used.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Potential for bottlenecking with the i7-5820K in some CPU-intensive games.
- Ray tracing performance is not as strong as higher-end GPU models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best GPUs for an i7-5820K in 2024 are the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, AMD Radeon RX 6600, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060. Based on my personal experience and extensive research, I would recommend the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 as the top choice for the i7-5820K. The RTX 3060 not only delivers exceptional performance but also provides support for cutting-edge technologies such as ray tracing and DLSS, making it a future-proof investment.
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is another excellent option, offering a competitive price-to-performance ratio and a feature-rich experience. The RX 6600 is particularly suitable for those on a tighter budget or for those who prioritize AMD-specific features and software.
Lastly, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super remains a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective upgrade. The GTX 1660 Super offers a strong balance of performance and value, making it a great option for casual gamers and entry-level enthusiasts.