Core i7-11700K + RTX 3050: bottleneck check
GPU-limited at 1440p. GPU-bound (normal).
The RTX 3050 is the part working hardest at 1440p, which is what you want. The Core i7-11700K keeps about 21% in reserve.
By resolution
| Resolution | Limiting part | Severity | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | GPU | 12% | balanced |
| 1440p | GPU | 21% | GPU-bound (normal) |
| 4K | GPU | 40% | GPU-bound (normal) |
The RTX 3050 is the limiting part at every resolution, which is the healthy direction, and the gap is small enough that neither part is wasted. Upgrade the GPU first when you want more frames.
Specifications
| Cores / threads | 8 / 16 |
|---|---|
| Max boost | 5.0 GHz |
| Socket | LGA1200 |
| Max turbo power | 125 W |
| Released | 2021 |
| Gaming index | 62 / 100 |
| Multi-core index | 54 / 100 |
| VRAM | 8 GB |
|---|---|
| Board power | 130 W |
| Released | 2022 |
| 1080p index | 19.9 / 100 |
| 1440p index | 15 / 100 |
| 4K index | 11.3 / 100 |
Power supply
CPU 125 W + GPU 130 W + about 100 W for motherboard, memory, storage and fans gives an estimated peak load of 355 W. We recommend a 550 W unit (80 Plus Gold or better) so transient spikes from the graphics card stay inside the PSU's comfort zone. Try other pairs in the PSU calculator.
Upgrade paths
CPUs that remove the bottleneck (LGA1200)
- Core i5-10400F + RTX 3050 (gaming index 50)
- Core i5-11400F + RTX 3050 (gaming index 56)
- Core i7-10700K + RTX 3050 (gaming index 58)
GPUs that use the Core i7-11700K more fully
- Core i7-11700K + RX 9060 XT (1440p index 37)
- Core i7-11700K + RX 6800 (1440p index 37)
- Core i7-11700K + RTX 3070 Ti (1440p index 36)
Best CPU for the RTX 3050 Best GPU for the Core i7-11700K RTX 3050 PSU requirements
Compare nearby pairs
Same CPU, other GPUs
Indexes are relative estimates aggregated from published reviews; real results vary by game, settings, memory speed and drivers. Methodology.