Core i7-11700K + RTX 3070: bottleneck check
Balanced at 1440p.
Well matched at 1440p. The RTX 3070 is the slightly busier part, by about 4%.
By resolution
| Resolution | Limiting part | Severity | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | CPU | 5% | balanced |
| 1440p | GPU | 4% | balanced |
| 4K | GPU | 25% | GPU-bound (normal) |
This is the classic pattern: at 1080p the Core i7-11700K is the limit (5%), while at 4K the RTX 3070 takes over (25% GPU-limited). If you play at 1080p on a high-refresh monitor, a faster CPU is the upgrade that matters; at 1440p or 4K this pair is already well matched.
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 | 220 W |
| Released | 2020 |
| 1080p index | 39.0 / 100 |
| 1440p index | 33 / 100 |
| 4K index | 27.9 / 100 |
Power supply
CPU 125 W + GPU 220 W + about 100 W for motherboard, memory, storage and fans gives an estimated peak load of 445 W. We recommend a 650 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
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 3070 Best GPU for the Core i7-11700K RTX 3070 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.