Core i7-11700K + RTX 5090: bottleneck check
CPU-limited at 1440p. Moderate CPU bottleneck.
The Core i7-11700K cannot feed the RTX 5090 fast enough at 1440p, so the card sits partly idle in CPU-heavy games.
By resolution
| Resolution | Limiting part | Severity | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | CPU | 42% | severe CPU bottleneck |
| 1440p | CPU | 38% | moderate CPU bottleneck |
| 4K | CPU | 22% | mild CPU bottleneck |
The Core i7-11700K is the limiting part at every resolution, even at 4K (22%). The RTX 5090 is a much stronger card than this processor can drive — plan a CPU upgrade before spending more on graphics.
Specifications
| Cores / threads | 8 / 16 |
|---|---|
| Max boost | 5.0 GHz |
| Socket | LGA1200 |
| TDP | 125 W manufacturer-published TDP — sustained turbo can be higher · Intel ARK |
| Released | 2021 |
| Gaming index | 62 / 100 |
| Multi-core index | 54 / 100 |
| VRAM | 32 GB |
|---|---|
| Board power | 575 W |
| Released | 2025 |
| 1080p index | 100.0 / 100 |
| 1440p index | 100 / 100 |
| 4K index | 100.0 / 100 |
Power supply
The RTX 5090 measured 587 W average while gaming (644 W highest 20 ms spike, TechPowerUp). With the Core i7-11700K at its TDP of 125 W and about 75 W for the rest of the system, the sustained load is about 787 W. A 1000 W unit is the safe choice. Details on the RTX 5090 PSU page or try other pairs in the PSU calculator.
Best CPU for the RTX 5090 Best GPU for the Core i7-11700K RTX 5090 PSU requirements
Same CPU, other cards
AllSame card, other CPUs
AllIndexes are relative estimates aggregated from published reviews; real results vary by game, settings, memory speed and drivers. Methodology.