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Quick Answer
The best budget CPU for the RTX 4060 is the Intel Core i5-12400F at around $150 AUD. It delivers 93-95% of the gaming performance of more expensive CPUs with zero bottleneck at 1080p. The Ryzen 5 5600 at $160 AUD is an equally good AMD alternative.
The i5-12400F is the budget king. Six Alder Lake cores deliver excellent gaming performance for a fraction of the cost of newer models. Paired with a B660 motherboard and DDR4 RAM, the total platform cost is under $300 AUD.
The Ryzen 5 5600 on AM4 is incredibly affordable. Cheap B550 motherboards and DDR4 RAM keep the total platform cost low. Gaming performance is within 2% of the i5-12400F.
For the tightest budgets, the i3-12100F is viable. Four cores handle the RTX 4060 at 90-95% efficiency. You sacrifice some performance in thread-heavy titles but save significantly on the CPU.
If you want a modern AM5 platform with DDR5 and a future upgrade path, the 7500F is the cheapest entry point. It outperforms both the 12400F and 5600 in gaming but the platform costs more due to DDR5.
Skip the Ryzen 5 5500 (half the cache, 15% slower) and any dual-core or quad-core Celerons/Pentiums (will severely bottleneck). The i3-12100F is the minimum we recommend.
Our Verdict
The i5-12400F is the best budget CPU for the RTX 4060 - outstanding performance at the lowest platform cost. If you prefer AMD, the Ryzen 5 5600 is equally good. Both deliver smooth 1080p gaming without breaking the bank.