Downfall

This CPU and GPU pairing is a top-tier combination for running Downfall, placing 90th out of 3,716 tested combos, which puts it in the top 2.4% of all systems. The data shows a machine that does not merely meet the 60 FPS threshold but obliterates it at every resolution and preset, making it a definitive answer for anyone wondering if this hardware can handle the horror title. The benchmark results indicate a system with enormous headroom, capable of delivering high refresh-rate gameplay even at 4K Ultra settings.

How This Combo Ranks

With a rank of 90 out of 3,716 tested combinations, the Intel Core i5-14600K and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 pairing sits in the 97.6th percentile of all systems tested for Downfall. This is not just a fast configuration; it is a near-apex predator in the benchmark database. The rank reflects the combined might of both components, and the measured FPS data confirms that this position is earned, not accidental.

The ranking implies that for the vast majority of other hardware combinations, they would be chasing this system's performance. When considering the CPU alone, the i5-14600K holds a 90th percentile ranking against all CPUs, and the RTX 4090 holds an 88th percentile ranking against all GPUs. The synergy of these two high-percentile parts results in a combined rank that is even more impressive than either part's individual standing, suggesting that the pairing is particularly well-balanced for this specific game's engine. The only systems ahead of this combo are likely those using even more exotic or newer hardware, but for practical gaming purposes, this is as good as it gets.

CPU and GPU Roles

The benchmark data reveals a fascinating dynamic between the CPU and GPU across different resolutions and presets. At 1920x1080, the system is clearly GPU-bound at lower settings, but the CPU's strength becomes the limiting factor at the highest presets. For instance, moving from Low to Medium at 1080p reduces the average FPS from 442.4 to 363.6, a drop of 78.8 FPS. However, the leap from Medium to High (363.6 to 297.5) and then to Ultra (297.5 to 188.8) shows a more dramatic scaling, suggesting that the graphics card is still the primary driver of performance, but the CPU's single-thread performance is crucial for maintaining high frame rates.

The role shifts as resolution increases. At 2560x1440, the GPU's workload grows, and we see the frame rates drop across all settings compared to 1080p. The Ultra preset at 1440p yields 133.7 FPS, which is still incredibly high, but the scaling from 1080p Ultra (188.8 FPS) to 1440p Ultra (133.7 FPS) shows a 29% performance hit, squarely placing the burden on the GPU. This trend intensifies at 3840x2160, where the Ultra preset drops to 85.4 FPS. The gap between Low and Ultra at 4K is 111 FPS (196.4 vs 85.4), a much larger absolute difference than at 1080p, where the gap is 253.6 FPS (442.4 vs 188.8). This indicates that at 4K, the GPU's raw pixel-pushing power is the absolute bottleneck, and the CPU's role diminishes significantly. The data suggests that for this game, the i5-14600K is more than sufficient to feed the RTX 4090 at 1080p and 1440p, but at 4K, the GPU is working so hard that the CPU's headroom is largely irrelevant.

Similar Performance Alternatives

The nearestRivals data provides interesting context for what other hardware would behave similarly to this combo. For the CPU, the Intel Core i5-14600K has an average benchmark score of 48,618. Its closest rivals are the Intel Xeon Gold 5318H (48,698, only 0.2% faster) and the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 (48,995, 0.8% faster). This means that if you were to swap the i5-14600K for either of these processors, the overall system performance in Downfall would be nearly indistinguishable in terms of CPU-bound scenarios. The AMD EPYC 4345P (48,470, 0.3% slower) and the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX (48,287, 0.7% slower) are also extremely close, indicating that the game is not particularly sensitive to the architectural differences between these chips, as long as the core count and clock speeds are in the same ballpark.

On the GPU side, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 has an average benchmark score of 60,347. Its nearest rival is the Intel Arc Pro A60, which has a virtually identical score of 60,326 (0% difference). This is a surprising result, but the data is clear. The AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 (60,140, 0.3% faster) and the AMD Radeon Pro W6600M (61,896, 2.5% faster) are also in the same performance tier. The AMD Radeon PRO V710 (58,657, 2.9% slower) is slightly behind. What this means for a gamer is that if you were to encounter a system with one of these alternative GPUs, you would expect to see very similar frame rates in Downfall, barring any driver-specific quirks or thermal throttling issues. The practical takeaway is that the RTX 4090's performance is not unique; several professional-grade cards can match its output in this game.

The Verdict

Can this PC run Downfall? The answer is a resounding yes, and then some. The verdictByResolution data confirms that at every tested resolution—3840x2160, 2560x1440, and 1920x1080—all four settings presets (Low, Medium, High, and Ultra) are considered playable, meaning they all clear the 60 FPS threshold. The "best settings" at each resolution are also Ultra, which is the highest quality preset available.

At 4K Ultra, the system delivers an average of 85.4 FPS, which is not only above 60 but also high enough for a smooth experience on most high-refresh-rate 4K monitors. At 1440p Ultra, the average FPS jumps to 133.7, and at 1080p Ultra, it reaches 188.8. This is a system that can drive a 240Hz 1080p monitor to its limits, or a 144Hz 1440p monitor without breaking a sweat. The data shows that the only potential limitation is the refresh rate of the display, not the hardware. This configuration is overkill for Downfall at standard 60Hz, and it is one of the few systems that can genuinely take advantage of high-refresh-rate panels at maximum settings.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a granular look at performance. At 1920x1080, the system produces an average of 442.4 FPS on Low, 363.6 FPS on Medium, 297.5 FPS on High, and 188.8 FPS on Ultra. The scaling is not linear, with the biggest drop occurring between High and Ultra, a 108.7 FPS difference, indicating that the Ultra preset introduces a significant graphical load.

Moving to 2560x1440, the averages are 313.8 FPS (Low), 262.1 FPS (Medium), 211.3 FPS (High), and 133.7 FPS (Ultra). The relative scaling between presets is similar to 1080p, but the absolute numbers are lower. At 3840x2160, the averages are 196.4 FPS (Low), 164.1 FPS (Medium), 134.7 FPS (High), and 85.4 FPS (Ultra). The most striking observation is that even the lowest preset at 4K (196.4 FPS) is still higher than the Ultra preset at 1440p (133.7 FPS), showcasing the massive performance cost of 4K resolution. The data consistently shows that the RTX 4090 is the star of the show, with the CPU providing a stable foundation that never becomes a bottleneck.

FAQ

*Q: Can this PC run Downfall at 4K with the Ultra preset?*

A: Yes. The measured data shows an average of 85.4 FPS at 3840x2160 with Ultra settings, which is above the 60 FPS playable threshold.

Q: What is the highest FPS this combination can achieve?

A: The highest recorded average FPS is 442.4, achieved at 1920x1080 resolution with the Low preset.

Q: Is the Intel Core i5-14600K a bottleneck for the RTX 4090 in this game?

A: The data suggests it is not a significant bottleneck. The CPU has a 90th percentile ranking, and the system's frame rates scale consistently with resolution and settings, indicating the GPU is the primary limiting factor, especially at higher resolutions.

Q: How does this combo rank compared to other systems?

A: It ranks 90th out of 3,716 tested combinations, placing it in the top 2.4% of all systems tested for Downfall.

Q: Are there other GPUs that perform similarly to the RTX 4090 in this game?

A: Yes. Benchmark data shows the Intel Arc Pro A60 (0% difference), AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 (0.3% faster), and AMD Radeon Pro W6600M (2.5% faster) have very similar average scores.

Q: What is the best settings preset for a 1440p monitor?

A: The Ultra preset is the best choice, as it delivers an average of 133.7 FPS at 2560x1440, which is well above the 60 FPS playable threshold.

Best Settings per Resolution

For each resolution, the most demanding preset that maintains an average FPS at or above 60 is the Ultra setting across the board. The data shows that the system has so much headroom that it never needs to compromise on visual quality.

• 1920x1080: Ultra preset, with an average of 188.8 FPS. This is the highest quality setting and provides a frame rate high enough for competitive play or high-refresh-rate displays.
• 2560x1440: Ultra preset, with an average of 133.7 FPS. This is the sweet spot for most users, offering a perfect balance of visual fidelity and high refresh rate performance.
• 3840x2160: Ultra preset, with an average of 85.4 FPS. While this is the lowest of the three, it still exceeds 60 FPS by a significant margin, making 4K Ultra gaming a fully viable option on this hardware.