Evolve

The Intel Core i7-12700KF paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 delivers a clear performance picture in Evolve, a 2015 FPS title. The data indicates this combination is highly capable at standard resolutions, with the primary challenge appearing only at 4K with maximum graphical settings. This analysis breaks down the measured frame rates, compares the hardware to its closest rivals, and determines the optimal settings for a smooth experience.

Best Settings per Resolution

Based on the measured frames per second (FPS) data, the most demanding preset that maintains an average of at least 60 FPS varies significantly by resolution.

At 1920x1080, the system has ample headroom. The Ultra preset, the most demanding available, achieves an average of 80 FPS. This makes it the best setting for a fully maxed-out visual experience while staying well above the 60 FPS playability threshold.

Moving to 2560x1440, the rendering load increases, but the hardware still performs admirably. The High preset is the most demanding option that remains at or above 60 FPS, delivering an average of 77 FPS. While the Ultra preset is available, its average of 54 FPS falls below the playable threshold, so High is the recommended choice for this resolution.

At 3840x2160, the situation changes considerably. The most demanding preset that can maintain a 60 FPS average is Low, which produces an average of 72 FPS. The Medium preset dips to an average of 56 FPS, and High drops further to 44 FPS, making them unsuitable for a consistent 60 FPS target. Therefore, users at 4K must make significant graphical compromises to achieve smooth gameplay.

Similar Performance Alternatives

The benchmark database places this specific CPU and GPU combination in a context defined by their nearest rivals, offering insight into what other hardware would behave similarly.

For the Intel Core i7-12700KF, the closest performing alternatives are surprisingly varied. The Intel Core i7-13700T scores nearly identically, with a delta of -0.1%, meaning it is essentially a performance twin. The Intel Core 5 213PE is also extremely close, with a -0.2% delta. On the other side, the Intel Core i5-13600T and the Intel Core i7-12700K are marginally ahead, with deltas of +0.2% each. In practical terms, users with any of these processors would experience very similar CPU-bound performance in Evolve.

The GPU's nearest rivals are also telling. The AMD Radeon HD 7790 is the closest match, with a delta of -0.2%, suggesting it would deliver nearly identical frame rates. The AMD Radeon 780M is just behind, with a +0.3% delta, while the AMD Radeon Pro 560 and AMD Radeon Pro 460 trail slightly, with deltas of +0.5% and +0.7% respectively. This indicates that while these are the most similar GPUs in the database, none of them are exact matches, and the RTX 4060 sits at the top of this particular performance cluster.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a detailed view of the system's performance across all resolutions and settings.

At 1920x1080, the system shows exceptional strength. With Low settings, the average FPS is a very high 190. Moving to Medium settings, the average drops to 147 FPS, with a minimum of 125 and a maximum of 169. The High preset still produces a strong 115 FPS average. Even at the maximum Ultra preset, the system maintains a robust 80 FPS average, showcasing the RTX 4060's ability to handle this game at 1080p with ease.

At 2560x1440, performance remains strong but scales down as expected. The Low preset delivers an average of 127 FPS. The Medium preset achieves an average of 99 FPS, with a range between 84 and 114 FPS. The High preset maintains a solid 77 FPS average. However, the Ultra preset falls below the 60 FPS threshold, with an average of 54 FPS. This demonstrates a clear performance cliff between High and Ultra at this resolution.

At 3840x2160, the data reveals a system under significant stress. The Low preset is the only one that remains smoothly playable, with an average of 72 FPS. The Medium preset drops to an average of 56 FPS, with a minimum of 48 and a maximum of 65 FPS, indicating noticeable frame dips. The High preset averages only 44 FPS, and the Ultra preset struggles the most, with an average of just 31 FPS. The performance degradation from 1440p to 4K is steep, highlighting the GPU's limitations at this high resolution.

The Verdict

The question of whether this PC can run Evolve has a clear, resolution-dependent answer based on the benchmark data.

At 1920x1080, the answer is an unequivocal yes. The system not only runs the game but excels, clearing the 60 FPS threshold at every preset, including Ultra which hits an average of 80 FPS. This is the ideal resolution for this hardware, allowing for the full visual experience without compromise.

At 2560x1440, the verdict is also positive, with a caveat. The system can run the game well, clearing 60 FPS on High settings with a 77 FPS average. However, the Ultra preset is not playable, averaging 54 FPS. Users with a 1440p monitor should stick to High settings for a consistently smooth experience.

At 3840x2160, the verdict is a conditional yes. The system can run the game, but only at Low settings, which achieve a 72 FPS average. Attempting to use Medium (56 FPS) or higher presets will result in frame rates below the playable threshold, leading to noticeable stutter and a less responsive feel. This combination is not suitable for a high-fidelity 4K experience in Evolve.

FAQ

Q: What is the best setting to use at 1920x1080 resolution?

A: The Ultra preset is the best choice, as it is the most demanding setting and still achieves an average of 80 FPS, well above the 60 FPS playable threshold.

Q: Can this system maintain 60 FPS at 2560x1440 on the Ultra preset?

A: No. The Ultra preset at 2560x1440 averages 54 FPS, which falls below the 60 FPS playable threshold. The High preset is the highest setting that remains playable, with an average of 77 FPS.

Q: Is 4K gaming viable with this CPU and GPU combination?

A: Yes, but with significant limitations. Only the Low preset at 3840x2160 achieves a playable average of 72 FPS. All higher presets, including Medium (56 FPS), fall below the 60 FPS threshold.

Q: How does the RTX 4060 compare to its closest rival, the AMD Radeon HD 7790?

A: The RTX 4060 and the AMD Radeon HD 7790 have nearly identical average benchmark scores, with the Radeon HD 7790 being -0.2% slower. This suggests they would deliver very similar performance in Evolve.

Q: Which component is more stressed at 3840x2160, the CPU or the GPU?

A: The data suggests the GPU is the limiting factor at 4K. The CPU (Intel Core i7-12700KF) ranks in the 85th percentile among all CPUs, while the GPU (RTX 4060) ranks in the 61st percentile. The significant performance drop at 4K, where the Ultra preset only achieves 31 FPS, points to the GPU being unable to handle the higher rendering load.

Q: What is the average FPS on Medium settings at 1920x1080?

A: The average FPS on Medium settings at 1920x1080 is 147 FPS, with a minimum of 125 FPS and a maximum of 169 FPS.

How This Combo Ranks

In the context of all tested hardware combinations for Evolve, this specific pairing of the Intel Core i7-12700KF and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 holds a rank of 2003 out of 3700 combos. This means that while this system is far from the top of the performance charts, it is also not near the bottom. It sits almost exactly in the middle of the performance distribution, which is consistent with the GPU's 61st percentile ranking among all GPUs. This mid-pack ranking indicates that the system provides a balanced, mainstream level of performance that is more than capable for 1080p and 1440p gaming in this title, but it is outclassed by higher-end components for demanding 4K scenarios. The CPU's higher percentile ranking (85th) suggests it is not the bottleneck, reinforcing that the overall rank is primarily constrained by the GPU's performance level.

CPU and GPU Roles

The measured FPS data reveals a clear division of labor between the CPU and GPU in Evolve, with the GPU becoming the dominant factor as resolution and settings increase.

At 1920x1080, the system's performance is excellent across all settings, from 190 FPS on Low to 80 FPS on Ultra. The CPU, with its 85th percentile ranking and high multi-threaded scores, is more than capable of feeding the GPU at this resolution. The performance scaling as settings increase is relatively smooth, indicating a balanced load where neither component is severely bottlenecked.

The role of the GPU becomes more apparent at 2560x1440. The performance drop from High (77 FPS) to Ultra (54 FPS) is a steep 30% decline, reflecting the increased pixel shading and texture work that taxes the GPU's 8 GB of VRAM and 272.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The CPU continues to provide enough data, as evidenced by the playable frame rates on High, but the GPU is clearly working harder.

This trend culminates at 3840x2160. The GPU is decisively the limiting factor here. The frame rates plummet across the board, with the Ultra preset averaging only 31 FPS. The difference between Low (72 FPS) and Medium (56 FPS) is a 22% drop, while the jump to High (44 FPS) shows continued degradation. The GPU's performance, as indicated by its 61st percentile ranking and the fact that its closest rivals are much older architectures, shows it cannot sustain the massive fill-rate demands of 4K. The CPU's role becomes secondary, as it is clearly waiting on the GPU to finish rendering each frame. The scaling between resolutions and presets confirms that for this game, the RTX 4060 is the primary determinant of playability, especially at higher settings and resolutions.