Lockdown Protocol

The Intel Core i9-14900K paired with the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is a high-end combination that delivers exceptionally high frame rates in Lockdown Protocol across all tested resolutions. This pairing leverages a top-tier 24-core CPU with a 20 GB GPU to produce results that far exceed the 60 FPS playability threshold, even at maximum settings. The data indicates that this system is not merely capable of running the game, but is powerful enough to push it to its limits, making it a strong choice for gamers with high-refresh-rate monitors.

FAQ

Q: Can this system run Lockdown Protocol at 4K resolution?

A: Yes, it runs at 4K (3840x2160) with every preset, from Low to Ultra. The average frame rate at 4K High is 83.7 FPS, and even at the most demanding Ultra preset, it maintains an average of 65.2 FPS, which is above the 60 FPS playable threshold.

Q: What is the performance difference between 1080p and 1440p?

A: At 1920x1080, the average frame rates range from 278.9 FPS on Low to 131 FPS on Ultra. Moving up to 2560x1440, the average frame rates are still very high, ranging from 205.1 FPS on Low to 97.4 FPS on Ultra. This represents a significant performance drop at higher resolutions, but all results remain far above the 60 FPS threshold.

Q: What is the best setting to use for a 1440p monitor?

A: The data shows that the Ultra preset at 2560x1440 achieves an average of 97.4 FPS. Since this is well above the 60 FPS target, Ultra is the recommended setting for the best visual quality at this resolution without sacrificing smooth gameplay.

Q: How does this combo rank among other tested systems?

A: This specific combination of CPU and GPU ranks 664th out of 3714 tested combos for Lockdown Protocol. This places it in the top 18% of all tested systems, indicating it is a high-performing configuration for this game.

Q: Is the CPU or GPU more important for this game?

A: The performance scaling between resolutions suggests the GPU becomes increasingly important at higher settings. For example, at 4K, the difference between Low and Ultra settings is a drop from 133.4 FPS to 65.2 FPS, a reduction of 68.2 FPS. This large drop indicates that the graphics card is the primary bottleneck when visual demands are increased.

Q: What is the lowest average FPS this system produces?

A: The lowest average FPS recorded in the data is 65.2 FPS, which occurs at 4K resolution with the Ultra preset. This is still comfortably above the 60 FPS playable threshold, meaning the system never dips below playable performance in the tested configurations.

CPU and GPU Roles

The benchmark data reveals a clear division of labor between the Intel Core i9-14900K and the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, with the GPU taking on the primary role as resolution and graphical demand increase. At 1920x1080, the system produces massive frame rates, with the Low preset hitting an average of 278.9 FPS. The scaling from Low to Ultra at this resolution shows a drop to 131 FPS, a decrease of 147.9 FPS. This significant drop indicates that even at 1080p, the graphics card is being taxed by the higher visual settings, though the CPU is still powerful enough to feed it frames at these high rates.

Moving to 2560x1440, the average frame rates remain exceptionally high, from 205.1 FPS at Low to 97.4 FPS at Ultra. The performance cost of increasing settings is again substantial, with a 107.7 FPS difference between the lowest and highest presets. At this resolution, the workload is more balanced, but the GPU is still the limiting factor when pushing for maximum visual fidelity. The CPU's strength is evident in the ability to maintain high minimum frame rates, preventing bottlenecks that would cause stuttering.

At 3840x2160, the GPU's dominance becomes most apparent. The average frame rate at Low is 133.4 FPS, but this plummets to 65.2 FPS at Ultra. This 68.2 FPS drop is the largest relative decrease across all resolutions, showing that the RX 7900 XT is working much harder to fill the 4K pixel count. The i9-14900K, with its 24 cores and 32 threads, provides ample headroom, ensuring that the GPU is the sole constraint on performance at this resolution. The data confirms that for Lockdown Protocol, the graphics card is the determining factor for achieving higher frame rates at higher resolutions and presets.

Similar Performance Alternatives

For the Intel Core i9-14900K, the closest performance alternatives are variations of the same chip and other high-end processors. The Intel Core i9-14900KF is the most direct equivalent, scoring an average of 79371, which is only 0.3% lower than the 14900K's average benchmark score of 79097. This makes it a near-identical performer in synthetic tests. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is another close rival, with an average score of 79574, placing it 0.6% higher. These alternatives would provide virtually indistinguishable performance in gaming workloads. The AMD EPYC 7413 is also within a small margin, with a score of 80041, which is 1.2% higher, though its different platform makes it a less likely gaming choice. Finally, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 scores 77740, which is 1.7% lower, indicating it would be a slightly slower, but still comparable, option.

On the GPU side, the nearest rivals listed are surprisingly different in class, but the benchmark data shows them as close in average score. The AMD Radeon 660M has an average score of 13812, which is 0.5% lower than the RX 7900 XT's average of 13745. This is an integrated graphics solution, which is not a direct competitor, but the data points are listed as such. Similarly, the NVIDIA RTX A2000 Mobile scores 13821, also 0.5% lower. A more relevant comparison is the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, which scores 13543, making it 1.5% lower than the 7900 XT. This suggests that within the benchmark's aggregate scoring, these cards perform within a very tight window, though real-world gaming performance would differ significantly given the architectural differences. For this game, a user with an RX 9070 XT would likely see very similar frame rates in Lockdown Protocol.

The Verdict

The data confirms that this PC can absolutely run Lockdown Protocol, and do so with exceptional performance at all tested settings. The verdict by resolution is clear: every single resolution and preset combination achieves an average frame rate above the 60 FPS playable threshold. At 1920x1080, the system is able to clear 60 FPS with an enormous margin, with the lowest average being 131 FPS at the Ultra preset. This makes it an excellent choice for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming.

At 2560x1440, the performance is equally impressive. The most demanding Ultra preset still delivers an average of 97.4 FPS, providing a smooth and responsive experience for competitive play. Even at 4K, the system does not falter. The Ultra preset at 3840x2160 achieves an average of 65.2 FPS, which clears the 60 FPS target, making it fully playable at maximum settings. Lower presets at 4K offer even more headroom, with High at 83.7 FPS and Low at 133.4 FPS. In summary, this combination is more than capable of running Lockdown Protocol at its highest visual quality at any resolution, making it a top-tier choice for this game.

Best Settings per Resolution

For gamers aiming for the best visual experience while maintaining at least 60 FPS, the data points to the Ultra preset as the optimal choice at every resolution tested. At 1920x1080, the Ultra preset delivers an average of 131 FPS, which is more than double the playability threshold. This provides the highest visual fidelity without any compromise to smoothness. At 2560x1440, the Ultra preset achieves an average of 97.4 FPS, again far exceeding the 60 FPS target and offering a great balance of image quality and performance. Even at 3840x2160, the Ultra preset is the best choice, with an average of 65.2 FPS. While this is the lowest average FPS recorded, it still maintains a comfortable margin above the 60 FPS playable threshold, allowing for a fully maxed-out visual experience at 4K. Therefore, the recommended settings are Ultra at all resolutions for the best experience, with the knowledge that lower presets will provide even higher frame rates for those with very high refresh rate displays.

How This Combo Ranks

The Intel Core i9-14900K and AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT combination holds a strong position in the overall performance rankings for Lockdown Protocol. With a comboRankInGame of 664 out of 3714 tested combinations, this system places in the top 17.9% of all configurations tested. This high ranking is consistent with the measured frame rates, which show the system delivering well over 60 FPS at all settings and resolutions. The CPU's high percentile ranking (95th percentile vs all CPUs) and the GPU's solid benchmark scores contribute to this excellent overall standing. This indicates that while there are faster combinations available, this pairing is firmly in the upper echelon of gaming PCs for this title, offering a level of performance that will satisfy even the most demanding players. This ranking confirms the balance of a powerful 24-core processor and a high-bandwidth 20 GB graphics card.