Barony

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 paired with the Intel Arc B370 produces a distinctive performance profile in Barony, one that is heavily dictated by resolution and settings. The data shows a system that can deliver high frame rates at mainstream resolutions but quickly becomes constrained as graphical demands increase. This analysis breaks down the measured results, placing the combo’s performance in context against other tested configurations.

Resolution Scaling

The measured FPS data for this combo reveals a steep and consistent performance drop as resolution increases across all settings presets. This scaling pattern is the single most defining characteristic of the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 + Intel Arc B370 pairing in Barony, indicating where the system’s primary bottleneck lies.

At the Low settings preset, the frame rate drops from 144 FPS at 1920x1080 to 91 FPS at 2560x1440, a reduction of 53 FPS. Moving to 3840x2160, the average falls further to 47 FPS, representing a total loss of 97 FPS from the 1080p baseline. This trajectory shows that even at the lowest graphical load, the system struggles to maintain high frame rates at 4K, losing roughly 67% of its 1080p performance.

The Medium preset follows a similar but slightly less severe pattern. The average FPS goes from 107 at 1920x1080 to 67 at 2560x1440, and then down to 35 at 3840x2160. The 4K result is less than one-third of the 1080p figure, demonstrating that the scaling penalty intensifies as pixel count grows. At 4K Medium, the minimum FPS also dips to 30, which is a critical threshold for playability in many titles.

High settings show the most linear scaling of the three lower presets. Performance moves from 92 FPS at 1080p to 58 FPS at 1440p, and finally to 30 FPS at 4K. The 4K result here is exactly one-third of the 1080p result, a clean but stark demonstration of the resolution burden. The Ultra preset is the most punishing, dropping from 66 FPS at 1080p to 42 FPS at 1440p and collapsing to 22 FPS at 4K.

This scaling behavior reveals that the limiting component is the graphics processor. The frame rate declines are roughly proportional to the increase in pixel count, which is a classic symptom of a GPU-bound scenario. The CPU, with its 14 cores and 14 threads, is not the primary constraint in these tests. If the processor were the bottleneck, the frame rates at 1080p and 1440p would be much closer together. Instead, the consistent drop from 1440p to 4K, even at Low settings, indicates that the Intel Arc B370’s rendering capacity is exhausted long before the CPU’s potential is reached.

CPU Role

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 brings a substantial amount of processing power to this combo, but the benchmark results in Barony suggest that much of it goes underutilized due to the GPU limitation. The processor features 14 cores and 14 threads, with a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. This configuration is more than adequate for the demands of a roguelike title like Barony, which typically relies on single-threaded performance for game logic and simulation.

The CPU’s benchmark scores support its capability. In Cinebench R23, it scores 14,769 in multi-core and 2,085 in single-core tests. The Passmark single-thread score is 4,516, and the multi-thread score is 37,816. These figures place the processor in the 89th percentile versus all CPUs, indicating it is a high-performing part. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, which has an average score of 46,030 (a 0.1% delta), and the Intel Core i9-13900HX at 46,098 (-0.1% delta).

In the context of Barony, these CPU resources are largely sufficient. The game’s roguelike nature means it involves procedural generation, pathfinding, and state tracking, but these tasks are not extraordinarily demanding on modern hardware. The data suggests that the CPU is rarely the limiting factor in the measured scenarios. For instance, at 1080p Low, the combo achieves 144 FPS, which is a very high frame rate. If the CPU were struggling, this figure would likely be lower.

The key insight is that the CPU’s headroom is not being taxed. The measured FPS differences between resolutions are almost entirely attributable to the GPU’s workload. At 4K Ultra, where the frame rate drops to 22 FPS, the CPU is likely idle waiting for the GPU to finish rendering frames. The processor’s 24 MB of shared L3 cache and dual-channel DDR5 memory support provide a solid foundation, but the system’s overall performance is capped by the graphics solution.

How This Combo Ranks

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 + Intel Arc B370 combination occupies a low position in the overall ranking for Barony. The comboRankInGame data shows a rank of 2,701 out of 2,935 tested combos. This places the system in the bottom 8% of all configurations tested, a clear indication that while the system can run the game, it does so at a level below the vast majority of other hardware pairings.

This low rank is driven almost entirely by the GPU’s performance ceiling. The Intel Arc B370 has a percentile ranking of just 5 versus all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 1,184 in 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12. Its nearest rivals in the GPU benchmarks are all older, lower-performance parts: the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5570 scores 1,186 (-0.2% delta), the ATI Radeon HD 5770 scores 1,190 (-0.5% delta), and the AMD Radeon HD 7650M scores 1,192 (-0.7% delta). This places the Arc B370 in the company of entry-level and legacy graphics solutions.

In contrast, the CPU is a top-tier part. Its percentile ranking of 89 versus all CPUs shows it is far above average. This creates a significant imbalance in the combo: a high-end processor paired with a very low-end graphics processor. The result is that the system’s ranking in Barony is dragged down by the GPU, despite the CPU’s strong capabilities.

The rank of 2,701 out of 2,935 means that nearly 92% of tested configurations outperform this combo in Barony. This is not a reflection of the game being particularly demanding, but rather proof of how limiting the Intel Arc B370 is in this context. The data indicates that most other systems, even those with mid-range components, can achieve higher frame rates at similar settings.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a complete picture of the combo’s performance across three resolutions and four settings presets. The results are presented as average FPS, with minimum and maximum values available for the Medium preset at each resolution.

At 1920x1080, the system performs best. The Low preset delivers an average of 144 FPS, which is the highest measured value in the entire dataset. This suggests the game is highly playable at this resolution and settings. The Medium preset achieves 107 FPS on average, with a minimum of 91 and a maximum of 123. High settings reduce the average to 92 FPS, while Ultra drops to 66 FPS. All of these figures are above the 60 FPS threshold, indicating a smooth experience at 1080p across all settings.

At 2560x1440, performance declines noticeably. Low settings still manage an average of 91 FPS, which is respectable. Medium settings produce an average of 67 FPS, with a minimum of 57 and a maximum of 78. The minimum of 57 FPS is slightly below the 60 FPS target, suggesting occasional dips that could be noticeable. High settings average 58 FPS, which is just below the ideal threshold. Ultra settings fall to 42 FPS, which is playable but not ideal for fast-paced action.

At 3840x2160, the system struggles significantly. Low settings average 47 FPS, which is below the 60 FPS target. Medium settings average 35 FPS, with a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 41. The minimum of 30 FPS is at the edge of playability for many users. High settings average 30 FPS exactly, which is marginal. Ultra settings produce only 22 FPS on average, which is likely to feel sluggish and unresponsive.

The Medium preset at each resolution includes min/max data, offering insight into frame time consistency. At 1080p, the range is 91-123 FPS, a spread of 32 FPS. At 1440p, the range narrows to 57-78 FPS, a spread of 21 FPS. At 4K, the range tightens further to 30-41 FPS, a spread of just 11 FPS. This pattern suggests that as the GPU becomes more saturated, the frame rate becomes more consistent but at a lower overall level.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B370 is the defining component in this system’s Barony performance, and the data shows it is severely underpowered for the game’s demands at higher resolutions. The GPU is based on the Xe3-LPG architecture with a Panther Lake chip, fabricated on a 3 nm process. It features 1,280 shading units, 40 texture mapping units, and 20 raster operation pipelines. The boost clock is 2,400 MHz, with a base clock of 300 MHz.

The GPU’s memory configuration is notable for its absence of dedicated VRAM. The memory size, type, and bus width are all listed as "System Shared," with bandwidth marked as "System Dependent." This means the GPU relies on the system’s main DDR5 memory, which can introduce latency and bandwidth limitations compared to a dedicated graphics memory solution. The memory clock is also listed as "System Shared," reinforcing this point.

In terms of raw compute, the Arc B370 offers 6.144 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and 12.29 TFLOPS of FP16. The pixel rate is 48.00 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 96.00 GTexel/s. These specifications are modest by modern standards, and the GPU’s benchmark results confirm its low position. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 1,184 places it in the 5th percentile of all GPUs.

The GPU’s low performance is the direct cause of the resolution scaling observed in the FPS data. At 1080p, the GPU can keep up with the CPU’s frame generation, achieving 144 FPS at Low settings. However, as the resolution increases, the GPU’s fixed number of shading units and ROPs must process more pixels, leading to a rapid decline in frame rate. The lack of dedicated VRAM likely exacerbates this issue, as the shared system memory may become a bottleneck when handling larger frame buffers at 4K.

The GPU’s nearest rivals in benchmark scores are all legacy parts from over a decade ago. This comparison underscores how far behind the curve the Arc B370 is. It is not competing with modern integrated graphics or entry-level discrete GPUs; it is performing at the level of early 2010s hardware. The average score of 1,184 is nearly identical to the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5570, which is a mobile GPU from 2010.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combo depend heavily on the target resolution and desired frame rate. The data provides clear guidance on which presets deliver the best experience without sacrificing playability.

At 1920x1080, the system has enough headroom to run Ultra settings at an average of 66 FPS. This is above the 60 FPS threshold and provides the best visual quality. However, for users who prioritize smoothness over visuals, the High preset at 92 FPS offers a more comfortable margin. The Medium preset at 107 FPS is also a strong choice, balancing quality and performance. The Low preset at 144 FPS is the best for competitive play or high refresh rate displays, though it sacrifices visual fidelity.

At 2560x1440, the recommendations shift downward. The Low preset at 91 FPS is the only option that comfortably clears the 60 FPS target. The Medium preset at 67 FPS is playable, but the minimum of 57 FPS indicates occasional dips below 60. High settings at 58 FPS are marginal, and Ultra at 42 FPS is not recommended for a smooth experience. For 1440p, the Low preset is the safest choice to ensure consistent performance.

At 3840x2160, the system is not well-suited for this game. Even the Low preset at 47 FPS falls short of the 60 FPS target. Medium settings at 35 FPS and High at 30 FPS are on the edge of playability, with the minimum FPS at Medium dipping to 30. Ultra at 22 FPS is not recommended. Users attempting 4K should stick to Low settings and accept a sub-60 FPS experience, or consider lowering the resolution.

The best overall experience per the measured rows is at 1920x1080 with High settings. This configuration delivers 92 FPS on average, which is well above the playability threshold, while still offering significant visual enhancements over Low settings. For users with 60 Hz displays, the Medium preset at 107 FPS provides excellent smoothness with a good balance of quality. The data strongly suggests that 1080p is the intended resolution for this combo, as higher resolutions require substantial compromises in settings.

FAQ

Q: What is the highest average FPS this combo can achieve in Barony?

A: The highest measured average FPS is 144, achieved at 1920x1080 resolution with Low settings.

Q: Is this combo capable of running Barony at 4K resolution?

A: It can run at 3840x2160, but performance is limited. The best 4K result is 47 FPS at Low settings, while Ultra settings drop to 22 FPS.

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

A: The combo ranks 2,701 out of 2,935 tested combinations, placing it in the bottom 8% of all configurations.

Q: What is the limiting factor for this system's performance in Barony?

A: The data indicates the Intel Arc B370 GPU is the primary bottleneck. The CPU has a 14-core configuration and ranks in the 89th percentile, but the GPU's 5th percentile ranking restricts overall frame rates.

Q: Which settings preset provides the best balance of quality and performance at 1080p?

A: The High preset at 1920x1080 delivers 92 FPS on average, offering a good visual upgrade over Low while maintaining frame rates well above 60 FPS. The Medium preset at 107 FPS is also a strong option.

Q: Does the Medium preset show consistent frame times?

A: The Medium preset includes min/max data. At 1080p, the range is 91-123 FPS. At 1440p, it is 57-78 FPS. At 4K, it narrows to 30-41 FPS, showing more consistency but at much lower overall performance.