Control

# CPU Role — Cores, Clocks, and How They Relate to This Game's Results

The Intel Core i7-14700KF is a 20-core, 28-thread processor based on the Raptor Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process. It runs at a base clock of 3.40 GHz and boosts up to 5.60 GHz, with a 125 W TDP and a launch MSRP of $384. The CPU features 33 MB of shared L3 cache, 2 MB per-core L2 cache, and 80 KB per-core L1 cache. This processor ranks in the 94th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 70,163, placing it firmly in the high-end desktop segment.

Benchmark results show this CPU is exceptionally strong in multi-threaded workloads. It scores 44,167 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 18,550 in Cinebench R20 multi-core. Single-thread performance is equally impressive, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 6,235 and a Geekbench single-core score of 2,578. The Passmark multithread score of 52,425 and Geekbench multicore score of 21,462 reinforce the picture of a processor capable of feeding even demanding game engines without bottlenecking.

However, in the context of Control, the CPU's role is largely secondary. The measured frame rates across all resolutions and settings in this game are constrained by the GPU, not the processor. The data shows that even at 1080p Low, where CPU load is typically highest relative to GPU load, the system achieves 65 FPS average — a figure that falls within the range of what the Intel Arc B390 integrated GPU can produce. The i7-14700KF's nearest rivals in the benchmark database include the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F (0.2% higher average score), AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX (0.4% higher), AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (0.9% higher), and Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (1% lower). These deltas are negligible in gaming terms, confirming that any of these CPUs would deliver nearly identical frame rates in Control.

The 20-core configuration with 28 threads is overkill for a game like Control, which is not known for heavy multi-threading. The CPU's high single-thread performance, indicated by the 5.60 GHz boost clock and strong Cinebench R15 single-core score of 628, ensures that the game's main thread is well-served. The data suggests that the CPU is never the limiting factor in any of the measured configurations; instead, the GPU's integrated nature dictates the performance ceiling. In practical terms, the i7-14700KF provides a massive headroom for background tasks, streaming, or other simultaneous workloads without impacting Control's frame rates.

# GPU Role — VRAM, Clocks, and How They Relate to This Game's Results

The Intel Arc B390 is an integrated GPU based on the Xe3-LPG architecture, built on Intel's 3 nm process. It operates at a base clock of 300 MHz and boosts to 2500 MHz, with a TDP of 80 W. The GPU has 1,536 shading units, 48 texture mapping units, and 24 raster operation pipelines, along with 12 ray tracing cores. Its memory configuration is entirely system-shared, meaning VRAM size, bus width, and bandwidth are all system-dependent. The pixel rate is 60.00 GPixel/s, the texture rate is 120.0 GTexel/s, and FP32 performance is 7.680 TFLOPS.

This integrated GPU's benchmark presence is minimal, with only one recorded 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 1,482. That places it in the 9th percentile among all GPUs, which is exceptionally low. Its nearest rivals in the database are the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX (1.3% higher score), NVIDIA GeForce 800M (1.5% higher), NVIDIA GeForce GT 625 OEM (2.5% higher), and NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (2.7% higher). These are all legacy entry-level discrete GPUs from over a decade ago, which contextualizes the Arc B390's performance tier — it is firmly in the "integrated graphics baseline" category, not competing with modern discrete solutions.

In Control, the GPU's limitations are immediately apparent from the measured frame rates. At 1080p Low, the system averages 65 FPS, which is playable but far from smooth for a fast-paced action game. At 1080p Ultra, the average drops to 36 FPS, indicating that the GPU struggles with the game's higher graphical settings. The integrated nature of the memory means that frame pacing and consistency are likely affected by system memory bandwidth, which the data hints at through the relatively narrow FPS ranges — for example, 1080p Medium shows a min of 40 FPS and max of 53 FPS, a 13 FPS spread that suggests moderate variance.

The ray tracing cores present in the Arc B390 are functionally irrelevant for Control at playable settings, as enabling any significant ray-traced effects would push the GPU far below acceptable frame rates. The GPU's 2500 MHz boost clock is high for an integrated part, but the system-shared memory and modest 1,536 shading units cap its real-world gaming throughput. The data shows a clear pattern: the Arc B390 delivers playable performance only at lower resolutions and settings, and even then, it hovers around the 30-65 FPS range depending on configuration.

# Settings Recommendations — Which Preset Gives the Best Experience Per the Measured Rows

The measured FPS data across four settings presets (Low, Medium, High, Ultra) and three resolutions (1080p, 1440p, 2160p) provides a clear picture of where the playable envelope lies for this combo.

At 1920x1080, the Low preset delivers 65 FPS average, which is the only configuration that crosses the 60 FPS threshold in the entire dataset. Medium drops to 46 FPS average, High to 41 FPS, and Ultra to 36 FPS. For a game like Control, which features fast combat and environmental destruction, the difference between 65 FPS and 46 FPS is substantial — the former feels responsive, while the latter is borderline for a title of this nature. The Medium preset's min FPS of 40 and max of 53 also indicate that frame times are somewhat inconsistent, potentially leading to noticeable hitches during heavy scenes.

At 2560x1440, the Low preset averages 50 FPS, which is still playable but noticeably less smooth than 1080p Low. Medium drops to 35 FPS, High to 31 FPS, and Ultra to 27 FPS. None of the 1440p configurations maintain a consistent 60 FPS, and even the Low preset's 50 FPS average suggests the GPU is working near its limit. At 3840x2160, the situation worsens: Low averages 33 FPS, Medium 24 FPS, High 21 FPS, and Ultra 18 FPS. The 4K Medium preset has a min FPS of 20 and max of 27, indicating severe frame pacing issues that would make the game feel stuttery.

The recommended preset is unambiguously 1080p Low. This is the only configuration that provides a 60+ FPS average, which is the baseline for a smooth experience in an action-adventure game. The 1080p Medium preset at 46 FPS is a secondary option for users who prioritize visual quality over frame rate, but the data shows that the jump from Low to Medium yields a 19 FPS penalty — a significant cost for what is typically a modest visual improvement in Control. At higher resolutions, no preset is genuinely recommended for competitive or fast-paced play, as even the Low presets at 1440p and 2160p fail to maintain 60 FPS.

# How This Combo Ranks — Use ComboRankInGame vs Other Tested Combos

This CPU + GPU combination ranks 3,311 out of 3,720 tested combos in Control, placing it in the bottom 11% of all configurations in the database. This is a very poor showing, driven almost entirely by the Intel Arc B390's integrated GPU performance. The i7-14700KF is a top-tier CPU, but the combo's rank reflects system-level gaming performance, and the GPU is the overwhelming bottleneck.

The rank of 3,311 means that roughly 409 other combos perform worse than this pairing, while 3,310 perform better. Given that the GPU's benchmark percentile is 9th and its nearest rivals are all legacy integrated or entry-level discrete parts, this rank is consistent with expectations. The CPU's 94th percentile ranking does little to boost the combo because Control's frame rates are GPU-bound across all measured settings — the CPU's strength is irrelevant when the GPU cannot render frames fast enough.

To put this in perspective, the combo outperforms only those systems with even older or weaker integrated graphics. Any modern discrete GPU, even entry-level models, would rank significantly higher. The data shows that this combo is suited for esports titles or older games at low settings, not for a graphically demanding title like Control at any reasonable quality level. The 3,311 rank effectively signals that users should either lower expectations to 1080p Low or consider a discrete GPU upgrade to make the i7-14700KF's potential usable in gaming scenarios.

# FAQ

Q: What is the best resolution and settings to play Control with this combo?

A: The data shows that 1920x1080 at Low settings is the only configuration that achieves a 60+ FPS average, with 65 FPS. All other settings and resolutions fall below 50 FPS, with 4K Ultra being the worst at 18 FPS.

Q: How does the Intel Arc B390 compare to its nearest GPU rivals?

A: The Arc B390 scores 1,482 in 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, which is 1.3% lower than the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX, 1.5% lower than the GeForce 800M, 2.5% lower than the GT 625 OEM, and 2.7% lower than the GT 710. It ranks in the 9th percentile among all GPUs.

Q: Is the Intel Core i7-14700KF a bottleneck for this GPU in Control?

A: No. The CPU's benchmark scores, including a 94th percentile ranking and Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 44,167, far exceed what Control requires. The measured frame rates are consistently GPU-limited, as evidenced by the sharp FPS drops when increasing resolution or settings.

Q: What is the combo's overall ranking in Control?

A: This combo ranks 3,311 out of 3,720 tested combinations, placing it in the bottom 11% of all systems tested for this game.

Q: What frame rates can I expect at 1440p with Medium settings?

A: The data shows an average of 35 FPS at 2560x1440 with Medium settings, with a minimum of 30 FPS and maximum of 40 FPS. This is below the 60 FPS threshold and may feel choppy during intense scenes.

Q: Does the CPU's 20-core count help gaming performance in Control?

A: Not measurably. The CPU's nearest rivals, such as the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F (0.2% higher average score) and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (0.9% higher), show that performance differences are minimal. Control's frame rates are dictated by the GPU, not the CPU core count.

# Measured FPS Breakdown — Resolution by Resolution, Settings by Settings

The measured FPS data for this combo in Control is presented below, covering three resolutions and four settings presets. All values are average FPS unless otherwise noted.

3840x2160 (4K):

• Low: 33 FPS
• Medium: 24 FPS (min 20, max 27)
• High: 21 FPS
• Ultra: 18 FPS

At 4K, the GPU is severely overburdened. Even the Low preset fails to reach 35 FPS, and the Ultra preset drops to 18 FPS — essentially unplayable for a game requiring quick reactions. The Medium preset's min FPS of 20 and max of 27 show a 7 FPS variance, indicating unstable frame delivery.

2560x1440 (1440p):

• Low: 50 FPS
• Medium: 35 FPS (min 30, max 40)
• High: 31 FPS
• Ultra: 27 FPS

1440p shows marginal improvement over 4K, with Low reaching 50 FPS. This is playable but not smooth, and the Medium preset's 35 FPS average is borderline. The 10 FPS spread between min and max at Medium (30-40) suggests noticeable stutter during combat or physics-heavy moments.

1920x1080 (1080p):

• Low: 65 FPS
• Medium: 46 FPS (min 40, max 53)
• High: 41 FPS
• Ultra: 36 FPS

1080p is the only resolution where the combo approaches acceptable gaming performance. Low at 65 FPS is fully playable, while Medium at 46 FPS is the best balance of visual quality and playability for users willing to accept a lower frame rate. The 13 FPS variance at Medium (40-53) is the largest among all recorded configurations, indicating that even at 1080p, the GPU's system-shared memory causes frame delivery inconsistencies.

The overall pattern is clear: each step from Low to Ultra costs roughly 15-25% performance, and each resolution step from 1080p to 4K roughly halves the average frame rate. The only data point that meets the 60 FPS standard is 1080p Low, and even that is barely above the threshold. For users seeking a consistent experience, the measured data strongly favors 1080p Low as the sole viable configuration for Control with this hardware combination.