Control

The Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 D is the top-performing combination for Control in this benchmark database, ranking first out of 2,888 tested combos. This is a definitive result: at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, the system delivers frame rates that range from highly playable to exceptionally high. The data shows a configuration that is heavily GPU-bound at lower resolutions, with the CPU's substantial multi-threading capabilities providing ample headroom. This analysis breaks down the component roles, scaling behavior, and specific measured performance to help you understand exactly what this pairing offers in Control.

CPU Role — cores, clocks, and how they relate to this game's results

The Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is a 24-core, 24-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake Refresh architecture. It operates with a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, drawing a TDP of 125 W. The CPU also features a 36 MB shared L3 cache and supports DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus. For a game like Control, which is known for its physics-heavy combat and destructible environments, the CPU's role is to manage game logic, AI, and the physics simulation that underpins the action. The benchmark results show that this processor is more than up to the task.

In synthetic benchmarks, the CPU achieves a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 44,253 and a single-core score of 2,439. The multi-core result places it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, indicating exceptional parallel processing capability. This is critical because Control can utilize multiple threads for its physics and particle effects. The PassMark multi-thread score of 68,574 further corroborates this, while the single-thread score of 5,068 demonstrates strong per-core performance, which is essential for maintaining high frame rates when the game is not fully utilizing all cores. The CPU's nearest rivals in average benchmark score include the Intel Xeon 6520P (0% delta), the AMD EPYC 4564P (-1.5%), and the AMD EPYC 9175F (-1.9%). While these are enterprise-class chips, the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus holds its own, and its consumer-level architecture with high boost clocks is well-suited for gaming workloads.

The measured FPS data for this combo shows that even at 1080p with Low settings, the system produces 298 FPS. This high frame rate is a strong indicator that the CPU is not a bottleneck in this scenario. If the CPU were limiting performance, we would expect to see frame rates plateau or drop as the resolution decreases, because the GPU would be waiting on the CPU. Instead, the frame rate scales significantly with lower resolution and settings, which points to the CPU having substantial headroom. The processor's 24 threads and 5.50 GHz boost clock ensure that even the most demanding scenes with multiple enemies and debris on screen will not cause a CPU-related frame rate drop. The data suggests that in Control, this CPU provides a solid foundation that allows the GPU to operate at its full potential.

GPU Role — VRAM, clocks, and how they relate to this game's results

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 D is the undisputed star of this configuration. It is based on the Blackwell 2.0 architecture with the GB202 chip, built on a 5 nm process. The GPU features 32 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus, providing a massive 1.79 TB/s of memory bandwidth. Its base clock is 2017 MHz with a boost clock of 2407 MHz. This immense memory capacity and bandwidth are particularly relevant for Control, which can be demanding on VRAM at high resolutions and with Ultra settings due to its high-resolution textures and complex rendering effects.

The GPU's raw compute power is staggering. It has 21,760 shading units, 680 texture mapping units, and 176 raster operation pipelines. The FP32 performance is rated at 104.8 TFLOPS. In the PassMark G3D benchmark, it scores 44,065, placing it in the 92nd percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals in average benchmark score include the AMD Radeon RX 6650M XT (1.1% delta), the AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (-1.6%), and the NVIDIA Tesla P100 PCIe 12 GB (-2.1%). Interestingly, the RTX 5090 D's average score is very close to these mobile and older datacenter parts, but in gaming scenarios, the architectural advantages and massive VRAM buffer make a significant difference.

In Control, the GPU's role is to render the game's atmospheric lighting, reflections, and particle effects. The RTX 5090 D excels here. Looking at the measured FPS, the GPU's performance is the primary driver of frame rates. At 4K with Low settings, the system achieves 152 FPS, which reflects the GPU's raw power. However, the most telling data point is the scaling from Low to Ultra at 4K: the average FPS drops from 152 to 83. This 45% reduction in performance when moving from Low to Ultra settings is a classic sign of a GPU-bound scenario, where the increased graphical load (shaders, textures, effects) directly impacts the render time. The 32 GB of VRAM ensures that even at 4K Ultra, there is no memory-related stuttering or texture pop-in, as the GPU has more than enough memory to hold all the necessary assets. The boost clock of 2407 MHz allows the GPU to reach its maximum potential in bursts, particularly in less demanding scenes, helping to maintain high average frame rates.

Resolution Scaling — how FPS drops from 1080p to 4K and what it says about the limiting component

The resolution scaling data for this combo is a clear textbook example of GPU-bound performance. As resolution increases, the average FPS drops consistently across all settings, indicating that the RTX 5090 D is the limiting component. The CPU, with its high core count and clocks, is not the bottleneck.

Let's examine the High settings row. At 1080p, the average FPS is 188. At 1440p, it drops to 142, and at 4K, it falls to 96. This represents a 24% drop from 1080p to 1440p, and a further 32% drop from 1440p to 4K. This scaling is approximately linear with the increase in pixel count (1080p to 1440p is 1.77x pixels, 1440p to 4K is 2.25x pixels), confirming that the GPU is working harder to fill more pixels.

For Low settings, the pattern is even more pronounced. The system achieves 298 FPS at 1080p, 225 FPS at 1440p, and 152 FPS at 4K. The frame rate at 1080p is exceptionally high, which strongly suggests the CPU is capable of feeding the GPU with enough data. If the CPU were a constraint, we would see the 1080p frame rate capped at a lower value. The fact that it reaches nearly 300 FPS shows that the CPU has massive headroom. The drop to 152 FPS at 4K is purely a result of the GPU's pixel-pushing workload.

The Medium settings row provides min and max FPS data, which helps understand frame time consistency. At 1080p, the average is 211 FPS with a min of 180 and max of 243. At 1440p, the average is 160 FPS with a min of 136 and max of 184. At 4K, the average is 108 FPS with a min of 92 and max of 124. The min-to-max spread is relatively tight, indicating stable performance without major hitches. The scaling is consistent, reinforcing the GPU-bound analysis. The data clearly shows that for this pairing, the CPU is not a limiting factor in Control; the GPU's rendering capability determines the final frame rate at each resolution.

Measured FPS Breakdown — resolution by resolution, settings by settings, exact numbers

This section provides the detailed measured FPS data for the combination of the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 D in Control.

1920x1080 (1080p):

• Low: The average FPS is 298, which is the highest frame rate recorded for this combo. This indicates a scenario with minimal GPU load, allowing the system to push frame rates to their absolute limit.
• Medium: The average FPS is 211, with a minimum of 180 and a maximum of 243 FPS. This shows a significant step down from Low, as expected, but still provides an exceptionally smooth experience.
• High: The average FPS is 188. This is a comfortable margin above 144Hz refresh rates, making it ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors.
• Ultra: The average FPS is 163. Even at the highest settings at 1080p, the system maintains a very high frame rate, well above 144 FPS.

2560x1440 (1440p):

• Low: The average FPS is 225. This is a substantial frame rate, showing that the GPU is still not heavily taxed at this resolution with Low settings.
• Medium: The average FPS is 160, with a minimum of 136 and a maximum of 184 FPS. The minimum frame rate is still above 60 FPS, ensuring smooth gameplay even in demanding scenes.
• High: The average FPS is 142. This is right at the threshold for 144Hz monitors, making High settings at 1440p a viable option for competitive play.
• Ultra: The average FPS is 124. This is a strong result for Ultra settings at 1440p, providing a high level of detail without sacrificing playability.

3840x2160 (4K):

• Low: The average FPS is 152. This is a remarkable result for 4K, showing that the GPU has enough power to run even the lightest settings at high frame rates.
• Medium: The average FPS is 108, with a minimum of 92 and a maximum of 124 FPS. This is a solid 4K experience, with the minimum frame rate staying above 90 FPS.
• High: The average FPS is 96. This is a playable frame rate for a story-driven game like Control, though it may not be ideal for competitive play.
• Ultra: The average FPS is 83. This is the most demanding scenario, but it still provides a smooth and playable experience, well above 60 FPS.

The data shows a consistent and predictable scaling pattern. The RTX 5090 D delivers excellent performance at all resolutions, with the only real compromise being at 4K Ultra, where the frame rate drops to 83 FPS but remains perfectly playable.

How This Combo Ranks — use comboRankInGame vs other tested combos

This specific combination of the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 D achieves a combo rank of 1 out of 2,888 tested combos in Control. This means that in this benchmark database, no other CPU and GPU pairing has produced a higher average frame rate across the tested scenarios. This is a top-tier result, placing this configuration at the very pinnacle of performance for this game.

The ranking is a composite measure of all the measured FPS data across the different resolutions and settings. Given that the RTX 5090 D is one of the most powerful consumer GPUs available, it is not surprising that it leads the rankings. However, the CPU choice also plays a role. The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, with its 24 cores and high boost clock, ensures that the GPU is never starved of data, allowing it to reach its maximum potential. In many other combos, a less powerful CPU might bottleneck the GPU at 1080p, reducing the overall average FPS and lowering the combo's rank.

The rank of 1 out of 2,888 is a definitive statement. It indicates that for players seeking the absolute best possible performance in Control, this is the configuration to beat. The data shows that the combination's strength lies in its ability to maintain high frame rates at all resolutions, particularly at 1080p and 1440p where the CPU's headroom allows the GPU to run at full tilt. This ranking is not just about peak FPS but also about consistency, as the measured min FPS values are also relatively high, indicating stable performance without major dips. For a game like Control, with its intense action sequences, this stability is as important as the average frame rate.

Settings Recommendations — which preset gives the best experience per the measured rows

Based on the measured FPS data, the best experience depends on your monitor's resolution and refresh rate. The goal is to maintain a frame rate that matches or exceeds your display's refresh rate to avoid tearing and ensure smoothness.

For 1080p (1920x1080) owners: The Ultra preset is the clear choice. It delivers an average FPS of 163, which is well above the 144Hz refresh rate common on many 1080p monitors. This allows you to experience the game with all its visual fidelity, including the best lighting and effects, without sacrificing frame rate. If you have a 240Hz monitor, the High preset at 188 FPS would be a better fit to push more frames, but for most users, Ultra is the optimal balance of visuals and performance.

For 1440p (2560x1440) owners: The High preset is the sweet spot. It produces an average FPS of 142, which is right at the 144Hz refresh rate that is standard for 1440p gaming monitors. This provides a perfect match, delivering a smooth and responsive experience. The Ultra preset at 124 FPS is also viable, but you will be slightly below 144Hz, which may result in minor screen tearing if V-Sync is not enabled. The Medium preset at 160 FPS is also a good option if you prefer higher frame rates over some visual details, but High offers the best balance.

For 4K (3840x2160) owners: The High preset is recommended for the best experience. It delivers an average FPS of 96, which is well above the 60 FPS target for most 4K televisions and monitors. This ensures a smooth and immersive experience with high visual quality. The Ultra preset at 83 FPS is also playable and offers the maximum visual fidelity, but you will be closer to the 60-75 FPS range, which is still acceptable for a game like Control. The Medium preset at 108 FPS provides a more noticeable performance boost if you prefer higher frame rates on a high-refresh-rate 4K display.

In summary, the recommendation is to prioritize the Ultra preset at 1080p, the High preset at 1440p, and the High preset at 4K. These settings provide the best balance between visual quality and frame rate, ensuring that you get the most out of this high-performance hardware. The data shows that this combo can handle any setting, but these presets offer the most optimal experience in terms of smoothness and visual fidelity.