Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 presents a demanding workload that stresses both the processor and the graphics card, and the Intel Core i7-12700K paired with the Intel Arc B570 produces a specific performance profile defined by resolution and settings. The measured data indicates that this combination is positioned in the lower quartile of tested systems, achieving a combo rank of 2316 out of 2920 combos. This ranking suggests that while the components are capable of running the game, the experience is heavily dependent on configuration choices, with playable frame rates only achievable at lower resolutions and graphical presets. The following analysis breaks down the contribution of each component, answers common questions, and provides a detailed look at the measured performance metrics.

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

The Intel Core i7-12700K is a 12-core processor with 20 threads, built on the Alder Lake architecture using a 10 nm process. Its base clock is 3.60 GHz, which can boost up to 5.00 GHz under load. This hybrid design combines performance and efficiency cores, which is relevant for a game like Cyberpunk 2077 that can utilize multiple threads for AI, physics, and world simulation. The processor has a 25 MB shared L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 memory, though the specific memory configuration used in these tests is not detailed.

In synthetic benchmarks, the processor shows strong multi-threaded capability with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 19784 and a single-core score of 1850.5. Its PassMark multithread score of 34404 underscores its ability to handle concurrent tasks, while the single-thread score of 4013 indicates solid per-core performance. The processor’s 3DMark single-thread score of 1043 and 2-thread score of 2065 suggest that its performance scales efficiently with additional threads, which is beneficial for games that spawn multiple background tasks.

However, the data shows that in Cyberpunk 2077, the CPU is not the primary bottleneck at most settings. At 1080p with Low settings, the average FPS is 76, while at 1080p with Ultra settings, the average drops to 39. This drop of 37 FPS is significant and occurs despite the CPU’s consistent output, indicating that the graphical workload shifts the bottleneck to the GPU. The processor’s role becomes more apparent at lower resolutions where the GPU has less work, allowing the CPU to push higher frame rates. At 1080p Low, the 76 FPS average suggests the CPU can sustain a high frame output, but the GPU limits further gains. When compared to its nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-13600T, the i7-12700K has a negligible average benchmark score difference of -0.1%, meaning their CPU-bound performance is nearly identical. This implies that in CPU-limited scenarios, this processor performs on par with its direct competitor, but the overall frame rates in this game are more constrained by the GPU.

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

The Intel Arc B570 is the graphics card in this pairing, featuring 10 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 160-bit bus with a bandwidth of 380.0 GB/s. Its base and boost clocks are both 2500 MHz, and it operates with a 150 W TDP. The card is built on the Xe2-HPG architecture using a 5 nm process and includes 2304 shading units, 144 texture mapping units, and 80 render output units. It also has 18 ray tracing cores, which are relevant for Cyberpunk 2077’s RT features, though the measured data does not include RT-specific settings.

The GPU’s raw compute performance is listed at 11.52 TFLOPS for FP32 operations, and its PassMark G3D score is 14195. This places it at the 65th percentile among all GPUs, which is modest for modern titles. The data shows that the GPU is the primary limiter in this game at higher resolutions and settings. For instance, at 1440p Ultra, the average FPS is 29, while at 1080p Ultra it is 39. This scaling is consistent with a GPU that has limited VRAM bandwidth and compute resources relative to the game’s demands. The 10 GB VRAM is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p at most settings, but the card’s performance drops sharply as resolution increases, suggesting that the memory bandwidth and fill rate are stretched.

Compared to its nearest rivals, the Arc B570’s average benchmark score is nearly identical to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Mobile, with a deltaPct of 0.1%, and it is 0.1% behind the Intel Arc A750. This means that in synthetic tests, the card performs similarly to those alternatives, but in Cyberpunk 2077, the actual gameplay results are constrained by the game’s optimization and the card’s specific strengths and weaknesses. The GPU’s low FPS at 4K Ultra (19 average) highlights its limitations, as the card is not designed for high-resolution, high-fidelity gaming. The data indicates that the GPU’s role is to provide playable frame rates at 1080p with lower settings, while higher settings or resolutions require significant compromises.

FAQ — 4-6 Q&A pairs answerable from FACT PACK data

Q: What is the best resolution and settings combination for this CPU and GPU pairing?

A: Based on the measured FPS, the best combination is 1080p with Low settings, which achieves an average of 76 FPS. This is the only configuration that breaks the 60 FPS threshold, making it the most fluid experience. At 1080p Medium, the average drops to 56 FPS, which is still playable but not as smooth.

Q: How does the combo rank compare to other tested systems?

A: The combo ranks 2316 out of 2920 tested combinations, placing it in the bottom 21% of all systems. This indicates that while the components are functional, they are not optimized for high-end Cyberpunk 2077 performance, and many other pairings will deliver better results.

Q: Is the CPU or GPU more likely to be the bottleneck at 1440p?

A: The data suggests the GPU is the bottleneck at 1440p. At 1440p High, the average FPS is 31, while at 1440p Low it is 56. This 25 FPS difference is primarily due to GPU load, as the CPU’s performance is consistent across these settings. The GPU’s 10 GB VRAM and 380 GB/s bandwidth are insufficient to maintain high frame rates at this resolution.

Q: Can this system handle 4K gaming in Cyberpunk 2077?

A: No, the measured data shows that at 4K, even the lowest settings achieve only 37 average FPS, and Ultra settings drop to 19 average FPS. These frame rates are below playable thresholds for most users, indicating that 4K gaming is not viable with this combination.

Q: How does the Arc B570’s performance compare to its direct rivals in this game?

A: The Arc B570’s average benchmark score is 20556, which is 0.1% higher than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Mobile and 0.1% lower than the Intel Arc A750. However, this does not directly translate to in-game performance, as the measured FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 shows the card struggling at higher settings, similar to its rivals.

Q: What is the impact of ray tracing on this setup, if any?

A: The FACT PACK does not include measured FPS data for ray tracing settings, so a direct impact cannot be quantified. The GPU has 18 RT cores, but the absence of RT-specific benchmarks means we cannot assess its real-world RT performance in this game.

How This Combo Ranks — use comboRankInGame vs other tested combos

The combination of the Intel Core i7-12700K and Intel Arc B570 achieves a rank of 2316 out of 2920 tested combos in Cyberpunk 2077. This places it in the 79th percentile of all tested systems, meaning that approximately 79% of other combinations deliver better performance. This ranking is notably lower than what either component might achieve on its own, as the CPU is at the 84th percentile among all CPUs and the GPU is at the 65th percentile among all GPUs. The discrepancy suggests that the pairing is suboptimal for this particular game, likely due to the GPU’s limitations being more pronounced than the CPU’s strengths.

The rank indicates that this system is not competitive for high-refresh-rate or high-resolution gaming in Cyberpunk 2077. For context, the CPU’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-13600T, has a nearly identical average score, but the overall combo rank is influenced by the GPU’s performance ceiling. The GPU’s nearest rival, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Mobile, performs similarly in synthetic tests, but in this game, the Arc B570’s FPS numbers are consistently low, especially at 1440p and 4K. This suggests that the game’s engine may not be well-optimized for the Arc B570’s architecture, or that the card’s 10 GB VRAM and 160-bit bus are insufficient for the game’s texture and geometry demands. Users considering this combo for Cyberpunk 2077 should expect to play at 1080p with lower settings to achieve acceptable frame rates, as higher resolutions will result in a subpar experience.

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

The measured FPS data provides a clear picture of how this system performs across different resolutions and quality presets. At 1080p, the lowest resolution tested, the system achieves its best results. With Low settings, the average FPS is 76, which is the only configuration that provides a smooth, high-refresh-rate experience. Moving to Medium settings, the average drops to 56 FPS, with a minimum of 47 and a maximum of 64, indicating playable but variable performance. High settings yield an average of 41 FPS, and Ultra settings reduce the average to 39 FPS. This shows a steep decline from Low to Medium, but a smaller drop from High to Ultra, suggesting that the GPU is already near its limits.

At 1440p, the performance becomes more constrained. Low settings produce an average of 56 FPS, which is identical to 1080p Medium, highlighting the resolution’s impact. Medium settings average 42 FPS, with a minimum of 35 and a maximum of 48. High settings drop to 31 FPS, and Ultra settings fall to 29 FPS. This pattern indicates that the GPU’s fill rate and memory bandwidth are insufficient to maintain high frame rates at this resolution, even with lower settings.

At 4K (3840x2160), the system struggles to maintain playable frame rates. Low settings achieve an average of 37 FPS, which is borderline playable but not smooth. Medium settings average 27 FPS, with a minimum of 23 and a maximum of 32, indicating noticeable stutter. High settings drop to 20 FPS, and Ultra settings produce a mere 19 FPS average. The data shows that 4K gaming is not viable with this combination, as even the lowest settings fail to reach 60 FPS, and the higher settings are unplayable.

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

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this system depend on the user’s priority for frame rate versus visual fidelity. For a smooth, responsive experience, the 1080p Low preset is the clear choice, delivering an average of 76 FPS. This is the only setting that ensures a consistently high frame rate, which is crucial for fast-paced action in Cyberpunk 2077. The jump from Low to Medium at 1080p results in a 20 FPS drop to 56 FPS, which is still playable but may feel less fluid. For users who prioritize visuals over frame rate, 1080p Medium at 56 FPS offers a good balance, as it maintains a playable frame rate while improving graphical quality over Low.

At 1440p, the recommendations are more limited. The Low preset achieves 56 FPS, which is identical to 1080p Medium, making it the best option for 1440p gaming. However, this comes at the cost of visual detail. The Medium preset at 1440p averages 42 FPS, which may be acceptable for some users, but the minimum of 35 FPS could result in noticeable dips during intense scenes. High and Ultra presets at 1440p, with averages of 31 and 29 FPS respectively, are not recommended for a satisfying experience.

For 4K, the data shows that no settings provide a playable experience. The Low preset at 37 FPS is the highest achievable, but it still falls below the 60 FPS target and may cause motion sickness or frustration. The Medium preset at 27 FPS is too low for comfortable gameplay. Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid 4K entirely and stick to 1080p or 1440p with lower settings. In summary, the best experience is at 1080p Low, with 1080p Medium as a viable alternative for better visuals. Users should avoid Ultra settings at any resolution, as the average FPS drops below 40, which is not ideal for this title.

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

The FPS scaling from 1080p to 4K reveals a clear pattern of GPU limitation. At Low settings, the average FPS drops from 76 at 1080p to 56 at 1440p, a reduction of 26%, and then to 37 at 4K, a further 34% drop. This scaling is not linear, as the pixel count increases by 78% from 1080p to 1440p and by 225% from 1080p to 4K. The fact that the FPS drop is smaller than the pixel increase suggests that the GPU is not purely fill-rate bound, but rather limited by other factors such as memory bandwidth or shader complexity. The 10 GB VRAM might also be a constraint at higher resolutions, as the game may need to swap textures more frequently.

At Medium settings, the FPS drops from 56 at 1080p to 42 at 1440p, a 25% reduction, and then to 27 at 4K, a 36% reduction. This pattern is similar to Low settings, indicating that the GPU’s performance degrades consistently as resolution increases. At High settings, the FPS drops from 41 at 1080p to 31 at 1440p, a 24% reduction, and to 20 at 4K, a 35% reduction. Ultra settings show a similar trend, with FPS dropping from 39 at 1080p to 29 at 1440p, a 26% reduction, and to 19 at 4K, a 34% reduction.

The consistent percentage drops across all settings indicate that the GPU is the limiting component, as the CPU’s performance would not degrade with resolution. The i7-12700K’s strong multi-threaded scores suggest it can handle the game’s CPU demands at any resolution, but the GPU’s limited throughput causes the frame rate to scale down with pixel count. The data shows that the Arc B570 is not well-suited for high-resolution gaming in Cyberpunk 2077, as its performance drops off sharply beyond 1080p. Users should be aware that this system is best utilized at 1080p, where the GPU can provide playable frame rates, and that higher resolutions will result in a significant loss of performance.