Doom

The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X paired with the Intel Arc B370 in Doom produces a performance profile that is strictly limited by the graphics processor, with the CPU providing ample headroom. The data shows a clear and predictable scaling pattern from 1080p to 4K, where the frame rate drops dramatically as the rendering load increases. This combination ranks in the bottom 8% of all tested configurations, indicating that while the processor is a modern, high-performance part, the integrated graphics solution is the definitive bottleneck, making this a viable setup only for lower resolutions and less demanding settings.

Resolution Scaling

The performance trajectory across resolutions tells a story of a GPU that is quickly overwhelmed. At 1920x1080 with Ultra settings, the combo achieves an average of 58 FPS. Moving to 2560x1440 at the same Ultra preset drops the average to 37 FPS, a substantial reduction of 21 FPS. The jump to 3840x2160 at Ultra is even more punishing, with the average falling to 20 FPS. This demonstrates that the Intel Arc B370, with its limited pixel throughput of 48.00 GPixel/s and 6.144 TFLOPS of FP32 performance, simply does not possess the raw fill rate to handle the increasing pixel count of higher resolutions.

The scaling pattern is consistent across all settings. At High settings, the transition from 1080p (71 FPS) to 1440p (46 FPS) represents a 35% decrease, and then to 4K (25 FPS) a further 46% decrease from the 1440p figure. This indicates that the performance loss is not linear but accelerates as resolution increases, a classic sign of a GPU operating at its absolute limits. The data suggests that the limiting component is overwhelmingly the Arc B370, as the Ryzen 5 9600X, with its 6 cores and 12 threads, is more than capable of feeding frames at these rates.

The 4K results are universally poor across all settings, with the best-case scenario being 34 FPS on Low. This is below the threshold for a smooth experience in a fast-paced FPS like Doom. The gap between Low and Ultra at 4K is only 14 FPS (34 vs. 20), which is relatively small compared to the 38 FPS gap at 1080p (96 vs. 58). This compression of performance at 4K further confirms that the GPU is the primary constraint; no amount of CPU headroom can compensate for the sheer number of pixels the GPU must process. The benchmark results indicate that 1080p is the only resolution where this combo can deliver consistently playable frame rates, and even then, only at lower settings.

FAQ

*Q: What is the best resolution to play Doom with this CPU and GPU combo?*

A: Based on the measured FPS, 1920x1080 is the only viable resolution for a consistently smooth experience. The average frame rates at this resolution range from 58 FPS on Ultra to 96 FPS on Low, which are all playable. At 2560x1440 and 3840x2160, the average frame rates drop significantly, often falling below 60 FPS and even below 30 FPS at 4K.

Q: How does the combo perform at 4K with the highest settings?

A: The performance at 3840x2160 with Ultra settings is not adequate for gameplay, producing an average of only 20 FPS. Even on Low settings, the average is just 34 FPS. The data shows that this resolution is too demanding for the Intel Arc B370, regardless of the settings chosen.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X a bottleneck in this configuration?

A: No. The benchmark results indicate that the CPU is not the limiting factor. The Ryzen 5 9600X has a high single-thread score of 2183.5 in Cinebench R23 and a multicore score of 17528.5, which provides more than enough processing power for Doom. The frame rates are constrained by the GPU's rendering capabilities, as evidenced by the significant FPS drops when resolution increases.

Q: What is the difference in performance between Low and Ultra settings at 1080p?

A: At 1920x1080, the difference between Low and Ultra settings is significant. The average frame rate on Low is 96 FPS, while on Ultra it drops to 58 FPS. This represents a 38 FPS decrease, which suggests that the Ultra preset introduces graphical effects that heavily tax the GPU's limited resources.

Q: How does this combo rank among all tested configurations?

A: The combo ranks 2696 out of 2930 combinations. This places it in the 92nd percentile from the bottom, indicating that it is among the lower-performing 8% of all tested hardware pairings for Doom. This low ranking is directly attributable to the Intel Arc B370's performance.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Arc B370?

A: The GPU has an average benchmark score of 1184, based on the 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 test. This score is in the 5th percentile of all GPUs, confirming its position as an entry-level integrated graphics solution.

CPU Role

The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is a 6-core, 12-thread processor based on the Zen 5 architecture. It has a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz, with a 65 W TDP. In this configuration, its role is to provide sufficient frame generation to feed the GPU, and it does so without becoming a bottleneck. The CPU's benchmark scores highlight its strength: a Geekbench single-core score of 2923 and a multi-core score of 14438. The 3DMark results also show strong scaling from 2 threads (2456) to max threads (7590), demonstrating its ability to handle multi-threaded workloads.

However, in Doom, the CPU's high performance is largely untapped. The evidence for this is the FPS scaling across resolutions. If the CPU were the limiting factor, the frame rates would remain relatively constant regardless of resolution, as the CPU would be busy processing game logic and physics. Instead, the data shows a dramatic drop in FPS from 1080p to 4K, which is a hallmark of GPU limitation. For instance, at High settings, the average FPS drops from 71 at 1080p to 25 at 4K. This 46 FPS difference is caused by the GPU's inability to handle the increased pixel count, not a lack of CPU processing power.

The CPU's 32 MB of shared L3 cache and dual-channel DDR5 memory support (with a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s) provide a solid foundation for game data. The processor's benchmark percentile of 81% vs all CPUs indicates it is a high-performing part. In this specific game, the Ryzen 5 9600X is more than adequate, and its performance ensures that the GPU is always the limiting component. The data suggests that upgrading the GPU would yield a significant performance increase, while upgrading the CPU would have a negligible impact on frame rates in Doom.

How This Combo Ranks

The combined performance of the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X and Intel Arc B370 is ranked 2696 out of 2930 combos in Doom. This places it in the bottom 8% of all tested configurations. This low ranking is not a reflection of the CPU, which is a capable desktop processor, but rather a direct consequence of the GPU's limited capabilities. The Intel Arc B370 is an integrated graphics processor with a 5th percentile ranking among all GPUs, and its average benchmark score of 1184 is nearly identical to the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5570, which scores 1186.

When compared to its nearest rivals, the Intel Arc B370's performance is essentially at the bottom of the barrel. Its 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1184 is within 1.4% of the AMD FirePro M2000 (1168) and within 0.7% of the AMD Radeon HD 7650M (1192). These are all legacy or low-power parts, confirming that the Arc B370's raw performance is not competitive with even entry-level discrete GPUs. The combo's rank reflects this, as it is placed among systems that would struggle with modern gaming.

The CPU's high performance does not help the combo's rank, as the overall score is dictated by the weakest link. The Ryzen 5 9600X, with a percentile of 81% vs all CPUs, is a top-tier processor, but its power is neutralized by the GPU. The data shows a massive disparity in capability between the two components. This combo is effectively a high-end CPU paired with an entry-level graphics solution, resulting in a system that is only suitable for very light gaming workloads at low resolutions. The ranking underscores that for Doom, this is not a recommended pairing for a satisfactory experience.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a complete picture of the combo's performance across all settings and resolutions.

1920x1080:

• Low: Average FPS is 96.
• Medium: Average FPS is 84, with a range from 71 to 96.
• High: Average FPS is 71.
• Ultra: Average FPS is 58.

2560x1440:

• Low: Average FPS is 62.
• Medium: Average FPS is 54, with a range from 46 to 62.
• High: Average FPS is 46.
• Ultra: Average FPS is 37.

3840x2160:

• Low: Average FPS is 34.
• Medium: Average FPS is 29, with a range from 25 to 34.
• High: Average FPS is 25.
• Ultra: Average FPS is 20.

At 1080p, the performance is playable across all settings. The Low preset provides the highest headroom at 96 FPS, while the Ultra preset still manages a respectable 58 FPS. The data shows a clear 38 FPS difference between Low and Ultra at this resolution, which is a significant visual quality trade-off. At 1440p, the performance becomes marginal. The Low preset is the only one that stays above 60 FPS, and the Ultra preset drops to 37 FPS, which may feel choppy in a fast-paced game. The 4K results are uniformly poor, with no setting achieving a playable average frame rate. The best result is 34 FPS on Low, which is still below the standard for smooth gameplay.

The minimum and maximum FPS data for the Medium preset at each resolution provides additional insight into frame time consistency. At 1080p, the range is 71 to 96, showing a 25 FPS variance. At 1440p, the range is 46 to 62, and at 4K, the range is 25 to 34. This shows that the frame rate variance is consistent with the average, suggesting that the GPU maintains a relatively stable load without severe stutters, but the overall performance is simply too low at higher resolutions.

Settings Recommendations

Given the measured data, the optimal experience for this combo is found at 1920x1080 resolution. The primary goal is to maintain a frame rate that is both smooth and responsive for an FPS game, which the data suggests is achievable with the High or Ultra presets. The Ultra preset provides an average of 58 FPS, which is adequate for most players, while the High preset offers a safer margin at 71 FPS. The Medium preset at 84 FPS is also a strong choice, offering a balance between visual fidelity and performance.

For players who prioritize maximum smoothness and competitive gameplay, the Low preset at 1080p is the best option, delivering an average of 96 FPS. This ensures that the frame rate rarely dips below the refresh rate of a standard 60 Hz or even 144 Hz monitor, providing the most responsive experience possible. However, this comes at the cost of visual quality. The High preset is recommended as the best overall balance, as it offers a significant visual upgrade over Low while maintaining an average frame rate well above 60 FPS.

At 2560x1440, the data suggests that only the Low preset is suitable for a consistently playable experience, with an average of 62 FPS. The Medium preset at 54 FPS is borderline, and the High and Ultra presets are too demanding. However, the visual quality at 1440p on Low may not be worth the performance trade-off compared to 1080p on High. The 4K resolution is not recommended for this combo under any settings, as even the Low preset fails to reach a smooth 60 FPS. The benchmark results indicate that the best experience is unequivocally at 1080p, where the player has a full range of settings to choose from based on their preference for visual quality or frame rate.