Doom

This analysis examines the measured performance of the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 in Doom. The data presented is derived from direct measurement, offering a precise look at how this specific hardware configuration handles the 2016 title across various resolutions and settings. The results indicate a system capable of high frame rates, though the balance between CPU and GPU shifts significantly depending on the workload.

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

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX is a 16-core, 32-thread processor based on the Zen 4 architecture, codenamed Dragon Range. It operates with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz, built on a 5 nm process at TSMC. The processor features a substantial 64 MB of L3 cache, with 1 MB of L2 and 64 KB of L1 per core. With a TDP of 55 watts, this is a mobile-class part, yet its multi-threaded capability is substantial.

In synthetic benchmarks, the 8945HX demonstrates its strength. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 42713 places it in the 95th percentile of all CPUs, indicating top-tier performance. The single-core score of 6030 is equally impressive, suggesting strong per-thread performance that is often critical for game logic. The PassMark multi-thread score of 51405 and a single-thread score of 3907 further corroborate this, positioning the CPU as a high-end part. Its average benchmark score of 76212 places it in close competition with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, which scores 76155, a negligible delta of 0.1%. It also edges out the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D by a 0.6% margin in this average metric, while being 0.4% behind the AMD EPYC Embedded 8224P and AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX.

Within Doom, the CPU's role is to feed the GPU with draw calls and manage the game's simulation. The 2016 engine is known for being efficient, but the sheer number of cores and high boost clock of the 8945HX ensure that it will not be a bottleneck in most scenarios. The high single-thread score of 6030 in Cinebench R23 is particularly relevant for a game like Doom, which relies heavily on a single main thread for its core loop. The data shows that even at 1080p, where CPU load is typically highest due to lower GPU frame times, the system achieves an average of 197 FPS on Low settings. This suggests that the CPU is capable of driving frame rates well beyond the refresh rate of most displays, leaving the GPU as the primary limiter for higher visual fidelity.

The processor's memory bandwidth of 83.2 GB/s over a dual-channel DDR5 interface is sufficient for the game’s data streaming needs. The 28 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, while more than the GPU requires (which uses x8), provide ample bandwidth for storage and other peripherals, ensuring no data starvation for the game engine. Overall, the Ryzen 9 8945HX provides a massive computational foundation. Its benchmark scores, rivaling the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, confirm that it is a top-tier mobile CPU, and its performance in this game is consistent with that positioning, providing ample headroom for the GPU to be the deciding factor in frame rate.

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

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 is built on the Blackwell 2.0 architecture and features 8 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus, yielding a bandwidth of 448.0 GB/s. The GPU has a base clock of 2280 MHz and a boost clock of 2497 MHz. It contains 3840 shading units, 120 texture mapping units, and 48 raster output pipelines, along with 30 RT cores and 120 tensor cores. This configuration results in a pixel rate of 119.9 GPixel/s and a texture rate of 299.6 GTexel/s.

In synthetic benchmarks, the RTX 5060 scores 20891 in PassMark G3D, placing it in the 72nd percentile of all GPUs. Its average benchmark score of 26331 puts it in a tight grouping with its nearest rivals. It is 0.3% faster than the AMD Radeon 860M and the NVIDIA GeForce MX550, while being 1.2% faster than the AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT and 0.8% faster than the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 50th Anniversary. This indicates that the RTX 5060 is positioned as a solid mid-range performer, with class-leading features like 8 GB of VRAM and GDDR7 memory.

In Doom, the GPU is the primary determinant of performance as resolution and settings increase. At 1080p, the GPU is able to push frame rates to extremely high levels, with an average of 197 FPS on Low settings. However, as the resolution increases to 1440p and 4K, the workload on the GPU becomes more demanding, and frame rates begin to drop. The 8 GB of VRAM is a critical factor here. At 4K Ultra, the game may require more memory for textures, and while the data does not show a direct failure, the average frame rate drops to 42 FPS. The 448.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth is a significant asset, allowing the GPU to quickly access texture data and maintain performance in fast-paced scenes. The boost clock of 2497 MHz ensures that the GPU operates at its maximum potential when thermals and power allow for it.

The data suggests that the RTX 5060 is well-matched to the CPU but is the definitive bottleneck at higher resolutions. While the CPU can easily generate frames at 1080p, the GPU's fill rate and shading power become the limiting factor as pixel count increases. The 42 FPS average at 4K Ultra is a clear indication that this resolution is not playable at maximum settings with this GPU. The performance at 4K Medium (60 FPS) and 4K High (51 FPS) shows that even dropping settings does not fully compensate for the sheer number of pixels. This is a GPU that is best suited for 1080p and 1440p gaming, where it can deliver high refresh rates and smooth gameplay.

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

The measured FPS data reveals a clear pattern of performance scaling across resolutions. At 1080p, the system is clearly GPU-bound, but the CPU provides enough headroom to achieve very high frame rates. Moving from 1080p to 1440p, there is a significant drop in performance, and the trend continues at 4K. This scaling behavior is typical for a system where the GPU is the limiting factor at higher resolutions.

For example, at High settings, the average frame rate drops from 145 FPS at 1080p to 94 FPS at 1440p, a decrease of 51 FPS (or roughly 35%). At 4K, the average drops further to 51 FPS, a 43 FPS decrease from 1440p (or roughly 46%). This non-linear drop is characteristic of a GPU that is being saturated with pixel data. The difference between 1080p and 1440p is a 2.25x increase in pixel count, while the difference between 1440p and 4K is another 2.25x increase. The frame rate does not halve proportionally, but the trend is clear: the GPU is running out of processing power.

At Low settings, the drops are similar in proportion. The average frame rate is 197 FPS at 1080p, 127 FPS at 1440p, and 69 FPS at 4K. This shows that even when the graphical settings are reduced, the GPU is still the primary bottleneck at 4K. The CPU's performance is consistent, and the substantial drop in frame rate as resolution increases confirms that the RTX 5060 is the component that limits overall performance. The data also shows that the minimum FPS at Medium settings scales down in a similar fashion, from 146 FPS at 1080p to 94 FPS at 1440p, and finally to 51 FPS at 4K.

This scaling analysis provides strong evidence that the Ryzen 9 8945HX is not a limiting factor in this game. The CPU's capability is more than sufficient to keep up with the GPU at all tested resolutions. The large delta in performance between 1080p and 4K is a direct result of the GPU's rendering workload. For users seeking higher frame rates at 4K, the data suggests that a more powerful GPU would be necessary, as the current configuration's performance is heavily dictated by the RTX 5060's pixel throughput.

How This Combo Ranks — use comboRankInGame vs other tested combos

In the database of tested hardware combinations for Doom, this specific pairing of the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 is ranked 1921st out of 2930 total combinations. This rank places it in the lower-middle portion of all tested systems. While the individual components are strong performers in their respective categories, this ranking indicates that the combination is not at the top of the heap for this particular game.

The rank of 1921 out of 2930 suggests that many other combinations of CPUs and GPUs are capable of producing higher frame rates in Doom. This is likely due to the GPU being the limiting factor. While the RTX 5060 is a capable card, it is not a high-end model. Many combinations that rank higher likely feature more powerful GPUs, such as higher-tier RTX 40-series or 50-series cards, or AMD equivalents, which can push higher frame rates, especially at 1440p and 4K.

The CPU's high percentile ranking (95th) and its performance relative to rivals like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX do not translate to a top-tier gaming rank when paired with this GPU. This is a classic case of a system being balanced by its weakest link. The data shows that the CPU has the headroom to support a much faster GPU, but the RTX 5060 holds the system back in terms of overall FPS. The 1921st rank is a reflection of the GPU's performance ceiling in this game, not the CPU's limitations. Users looking to improve this system's ranking would need to upgrade the graphics card to see a significant improvement in frame rates, as the CPU is unlikely to be a bottleneck.

FAQ

Q: What is the average frame rate at 1080p with Ultra settings?

A: The measured average frame rate for this combination at 1920x1080 with Ultra settings is 118 FPS.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rival in terms of average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX has an average benchmark score of 76212, which is 0.1% higher than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, which scores 76155.

Q: What is the highest average FPS recorded in the measured data?

A: The highest average FPS is 197, achieved at a resolution of 1920x1080 with Low settings.

Q: Is the GPU's performance significantly different from the AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT?

A: The RTX 5060 has an average benchmark score of 26331, which is 1.2% higher than the AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT's score of 26011.

Q: What is the average FPS at 4K with Medium settings?

A: The measured average frame rate at 3840x2160 with Medium settings is 60 FPS, with a minimum of 51 and a maximum of 69.

Q: How does the system's rank in the database compare to the total number of combinations?

A: This combination is ranked 1921st out of a total of 2930 tested combinations for Doom.

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

The following table outlines the exact measured average frame rates for each resolution and settings preset.

| Resolution | Settings | Average FPS |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| 3840x2160 | Ultra | 42 |

| 3840x2160 | High | 51 |

| 3840x2160 | Medium | 60 |

| 3840x2160 | Low | 69 |

| 2560x1440 | Ultra | 77 |

| 2560x1440 | High | 94 |

| 2560x1440 | Medium | 111 |

| 2560x1440 | Low | 127 |

| 1920x1080 | Ultra | 118 |

| 1920x1080 | High | 145 |

| 1920x1080 | Medium | 171 |

| 1920x1080 | Low | 197 |

For the Medium preset, more detailed data is available, showing the range of performance. At 4K, the minimum FPS is 51 and the maximum is 69. At 1440p, the minimum is 94 and the maximum is 128. At 1080p, the minimum is 146 and the maximum is 197. This data shows that the frame rate can fluctuate, but the average provides a stable metric for comparison.

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

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings preset depends on the user's resolution and performance targets. The data shows a clear trade-off between visual fidelity and frame rate.

For 1080p gaming, the High preset is an excellent choice. It delivers a high average frame rate of 145 FPS, which is well above the 144 Hz refresh rate common on many monitors. This provides a smooth and responsive experience while still maintaining a high level of visual quality. The Ultra preset drops to 118 FPS, which is still playable, but the difference in visual quality between High and Ultra may not justify the 27 FPS loss for all users. The Medium preset offers 171 FPS, but the visual reduction is more noticeable.

For 1440p gaming, the High preset is the best balance. It achieves an average of 94 FPS, which is a solid frame rate for most users and provides a significant visual upgrade over the Medium preset's 111 FPS. The Ultra preset is playable at 77 FPS, but for those with high refresh rate monitors, the High preset is more suitable to stay closer to 100 FPS. The Low preset, while achieving 127 FPS, sacrifices too much visual quality for the performance gain.

For 4K gaming, the measured data indicates that this combination is not ideal for high refresh rate play. The Medium preset is the highest playable option, delivering an average of 60 FPS. This is the minimum threshold for smooth gameplay on many displays. The High preset at 51 FPS is borderline, and the Ultra preset at 42 FPS is not recommended for a consistently smooth experience. Users prioritizing 4K gameplay should consider the Medium preset as the best option, as it provides a playable frame rate without the significant visual compromises of the Low preset.

In summary, the High preset is the recommended default for 1080p and 1440p, offering the best balance of performance and visual fidelity. For 4K, the Medium preset is the highest playable option, but users may need to accept lower settings for a more stable experience. The data indicates that this system is best utilized at 1080p and 1440p, where it can take full advantage of high refresh rate displays.