Doom

The Intel Core i5-12400F and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti pairing delivers a distinctive performance profile in Doom, a game that scales aggressively with both CPU and GPU capabilities. The processor, built on the Alder Lake architecture with a 10 nm process, offers 6 cores and 12 threads, running at a 2.50 GHz base clock and boosting to 4.40 GHz. This configuration places it in the 77th percentile against all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 19221, making it a solid mid-range contender. Its nearest rivals in synthetic tests include the Intel Core i7-8700K, which scores 19210 (a 0.1% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 5 7533HS at 19364 (a -0.7% delta), indicating that the i5-12400F sits in a tightly contested performance band. The CPU's 18 MB of shared L3 cache and dual-channel memory support for DDR4 and DDR5 provide a robust foundation for feeding the GPU, though the game’s results suggest that the graphics card becomes the primary bottleneck at higher resolutions. The data shows a clear pattern: at 1080p, the CPU has enough headroom to push frame rates high, but as resolution climbs to 4K, the GPU’s workload dominates, and the CPU’s role diminishes. This interplay is crucial for understanding why the combo ranks at 1435 out of 1681 tested combinations, a position that reflects the GPU’s mid-range status rather than any CPU deficiency. The 12-thread count and strong single-thread performance, evidenced by a 3dmark_single_thread score of 909, ensure that Doom’s engine is never starved for processing power, even in intense combat scenarios.

How This Combo Ranks

The combo’s rank of 1435 out of 1681 tested combinations places it in the lower-middle tier of all CPU-GPU pairings evaluated for Doom. This positioning is heavily influenced by the GTX 1660 Ti, which itself holds the 55th percentile among all GPUs with an average benchmark score of 13925. The GPU’s nearest rivals include the AMD Radeon RX 570X (scoring 13871, a 0.4% delta) and the NVIDIA Tesla K10 (scoring 14029, a -0.7% delta), showing that the GTX 1660 Ti is competitive but not exceptional within its class. The rank suggests that while the i5-12400F is a capable processor, the overall system is constrained by the GPU’s throughput, particularly in a fast-paced FPS like Doom where frame rates are sensitive to graphics load. Compared to higher-ranked combos, this pairing likely loses ground due to the GPU’s 6 GB of VRAM and 192-bit memory bus, which limit texture throughput at high settings. The data implies that users with this combo will experience playable but not elite performance, and the rank serves as a benchmark for what to expect relative to other systems. Notably, the CPU’s synthetic scores are strong—its cinebench_r23_multicore result of 16518 and passmark_multithread of 19433 show it can handle heavy workloads—yet the GPU’s passmark_g3d score of 12871 reveals the graphics bottleneck. This rank is not a verdict on either component alone but a measure of their synergy in this specific title, and the results indicate that the pairing is balanced toward CPU-heavy tasks, leaving GPU-bound scenarios as the limiting factor.

Resolution Scaling

The measured FPS data reveals a pronounced scaling trend as resolution increases from 1920x1080 to 3840x2160, underscoring the GPU’s role as the primary limiter. At 1080p with High settings, the combo achieves 111.4 FPS, which drops to 74.2 FPS at 1440p (a 33% reduction) and further to 37.7 FPS at 4K (a 66% reduction from 1080p). This steep decline indicates that the GTX 1660 Ti is saturated by the pixel count, and the CPU’s 4.40 GHz boost clock cannot compensate for the GPU’s limited shading units (1536) and texture units (96). The scaling is consistent across settings: at Low, 1080p yields 147.9 FPS, falling to 98.2 FPS at 1440p and 52.1 FPS at 4K, showing a similar proportional drop. The data suggests that at 1080p, the system is partially CPU-bound, as the i5-12400F’s 12 threads and high single-core score (909 in 3dmark_single_thread) allow the GPU to stretch its legs, but at 4K, the GPU’s 288.0 GB/s memory bandwidth and 6 GB VRAM become the hard ceiling. The gap between Low and Ultra settings narrows at higher resolutions—at 1080p, the difference between Low (147.9 FPS) and Ultra (92.2 FPS) is 55.7 FPS, but at 4K, it shrinks to 17.0 FPS (52.1 vs 35.1). This compression indicates that resolution scaling taxes the GPU so heavily that settings adjustments have diminishing returns, a classic sign of a graphics-bound scenario. For users targeting 4K, the data implies the GPU is insufficient for smooth gameplay, while 1080p offers a wide range of playable settings.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The benchmark results provide a detailed FPS matrix across three resolutions and four settings levels, all measured with average FPS values. At 1920x1080, the combo performs admirably: Low settings deliver 147.9 FPS, Medium reaches 132.5 FPS, High hits 111.4 FPS, and Ultra drops to 92.2 FPS. These figures show that even at Ultra, the system maintains above 90 FPS, which is smooth for a fast-paced FPS. Moving to 2560x1440, the numbers decline predictably: Low yields 98.2 FPS, Medium 83.9 FPS, High 74.2 FPS, and Ultra 57 FPS. The 1440p results are still playable, with High and Medium offering solid frame rates, but Ultra dips below 60 FPS, suggesting a compromise is needed for optimal smoothness. At 3840x2160, the data paints a challenging picture: Low achieves 52.1 FPS, Medium 48.3 FPS, High 37.7 FPS, and Ultra 35.1 FPS. None of the 4K settings reach 60 FPS, and even Low struggles to maintain a consistent experience, indicating that this resolution is beyond the GPU’s capabilities for this title. The pattern across all settings shows that the GTX 1660 Ti’s 5.437 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and 84.96 GPixel/s pixel rate are insufficient for 4K, while the CPU’s 5912 max-thread score ensures no processing bottleneck at lower resolutions. The data suggests that users should prioritize 1080p or 1440p for a balanced experience, with 1080p High/Ultra providing the best combination of visual quality and frame rate.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is the defining component in this combo, and its specifications directly explain the measured FPS results. Built on the Turing architecture with a 12 nm process, the GPU features 1536 shading units, 96 texture mapping units, and 48 raster output pipelines, operating at a base clock of 1500 MHz and a boost clock of 1770 MHz. Its 6 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus provides 288.0 GB/s of bandwidth, which is ample for 1080p but strained at higher resolutions. The GPU’s benchmark scores reflect its mid-range standing: a passmark_g3d score of 12871 and a 3dmark_steel_nomad_dx12 score of 1061, placing it in the 55th percentile. In Doom, the GPU’s role is to handle the game’s id Tech engine, which leverages DirectX 12 and Vulkan (both supported via the GPU’s API list). The data shows that the GPU is the limiting factor at 4K, where its pixel rate of 84.96 GPixel/s and texture rate of 169.9 GTexel/s are overwhelmed by the resolution demands. The GPU’s FP32 throughput of 5.437 TFLOPS is modest, and this caps performance in compute-heavy scenes common in Doom’s demon-filled arenas. Compared to rivals, the GTX 1660 Ti’s nearest competitor, the AMD Radeon RX 570X, scores 13871 (a 0.4% delta), indicating near-parity, but the NVIDIA card’s 6 GB VRAM is a differentiator that helps at 1440p High settings, where it achieves 74.2 FPS. However, the GPU’s end-of-life production status and 120 W TDP suggest it is a legacy part, and its performance in Doom is consistent with its 55th percentile ranking—capable but not future-proof.

FAQ

*Q: What is the best resolution for this combo in Doom?*

A: The data shows 1920x1080 as the optimal resolution, with all settings above 90 FPS (e.g., High at 111.4 FPS and Ultra at 92.2 FPS). At 1440p, High drops to 74.2 FPS, while 4K struggles to exceed 52.1 FPS even at Low.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rival in synthetic benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i5-12400F scores 19221 on average, which is 0.1% higher than the Intel Core i7-8700K (19210) and 0.3% higher than the Intel Core i5-1335U (19167). It trails the AMD Ryzen 5 7533HS by 0.7%.

Q: Why does performance drop so sharply at 4K?

A: The GPU’s 6 GB of VRAM and 288.0 GB/s bandwidth are insufficient for 4K, as shown by Ultra settings yielding only 35.1 FPS. The CPU is not the bottleneck, as its 12 threads and 4.40 GHz boost clock provide ample processing power.

Q: Which settings should I use for 60 FPS gameplay?

A: At 1080p, all settings exceed 90 FPS, so Ultra provides a smooth experience. At 1440p, Medium (83.9 FPS) and High (74.2 FPS) are viable, but Ultra drops to 57 FPS. No 4K setting reaches 60 FPS.

Q: How does the GPU rank against its closest competitors?

A: The GTX 1660 Ti has an average score of 13925, which is 0.4% above the AMD Radeon RX 570X (13871) and 0.8% above the NVIDIA RTX A2000 Mobile (13821). It trails the NVIDIA Tesla K10 by 0.7%.

*Q: Is the CPU’s performance a limiting factor in Doom?*

A: No, the CPU’s 77th percentile ranking and strong multi-thread scores (e.g., passmark_multithread of 19433) indicate it is not the bottleneck. The GPU’s 55th percentile ranking and lower FPS at higher resolutions confirm the graphics card is the limiting component.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings depend on the user’s resolution and frame rate priorities. For 1920x1080, the Ultra preset is the clear choice, delivering 92.2 FPS, which is well above the smoothness threshold for an FPS, and it offers the best visual fidelity without sacrificing performance. If users prefer maximum frame rates, Low settings at 147.9 FPS provide a competitive advantage, but the visual compromise is significant. At 2560x1440, the High preset at 74.2 FPS strikes the best balance, offering good detail and smooth gameplay, while Medium at 83.9 FPS is a viable alternative for higher responsiveness. The Ultra preset at 1440p (57 FPS) is borderline and not recommended for fast-paced action, as frame drops below 60 FPS can affect gameplay. For 3840x2160, the data indicates that no preset provides a satisfactory experience, with Low at 52.1 FPS being the only option above 50 FPS, but still below the 60 FPS target. Users with 4K displays should consider lowering resolution or accepting reduced visual quality. The overall recommendation is to prioritize 1080p Ultra for the best experience, as it combines high detail with smooth performance, while 1440p High is a solid secondary option for those with larger monitors. The data shows that the GTX 1660 Ti is best utilized at resolutions where its 6 GB VRAM and 288.0 GB/s bandwidth are not overtaxed, and the settings choices above reflect that constraint.