Doom

The Intel Core i7-12700KF paired with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 in Doom presents a classic high-end CPU with a mid-range GPU scenario. The data shows that the processor’s substantial compute resources are not the primary constraint in this title, as the GPU dictates the majority of performance outcomes. This combo exhibits a clear pattern where the GTX 1070’s capabilities are the deciding factor across all tested settings and resolutions.

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

The Core i7-12700KF is a 12-core, 20-thread processor based on the Alder Lake architecture, with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Its benchmark scores indicate it is a top-tier performer; for instance, it achieves a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 28979 and a single-core score of 4091. Its relative standing is strong, placing in the 89th percentile among all CPUs. The data indicates this CPU is not a bottleneck in Doom, as the frame rates are primarily governed by the GPU.

Looking at the nearest rivals, the Core i7-12700KF is effectively in a dead heat with the Intel Core i5-14400, which has an average benchmark score of 35336, representing a negligible delta of 0.1%. Similarly, it is virtually tied with the Intel Core i7-13800H and Intel Core i9-12900HX, with deltas of -0.2% and 0.2%, respectively. This suggests that for this game, any of these processors would deliver nearly identical performance, as the workload is not heavily reliant on the CPU's capabilities.

The high single-thread performance of the i7-12700KF, evidenced by a Passmark single-thread score of 3984 and a 3DMark single-thread score of 1043, is more than sufficient for Doom's engine. The game's frame pacing and logic are well-served by this processor, but the measured FPS values show that the GPU's rendering limits are reached long before the CPU's processing limits. The processor's 25 MB of shared L3 cache and support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory further ensure that it can feed data to the GPU without creating a performance ceiling in this specific title. In essence, the CPU provides a massive performance headroom that remains largely untapped in these benchmarks.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal balance between visual quality and performance is achieved at the High preset. At 1920x1080, the High preset delivers an average of 117.6 FPS, which is a significant 20.4 FPS increase over the Ultra preset's 97.2 FPS. This difference is substantial for a fast-paced FPS, ensuring smoother gameplay without a massive drop in visual fidelity. Moving up to 2560x1440, the High preset still provides a very playable 76 FPS, whereas the Ultra preset dips to 60.1 FPS.

Choosing the Medium preset at 1080p yields 139.3 FPS, but the visual jump from High to Medium is less noticeable than the performance gain from Ultra to High. For 4K gaming, the data suggests that even the Low preset only manages an average of 53.2 FPS, which is below the ideal refresh rate for competitive play, but the High preset at 39.6 FPS is still not ideal. Therefore, the High preset is the clear recommendation for this combo, providing the best "sweet spot" of visuals and performance across the most common resolutions. The Ultra preset is only advisable if a player prioritizes maximum visual detail over a higher frame rate and is playing at 1080p, where the 97.2 FPS average is still above the 60 FPS threshold.

FAQ

*Q: Can this combination run Doom smoothly at 1920x1080?*

A: Yes, the data shows excellent performance at 1080p. The High preset achieves an average of 117.6 FPS, and even the Ultra preset maintains a solid 97.2 FPS, which is well above the standard 60 FPS target for smooth gameplay.

Q: What is the best resolution for this CPU and GPU combo?

A: The sweet spot is 2560x1440. At this resolution, the High preset delivers a very playable average of 76 FPS. While 1080p offers higher frame rates, 1440p with High settings provides a better balance of image clarity and performance without dipping below 60 FPS.

*Q: How does the GTX 1070 perform at 4K in Doom?*

A: The GTX 1070 struggles at 3840x2160. The best average FPS is found on the Low preset at 53.2 FPS, but the more visually demanding High preset drops to 39.6 FPS, which is not ideal for a fluid experience. 4K gaming with this GPU requires significant compromises on visual settings.

Q: Is the Intel Core i7-12700KF a bottleneck for the GTX 1070 in this game?

A: The benchmark data does not indicate a CPU bottleneck. The i7-12700KF is a high-performance processor, and the frame rates are limited by the GPU. The performance difference between the Low and High presets shows the GPU is the primary driver of FPS changes, not the CPU.

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

A: The performance delta is significant. The Ultra preset averages 97.2 FPS, while the Low preset averages 157.9 FPS. This represents a 60.7 FPS increase in performance, demonstrating a large headroom for players who prefer maximum frame rates over visual fidelity.

How This Combo Ranks

This specific configuration, the i7-12700KF with the GTX 1070, is ranked 1410 out of 1681 tested combos for Doom. This places it in the lower-middle portion of the performance spectrum, which is consistent with the GPU's mid-range standing. The ranking reflects the overall capability of the system, heavily weighted by the GPU's performance. The processor is far more capable than the graphics card, and the score suggests that while the system is competent, it is not competitive with higher-tier GPU pairings.

The combo's rank is a direct result of the GTX 1070's performance characteristics. The data indicates that the GPU is in the 51st percentile among all GPUs, meaning it performs better than roughly half of all graphics cards. When paired with a very fast CPU, the overall system performance is capped by the GPU's limits. This explains why the combo's rank is not higher; the CPU's potential is not fully utilized. For a user with this combination, the upgrade path is clear: the CPU has significant headroom, and replacing the GPU would yield the most substantial performance gains in Doom.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 is built on the Pascal architecture and features 8 GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 256.3 GB/s. It has a base clock of 1506 MHz and a boost clock of 1683 MHz. The GPU's performance is its defining characteristic for this game. Its benchmark scores, such as a Passmark G3D score of 13498, place it in the 51st percentile of all GPUs, indicating it is a solid mid-range performer, but it is not without its limits.

In terms of its rivals, the GTX 1070's average benchmark score of 12331 is narrowly ahead of the NVIDIA Quadro K4200 by 0.7%. It is also closely matched with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 880M, which has a delta of -1.3%. The GTX 1070 sits just behind the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER, which has a delta of -1.4%. This tight grouping shows that the GTX 1070's performance level is a known quantity, and its behavior in Doom is predictable. The GPU's 150 W TDP and dual-slot design are typical for its class, and its 6.463 TFLOPS of FP32 compute power is what drives the frame rates seen in the measurements.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data reveals a clear performance hierarchy based on resolution and settings. At 3840x2160, the GPU is heavily taxed. The Low preset yields an average of 53.2 FPS, the Medium preset drops to 47.9 FPS, the High preset manages 39.6 FPS, and the Ultra preset falls to 34 FPS. None of these averages hit the 60 FPS target, indicating that 4K is not a viable option for this combo without significant graphical compromises.

At 2560x1440, the picture improves considerably. The Low preset achieves an average of 105 FPS, providing a very smooth experience. The Medium preset follows with 86.6 FPS, and the High preset maintains a solid 76 FPS. The Ultra preset is the only one that dips below the 60 FPS threshold, with an average of 60.1 FPS. This resolution offers the best overall balance, as even the High preset comfortably exceeds playable frame rates.

At 1920x1080, the combo performs at its best. The Low preset delivers a high average of 157.9 FPS, ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors. The Medium preset is also very fast at 139.3 FPS, and the High preset provides an excellent 117.6 FPS. The Ultra preset still delivers a strong 97.2 FPS, ensuring that even maximum settings are playable. The data shows a consistent scaling: as settings increase, frame rates decrease, with the largest relative drop occurring between the High and Ultra presets at all resolutions.