Doom

Doom, the 2016 reboot of the classic FPS franchise, remains a demanding benchmark for modern hardware due to its high frame rates and dynamic lighting. In this analysis, the combination of the Intel Core i7-14700KF processor and the Intel Arc B580 graphics card is evaluated using the measured FPS data provided. The data indicates a configuration that is well-balanced for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming, but which begins to show its limits as resolution increases to 4K, where the GPU becomes the primary bottleneck.

How This Combo Ranks

The measured performance of the Intel Core i7-14700KF paired with the Intel Arc B580 in Doom places this specific combination at rank 2786 out of 3712 tested combos. This ranking, which falls in the 75th percentile of all tested configurations, indicates that while this setup is capable of delivering a smooth experience, it is not at the top tier of performance for this particular game. The data suggests that many other CPU-GPU pairings can achieve higher frame rates, but this combo still holds its own as a competent mid-to-upper-tier option.

The ranking is heavily influenced by the Arc B580's position in the GPU hierarchy. The graphics card's average benchmark score of 23021 places it at the 68th percentile of all GPUs, with nearest rivals including the AMD Radeon RX 580 2048SP, which is 0.2% faster, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080, which it beats by 0.6%. This tight grouping around the B580's performance level means the combo's overall rank in Doom is largely dictated by the GPU's capabilities, as the CPU is significantly more powerful in synthetic benchmarks. The i7-14700KF sits at the 94th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 70163, and is a direct rival to the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, which it outperforms by 0.9%, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, which is 1% ahead. This massive CPU headroom suggests that in CPU-bound scenarios, the combo would rank much higher, but in Doom, the GPU is the limiting factor.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B580, based on the Xe2-HPG architecture, is the decisive component in determining this combo's frame rates. Its memory configuration, featuring 12 GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus, provides a memory bandwidth of 456.0 GB/s. This is a substantial amount of VRAM and bandwidth, which is more than sufficient for Doom's textures and assets at any of the tested settings. The GPU's base and boost clock are both set at 2670 MHz, which is a relatively high clock speed for a modern graphics card.

In the context of this game, the B580's performance profile is consistent with its benchmark scores. Its passmark G3D score of 15748 and its 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3068 demonstrate a capable DirectX 12 performer. The GPU's shading units, 2560 in total, are tasked with rendering the game's fast-paced action. The data shows that the GPU is the primary determinant of performance, as the CPU is never a bottleneck. For instance, at 1080p Low settings, the combo achieves 186 FPS, but at 1080p Ultra, it drops to 112 FPS, a 40% reduction that is directly attributable to the increased load on the B580's shaders and memory system. This pattern is repeated across all resolutions, confirming the GPU's central role.

Resolution Scaling

The measured FPS data reveals a clear and predictable scaling pattern as resolution increases from 1080p to 4K. At 1920x1080 with High settings, the combo delivers an average of 137 FPS. Moving to 2560x1440 at the same High settings, the average FPS drops to 88, a 36% decrease. This is a significant drop, but the frame rate remains highly playable. When scaling further to 3840x2160, the average FPS falls to 48, which is a 65% decrease from the 1080p result.

This scaling behavior is a classic indicator of a GPU-bound scenario. The i7-14700KF, with its high boost clock of 5.60 GHz and 20 cores, is far more capable than the B580 at processing the game's logic and draw calls. As resolution increases, the number of pixels that the GPU must render grows exponentially, placing a heavier load on the B580's ROPs and memory bandwidth. The 48 FPS average at 4K High is a playable, but not ideal, console-like frame rate. The data suggests that users targeting 4K should expect to lower settings to maintain a smoother experience, while those at 1080p can enjoy very high frame rates that take full advantage of high-refresh-rate monitors.

Settings Recommendations

The measured data provides clear guidance on which quality presets offer the best balance of visual fidelity and performance for this combo. At 1920x1080, even the Ultra preset delivers an average of 112 FPS, which is excellent for a smooth and responsive experience. There is no need to compromise on visual quality at this resolution, as all settings are playable. The Low preset at 1080p yields 186 FPS, which is useful for competitive play, but the visual sacrifice is unnecessary for most users given the high frame rates available at higher settings.

At 2560x1440, the High preset is the recommended sweet spot, delivering an average of 88 FPS. This provides a solid balance between visual fidelity and smoothness. The Ultra preset drops to 72 FPS, which is still playable but may not be ideal for fast-paced action where a higher frame rate is preferable. The Medium preset at 105 FPS is a good alternative for those who prioritize frame rate, but the High preset remains the best all-around choice. At 3840x2160, the situation changes drastically. The High preset yields 48 FPS, which is on the edge of playability. The Medium preset, at 57 FPS, is the most balanced option for 4K, offering a noticeable improvement over High. The Low preset at 65 FPS is the only way to approach a consistently smooth 4K experience, but it sacrifices significant visual detail. For this combo, the data suggests that 4K gaming is best approached with Medium settings, while 1440p and 1080p can comfortably use High or Ultra.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The following is a detailed breakdown of the measured average frame rates for the Intel Core i7-14700KF and Intel Arc B580 combination in Doom.

1920x1080 (1080p):

• Low: 186 FPS
• Medium: 162 FPS (min 137, max 186)
• High: 137 FPS
• Ultra: 112 FPS

2560x1440 (1440p):

• Low: 120 FPS
• Medium: 105 FPS (min 89, max 120)
• High: 88 FPS
• Ultra: 72 FPS

3840x2160 (4K):

• Low: 65 FPS
• Medium: 57 FPS (min 48, max 65)
• High: 48 FPS
• Ultra: 39 FPS

The data shows a consistent performance hierarchy across all resolutions, with Low being the fastest and Ultra being the slowest. The frame time consistency, indicated by the min and max FPS values for Medium settings, shows a reasonable spread, with the minimum being close to the next lower preset's average. This suggests that the Arc B580 can maintain stable frame times, avoiding major stutters even when the load is high. The difference between Low and Ultra at each resolution is roughly 40-45%, highlighting the significant impact of the game's graphical features on the GPU's workload.

FAQ

Q: What is the highest average frame rate achievable with this combo at 1080p?

A: The highest average frame rate recorded is 186 FPS at 1920x1080 with Low settings.

Q: Is this combo capable of smooth 4K gaming in Doom?

A: At 3840x2160, the average frame rates range from 39 FPS on Ultra to 65 FPS on Low. The Medium preset, at 57 FPS, is the most viable option for a playable 4K experience, but it is not ideal for high-refresh-rate displays.

Q: How does the GPU's performance compare to its closest rivals?

A: The Intel Arc B580 has an average benchmark score of 23021. It is 0.2% slower than the AMD Radeon RX 580 2048SP and 0.6% faster than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080.

Q: What is the performance difference between 1080p and 1440p at High settings?

A: At High settings, the average frame rate drops from 137 FPS at 1920x1080 to 88 FPS at 2560x1440, a 36% decrease.

Q: Is the CPU or GPU the limiting factor in this game?

A: The data indicates the GPU is the limiting factor. The CPU is at the 94th percentile of all CPUs, while the GPU is at the 68th percentile. The significant frame rate drops with increasing resolution confirm this.

Q: What is the average frame rate for the Medium preset at 1440p?

A: The average frame rate for the Medium preset at 2560x1440 is 105 FPS, with a minimum of 89 FPS and a maximum of 120 FPS.

CPU Role

The Intel Core i7-14700KF plays a supporting, yet crucial, role in this configuration. With 20 cores and 28 threads, this processor offers immense parallel processing power, as evidenced by its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 44167. Its high boost clock of 5.60 GHz, coupled with a strong single-core Cinebench R23 score of 6235, ensures that it can handle the primary game thread with ease. The CPU's large 33 MB of shared L3 cache also helps to reduce memory latency, which is beneficial for game performance.

In Doom, the data shows that the i7-14700KF is never the bottleneck. The frame rates scale consistently with GPU load, which is the expected behavior when the CPU has ample headroom. The CPU's performance is so far ahead of the GPU's that it is effectively waiting for the Arc B580 to finish rendering each frame. This is a positive attribute, as it means the combo will not be held back by stutters or frame drops caused by CPU limitations. The processor's percentile rank of 94 vs all CPUs, and its benchmark scores, which are within 1% of rivals like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, confirm its high-end status. While the GPU determines the overall frame rate, the CPU ensures that the system can deliver those frames consistently, making this a well-matched pairing for this game.