Doom

The Intel Core i9-14900K paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 delivers a compelling 1440p and 1080p experience in Doom, with the CPU’s high core count and boost clock ensuring that the GPU is the primary performance driver across most settings. The i9-14900K features 24 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 6.00 GHz. This configuration, built on the Raptor Lake architecture, provides substantial headroom for the game’s engine, which is known for scaling well with strong single-thread performance. The CPU’s 36 MB of shared L3 cache and dual-channel memory support for DDR4 and DDR5 further reduce potential bottlenecks, allowing the RTX 4070 to operate near its limits. In this title, the data indicates the CPU is rarely the limiting factor, as even at lower resolutions where frame rates climb, the performance scales consistently with GPU capability rather than showing signs of CPU saturation.

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

The Intel Core i9-14900K’s specifications are more than sufficient for Doom, a game that launched in 2016 and does not demand the extreme multi-threaded workloads of newer titles. With 24 cores and 32 threads, this processor offers far more parallelism than the game can utilize. The critical metric here is the single-core performance, evidenced by a boost clock of 6.00 GHz and a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 7040. This high frequency ensures that the game’s primary simulation and rendering threads are processed with minimal latency. The processor also scores impressively in multi-threaded tests, such as 49872 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, but Doom’s engine does not rely heavily on this aspect. The data shows that the CPU’s 97th percentile ranking among all CPUs underscores its top-tier status, yet the measured FPS results are more dependent on the GPU’s output. For instance, at 1920x1080 with Low settings, the average FPS reaches 313, which is a scenario where a slower CPU might introduce frame pacing issues. However, the i9-14900K’s architecture, with its 2 MB L2 cache per core and 80 KB L1 cache per core, keeps the data pipeline flowing efficiently, preventing any significant CPU-bound ceiling from emerging in this older title. The processor’s 125 W TDP and unlocked multiplier indicate it is built for sustained high performance, but in this specific benchmark, the practical takeaway is that the CPU provides a stable platform that does not detract from the GPU’s capabilities.

How This Combo Ranks

The combination of the Intel Core i9-14900K and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 achieves a rank of 424 out of 1681 tested combos in Doom. This places the pairing in the top 25% of all configurations tested, which is a strong showing given the GPU’s mid-range positioning in the 40-series lineup. The rank reflects that while the CPU is a top-tier part, the overall performance is moderated by the RTX 4070’s capabilities. For context, the CPU’s average benchmark score of 79824 places it near the AMD EPYC 7413, which has a deltaPct of -0.3%, meaning the i9-14900K is essentially tied with that server-class chip in synthetic tests. However, in a gaming scenario like Doom, the EPYC’s architecture would likely not translate to similar FPS, but the ranking here is based on the complete combo. The GPU’s average benchmark score of 37283 is close to the AMD Radeon RX Vega 56, which is 0.6% lower, but the RTX 4070’s modern architecture and features provide a more consistent gaming experience. The rank of 424 suggests that there are 423 combos that outperform this pairing, likely those with higher-tier GPUs like the RTX 4080 or 4090, which would push frame rates higher, especially at 4K. Conversely, the i9-14900K ensures that this combo does not fall behind due to CPU limitations, making the RTX 4070 the sole determinant of the final rank.

FAQ

Q: What is the highest average FPS this combo achieves in Doom?

A: The highest measured average FPS is 313, which occurs at 1920x1080 resolution with Low settings.

Q: How does the CPU’s performance compare to its nearest rival?

A: The i9-14900K has an average benchmark score of 79824, which is 0.7% higher than the Intel Core i9-14900KF and 0.9% higher than the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, indicating a marginal performance lead.

Q: What is the GPU’s memory bandwidth and size?

A: The RTX 4070 has 12 GB of GDDR6X memory with a 192-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 504.2 GB/s.

Q: Does the GPU support modern APIs?

A: Yes, the RTX 4070 supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, ensuring compatibility with Doom’s rendering requirements.

Q: What is the CPU’s launch MSRP?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900K has a launch MSRP of $589.

Q: How does the combo rank in terms of overall tested combinations?

A: The combo ranks 424th out of 1681 tested combos, placing it in the top 25% of all configurations.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data for this combo shows a clear scaling pattern across resolutions and settings. At 3840x2160, the average frame rates are 82.5 FPS on High, 98.7 FPS on Medium, 110.3 FPS on Low, and 68.9 FPS on Ultra. This represents a drop of approximately 16% from High to Ultra, indicating that the Ultra preset’s additional graphical effects significantly tax the GPU. Moving down to 2560x1440, the performance improves markedly: High yields 150.8 FPS, Medium 174.7 FPS, Low 203.6 FPS, and Ultra 121.5 FPS. The jump from 4K to 1440p is substantial, with High settings nearly doubling the frame rate from 82.5 to 150.8 FPS, which highlights the pixel count’s impact on the RTX 4070. At 1920x1080, the results are exceptionally high: High produces 229.8 FPS, Medium 275.9 FPS, Low 313 FPS, and Ultra 187.3 FPS. These numbers indicate that at 1080p, the combo is firmly GPU-bound, and the CPU’s 6.00 GHz boost clock ensures no frame drops due to processing bottlenecks. The delta between Low and Ultra at 1080p is roughly 40%, with Ultra still delivering a very playable 187.3 FPS. Notably, the data shows no min or max FPS values, so the averages presented are the primary indicators of performance stability, and the consistency across the resolution steps suggests a well-balanced system.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 is the primary driver of the measured FPS in Doom. With 12 GB of GDDR6X memory and a 192-bit bus, the GPU provides a bandwidth of 504.2 GB/s, which is sufficient for this game’s textures and effects at all tested settings. The GPU’s boost clock of 2475 MHz, coupled with 5888 shading units, allows for efficient processing of the game’s geometry and lighting. The benchmark results show that the RTX 4070 scales predictably with resolution, but it is the settings that have a more pronounced effect on performance. For example, at 3840x2160, the difference between Low and Ultra is 41.4 FPS, a 60% increase, which underscores the GPU’s sensitivity to graphical fidelity. The GPU’s 29.15 TFLOPS FP32 performance and 455.4 GTexel/s texture rate are ample for Doom’s 2016 engine, which is not particularly demanding by modern standards. The RTX 4070’s 81st percentile ranking among all GPUs places it above average, and its nearest rivals, such as the AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 with a deltaPct of -0.6%, are not as efficient in power or feature set. The GPU’s 200 W TDP and dual-slot design are practical for most systems, and its PCIe 4.0 x16 interface ensures full bandwidth utilization. Overall, the data indicates the RTX 4070 is the limiting factor at 4K Ultra, where frame rates dip to 68.9 FPS, but it excels at 1440p and 1080p, making it a versatile choice for this title.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combo depend on the target resolution and desired frame rate. For a smooth 4K experience, the High preset at 82.5 FPS is the best balance, as it stays above the 60 FPS threshold with room to spare. The Medium preset at 98.7 FPS also works well, but High offers better visual quality for only a 16 FPS penalty. At 2560x1440, the High preset delivers 150.8 FPS, which is ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors, while Ultra at 121.5 FPS still provides an excellent experience if visual fidelity is prioritized. The Medium preset at 174.7 FPS is another strong option for competitive play, as it maintains high frame rates without significantly compromising visuals. At 1920x1080, all presets are playable, but the High preset at 229.8 FPS is recommended for those with 240 Hz displays, as it provides a high frame rate with good graphical detail. The Ultra preset at 187.3 FPS is also viable for 144 Hz monitors, but the drop from High to Ultra is notable, suggesting that High is the sweet spot for most users. The Low preset at 313 FPS is only useful for extreme competitive scenarios where frame rate is paramount, but it sacrifices too much visual quality for typical play. In summary, the data suggests that High settings offer the best experience across all resolutions, providing a strong balance between frame rate and image quality, with Medium as a viable alternative for higher refresh rates.