Downfall

Downfall, a horror title from 2016, presents a challenging workload for the tested configuration of an Intel Core i5-14600KF paired with an Intel Arc B390. The dataset places this combination at rank 2589 out of 2928 tested combos, indicating that it falls in the lower percentile of system performance for this specific game. The measured frames per second (FPS) across various resolutions and settings reveal a system that is heavily constrained by its graphics component, with the CPU’s substantial processing power having little opportunity to shine. The following analysis breaks down the data to explain the performance characteristics, the roles of each component, and the optimal settings for playability.

Resolution Scaling

The FPS data shows a clear and predictable decline as resolution increases, which is typical for a system where the GPU is the primary bottleneck. At 1080p with Low settings, the configuration achieves an average of 106 FPS. This is the highest average FPS recorded in the entire dataset. Moving up to 1440p at the same Low settings, the average FPS drops to 76, representing a significant 28% decrease from the 1080p figure. At 4K with Low settings, the average FPS falls further to 47, which is a 38% drop from the 1440p result and a 56% drop from the 1080p result. This scaling pattern indicates that the rendering resolution has a direct and substantial impact on the frame rate.

The scaling behavior becomes even more telling when examining the High settings preset. At 1080p High, the system produces an average of 71 FPS. At 1440p High, this number declines to 51 FPS, a reduction of approximately 28%. At 4K High, the average FPS plummets to 32, which is a 37% drop from the 1440p figure. The consistent percentage drops between each resolution step, even at different quality settings, point to a graphics card that is working at its full capacity. The Arc B390 is simply unable to maintain higher frame rates as the pixel count increases, confirming that the GPU is the limiting factor in this pairing.

The data suggests that the CPU is not the constraining component in this scenario. If the CPU were the bottleneck, we would expect to see a smaller difference between 1080p and 4K performance, as the CPU load would be similar while the GPU load increases. Instead, the frame rate halving from 1080p to 4K at Low settings (106 FPS to 47 FPS) demonstrates that the GPU's rendering throughput is the deciding factor. The system's performance is directly tied to the resolution, with every step up in pixels costing a significant portion of the frame rate. This is a classic indication of a GPU-bound scenario, where the graphics card's fill rate and shading capabilities are the limiting resource.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B390 is the primary determinant of this combo's performance in Downfall. Its benchmark score in 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 is 1482, which places it in the 9th percentile of all GPUs. This low percentile ranking is a strong indicator of its limited performance capabilities. The nearest rivals in the GPU benchmark data are the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX, which scores 1463 (1.3% lower), and the NVIDIA GeForce 800M, which scores 1460 (1.5% lower). These comparisons show that the Arc B390 is positioned at the entry-level segment of the performance spectrum, competing with very old and low-end mobile graphics solutions.

The GPU's specifications further explain its measured performance. It is an integrated graphics processor (IGP) based on the Xe3-LPG architecture, built on a 3 nm process. It features 1536 shading units, 48 texture mapping units (TMUs), and 24 raster output units (ROPs). Its boost clock is listed as 2500 MHz, with a base clock of 300 MHz. The memory configuration is "System Shared," meaning it uses a portion of the system's main memory rather than dedicated VRAM. The memory bandwidth is described as "System Dependent," which highlights that its performance is heavily reliant on the speed and configuration of the system's RAM. The GPU's pixel rate is 60.00 GPixel/s and its texture rate is 120.0 GTexel/s, which are modest figures for modern gaming.

These hardware characteristics align with the measured FPS results in Downfall. The GPU's limited number of ROPs and TMUs, combined with the use of shared system memory, restricts its ability to handle higher resolutions and complex visual effects. The data shows that at 4K Ultra, the system manages only 20 FPS, which is effectively unplayable. Even at 1440p Medium, the average FPS is 62, with a minimum of 53 FPS, which is just on the edge of acceptable playability. The Arc B390 is the clear bottleneck, and its performance in this game is a direct reflection of its low-end hardware specifications and benchmark scores.

CPU Role

The Intel Core i5-14600KF presents a stark contrast to the GPU in terms of raw processing power. This CPU is a 14-core, 20-thread processor from the Core 14th Gen series, based on the Raptor Lake architecture. It has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. Its benchmark scores are exceptionally high, with a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 32544 and a single-core score of 4594. It also achieves a Geekbench multicore score of 17085 and a single-core score of 2445. These figures place it in the 90th percentile of all CPUs, indicating it is a high-performance processor.

The CPU's nearest rivals in the benchmark data are the AMD Ryzen 9 7900, which scores 49228 (0.3% higher), and the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G, which scores 49196 (0.4% higher). The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 scores 48995, which is 0.8% higher. The data shows that the i5-14600KF is essentially on par with these top-tier competitors, with performance deltas of less than 1%. This indicates that the CPU is more than capable of handling the processing demands of any modern game, including Downfall.

However, the measured FPS in Downfall shows that this CPU power is largely untapped. At 1080p Low, the system achieves 106 FPS, but at 1080p Ultra, it drops to 44 FPS. This massive frame rate drop with increasing graphical settings is not caused by the CPU losing capability, but rather by the GPU becoming overwhelmed. The CPU is likely waiting for the GPU to finish rendering each frame, leaving its vast processing resources idle. The benchmark results indicate that the i5-14600KF is not the limiting factor; it is a high-performance processor that is being held back by the Arc B390's inability to keep up with its instructions.

How This Combo Ranks

The combined performance of the Intel Core i5-14600KF and Intel Arc B390 in Downfall is ranked 2589 out of 2928 tested combinations. This places the combo in the bottom 12th percentile of all tested systems. This low ranking is a direct consequence of the GPU's poor performance, as the CPU's high percentile ranking (90th) is negated by the graphics card's low ranking (9th). The data shows a significant mismatch between the two components, where a top-tier CPU is paired with an entry-level GPU.

This ranking means that most other CPU and GPU combinations tested will deliver higher frame rates in Downfall. The combo's position is primarily due to the Arc B390's 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1482, which is one of the lowest on record. While the CPU is a powerhouse, the GPU's limited fill rate and texture processing capabilities create a severe bottleneck. The result is a system that, despite having a very fast processor, performs like a low-end machine in this specific title. The rank is a clear indication that this pairing is not well-suited for gaming performance, particularly in a graphically demanding title like Downfall at higher settings.

FAQ

Q: What is the highest average FPS this combo can achieve in Downfall?

A: The highest average FPS recorded in the dataset is 106 FPS, which is achieved at 1920x1080 resolution with Low settings.

Q: Is this system capable of running Downfall at 4K resolution smoothly?

A: No. At 3840x2160 resolution, the best average FPS is 47 with Low settings, and it drops to just 20 FPS at Ultra settings. These frame rates are below the threshold for smooth gameplay.

Q: How does the Intel Arc B390 compare to its nearest rivals in benchmark scores?

A: The Arc B390 has a 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1482. This is 1.3% higher than the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX (1463) and 2.7% higher than the NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (1443).

Q: What is the performance difference between 1080p and 4K at Medium settings?

A: At 1080p Medium, the average FPS is 87. At 4K Medium, the average FPS is 39. This represents a 55% drop in average frame rate when moving from 1080p to 4K.

Q: Is the Intel Core i5-14600KF a powerful processor according to the data?

A: Yes. The CPU is in the 90th percentile of all CPUs and has an average benchmark score of 49394. It outperforms the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G by 0.4% and the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 by 0.8%.

Q: What is the lowest average FPS recorded for this combo?

A: The lowest average FPS is 20, which is recorded at 3840x2160 resolution with Ultra settings.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The following data is the complete set of measured average FPS results for the Intel Core i5-14600KF and Intel Arc B390 in Downfall.

• 1920x1080 (1080p)
• Low: 106 FPS average.
• Medium: 87 FPS average, with a minimum of 74 FPS and a maximum of 100 FPS.
• High: 71 FPS average.
• Ultra: 44 FPS average.

• 2560x1440 (1440p)
• Low: 76 FPS average.
• Medium: 62 FPS average, with a minimum of 53 FPS and a maximum of 71 FPS.
• High: 51 FPS average.
• Ultra: 32 FPS average.

• 3840x2160 (4K)
• Low: 47 FPS average.
• Medium: 39 FPS average, with a minimum of 33 FPS and a maximum of 44 FPS.
• High: 32 FPS average.
• Ultra: 20 FPS average.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combo depend heavily on the user's target resolution and desired frame rate. For a standard 1080p display, the Low preset is the only one that provides a comfortably high frame rate, averaging 106 FPS. The Medium preset also offers a good experience with an average of 87 FPS and a minimum of 74 FPS, which is suitable for most players. The High preset at 71 FPS is playable, but the Ultra preset at 44 FPS will likely introduce noticeable stutter and is not recommended for a smooth experience.

At 1440p, the performance drops significantly. The Low preset yields 76 FPS, which is good, but the Medium preset drops to 62 FPS with a minimum of 53 FPS. This is playable, but it is on the lower end of what is considered smooth. The High and Ultra presets at 51 FPS and 32 FPS respectively are not recommended for a responsive gaming experience. For 4K resolution, the data shows that even the Low preset at 47 FPS is marginal, and the Medium preset at 39 FPS is not smooth. The High and Ultra presets at 32 FPS and 20 FPS are essentially unplayable.

The data suggests that the best experience for this hardware is to prioritize frame rate over visual fidelity. For the most stable and responsive gameplay, using the Low or Medium preset at 1080p is the most suitable choice. At 1440p, the Low preset is the safest option to maintain a higher frame rate. The Ultra preset should be avoided at all resolutions, as the frame rates are too low for a playable experience. The performance scaling shows that this combo is best suited for 1080p gaming with lower graphical settings, where it can provide an acceptable frame rate.