Downfall

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

The Intel Core i7-13700K is a 16-core, 24-thread processor built on Intel's Raptor Lake architecture. It operates with a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz, with a 125 W TDP. The chip features a hybrid layout under the Raptor Lake-S codename, with cache arranged as 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3. This CPU sits at the 89th percentile against all tested processors, with an average benchmark score of 46881.

In synthetic workloads, the i7-13700K demonstrates substantial scaling from two threads to maximum threads. The 3DMark results show a progression from 2262 at 2 threads, to 4469 at 4 threads, 8193 at 8 threads, 10717 at 16 threads, and 12412 at max threads. Single-thread performance in 3DMark registers 1136, while Cinebench R23 scores are 2116 single-core and 30745 multi-core. The Geekbench results follow a similar pattern: 2529 single-core and 19429 multi-core.

The processor's nearest rivals in the benchmark database are all within a narrow band. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900 sits at 46971 average score, a delta of -0.2% against the i7-13700K. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 scores 47022, a -0.3% delta. On the positive side, the AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX and Intel Xeon w3-2535 both score 46654 and 46653 respectively, each showing a +0.5% delta. This clustering indicates the i7-13700K sits in a tightly contested performance tier where no single rival holds a decisive edge in aggregate CPU benchmarks.

For Downfall, a horror title, the CPU's role is primarily about maintaining consistent frame pacing rather than pushing maximum frame rates. The measured FPS data shows that at 1920x1080 with Low settings, the combo reaches 452 FPS average. At the same resolution with Ultra settings, the average drops to 190 FPS. This spread suggests the CPU is capable of feeding the GPU even at lower resolutions where CPU overhead becomes more relevant. The 16-core configuration with 24 threads provides ample headroom for background tasks and game logic, but the benchmark results indicate the GPU becomes the primary bottleneck as resolution increases.

The PassMark multi-thread score of 45887 and single-thread score of 4333 confirm strong per-core performance. Data compression (595292) and encryption (33249) scores are robust, though these are not directly gaming-related. The floating point math score of 114867 and integer math score of 154446 further characterize the CPU's compute capabilities. For a horror game like Downfall, which likely relies on scripted sequences and environmental interactions, the i7-13700K's balanced thread performance ensures that even the most demanding scenes maintain stable frame delivery.

GPU Role — VRAM, clocks, and how they relate to this game's results

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is a Blackwell 2.0 architecture GPU built on a 5 nm process at TSMC, featuring 92,200 million transistors on a 750 mm² die. It operates with a base clock of 2017 MHz and a boost clock of 2407 MHz. Memory runs at 1750 MHz with 28 Gbps effective speed, paired with 32 GB of GDDR7 on a 512-bit bus, yielding 1.79 TB/s of bandwidth. The GPU includes 21760 shading units, 680 TMUs, 176 ROPs, 170 RT cores, and 680 tensor cores. Its compute capabilities include 104.8 TFLOPS for both FP32 and FP16 (at 1:1 ratio), with pixel rate of 423.6 GPixel/s and texture rate of 1,636.8 GTexel/s.

The RTX 5090 posts an average benchmark score of 79842, placing it at the 92nd percentile against all GPUs. Its nearest rivals in the database are unexpected: the NVIDIA Tesla P100 PCIe 16 GB scores 79605 (+0.3% delta), the Tesla P100 PCIe 12 GB scores 79396 (+0.6%), and the AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT scores 78940 (+1.1%). The AMD Radeon Pro Vega 64X is ahead at 80959 (-1.4% delta relative to the RTX 5090). These comparisons are based on aggregate benchmark scores rather than gaming-specific tests, which explains why workstation and mobile parts appear alongside this flagship desktop GPU.

In 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, the RTX 5090 scores 18355. Geekbench results show 334370 for OpenCL and 376728 for Vulkan. The PassMark G3D score is 39650, while GPU compute registers 26756. DirectX 12 performance in PassMark is 185, DirectX 11 is 341, DirectX 10 is 226, and DirectX 9 is 395. The G2D score is 1413.

For Downfall specifically, the measured FPS data reveals how the RTX 5090's massive memory bandwidth and 32 GB VRAM capacity influence results. At 3840x2160 with Ultra settings, the combo averages 84 FPS. This is the most demanding configuration tested, and the GPU clearly drives the outcome. The 32 GB VRAM is far more than any current game requires, but the 1.79 TB/s bandwidth ensures texture streaming at 4K Ultra never becomes a bottleneck. At 2560x1440 Ultra, the average rises to 135 FPS, and at 1920x1080 Ultra it reaches 190 FPS. These numbers show the GPU scaling predictably with resolution, though the CPU's role becomes more prominent at 1080p.

The RTX 5090's boost clock of 2407 MHz, combined with 170 RT cores, suggests strong ray tracing potential, though the measured data does not specify whether ray tracing is enabled in the tested settings. The pixel rate of 423.6 GPixel/s indicates the GPU can handle high fill-rate demands, which matters for horror games with dark, particle-heavy environments. The dual-slot design with a 575 W TDP and 1x 16-pin power connector reflects the power envelope required for this performance level.

FAQ

Q: What is the average FPS at 4K Ultra settings in Downfall?

A: The combo achieves 84 FPS average at 3840x2160 with Ultra settings. This is the lowest average among all tested configurations, reflecting the extreme demands of 4K Ultra in a horror title.

Q: How does the Intel Core i7-13700K compare to its closest rival, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900?

A: The i7-13700K has an average benchmark score of 46881, while the Ryzen 9 5900 scores 46971. This represents a -0.2% delta, meaning the two processors are effectively tied in aggregate performance, with the Ryzen 9 5900 holding a negligible edge.

Q: What is the RTX 5090's VRAM capacity and memory bandwidth?

A: The GPU features 32 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus, delivering 1.79 TB/s of bandwidth. This configuration ensures that memory capacity is never a limiting factor in Downfall, even at 4K Ultra settings.

Q: What is the highest average FPS recorded for this combo in Downfall?

A: The highest average FPS is 452, achieved at 1920x1080 with Low settings. At the same resolution with Ultra settings, the average drops to 190 FPS, showing a 262 FPS spread between the lowest and highest quality presets at 1080p.

Q: How does the combo rank among all tested combinations in Downfall?

A: The combo ranks 63rd out of 3716 tested combinations. This places it in the top 2% of all configurations tested for this game, though not the absolute top performer.

Q: What are the minimum and maximum FPS recorded at 2560x1440 Medium settings?

A: At 2560x1440 with Medium settings, the combo achieves an average of 264 FPS, with a minimum of 225 FPS and a maximum of 304 FPS. This represents a 79 FPS range, indicating relatively stable frame delivery.

How This Combo Ranks

The combination of Intel Core i7-13700K and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 ranks 63rd out of 3716 tested combos in Downfall. This places the configuration in the 98.3rd percentile of all tested combinations, meaning only 62 other setups deliver higher performance in this specific game. The ranking reflects the measured FPS data across all resolutions and settings, weighted toward the overall experience.

Given the CPU's 89th percentile standing and the GPU's 92nd percentile standing among their respective categories, the combo rank of 63 shows that the pairing produces results somewhat better than either component's individual percentile might suggest. This is because Downfall's performance characteristics favor the GPU's strengths, particularly at higher resolutions where the RTX 5090's 32 GB VRAM and 1.79 TB/s bandwidth come into play.

The nearest CPU rivals — all within 0.5% delta — would likely produce similar combo rankings when paired with the RTX 5090, since the CPU is not the primary bottleneck in most tested configurations. The GPU's nearest rivals, including the Tesla P100 variants and Radeon RX 6850M XT, are not gaming-focused parts, which makes direct comparisons less relevant for Downfall's actual performance.

The rank of 63 out of 3716 means the combo outperforms the vast majority of tested systems. However, the 62 combos ranked higher likely include configurations with even more powerful CPUs paired with the same RTX 5090, or possibly dual-GPU setups. The data does not specify what those higher-ranked combos are, but the benchmark results indicate this pairing is already at the upper echelon of performance for this game.

Settings Recommendations

The measured FPS data across three resolutions and four settings presets provides clear guidance for optimal play. At 3840x2160, the Ultra preset delivers 84 FPS average, which is playable but leaves little headroom for frame drops in intense horror sequences. The High preset at 4K jumps to 135 FPS, a 60.7% improvement over Ultra, while Medium reaches 164 FPS and Low hits 201 FPS. For 4K displays, High represents the best balance, offering smooth performance without the visual compromises of Medium or Low.

At 2560x1440, the Ultra preset achieves 135 FPS, which is identical to the 4K High result. High at 1440p delivers 217 FPS, Medium 264 FPS, and Low 323 FPS. The jump from Ultra to High at this resolution is 82 FPS, representing a 60.7% improvement, exactly matching the percentage gain seen at 4K. For 1440p, High is again the recommended preset, providing well over 200 FPS while maintaining high visual fidelity.

At 1920x1080, even the Ultra preset reaches 190 FPS, which exceeds the refresh rate of most monitors. High delivers 303 FPS, Medium 370 FPS, and Low 452 FPS. At this resolution, the Ultra preset is entirely viable, and the choice between presets depends on whether the user prioritizes maximum visual quality or maximum frame rate. For competitive play, Low at 452 FPS would be the choice, but for a horror game where atmosphere matters, Ultra at 190 FPS is the better experience.

Across all resolutions, the Medium preset shows the most consistent frame delivery, with measured minimum and maximum values. At 4K Medium, the range is 140 to 189 FPS (49 FPS spread). At 1440p Medium, the range is 225 to 304 FPS (79 FPS spread). At 1080p Medium, the range is 314 to 425 FPS (111 FPS spread). These data points suggest that Medium offers stable performance, but the High preset likely provides similar stability without the recorded min/max values in the data.

The optimal recommendation is High settings at any resolution. At 4K, High delivers 135 FPS, which is 51 FPS above the Ultra result and 29 FPS below the Medium result. At 1440p, High delivers 217 FPS, and at 1080p, High delivers 303 FPS. The High preset consistently offers the best balance between visual quality and performance, with the data showing no configuration where Ultra provides a meaningfully better experience without a substantial FPS cost.

Measured FPS Breakdown

At 3840x2160, the measured results show a clear progression across settings. Low settings produce an average of 201 FPS, with no minimum or maximum recorded. Medium settings yield 164 FPS average, with a minimum of 140 FPS and maximum of 189 FPS. High settings drop to 135 FPS average, again with no min/max data. Ultra settings produce 84 FPS average, the lowest result in the entire dataset. The spread from Low to Ultra at 4K is 117 FPS, with each step from Low to Medium to High representing a 37, 29, and 51 FPS decrease respectively.

At 2560x1440, the results scale upward as expected. Low settings achieve 323 FPS average. Medium settings produce 264 FPS average, with a minimum of 225 FPS and maximum of 304 FPS. High settings deliver 217 FPS average. Ultra settings reach 135 FPS average. The total spread at 1440p is 188 FPS, from 323 at Low down to 135 at Ultra. The step from Low to Medium is 59 FPS, Medium to High is 47 FPS, and High to Ultra is 82 FPS. Notably, the 1440p Ultra result of 135 FPS exactly matches the 4K High result of 135 FPS, indicating that both configurations demand similar GPU resources.

At 1920x1080, the highest frame rates in the dataset are recorded. Low settings produce 452 FPS average. Medium settings yield 370 FPS average, with a minimum of 314 FPS and maximum of 425 FPS. High settings deliver 303 FPS average. Ultra settings reach 190 FPS average. The spread at 1080p is 262 FPS, from 452 at Low down to 190 at Ultra. The step from Low to Medium is 82 FPS, Medium to High is 67 FPS, and High to Ultra is 113 FPS. The High to Ultra drop at 1080p is the largest single-step decrease in the entire dataset, suggesting that Ultra settings introduce significantly more demanding effects.

Comparing across resolutions at the same settings reveals consistent scaling. At Low settings, the progression is 201 FPS at 4K, 323 FPS at 1440p, and 452 FPS at 1080p. At Medium, the progression is 164, 264, and 370 FPS. At High, it is 135, 217, and 303 FPS. At Ultra, it is 84, 135, and 190 FPS. In each case, moving from 4K to 1440p yields roughly a 60% increase in frame rate, while moving from 1440p to 1080p yields roughly a 40% increase. This consistent pattern indicates the RTX 5090 scales predictably with resolution, and the CPU does not introduce unexpected bottlenecks at lower resolutions.

The Medium preset is the only one with complete min/max data across all resolutions. At 4K, the min of 140 and max of 189 give a 49 FPS range. At 1440p, the min of 225 and max of 304 give a 79 FPS range. At 1080p, the min of 314 and max of 425 give a 111 FPS range. The increasing range at lower resolutions suggests that CPU-side variability becomes more pronounced as frame rates rise, though even the widest range of 111 FPS at 1080p Medium does not indicate instability.