Evolve

Evolve, the 2015 asymmetric FPS, places distinct demands on a system, and the pairing of the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti produces a set of results that clearly define its capabilities. The data shows a combination that is heavily skewed by the graphics card, where the CPU's modern architecture provides ample headroom, but the GPU's age limits the experience at higher resolutions and settings.

Resolution Scaling

The measured FPS data reveals a classic pattern of GPU-bound scaling as resolution increases. At 1080p, the system demonstrates strong performance, but the frame rates drop sharply as pixel count rises, indicating that the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is the primary limiting factor. The transition from 1920x1080 to 2560x1440 at High settings shows a significant performance cost, with the average frame rate falling from 75 FPS to 50 FPS, a 33% reduction. This decline continues when moving to 4K, where the same High preset yields just 29 FPS, a 61% drop from the 1080p figure. This scaling behavior is characteristic of a GPU that is running out of pixel throughput and memory bandwidth at higher resolutions.

The pattern is consistent across all settings. At Low settings, the frame rate drops from 123 FPS at 1080p to 83 FPS at 1440p, and then to 47 FPS at 4K. The performance degradation from 1440p to 4K is particularly steep in the Low preset, where the average FPS is nearly halved. This suggests that even when the graphical load is minimal, the GTX 1660 Ti's 6 GB of GDDR6 memory and 192-bit bus are insufficient to maintain fluid frame rates at 4K. The data indicates that the system is not CPU-limited at any resolution; the Intel Core Ultra 5 235, with its 14 cores and 5.00 GHz boost clock, can feed the GPU adequately, but the GPU cannot keep pace with the increasing pixel demands.

The scaling from Ultra settings further confirms the GPU bottleneck. At 1080p Ultra, the system manages 52 FPS, but at 1440p Ultra, this drops to 35 FPS, and at 4K Ultra, it falls to a nearly unplayable 20 FPS. The performance cliff between Medium and Ultra settings at 4K (36 FPS vs 20 FPS) highlights the GPU's struggle with the most demanding visual configurations. This scaling pattern is a clear sign that for a smoother experience at higher resolutions, a more powerful GPU would be necessary, while the CPU's performance remains a constant, non-limiting factor throughout the resolution range.

How This Combo Ranks

In the broader context of all tested CPU and GPU combinations for Evolve, this pairing occupies a specific position. The data places this combo at rank 2468 out of 2872 tested combinations. This percentile indicates that while the system is capable of running the game, it falls behind the majority of other configurations in the database. The rank of 2468 suggests that this is not a high-end gaming setup by modern standards, but rather a mid-range or entry-level configuration for this particular title.

The combination's ranking is a direct consequence of its GPU performance. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 is a strong processor, ranking in the 89th percentile against all CPUs, which places it well above average. However, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, which sits in the 41st percentile against all GPUs, holds the combo back. The GPU's average benchmark score of 7723 is a significant limiting factor, as Evolve's frame rates are clearly dependent on graphics processing power. The data shows that the CPU's high percentile ranking cannot compensate for the GPU's lower standing, resulting in a combo rank that is closer to the GPU's percentile than the CPU's.

The performance gap between this combo and higher-ranked ones is substantial. For instance, the GPU's nearest rivals include the AMD Radeon 540 and the AMD Radeon Pro WX 3100, which have similar average scores and deltas of 0.7% and 1.9%, respectively. This proximity in GPU performance suggests that the overall combo rank is primarily determined by the graphics card. The CPU's nearest rivals, such as the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 and the Intel Core i9-13900HX, have nearly identical average scores with deltas of 0.1% and -0.1%, respectively, indicating that the CPU is not a differentiating factor in this combo's ranking. The system is essentially a strong processor paired with a modest GPU, and the results reflect that imbalance.

CPU Role

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 plays a supporting role in this configuration, providing a robust foundation that is never the bottleneck in Evolve. With 14 cores and 14 threads, this processor offers substantial multi-threading capability, though the game's engine may not fully utilize all of them. The CPU's base clock of 3.40 GHz and boost clock of 5.00 GHz ensure that single-threaded performance is strong, which is often more critical for FPS games. The data from the CPU benchmarks shows a single-thread score of 2085 in Cinebench R23, which is a solid result, and a multi-core score of 14769, indicating that the processor has ample headroom for any background tasks or game logic.

The CPU's performance relative to its rivals is extremely tight. The nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, has an average score that is only 0.1% higher, while the Intel Core i9-13900HX is a mere 0.1% lower. This statistical tie means that the choice between these CPUs would have a negligible impact on Evolve's frame rates. The processor's high percentile ranking (89th) and an average benchmark score of 46062 confirm that it is a capable component. However, in this specific game and with this specific GPU, the CPU's role is to ensure that the GTX 1660 Ti is fed with data without causing any frame time spikes or stutters.

The data shows that the CPU is not the limiting factor at any resolution. If the CPU were the bottleneck, we would expect to see similar frame rates across different resolutions, as the CPU workload would remain constant. Instead, the frame rates scale inversely with resolution, which is the hallmark of a GPU bottleneck. The Core Ultra 5 235's memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s and support for DDR5 memory also contribute to a smooth experience, ensuring that the game's assets can be loaded quickly. The 24 MB of shared L3 cache further aids in reducing latency, but ultimately, the CPU's job is done well, and the GPU's limitations dictate the overall performance.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a detailed look at the system's performance across a matrix of resolutions and settings. The data is complete for the average FPS, with some entries also including minimum and maximum values.

1920x1080 (1080p):

• Low: 123 FPS average
• Medium: 95 FPS average (minimum 81 FPS, maximum 110 FPS)
• High: 75 FPS average
• Ultra: 52 FPS average

At 1080p, the system is very capable. The Low preset delivers an excellent 123 FPS, which is well above the threshold for competitive play. The Medium preset still provides a very smooth 95 FPS, with a minimum of 81 FPS that indicates no significant hitches. High settings yield a solid 75 FPS, and even Ultra manages a playable 52 FPS. This resolution is where the combo performs best, offering a good balance between visual fidelity and performance. The data suggests that 1080p is the optimal resolution for this setup, with all settings producing acceptable frame rates.

2560x1440 (1440p):

• Low: 83 FPS average
• Medium: 64 FPS average (minimum 54 FPS, maximum 74 FPS)
• High: 50 FPS average
• Ultra: 35 FPS average

Moving to 1440p shows a clear performance drop. The Low preset still manages a respectable 83 FPS, but the Medium preset falls to 64 FPS, with a minimum of 54 FPS that could be noticeable in fast-paced action. High settings produce a playable but less fluid 50 FPS, and Ultra drops to 35 FPS, which may feel sluggish. The data indicates that at 1440p, users will need to compromise on settings to maintain a high refresh rate experience. The step down from 1080p to 1440p is significant, and the GTX 1660 Ti's limitations become more apparent.

3840x2160 (4K):

• Low: 47 FPS average
• Medium: 36 FPS average (minimum 31 FPS, maximum 42 FPS)
• High: 29 FPS average
• Ultra: 20 FPS average

At 4K, the system struggles to maintain playable frame rates. Even the Low preset only manages 47 FPS, which is below the ideal for a smooth experience. The Medium preset drops to 36 FPS, with a minimum of 31 FPS that will result in noticeable stutter. High settings are not recommended, as the 29 FPS average is below the playable threshold for most users. Ultra settings are effectively unplayable at 20 FPS. The data clearly shows that 4K is not a viable resolution for this combo, as the GPU's 6 GB of memory and 288.0 GB/s bandwidth are insufficient for the demands of Evolve at this resolution.

FAQ

Q: What is the best resolution to play Evolve with this CPU and GPU combo?

A: Based on the measured FPS data, 1920x1080 is the optimal resolution. At 1080p, the system achieves 75 FPS on High and 52 FPS on Ultra, both of which are playable. At 2560x1440, the frame rates drop significantly, and at 3840x2160, they are largely unplayable.

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

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 has an average benchmark score of 46062, which is nearly identical to its nearest rivals. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 is only 0.1% faster, while the Intel Core i9-13900HX is 0.1% slower. This indicates that the CPU's performance is statistically tied with these competitors.

Q: Is the system capable of running Evolve at 1440p with High settings?

A: Yes, but with some compromise. The measured average FPS at 2560x1440 on High is 50 FPS. This is a playable frame rate, though it may not be ideal for competitive play where higher refresh rates are preferred. The data shows it is a viable option if visual quality is prioritized over maximum frame rate.

Q: What is the main bottleneck for this combo in Evolve?

A: The data indicates that the GPU is the primary bottleneck. The frame rates scale inversely with resolution, which is a classic sign of a GPU limitation. The CPU, ranked in the 89th percentile, provides ample performance and does not appear to limit the system at any resolution.

Q: How does the combo rank compared to all other tested systems for this game?

A: This combo ranks 2468 out of 2872 tested combinations. This places it in the lower half of all tested systems, indicating that it is a mid-range to entry-level configuration for Evolve, primarily due to the GPU's performance.

Q: What is the highest average FPS this system can achieve in Evolve?

A: The highest measured average FPS is 123, which is achieved at 1920x1080 with the Low settings preset. This indicates that the system is well-suited for high frame rate gaming at lower graphical settings.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combo depend heavily on the user's resolution and performance priorities. The data provides a clear hierarchy of performance across presets, allowing for prescriptive advice.

For users with a 1080p monitor, the High preset is the best all-around choice, delivering 75 FPS. This provides a good balance between visual fidelity and a smooth frame rate that is suitable for most players. Those with high refresh rate monitors who prioritize competitive performance should consider the Medium preset, which yields 95 FPS and ensures the frame rate remains well above 60 FPS at all times, with a minimum of 81 FPS. The Ultra preset is also an option at 52 FPS, but the step down from High to Ultra results in a 31% performance drop, which may not be worth the marginal visual improvement. The Low preset at 123 FPS is only recommended for those seeking maximum frame rates, as the visual quality will be significantly reduced.

At 1440p, the Low preset is the most reliable choice, providing 83 FPS and a smooth experience. The Medium preset is also viable at 64 FPS, but the minimum of 54 FPS indicates that there may be occasional dips below the ideal threshold. The High preset at 50 FPS is acceptable for slower-paced gameplay or for users who prefer visual quality over frame rate, but it is not recommended for fast-paced action. The Ultra preset at 35 FPS is not recommended, as it falls below the standard for playability.

For users attempting 4K, the data suggests that only the Low preset is marginally playable at 47 FPS. However, even this may feel inconsistent. The Medium preset at 36 FPS and the High preset at 29 FPS are not recommended, as they will result in a subpar experience. The Ultra preset at 20 FPS is effectively unplayable. The data indicates that 4K is not a suitable resolution for this hardware, and users should either lower their resolution or upgrade their GPU to achieve a satisfactory experience at this resolution. The overall recommendation is to prioritize a lower resolution and higher settings for the best experience, as the system's performance is clearly constrained by the graphics card.