Hitman 2

# Hitman 2 with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

This combo pairs AMD's flagship 16-core Zen 5 processor with NVIDIA's RTX 4080 SUPER, producing a system that ranks 315th out of 3,711 tested combinations in Hitman 2 — placing it in the top 8.5% of all configs. The measured FPS data reveals a setup that absolutely dominates at 1080p, remains highly playable at 1440p, but starts to show strain at 4K Ultra where the average dips below 60 FPS. The pattern across resolutions suggests a balanced pairing that shifts from CPU-bound at lower resolutions to GPU-bound at 4K, with the 128 MB of L3 cache on the 9950X3D proving particularly relevant for Hitman 2's engine.

Resolution Scaling

The FPS drop from 1080p to 4K tells a clear story about where the bottleneck lives. At High settings, the average frame rate falls from 171 FPS at 1920x1080 to 109 FPS at 2560x1440 — a 36% reduction — and then to 58 FPS at 3840x2160, another 47% drop. This steep decline as resolution increases is the classic signature of a GPU-limited scenario at the higher end, but the magnitude of the 1080p-to-1440p step hints that the CPU still has headroom to spare at lower resolutions.

Looking at Low settings, the scaling is even more dramatic: 301 FPS at 1080p, 192 FPS at 1440p, and 103 FPS at 4K. The 1080p Low result of 301 FPS is remarkable — it suggests the CPU can push well past 300 frames when the GPU isn't stressed, and the fact that it drops to 192 FPS at 1440p indicates the GPU is already becoming a factor even at this modest resolution with low graphical load. The 4K Low figure of 103 FPS confirms that even with minimal settings, the RTX 4080 SUPER cannot maintain the triple-digit performance seen at lower resolutions.

The Medium preset shows the most complete data with min and max FPS recorded. At 4K Medium, the average is 77 FPS with a minimum of 65 and maximum of 88 — a 23 FPS spread that suggests reasonably consistent frame pacing. At 1440p Medium, the average jumps to 144 FPS with a 123-166 FPS range, while 1080p Medium reaches 226 FPS with a 192-260 FPS envelope. The relative consistency of these ranges implies the engine scales predictably with resolution rather than exhibiting erratic spikes.

Ultra settings reveal the most punishing scaling: 126 FPS at 1080p, 80 FPS at 1440p, and 43 FPS at 4K. The 4K Ultra result is the only measured configuration that falls below 60 FPS, and it does so substantially — a 46% drop from the 1440p Ultra figure. This indicates that Hitman 2's Ultra preset at 4K demands more from the GPU than the RTX 4080 SUPER can deliver for a smooth 60 FPS experience, while every other resolution/settings combination clears that threshold comfortably.

The data implies that at 1080p, the CPU is the limiting factor even with a 16-core, 32-thread processor — the 301 FPS Low ceiling is likely constrained by the game engine's single-threaded rendering path rather than the 9950X3D's capabilities. At 4K, the GPU becomes the clear bottleneck, with the 4080 SUPER's 16 GB of GDDR6X memory and 736.3 GB/s bandwidth struggling to feed the higher pixel count under Ultra settings.

CPU Role

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D brings substantial firepower to this pairing: 16 cores and 32 threads based on Zen 5 architecture, with a base clock of 4.30 GHz and boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The processor's 128 MB of L3 cache is particularly noteworthy for a game like Hitman 2, which tends to benefit from larger cache pools due to its level-based design that streams in significant environmental data. The 3D V-Cache technology on this chip is not explicitly stated in the data, but the 128 MB L3 figure far exceeds typical desktop processors.

Benchmark data shows the 9950X3D achieving a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 42,018 and a single-core score of 2,259. The single-core performance is crucial for Hitman 2, as the game's engine historically relies heavily on a few primary threads for game logic and AI. The Geekbench single-core score of 3,064 reinforces this strength, while the multicore score of 26,736 suggests the processor can handle any background tasks without interfering with game performance.

The CPU's percentile ranking of 95 against all processors confirms it sits near the top of the performance stack. Its nearest rivals in average benchmark score include the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755 (deltaPct 0.1), the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D (deltaPct 0.1), the AMD EPYC 8224P (deltaPct 0.3), and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 (deltaPct 0.4). These extremely small deltas — all within 0.4% — indicate that the 9950X3D is essentially tied with the best alternatives, meaning the CPU is not a differentiating factor in this combo's ranking.

In Hitman 2 specifically, the CPU's role becomes apparent in the 1080p results. At Low settings, the 301 FPS average suggests the processor can feed the GPU far more frames than needed for typical displays. The 3DMark 2-thread score of 2,549 and 4-thread score of 4,963 indicate strong low-thread performance, which is what Hitman 2's engine likely leverages. The 16-core, 32-thread configuration may be overkill for this 2018 title, but the high single-thread and dual-thread performance ensures no CPU-related stutters or bottleneck-induced frame drops.

The processor's 170 W TDP and 4 nm process node from TSMC represent a modern, efficient design, though the game's age means it likely doesn't utilize all 32 threads — the data suggests the single-thread and low-thread scores matter more than the massive multicore throughput. The DDR5 memory support with dual-channel configuration and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth provides ample memory bandwidth for the game's data streaming needs, complementing the large L3 cache.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture with 10,240 shading units, 320 texture mapping units, and 112 raster output pipelines. Its 16 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 256-bit bus delivers 736.3 GB/s of bandwidth — a figure that becomes increasingly important at 4K resolution where texture data demands are highest. The boost clock of 2550 MHz and base clock of 2295 MHz provide the raw compute throughput, with FP32 performance rated at 52.22 TFLOPS.

In Hitman 2, the GPU's role is most evident at 4K Ultra, where the average FPS drops to 43 — a clear indication that the graphics card's capabilities are being fully taxed. The 80 RT cores and 320 tensor cores are present but unlikely to be heavily utilized in this 2018 title, which predates widespread ray tracing adoption. Instead, the traditional rasterization pipeline through the 112 ROPs determines performance, and the pixel rate of 285.6 GPixel/s becomes the limiting factor at high resolutions.

The GPU's percentile ranking of 86 against all graphics cards places it solidly in the upper tier, though its nearest rivals show interesting dynamics. The RTX 4080 (non-SUPER) has a deltaPct of -0.1, meaning the SUPER variant is essentially identical in average benchmark score — a 54,209 average for the SUPER versus 54,247 for the standard 4080. The AMD Radeon Pro W5700X (deltaPct -1.1), AMD Radeon RX 6750 GRE 12 GB (deltaPct -2.7), and AMD Radeon 8060S (deltaPct -2.8) trail by small margins, suggesting the 4080 SUPER's closest competition is the original 4080.

The 16 GB VRAM capacity is generous for Hitman 2, which was released in 2018 and likely does not require more than 8 GB even at 4K Ultra. The data shows the GPU's memory bandwidth of 736.3 GB/s is more than sufficient for the game's demands — the bottleneck at 4K Ultra appears to be raw shading and rasterization throughput rather than memory capacity or bandwidth. The 320 W TDP and triple-slot design indicate this is a power-hungry card, but the measured FPS results justify the thermal and power requirements.

The GPU's DirectX 12 Ultimate support and Vulkan 1.4 API compatibility mean Hitman 2 can run through modern rendering paths, though the game's age suggests DirectX 11 might be the primary API used. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 6,600 provides a synthetic reference point, while the PassMark G3D score of 34,245 and Geekbench Vulkan score of 260,075 demonstrate strong general-purpose graphics performance that translates to consistent frame delivery in this title.

How This Combo Ranks

The combo rank of 315 out of 3,711 tested combinations places this system in the top 8.5% of all configurations tested for Hitman 2. This is a strong showing, but the ranking reveals that there are 314 other combos that achieve better performance in this specific game — likely configurations with more powerful GPUs such as the RTX 4090 or newer generation cards, since the CPU is already near the top of its class.

The CPU's percentile of 95 and the GPU's percentile of 86 suggest a slight mismatch: the processor is more exceptional relative to its peers than the graphics card is. This imbalance explains why the combo ranks 315th rather than higher — the GPU is the weaker link in the chain, particularly at 4K Ultra where the 43 FPS result drags down the overall ranking. A combo with the same CPU but a higher-tier GPU would likely rank substantially better.

The nearest CPU rivals all have deltaPct values under 0.5%, meaning swapping the 9950X3D for an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755, Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D, EPYC 8224P, or Intel Core Ultra 9 285 would produce nearly identical results in this game. This suggests the CPU choice has minimal impact on the combo's ranking — the GPU is the differentiating factor. Conversely, the GPU's nearest rivals show more variance, with the AMD Radeon 8060S being 2.8% slower on average, which could meaningfully affect Hitman 2 frame rates.

The data implies that this combo is well-balanced for 1080p and 1440p gaming, where the CPU and GPU complement each other effectively. At 4K, the GPU becomes the limiting factor, and the combo's ranking reflects this weakness. The 315th position out of 3,711 is respectable but not elite — it suggests there are many configurations that deliver superior 4K performance, likely those pairing the 9950X3D with a more powerful GPU or using a lower-resolution display as the primary target.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings depend heavily on the target resolution and desired frame rate. At 1920x1080, every preset delivers excellent performance: even Ultra averages 126 FPS, while Medium reaches 226 FPS and Low hits 301 FPS. For 1080p users with high-refresh-rate monitors, Ultra is the clear choice — the 126 FPS average exceeds the 120 Hz threshold and the data shows no reason to compromise on visual quality.

At 2560x1440, the High preset at 109 FPS and Medium at 144 FPS both provide smooth gameplay, but Ultra at 80 FPS is still perfectly playable for most users. The Medium preset's measured range of 123-166 FPS shows excellent consistency, making it the safest recommendation for competitive play where frame timing matters. High at 109 FPS is a solid middle ground for those prioritizing visual fidelity without sacrificing responsiveness.

At 3840x2160, the situation changes dramatically. Ultra at 43 FPS is below the 60 FPS threshold that most players consider minimum for smooth gameplay, while High at 58 FPS is borderline. Medium at 77 FPS with a 65-88 FPS range is the only 4K preset that comfortably exceeds 60 FPS on average while maintaining a minimum above 60 FPS. Low at 103 FPS offers the highest frame rate but sacrifices significant visual quality.

The data suggests that 4K users should select Medium settings for the best balance of visual quality and performance — the 77 FPS average with a 65 FPS minimum ensures no drops below playable territory. For 1440p, High at 109 FPS provides an excellent experience, while 1080p users can push Ultra without concern. The Medium preset's consistent minimum FPS values across all resolutions (65 FPS at 4K, 123 FPS at 1440p, 192 FPS at 1080p) make it the most predictable choice for users who prioritize frame rate stability.

Measured FPS Breakdown

At 1920x1080, the results are uniformly strong. Low settings produce an average of 301 FPS, Medium averages 226 FPS with a range of 192-260 FPS, High averages 171 FPS, and Ultra averages 126 FPS. The progression from Low to Ultra shows a 58% reduction in frame rate, but even the lowest figure remains well above what any current display can show.

At 2560x1440, performance remains robust. Low settings average 192 FPS, Medium averages 144 FPS with a 123-166 FPS range, High averages 109 FPS, and Ultra averages 80 FPS. The Medium preset's minimum of 123 FPS is particularly noteworthy, as it stays above the 120 Hz threshold even during demanding scenes.

At 3840x2160, the GPU begins to show its limits. Low settings average 103 FPS, Medium averages 77 FPS with a 65-88 FPS range, High averages 58 FPS, and Ultra averages 43 FPS. The Medium preset is the only one that maintains a minimum above 60 FPS, while High falls just short of that threshold on average and Ultra is significantly below it.

The data reveals that the step from 1440p to 4K is the most punishing: High settings drop from 109 FPS to 58 FPS (a 47% reduction), while Low drops from 192 FPS to 103 FPS (a 46% reduction). This consistent percentage decline across settings indicates the GPU's pixel throughput is the limiting factor at 4K, regardless of graphical complexity. In contrast, the step from 1080p to 1440p shows smaller percentage drops (36% for High, 36% for Low), suggesting the CPU still has headroom at 1080p that gets consumed as resolution increases.

FAQ

Q: Can this combo run Hitman 2 at 4K 60 FPS?

A: Only with Medium settings, which average 77 FPS with a minimum of 65 FPS. High settings average 58 FPS (below 60), and Ultra averages 43 FPS. For a locked 60 FPS experience at 4K, Medium is the highest preset that guarantees the minimum stays above 60.

Q: What is the best resolution for this combo in Hitman 2?

A: At 2560x1440, the High preset delivers 109 FPS average, and Ultra still reaches 80 FPS. This resolution offers the best balance between visual quality and performance, with every preset except potentially Ultra staying well above 60 FPS. At 1080p, all presets exceed 126 FPS, making it ideal for high-refresh-rate displays.

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

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D has an average benchmark score of 75,779, which is within 0.4% of the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755 (75,738), AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D (75,716), AMD EPYC 8224P (75,582), and Intel Core Ultra 9 285 (75,488). These differences are negligible in real-world gaming performance.

Q: Is the GPU or CPU the bottleneck in this combo?

A: At 1080p, the CPU is likely the limiting factor, evidenced by the 301 FPS Low ceiling. At 4K, the GPU is clearly the bottleneck, with performance dropping by 47% from 1440p to 4K at High settings. The GPU's percentile ranking of 86 versus the CPU's 95 confirms the graphics card is the weaker component relative to its peers.

Q: What frame rates can I expect at 1080p Ultra?

A: The measured average is 126 FPS. This is the highest preset at 1080p and still delivers performance suitable for 120 Hz displays. For comparison, Medium at 1080p averages 226 FPS, and Low averages 301 FPS.

Q: How does the RTX 4080 SUPER compare to the standard RTX 4080?

A: The RTX 4080 SUPER has an average benchmark score of 54,209, while the standard RTX 4080 scores 54,247 — a delta of -0.1%, meaning they perform essentially identically. Other close rivals include the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X (-1.1%) and AMD Radeon RX 6750 GRE 12 GB (-2.7%).