Hitman 2

The Intel Core i3-12100F paired with the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT presents a classic 1080p-optimized configuration for Hitman 2. The benchmark data confirms this is a solid pairing for high-refresh-rate gameplay at Full HD, but the results also reveal a predictable and steep performance cliff as resolution increases. This analysis examines how this specific CPU and GPU combination behaves across the measured settings and resolutions, placing it within the broader context of the 3,711 tested combos in the database.

Resolution Scaling

The performance drop from 1080p to 4K is dramatic and clearly demonstrates a shift in bottleneck. At 1080p with High settings, the combo delivers 85 FPS, which is a very playable and fluid experience. Moving to 1440p, the average FPS drops to 55, a reduction of 35%. The transition to 4K is where the system struggles, with the average FPS falling to 29. This represents a 66% decrease from the 1080p High result, indicating that the GPU is being pushed to its absolute limit.

Analyzing the Low settings preset shows a similar trend, though with higher absolute numbers. At 1080p Low, the system produces 150 FPS, which is excellent for competitive or high-refresh-rate displays. At 1440p Low, the score remains high at 96 FPS, showing the GPU still has considerable headroom at this resolution when graphical load is reduced. However, at 4K Low, the average FPS drops to 51. This is a 66% decrease from the 1080p Low result, mirroring the proportional drop seen on High settings.

The pattern indicates that at 1080p, the system is likely balanced, with the CPU and GPU working in concert. The i3-12100F's strong single-thread performance, evidenced by its 3dmark_single_thread score of 893, is sufficient to feed the GPU at lower resolutions. As the resolution increases, the pixel-pushing workload grows exponentially, and the RX 6650 XT becomes the primary limiting factor. The large drops between 1440p and 4K—from 55 to 29 FPS on High and 96 to 51 on Low—underscore that this GPU is not designed for 4K gaming in this title. The scaling is consistent across settings, suggesting the GPU is saturated at 4K regardless of the quality preset, which is a clear sign that the resolution is the bottleneck, not the CPU.

GPU Role

The AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is the defining component in this pairing. Its 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus provides 280.3 GB/s of bandwidth, which is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p in Hitman 2 but proves inadequate for the demands of 4K. The GPU's clock speeds are notable, with a base clock of 2055 MHz and a boost clock of 2635 MHz. These high frequencies are a significant reason why the card performs well at lower resolutions, where raw compute throughput is more critical than memory capacity.

The GPU's benchmark scores reflect its mid-range positioning. Its passmark_g3d score of 17166 and 3dmark_steel_nomad_dx12 score of 1859 are respectable, placing it in the 65th percentile of all GPUs. In terms of nearest rivals, the data shows a tight grouping, with the RX 6650 XT trailing the NVIDIA Tesla K40m by 0.6% and the AMD FirePro W7000 by 0.7%, while leading the AMD FirePro D300 by 0.7% and the NVIDIA Quadro K5200 by 0.8%. This indicates that while it is not a top-tier card, it is competitive with other high-end workstation and gaming GPUs from a few generations prior.

The GPU's performance ceiling is reached at 4K. The Ultra preset at 4K yields a mere 21 FPS, which is unplayable. Even the Medium preset at 4K, which shows a min FPS of 33 and a max of 44, is not a smooth experience. This data confirms that the RX 6650 XT is best suited for 1080p and capable at 1440p, but it lacks the raw power and memory bandwidth required for 4K gaming in a title like Hitman 2. The GPU is the clear bottleneck at higher resolutions, as the CPU's performance becomes less relevant when the graphics card is unable to produce more frames.

How This Combo Ranks

In the comprehensive database of tested CPU and GPU combinations for Hitman 2, this specific pairing ranks 2428 out of 3711 combos. This places it in the lower half of all tested systems, which is a meaningful indicator of its overall performance ceiling in this game. While the 1080p results are strong, the ranking is dragged down by the system's inability to handle higher resolutions, where many other combinations with more powerful GPUs will have significantly better scores.

The combo's rank is heavily influenced by the CPU's performance. The Intel Core i3-12100F has an average benchmark score of 13494 and sits in the 68th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals show a very tight cluster of performance: it matches the Intel Core 3 N355 (0% delta), is 0.3% faster than the Intel Core i5-9500, 0.7% slower than the Intel Core 5 120UL, and 1.1% faster than the Intel Core i7-1250U. This indicates that the i3-12100F is a solid, mid-pack performer for its class, providing sufficient computational power for most games, but it is not a high-end chip that can push a system into the top rankings.

The ranking of 2428 out of 3711 suggests that for users who primarily play at 1080p, this combo will feel responsive and capable. However, for those expecting 1440p or 4K performance, this ranking is a warning. The system's overall rank is a reflection of its balanced, but ultimately limited, nature. It is a competent 1080p machine that will not excel in higher-resolution scenarios, and the data clearly shows a system designed for a specific use case rather than a high-end all-rounder.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a clear picture of the system's capabilities across a matrix of resolutions and settings. The following is a detailed breakdown of the average FPS, with min and max values where available.

1080p (1920x1080):

• Ultra: 63 FPS average. This is the most demanding setting at this resolution and is still very playable.
• High: 85 FPS average. This is an excellent result for a smooth, high-fidelity experience.
• Medium: 113 FPS average, with a min of 96 and a max of 130. This provides a high frame rate with good stability, ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors.
• Low: 150 FPS average. This maximum performance setting is perfect for competitive play or 144Hz displays.

1440p (2560x1440):

• Ultra: 40 FPS average. This is a borderline playable experience, but it will feel less smooth.
• High: 55 FPS average. This is acceptable for a single-player stealth game, but it is not ideal for fast-paced action.
• Medium: 72 FPS average, with a min of 61 and a max of 83. This is a solid 1440p setting, providing a good balance of visuals and performance.
• Low: 96 FPS average. This is a very strong 1440p result, making it the best choice for high refresh rates at this resolution.

4K (3840x2160):

• Ultra: 21 FPS average. This is not playable and indicates that the GPU is overwhelmed.
• High: 29 FPS average. This is a slideshow and not suitable for actual gameplay.
• Medium: 38 FPS average, with a min of 33 and a max of 44. This is the only 4K setting that approaches playability, but it will still feel choppy.
• Low: 51 FPS average. This is the best 4K result, but the visual quality is significantly compromised to achieve it.

The data shows a clear pattern: the system is built for 1080p, is competent at 1440p, and is not viable for 4K. The min and max FPS values for the Medium settings at each resolution show reasonable frame pacing, with the 1080p Medium having a 34 FPS spread and the 1440p Medium having a 22 FPS spread, indicating a stable experience. The lack of min/max data for other presets makes it difficult to assess frame time consistency, but the averages are reliable indicators of overall performance.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured data, the optimal experience for this combo depends entirely on the user's target resolution and refresh rate. For users with a 1080p 144Hz monitor, the High preset at 85 FPS is the best starting point, as it offers a significant visual upgrade over Medium while still delivering a frame rate that exceeds the refresh rate of most standard displays. For those with 1080p 60Hz displays, the Ultra preset at 63 FPS is the ideal choice, providing the maximum visual fidelity without dropping below the 60 FPS threshold.

For users with a 1440p monitor, the recommendations change. A 1440p 60Hz display is best served by the High preset, which averages 55 FPS. While not a locked 60 FPS, the average is close enough that it will be a smooth experience in a slower-paced game like Hitman 2. For 1440p 144Hz displays, the Low preset at 96 FPS is the only viable option to take advantage of the high refresh rate, though it requires a significant sacrifice in visual quality.

The 4K data is clear: this combo is not suitable for 4K gaming. Even the Low preset at 51 FPS requires a major visual downgrade and still does not provide a consistently smooth experience. The Medium preset at 38 FPS is a compromise that is not recommended for serious play. Users with a 4K display should either lower the resolution to 1440p or consider a different, more powerful GPU. Overall, the High preset at 1080p is the "sweet spot" for this configuration, delivering a high-quality experience with a high frame rate. The Medium preset at 1440p is the best choice for users who prefer that resolution for its sharpness, offering a playable 72 FPS.

FAQ

Q: Is this combo good for 4K gaming in Hitman 2?

A: No. The benchmark data shows that at 4K, the average FPS ranges from 21 on Ultra to 51 on Low. Even the Low preset at 51 FPS requires a major visual sacrifice and does not provide a consistently smooth experience, making this combo unsuitable for 4K play.

Q: What is the best resolution and settings combination for a 60Hz monitor?

A: For a 1080p 60Hz monitor, the Ultra preset at 63 FPS is the best choice, as it provides maximum visual fidelity while staying above the 60 FPS threshold. For a 1440p 60Hz monitor, the High preset at 55 FPS is the recommended option, as it balances visual quality with a playable frame rate.

Q: How does this combo rank compared to other tested systems?

A: This specific combination of the Intel Core i3-12100F and AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT ranks 2428 out of 3711 tested combos in Hitman 2. This places it in the lower half of all systems, indicating it is a mid-range performer focused on 1080p gaming.

Q: What is the limiting factor for performance at 4K?

A: The GPU is the limiting factor at 4K. The RX 6650 XT's 8 GB of VRAM and 280.3 GB/s of bandwidth are not sufficient for the demands of 4K rendering in this game, as evidenced by the dramatic FPS drops from 1080p to 4K across all settings.

Q: Can this system achieve high frame rates at 1440p?

A: Yes, but with caveats. On the Low preset, the system achieves 96 FPS at 1440p, which is excellent for high-refresh-rate monitors. On the Medium preset, it achieves 72 FPS, which is still very playable. However, on High and Ultra, the performance drops to 55 FPS and 40 FPS, respectively, which are less ideal for fast-paced play.

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

A: The Intel Core i3-12100F's average benchmark score is 13494, which is virtually identical to its nearest rivals. It is 0% different from the Intel Core 3 N355, 0.3% faster than the Intel Core i5-9500, 0.7% slower than the Intel Core 5 120UL, and 1.1% faster than the Intel Core i7-1250U, indicating a tightly competitive mid-range field.