Hitman 2

Hitman 2, a stealth title from 2018, presents an interesting scenario for the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER combination. The data indicates this is a powerful pairing, landing in the top 7.5% of all tested combos for this game, with a rank of 225 out of 3001. The benchmark results show a clear story: this system is heavily GPU-bound at higher resolutions, while the CPU's strong single-threaded performance ensures high frame rates at lower settings, making it a versatile option for both high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming and cinematic 4K experiences.

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

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 is a 14-core, 14-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake architecture, built on a 3 nm process by TSMC. It operates with a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. Its 24 MB of shared L3 cache and dual-channel DDR5 memory support contribute to its overall capability. In the context of Hitman 2, a game that is not heavily multi-threaded, the CPU's single-core performance is the primary driver of frame rates, particularly at lower resolutions where the GPU is not the bottleneck.

Benchmark data for the Core Ultra 5 245 shows a strong single-threaded showing, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4648. This is a critical metric for Hitman 2, as the game's engine relies heavily on a few main threads for game logic and physics. The processor’s multi-core performance is also robust, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32924, but this is less relevant to the game's performance ceiling. The data shows that in this title, the CPU has more than enough headroom to feed the GPU, even at high frame rates.

Comparing the CPU to its nearest rivals based on average benchmark scores, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 is remarkably close to its competitors. It trails the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G by a mere 0.4% and the AMD Ryzen 9 7900 by 0.5%. It also leads the Intel Xeon Gold 5318H by 0.6% and the Intel Core i5-14600K by 0.8%. These minuscule deltas indicate that the Ultra 5 245 is positioned squarely in the same performance tier as these other high-end processors, and any differences in gaming performance would be negligible. This confirms its well-balanced architecture and high clock speeds.

The 14 cores and 14 threads are unique in that they do not include hyper-threading, which is typical for Intel's recent architectures. Despite this, its performance in both single and multi-threaded workloads is competitive, as the benchmark scores demonstrate. For Hitman 2 specifically, the single-thread performance is what allows the system to reach 301 FPS at 1080p Low settings. Even at 1440p High, the CPU is not the limiting factor, allowing the GPU to produce 109 FPS. The processor’s high boost clock of 5.10 GHz is the key enabler for these excellent single-threaded results.

The data suggests that the Core Ultra 5 245 is a well-matched partner for the RTX 4080 SUPER in this game. It provides sufficient performance to avoid bottlenecking the GPU, even at high refresh rates. The processor's 90th percentile ranking among all CPUs further solidifies its position as a high-end part that is more than capable for gaming. While the CPU has a TDP of 65 W, the system's overall performance is not constrained by power limits, allowing the CPU to sustain its boost clocks under gaming loads.

In practical terms for Hitman 2, the Core Ultra 5 245's role is to ensure that the game's logic and draw calls are processed quickly. Its high single-core performance is what allows the system to achieve frame rates well beyond 144 FPS at 1080p. The 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 3 MB of L2 cache per core help keep frequently accessed data close to the processing units, reducing latency. This combination of high clocks and ample cache is ideal for a game like Hitman 2, which features complex AI routines and physics interactions.

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

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the primary driver of visual fidelity and resolution scaling in this configuration. It is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture using a 5 nm process and features 16 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 256-bit bus, providing a substantial 736.3 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The GPU has a base clock of 2295 MHz and a boost clock of 2550 MHz, with memory running at an effective 23 Gbps. This hardware configuration makes it exceptionally well-suited for high-resolution gaming.

In Hitman 2, the GPU's role becomes increasingly dominant as resolution and settings are increased. At 4K Ultra, the RTX 4080 SUPER is the sole bottleneck, delivering an average of 43 FPS. The 16 GB of VRAM is more than sufficient for this game, even at 4K with high-resolution textures, ensuring that the GPU does not run out of memory and cause stuttering. The high memory bandwidth is also crucial for streaming textures quickly, especially at higher resolutions where the data demands are greater.

The RTX 4080 SUPER's benchmark scores show it is a top-tier performer. It has a PassMark G3D score of 34245 and a Geekbench Vulkan score of 260075. Its nearest rivals are incredibly close in performance, with the standard RTX 4080 trailing by just 0.1%, and the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X and RX 6750 GRE 12 GB being 1.1% and 2.7% ahead respectively. These small deltas suggest that in synthetic benchmarks, the 4080 SUPER is essentially on par with its closest competitors, but its real-world gaming performance is where it excels.

The data reveals a clear performance hierarchy based on settings. At 4K, the GPU's workload is immense, and frame rates scale directly with the graphics preset. The jump from Low (103 FPS) to Medium (77 FPS) is a 26 FPS drop, and from Medium to High (58 FPS) is another 19 FPS drop. The most demanding setting, Ultra, cuts the frame rate nearly in half compared to High, resulting in 43 FPS. This indicates that the Ultra preset in Hitman 2 demands significantly more from the GPU than the High preset.

At 1440p, the GPU still plays a dominant role, but the CPU begins to have more influence at lower settings. The RTX 4080 SUPER produces excellent results, from 192 FPS on Low to 80 FPS on Ultra. The 1440p Medium setting shows a min FPS of 123 and max of 166, with an average of 144, highlighting a very playable and smooth experience. The 1080p results are where the CPU and GPU work together to push frame rates to extreme levels, with the GPU still the main contributor at all settings other than Low.

The RTX 4080 SUPER's 52.22 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and 80 RT cores are more than enough for Hitman 2, a game that does not heavily utilize ray tracing. The sheer rasterization power of the GPU is what drives the high frame rates. Its 86th percentile ranking among all GPUs confirms its high-end status. The GPU's 320 W TDP and triple-slot design indicate it is a power-hungry, high-performance part, but this is a necessary trade-off for its exceptional capabilities.

FAQ

Q: What is the performance difference between this combo and the standard RTX 4080?

A: The data from nearestRivals shows the RTX 4080 SUPER has an average benchmark score of 54209, which is 0.1% lower than the standard RTX 4080's score of 54247. This indicates the two GPUs are essentially performance equivalents in synthetic tests.

Q: Can I achieve 144 FPS at 1440p with this system?

A: Yes. At 2560x1440 with Medium settings, the system averages 144 FPS, with a minimum of 123 FPS. At High settings, it averages 109 FPS, so to consistently hit 144 FPS, you would need to use Medium settings.

Q: Is the RTX 4080 SUPER's 16 GB of VRAM enough for Hitman 2?

A: Yes. The 16 GB of GDDR6X memory is more than sufficient for Hitman 2 at any resolution and settings preset. The game is from 2018 and does not require large amounts of VRAM, so memory capacity will not be a limiting factor.

Q: Is the CPU or GPU the limiting factor for 4K gaming?

A: The GPU is the definitive bottleneck at 3840x2160. The frame rates scale consistently with graphics settings, from 103 FPS on Low to 43 FPS on Ultra, which is a classic sign of being GPU-bound. The CPU has enough performance to keep up, but the GPU is working at its maximum capacity.

Q: How does this combo rank among other tested systems for this game?

A: This specific combination of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 and the RTX 4080 SUPER ranks 225th out of 3001 tested combos for Hitman 2. This places it in the top 7.5% of all systems tested.

Q: What is the best resolution to play at for the highest frame rates?

A: To achieve the absolute highest frame rates, 1920x1080 on Low settings yields an average of 301 FPS. For a balanced experience, 2560x1440 on High provides an average of 109 FPS, which is a good compromise between visual quality and performance.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a comprehensive look at how this hardware combination performs across different resolutions and settings. The results are consistent and predictable, showing a clear performance scaling.

At 1920x1080, the system delivers exceptional performance. On Low settings, it achieves an average of 301 FPS, showcasing the CPU's strong single-threaded performance. Medium settings still produce a very high average of 226 FPS, with a minimum of 192 FPS. High settings yield 171 FPS average, and even the demanding Ultra preset maintains a smooth 126 FPS average. This resolution is clearly where this combo excels, providing high-refresh-rate gaming capabilities.

Moving to 2560x1440, the frame rates remain very high. Low settings produce an average of 192 FPS, while Medium settings deliver a solid 144 FPS average with a minimum of 123 FPS. High settings are still very playable at 109 FPS average. Ultra settings require more from the GPU, dropping the average to 80 FPS. This resolution offers an excellent balance between visual fidelity and high frame rates, making it the sweet spot for this system.

At 3840x2160, the GPU becomes the clear limiting factor. Low settings still manage a respectable 103 FPS average, but the more demanding presets show a significant drop in performance. Medium settings average 77 FPS, with a minimum of 65 FPS. High settings average 58 FPS, which is just on the edge of smooth gameplay. The Ultra preset presents a challenge, with an average of only 43 FPS, which is not ideal for fast-paced action but can be suitable for a methodical stealth game.

The data shows a clear pattern: the performance drop from 1440p to 4K is substantial, highlighting the immense graphical workload at 4K. The difference between the 1080p and 1440p results is smaller, showing that the CPU and GPU can still maintain high frame rates at 1440p. The Medium settings preset consistently offers a significant performance boost over High, while providing a noticeable visual upgrade over Low, making it a balanced choice across all resolutions.

How This Combo Ranks

This specific hardware combination, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, holds a rank of 225 out of 3001 tested combos for Hitman 2. This places it in the top 7.5% of all systems, indicating that it is a high-performance pairing that will provide an excellent gaming experience in this title.

This ranking affirms the strength of both components. The CPU's robust single-threaded performance ensures it does not hold back the powerful GPU, and the GPU's massive rasterization power allows for high frame rates even at 4K resolution. The combination is well-balanced, meaning neither component is a significant bottleneck for the other in this game.

In comparison to other potential pairings, this combo is clearly at the high end of the spectrum. The CPU's nearest rivals show less than a 1% difference in average benchmark score, meaning that pairing the RTX 4080 SUPER with a Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G or a Core i5-14600K would likely yield very similar gaming results. The GPU's nearest rivals are also within a 3% performance delta, so the overall rank is indicative of the GPU's dominant role in Hitman 2.

The high ranking is further supported by the measured FPS data. The ability to achieve over 100 FPS at 4K with Low settings and over 300 FPS at 1080p with Low settings is a hallmark of a top-tier system. The combo's performance in the top 7.5% of all tested configurations confirms that it is a formidable pairing for this specific game. The data also suggests that the system has excellent headroom for future games, as it is not struggling to maintain playable frame rates in this title.

The rank of 225 also indicates that there are 224 other combos that perform better, which would likely include systems with even more powerful GPUs like the RTX 4090 or possibly newer generations. However, for the vast majority of users, this level of performance is more than sufficient to play Hitman 2 at maximum settings with high frame rates, or to play at 4K with a smooth experience on High settings.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings preset depends entirely on the target resolution and desired frame rate. The data shows a clear trade-off between visual quality and performance, and the best choice is the one that aligns with the user's display capabilities and performance preferences.

For 1920x1080 displays, the Ultra preset is the best choice for maximum visual fidelity, as the system still averages 126 FPS, which is above the 120 Hz refresh rate common in many monitors. If a user has a 240 Hz or higher refresh rate display, the High preset at 171 FPS average or the Medium preset at 226 FPS average would be better suited to take advantage of the display's capabilities. The Low preset is only necessary for competitive play at the highest possible frame rates, but the visual downgrade is significant.

For 2560x1440 displays, the High preset is the recommended choice for the best balance of visual quality and performance, offering an average of 109 FPS. This is a smooth and visually impressive experience. For users with 144 Hz monitors, the Medium preset, which averages exactly 144 FPS, is the better option to ensure a perfectly synced and smooth frame rate. The Ultra preset at 80 FPS average is still playable, but the visual difference between High and Ultra may not justify the substantial performance drop.

For 3840x2160 displays, the Medium preset is the best choice for a comfortable gaming experience, as it delivers an average of 77 FPS with a minimum of 65 FPS. This ensures the game remains smooth and playable. The High preset, at 58 FPS average, is also viable, but it is closer to the 60 FPS threshold and may exhibit more noticeable frame dips. The Ultra preset at 43 FPS is not recommended for most players, as it falls below the threshold for smooth gameplay. The Low preset at 103 FPS is an option for those who prioritize frame rate over visual quality, but it significantly reduces the visual richness of the game.

In summary, the best experience is a matter of priority. For the highest fidelity, 1440p Ultra or 1080p Ultra are excellent. For a balance of quality and speed, 1440p High is ideal. For smooth 4K gaming, Medium settings are the most appropriate. The data consistently shows that the Medium preset provides a significant performance boost over High, making it the most efficient setting for achieving high frame rates without a major loss in visual quality.