Hitman 2

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K paired with the Intel Arc B570 presents a compelling mid-range combination for Hitman 2, but the data reveals a system that is heavily constrained by its graphics card at higher resolutions. This analysis breaks down the measured performance across resolutions and settings, examining the roles of the CPU and GPU, and provides context on how this specific pairing ranks against other tested configurations. The benchmark results show a clear narrative: at 1080p, the system delivers solid frame rates, but the experience degrades rapidly as resolution increases, highlighting the Arc B570’s limitations in this specific title.

Resolution Scaling

The measured FPS data for Hitman 2 shows a dramatic and predictable decline as resolution scales from 1920x1080 up to 3840x2160. At the High preset, the average frame rate drops from 70 FPS at 1080p to 45 FPS at 1440p, and finally to 24 FPS at 4K. This represents a 66% reduction in average FPS from 1080p to 4K, indicating that the rendering load is scaling heavily with pixel count. The Arc B570, with its 10 GB of GDDR6 memory and 160-bit bus, appears to be the primary bottleneck in this scenario, as the CPU’s role diminishes at higher resolutions.

Examining the Low preset further clarifies the scaling behavior. At 1080p Low, the system achieves 123 FPS, which drops to 79 FPS at 1440p and 42 FPS at 4K. The percentage drop from 1080p to 4K at Low settings is roughly 66%, nearly identical to the High preset’s drop. This consistency suggests that the performance scaling is dominated by the GPU’s fill-rate and memory bandwidth limits rather than CPU overhead. The fact that even at Low settings the 4K average is only 42 FPS indicates that the Arc B570 simply lacks the raw throughput to maintain playable frame rates at this resolution, regardless of graphical complexity.

The Medium preset provides additional insight, as it is the only setting tier with recorded minimum and maximum FPS values. At 1080p Medium, the average is 93 FPS with a minimum of 79 FPS, while at 1440p Medium, the average drops to 59 FPS with a minimum of 50 FPS. At 4K Medium, the average is 32 FPS with a minimum of 27 FPS. The minimum FPS values are particularly telling: at 4K, the frame rate dips below 30 FPS, which would be noticeable as stutter in a stealth game where smooth camera movement is essential. The gap between average and minimum FPS also widens at higher resolutions, suggesting increased frame time variance under heavier GPU load.

Ultra settings push the system to its limits, with the average FPS falling to 52 at 1080p, 33 at 1440p, and a mere 18 at 4K. The 4K Ultra result of 18 FPS is effectively unplayable, and even the 1440p Ultra result of 33 FPS sits below the 60 FPS target that most gamers prefer. The scaling from 1080p Ultra to 4K Ultra shows a 65% drop, again consistent with the other presets. This uniformity across all four settings presets strongly indicates that the limiting factor is the GPU’s computational throughput and memory subsystem, not any CPU-side constraint.

The data suggests that for this combo, 1080p is the only resolution where all presets remain within a playable range, with even Ultra averaging 52 FPS. At 1440p, only Low and Medium presets exceed 45 FPS, while High and Ultra fall below 45 FPS. At 4K, no preset achieves even 45 FPS, and the best result is Low at 42 FPS. For a game like Hitman 2, which relies on precise timing and environmental awareness, the frame rate drops at 4K would severely hamper the experience.

CPU Role

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K is a 20-core, 20-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake architecture, built on a 3 nm process. Its base clock is 3.90 GHz with a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, and it features 30 MB of shared L3 cache. In synthetic benchmarks, this CPU scores 20,918 in Cinebench R20 multi-core and 2,953 in single-core, with a Geekbench multi-core score of 23,085 and single-core score of 2,713. The PassMark multithread score is 58,594, and the single-thread score is 4,928. These results place the 265K at the 94th percentile among all CPUs, indicating strong overall performance.

In Hitman 2, the CPU’s role is primarily to maintain a high frame rate floor, especially at lower resolutions where the GPU is not the bottleneck. At 1080p Low, the system achieves 123 FPS, which suggests that the 265K’s single-thread performance is more than adequate for this game’s engine. Hitman 2 is known to be relatively light on CPU resources compared to more modern titles, and the 265K’s 5.50 GHz boost clock likely ensures that the game’s simulation and AI logic run smoothly without limiting the GPU.

However, the data shows that the CPU is not the limiting factor in this pairing. At 1080p, the FPS scales almost linearly with the GPU’s capabilities as settings increase from Low (123 FPS) to Ultra (52 FPS), which is a classic sign of GPU-bound performance. The fact that the 265K can push 123 FPS at Low settings without apparent CPU bottlenecks indicates that its 20 cores and high clock speeds are more than sufficient for Hitman 2’s demands. The CPU’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i7-14700KF, has an average benchmark score of 70,163, which is 1% lower than the 265K’s 70,879. This marginal difference suggests that in CPU-light games like Hitman 2, the choice between these processors would have minimal impact on frame rates.

The 265K’s memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, achieved through dual-channel DDR5 support, also plays a role in feeding the GPU with data. In Hitman 2, which features large open-ended levels with many interactive objects, memory bandwidth can influence loading times and asset streaming. However, the measured FPS data does not show any anomalous dips that would indicate memory bandwidth issues, suggesting that the CPU’s memory subsystem is adequate for this game.

It is importantly the 265K has a 125 W TDP and supports ECC memory, which are more workstation-oriented features. In the context of Hitman 2, these features are irrelevant to gaming performance, but they do indicate that the CPU is designed for sustained workloads beyond gaming. The benchmark data for the CPU, including a PassMark data compression score of 665,554 and floating point math score of 189,629, shows strong general-purpose performance, but these are not directly applicable to Hitman 2’s gaming workload.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B570 is the clear bottleneck in this combination for Hitman 2, especially at higher resolutions. This GPU is based on the Xe2-HPG architecture, built on a 5 nm process, with 2,304 shading units, 144 TMUs, and 80 ROPs. It operates at a fixed 2500 MHz clock for both base and boost, and features 10 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 160-bit bus, providing 380.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The GPU’s FP32 compute performance is 11.52 TFLOPS, and it has 18 ray tracing cores, though Hitman 2 does not utilize ray tracing in the measured scenarios.

In the PassMark G3D benchmark, the Arc B570 scores 14,195, placing it at the 65th percentile among all GPUs. Its nearest rival, the Intel Arc A750, has an average score of 20,582, which is 0.1% higher than the B570’s 20,556 average. This close competition indicates that the B570 is positioned similarly to its predecessor in raw compute, but the measured FPS in Hitman 2 tells a more specific story about its gaming performance.

The GPU’s 10 GB VRAM is sufficient for Hitman 2 at 1080p and 1440p, but at 4K, the memory capacity and bandwidth become limiting factors. The game at 4K High averages only 24 FPS, which is likely due to the GPU’s inability to handle the increased pixel fill rate and texture bandwidth demands. The 380.0 GB/s bandwidth is modest compared to higher-tier GPUs, and at 4K, the memory subsystem is likely saturated, causing frame rates to plummet.

The Arc B570’s performance at 1080p is respectable, with 70 FPS at High and 93 FPS at Medium. These numbers suggest that for 1080p gaming, the B570 is a capable card, provided the player is willing to adjust settings. However, the drop to 45 FPS at 1440p High indicates that the card’s performance headroom is limited. The GPU’s texture rate of 360.0 GTexel/s and pixel rate of 200.0 GPixel/s are moderate, and in Hitman 2, which features detailed environments with many textures, these limits are quickly reached at higher resolutions.

The comparison with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Mobile is interesting, as the B570’s average benchmark score is 20,556 versus the RTX 3070 Mobile’s 20,534, a delta of 0.1%. This indicates that in synthetic benchmarks, the B570 performs similarly to a mobile RTX 3070, but in Hitman 2, the B570’s desktop power envelope of 150 W should theoretically allow for better sustained performance. The fact that the B570 still struggles at 4K highlights the architectural differences between Intel’s Xe2 and NVIDIA’s Ampere, particularly in terms of driver optimization and memory efficiency.

How This Combo Ranks

The combination of the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and Intel Arc B570 ranks 2,399 out of 3,001 tested combos in Hitman 2, placing it in the bottom 20% of all configurations. This ranking is surprising given the CPU’s high percentile (94th among all CPUs) and the GPU’s mid-range position (65th percentile). The low combo rank suggests that the Arc B570 is severely hampering overall performance in this specific game, dragging down what would otherwise be a strong CPU.

The discrepancy between the CPU’s strong synthetic benchmarks and the combo’s low game ranking indicates that Hitman 2 is particularly sensitive to GPU performance. The CPU’s nearest rivals, such as the Intel Xeon 6511P (average score 71,051, delta -0.2%) and the Intel Core i7-14700KF (average score 70,163, delta 1%), would likely perform similarly in this combo since the GPU is the bottleneck. The data suggests that swapping the Arc B570 for a more powerful GPU would dramatically improve the combo rank, as the CPU has ample headroom.

The combo rank of 2,399 out of 3,001 means that 80% of tested configurations outperform this pairing in Hitman 2. This is a critical finding for potential buyers, as it indicates that the Arc B570 is not well-suited for this game at higher resolutions. The fact that the GPU’s nearest rivals include the Intel Arc A750 (delta -0.1% in average score) and the AMD Radeon R9 M390X (delta -0.5%) suggests that the B570 is at the bottom of its performance tier, and any GPU with a higher PassMark score would likely yield better Hitman 2 results.

It is important to note that this ranking is specific to Hitman 2, and the combo may perform differently in other games. However, for players whose primary goal is to play Hitman 2, this data clearly shows that the Arc B570 is a weak link. The CPU’s 94th percentile ranking indicates that it is not the issue; rather, the GPU’s 65th percentile ranking is the limiting factor. The measured FPS data corroborates this, as the system fails to maintain 60 FPS at 1440p High, a target that many mid-range GPUs can achieve.

FAQ

Q: What is the average FPS at 1080p with High settings for this combo?

A: The average FPS is 70, with no recorded minimum or maximum values. This is a playable frame rate for most users, though it falls short of the 120 FPS+ that competitive players might prefer.

Q: How does the Intel Arc B570 compare to its nearest rival, the Intel Arc A750, in average benchmark score?

A: The Arc B570 has an average benchmark score of 20,556, while the Arc A750 scores 20,582, resulting in a delta of -0.1%. This means the A750 is marginally faster in synthetic benchmarks, but the difference is negligible in real-world gaming.

Q: Is the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K the bottleneck at 4K resolution in Hitman 2?

A: No, the data indicates the GPU is the bottleneck. At 4K High, the average FPS is 24, and at 4K Low, it is 42. The CPU’s strong multi-core and single-core scores suggest it has ample headroom, and the FPS drop is consistent with GPU-bound performance.

Q: What is the best resolution and preset combination for a smooth 60 FPS experience?

A: Based on the measured data, no preset combination achieves 60 FPS at 1440p or 4K. At 1080p, only the Low preset (123 FPS) and Medium preset (93 FPS) exceed 60 FPS. The High preset at 1080p averages 70 FPS, which is also above 60 FPS.

Q: How does this combo rank among all tested combinations in Hitman 2?

A: The combo ranks 2,399 out of 3,001 total combinations, placing it in the bottom 20% of all tested systems. This low rank is primarily due to the GPU’s performance limitations in this game.

Q: Does the Intel Arc B570 have enough VRAM for Hitman 2 at 4K?

A: The GPU has 10 GB of GDDR6 memory, which is technically sufficient for the game’s requirements. However, the measured FPS at 4K (24 FPS at High, 18 FPS at Ultra) suggests that the memory bandwidth of 380.0 GB/s is insufficient for smooth performance at this resolution.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combo depend on the target resolution and desired frame rate. For a 60 FPS experience, the only viable option is 1080p with the Low or Medium preset. The Low preset at 1080p delivers 123 FPS, providing a significant headroom for smoother gameplay, while the Medium preset at 93 FPS still offers a comfortable margin above 60 FPS. The Medium preset also has recorded minimum and maximum FPS values of 79 and 106, respectively, indicating stable frame times. The High preset at 1080p, with an average of 70 FPS, is also playable, but the lack of minimum FPS data makes it slightly riskier for users sensitive to frame drops.

At 1440p, the data shows that no preset achieves 60 FPS. The Low preset averages 79 FPS, which is above 60, but the Medium preset drops to 59 FPS, just below the threshold. For users with a 1440p monitor, the Low preset is the safest choice for a smooth experience, though the visual quality reduction may be noticeable. The Medium preset at 1440p, with an average of 59 FPS and a minimum of 50 FPS, could be acceptable for players who prioritize visual fidelity over a strict 60 FPS target, but the frame rate dips below 60 may cause noticeable stutter in fast-moving scenes.

At 4K, the situation is dire. The best average FPS is 42 at Low settings, which falls below 45 FPS and would likely feel choppy. The Medium preset at 4K averages 32 FPS with a minimum of 27 FPS, which is unplayable for most users. The High and Ultra presets at 4K, averaging 24 and 18 FPS respectively, are only suitable for screenshots or slow-paced exploration, not for actual gameplay. Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid 4K entirely with this combo for Hitman 2.

For the best balance of visual quality and performance, the 1080p Medium preset is the standout choice. It delivers 93 FPS average with a minimum of 79 FPS, which is smooth and responsive. The visual improvement over Low is significant, as Medium typically includes better textures and lighting effects in Hitman 2. If the player is willing to accept slightly lower frame rates, the 1080p High preset at 70 FPS is also viable, but the Medium preset provides a more consistent experience based on the available data. For 1440p users, the Low preset is the only recommendation to maintain frame rates above 60, though the visual compromise may be substantial. In summary, this combo is best suited for 1080p gaming, with Medium settings offering the optimal experience, while higher resolutions require significant setting reductions to remain playable.