Inside

Inside is a 2016 puzzle platformer that is far more forgiving on hardware than most modern titles, and the measured frame rates for this Intel Core Ultra 7 155H + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Mobile combination reflect that. The data shows a system that is dramatically overqualified for the task, delivering playable frame rates even at 4K with maximum settings. The primary takeaway from these benchmark results is that this combo is not about surviving the game's demands, but about obliterating them, making it a prime candidate for high-refresh-rate displays or GPU-limited scenarios where the visual fidelity can be pushed to its absolute limits.

Resolution Scaling

The frame rate scaling across resolutions reveals a classic GPU-bound scenario, but with an unusual twist: the game is so light that the scaling is more linear than exponential. At 1080p with Low settings, the combo produces 314 FPS. Moving to 1440p Low drops that to 281 FPS, a reduction of roughly 10.5%. Jumping to 4K Low yields 204 FPS, which is a 27.4% drop from 1440p and a 35% drop from 1080p. This pattern indicates that the RTX 5080 Mobile is still the primary limiting factor, but it is not being stressed to its breaking point; the pixel throughput demands of 4K are substantial, yet the GPU's 896.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth and 23.04 TFLOPS of FP32 performance are sufficient to keep the frame rate in triple digits.

The scaling becomes more pronounced at higher settings, where the gap between resolutions widens due to increased shading and texture work. At High settings, the transition from 1080p (226 FPS) to 1440p (163 FPS) is a 27.9% drop, while moving from 1440p to 4K (102 FPS) is a 37.4% drop. This steeper decline at higher resolutions and settings confirms that the GPU's compute and memory subsystems are being engaged more heavily, though the absolute numbers remain exceptionally high. For context, the 4K High result of 102 FPS is still well above the 60 FPS threshold for smooth gameplay, showing that even the most demanding preset at the highest resolution is far from a challenge.

At Ultra settings, the trend continues but with a notable flattening at the top end. The 1080p Ultra result is 215 FPS, which is only 5.1% lower than the 1080p High result. However, 1440p Ultra drops to 155 FPS (a 27.9% decline from 1080p Ultra), and 4K Ultra falls to 97 FPS (a 37.4% decline from 1440p Ultra). This suggests that the game's Ultra preset introduces effects that are more resolution-sensitive, likely related to post-processing or shadow quality, which scales poorly with pixel count. The fact that the 4K Ultra result is only 5 FPS lower than 4K High, while 1440p Ultra is 8 FPS lower than 1440p High, indicates diminishing returns from the Ultra preset at higher resolutions.

The data suggests that this combo is never CPU-bound in this game. Even at 1080p Low, where the frame rate hits 314 FPS, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with its 16 cores and 22 threads provides ample headroom. The CPU's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 15028 and single-core score of 1743 are more than sufficient for a game like Inside, which is not known for complex physics or AI simulations. The limiting factor is always the GPU's rendering pipeline, and the scaling patterns confirm that the RTX 5080 Mobile's performance is the bottleneck, which is the ideal scenario for a gaming laptop.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Mobile is the undisputed star of this combination, and its specifications paint a picture of a mobile flagship that defies its 80 W TDP. With 16 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit bus, the GPU boasts a memory bandwidth of 896.0 GB/s, which is critical for feeding the 7680 shading units at high resolutions. The memory clocks are set at 1750 MHz, translating to 28 Gbps effective, and the boost clock of 1500 MHz allows the GPU to sustain high throughput without thermal throttling in the data shown. The fact that this is an IGP (Integrated Graphics Processor) form factor with no power connectors suggests it is designed for high-end laptops where space and power are at a premium.

The GPU's benchmark scores reinforce its position in the hierarchy. Its Passmark G3D score of 27711 places it in the 81st percentile of all GPUs, and its nearest rivals include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile with a delta of 0.6% and the NVIDIA GeForce MX570 with a delta of 0.1%. This indicates that the RTX 5080 Mobile is essentially on par with the previous generation's top-tier mobile GPU, which confirms the efficiency of the Blackwell architecture. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 4952 and Geekbench Vulkan score of 169754 further demonstrate its DirectX 12 and Vulkan capabilities, which are relevant for a game like Inside that uses modern rendering APIs.

In the context of Inside's measured results, the GPU's role is to provide headroom for high refresh rates. At 1080p Low, the 314 FPS average is likely limited by the game's engine or the display's refresh rate, not the GPU. The GPU's raw power is better utilized at 4K Ultra, where the 97 FPS average shows it can handle the absolute maximum settings without dipping below playable thresholds. The 60 RT cores and 240 tensor cores are not heavily utilized in a 2D-style puzzle platformer, but they ensure future-proofing for more demanding titles. The GPU's 45,600 million transistors on a 5 nm TSMC process node allow for this level of performance at a relatively low power draw, making it a versatile choice for thin-and-light gaming laptops.

The RTX 5080 Mobile's performance in Inside is not about brute force but about consistency. The measured FPS at 1440p Medium (259 FPS) and 4K Medium (163 FPS) show that the GPU can handle the game's lighting and shadow effects without significant frame drops. The only recorded minimum FPS in the data is at 4K Medium (139 FPS) and 1440p Medium (221 FPS), which are still far above any threshold for stutter or lag. This suggests that the GPU's memory subsystem and cache hierarchy are well-optimized for the game's asset streaming, ensuring smooth frame delivery even during rapid scene changes.

How This Combo Ranks

The combo's rank of 982 out of 3716 tested combinations places it in the top 26.4% of all systems tested for Inside. This is a respectable position, but it might seem lower than expected given the GPU's high percentile ranking. The reason is that Inside is a game that rewards CPU performance just as much as GPU performance at lower resolutions, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, while powerful, is not the absolute top-tier mobile CPU. The CPU's percentile of 83 against all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 32697, places it in a competitive but not dominant position. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-14600T (delta 0%), AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 (delta 0.1%), and AMD Ryzen 5 7400F (delta -0.2%), showing that it is in a tight cluster of mid-range to high-end processors.

The rank of 982 suggests that there are 981 combinations that achieve higher average FPS in Inside, likely featuring higher-clocked desktop CPUs or more aggressively tuned mobile variants. However, the data shows that the frame rates are already so high that the rank is more academic than practical. At 1080p High, the combo produces 226 FPS, which is 3.8x the 60 FPS standard. Even at 4K Ultra, the 97 FPS result is 1.6x the 60 FPS threshold. The rank is influenced by combinations that may achieve 400+ FPS at 1080p Low, but those differences are imperceptible on most displays.

What this rank tells us is that the combo is well-balanced for this game, but not the absolute best. The CPU's 24 MB of shared L3 cache and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth are sufficient to feed the GPU's demands, but a more powerful CPU could push the 1080p Low result beyond 314 FPS. The GPU's performance is strong enough to ensure that the combo is never embarrassed at any resolution or setting, but the rank indicates that for competitive 1080p gaming, there are faster options. For a game like Inside, which is a single-player puzzle experience, this rank is more than adequate, and the combo's position in the top quartile of all tested systems is a positive indicator of its overall capability.

Measured FPS Breakdown

At 1920x1080, the combo delivers frame rates that are almost absurdly high. The Low preset averages 314 FPS, while Medium drops to 290 FPS with a minimum of 246 FPS and a maximum of 333 FPS. High settings yield 226 FPS, and Ultra produces 215 FPS. The spread from Low to Ultra is 99 FPS, which is a 31.5% reduction, indicating that the Ultra preset adds significant visual effects that tax the GPU. The fact that even Ultra at 1080p is above 200 FPS means that this combo is ideal for 240 Hz or even 360 Hz displays, though the game's engine may not fully utilize such high refresh rates.

Moving to 2560x1440, the results remain exceptional. Low settings produce 281 FPS, while Medium averages 259 FPS with a minimum of 221 FPS and a maximum of 298 FPS. High settings drop to 163 FPS, and Ultra falls to 155 FPS. The reduction from Low to Ultra is 126 FPS, a 44.8% drop, which is more pronounced than at 1080p. This suggests that the higher resolution amplifies the cost of Ultra settings, likely due to increased pixel density for effects like ambient occlusion or volumetric lighting. Despite this, the 1440p Ultra result of 155 FPS is still 2.6x the 60 FPS standard, making it a viable option for high-refresh-rate 1440p monitors.

At 3840x2160, the combo starts to show its limits, but only in relative terms. Low settings average 204 FPS, Medium averages 163 FPS with a minimum of 139 FPS and a maximum of 188 FPS, High settings produce 102 FPS, and Ultra dips to 97 FPS. The drop from Low to Ultra is 107 FPS, a 52.5% reduction, which is the largest percentage decline across all resolutions. This indicates that 4K is where the GPU's 16 GB of VRAM and 896.0 GB/s bandwidth are fully utilized, and the Ultra preset's effects are most demanding. However, the 4K Ultra result of 97 FPS is still above the 60 FPS threshold, and the 4K Medium result of 163 FPS is exceptionally smooth. The minimum FPS at 4K Medium (139 FPS) is notably high, suggesting that the game's frame pacing is consistent without sudden drops.

The data shows a clear pattern: the combo is always GPU-bound, and the GPU has enough headroom to handle any preset at any resolution. The only scenario where the frame rate approaches a concern is 4K Ultra, where the 97 FPS average is just below the 100 FPS mark, but this is still a smooth experience on most displays. For users with 4K 120 Hz monitors, the Medium preset would be the sweet spot, as it offers 163 FPS, which is well above the refresh rate. For 1440p 240 Hz monitors, the High preset at 163 FPS is a good match, while 1080p users can enable Ultra and still achieve 215 FPS, which is excellent for competitive edge response times.

FAQ

Q: What is the highest average FPS achievable at 1080p with this combo?

A: The highest average FPS at 1920x1080 is 314 FPS, achieved with the Low settings preset. The Medium preset delivers 290 FPS, while High and Ultra produce 226 FPS and 215 FPS, respectively.

Q: Can this combo maintain a stable 60 FPS at 4K with maximum settings?

A: Yes, the data shows an average of 97 FPS at 3840x2160 with Ultra settings, which is well above the 60 FPS threshold. The minimum FPS is not recorded for Ultra at 4K, but the Medium preset shows a minimum of 139 FPS, indicating stable performance.

Q: How does the GPU compare to the previous generation's high-end mobile GPU?

A: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Mobile has an average benchmark score that is 0.6% higher than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile, making it essentially equivalent in performance. Its Passmark G3D score is 27711, placing it in the 81st percentile of all GPUs.

Q: Is the CPU a bottleneck in this game?

A: The data suggests no. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 15028 and single-core score of 1743 are more than sufficient for Inside. The frame rate scaling across resolutions indicates that the GPU is the limiting factor, not the CPU.

Q: What is the best resolution for a 240 Hz display?

A: For a 240 Hz display, 1440p is the best choice. The High preset at 2560x1440 averages 163 FPS, which is below 240 Hz, but the Low preset at 281 FPS exceeds it. At 1080p, the High preset at 226 FPS is close to 240 Hz, but not quite there.

Q: How much VRAM is available for this game, and is it sufficient?

A: The GPU has 16 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing 896.0 GB/s of bandwidth. This is far more than enough for Inside, as even at 4K Ultra, the game's memory footprint is unlikely to exceed a few gigabytes.

Settings Recommendations

The measured FPS data provides a clear roadmap for optimizing the experience in Inside. For users with a 1080p display, the Ultra preset at 215 FPS is the obvious choice, as it offers the highest visual fidelity without sacrificing smoothness. The 99 FPS difference between Low and Ultra is noticeable in terms of visual effects, but the 215 FPS result is still far above any playability threshold. If the display has a 240 Hz refresh rate, the High preset at 226 FPS is slightly better, but the difference between High and Ultra is minimal in a game like Inside, which is a 2D side-scroller with limited depth of field effects.

For 1440p displays, the recommendation is more nuanced. The Ultra preset at 155 FPS is excellent for 144 Hz monitors, providing a perfect match between frame rate and refresh rate. However, if the display is 165 Hz or higher, the High preset at 163 FPS is a better choice, as it offers a slight frame rate advantage while still looking nearly identical to Ultra in most scenes. The Medium preset at 259 FPS is overkill for most displays, but it provides a huge margin of safety for users who prefer lower input latency or have variable refresh rate monitors. The data shows that the drop from High to Ultra at 1440p is only 8 FPS, so the visual benefits of Ultra are worth the minor frame rate cost.

At 4K, the decision is between High and Medium. The Ultra preset at 97 FPS is playable but may not be ideal for users sensitive to frame rate fluctuations. The High preset at 102 FPS is nearly identical, so the choice between them is academic. The Medium preset at 163 FPS is the standout option for 4K, as it provides a 60% increase in frame rate over High while still looking excellent. The minimum FPS at 4K Medium is 139 FPS, which ensures no stutters even in the most demanding scenes. For users with 4K 120 Hz displays, the Medium preset is the clear recommendation, as it delivers frame rates well above the refresh rate. For those with 4K 144 Hz displays, the Medium preset is still the best choice, as the High preset's 102 FPS would not fully saturate the refresh rate.

The overall recommendation is to prioritize High or Medium settings at higher resolutions. The Ultra preset offers diminishing returns in a game like Inside, where the art style is minimalistic and the visual differences between presets are subtle. The data shows that the combo is best utilized by targeting a frame rate that matches the display's refresh rate, rather than maxing out settings. For most users, 1440p High or 4K Medium will provide the best balance of visual quality and performance, ensuring a smooth, immersive experience without any noticeable frame drops. The combo's ability to exceed 300 FPS at 1080p Low makes it a versatile choice for competitive play, but for a puzzle platformer, the higher resolution presets are where the hardware shines.