Lockdown Protocol

Lockdown Protocol is a fast-paced FPS that stresses both the CPU and GPU, and the combination of the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 delivers a highly capable, if not top-tier, experience. The data shows this pairing sits at rank 1545 out of 2828 tested combos, placing it in the 54th percentile of all configurations. While it is not a leaderboard-topping setup, this combo consistently provides playable frame rates across 1080p and 1440p, with the RTX 5070’s 12 GB of VRAM and the 16-core processor proving to be a balanced match for the game’s demands.

FAQ

Q: What is the overall performance ranking of this CPU and GPU combo in Lockdown Protocol?

A: The combo ranks 1545th out of 2828 tested combinations, which places it slightly above the middle of the pack. This indicates a solid, mid-range standing rather than an enthusiast-tier result.

Q: How does the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H compare to its nearest CPU rivals in general benchmark scores?

A: The CPU has an average benchmark score of 44466, which is nearly identical to the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D at 44573 (a 0.2% difference). It is also 0.3% ahead of the Intel Core i9-13950HX and 0.4% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385, showing it is statistically tied with these competitors.

Q: What is the best settings preset for a 60 FPS experience at 4K resolution?

A: For a steady 60 FPS target at 3840x2160, the Low preset delivers an average of 88 FPS, while Medium averages 62 FPS with a minimum of 53 FPS. The Low preset is the only option that comfortably exceeds 60 FPS without dipping below it, though Medium is borderline acceptable.

Q: Does the RTX 5070 have enough VRAM for Lockdown Protocol at high resolutions?

A: The GPU is equipped with 12 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192-bit bus, providing 672.0 GB/s of bandwidth. This capacity is sufficient for the tested settings, as the data shows playable frame rates even at 4K Ultra, though the average drops to 41 FPS, indicating a GPU-bound scenario rather than a memory limitation.

Q: How does the RTX 5070’s benchmark score compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The RTX 5070 has an average benchmark score of 40377, which is 0.1% higher than the AMD Radeon Pro 580 (40318) and 0.8% higher than the AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 (40063). It is 1.2% behind the AMD Radeon Pro 5300, showing it performs in a very tight band around these workstation-class GPUs.

Q: What is the frame rate difference between Low and Ultra settings at 1440p?

A: At 2560x1440, the Low preset averages 136 FPS, while the Ultra preset averages 63 FPS. This represents a 73 FPS drop (approximately 54% lower performance), highlighting the significant cost of enabling maximum graphical features.

How This Combo Ranks

The combo of the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 achieves a rank of 1545 out of 2828 tested combinations in Lockdown Protocol. This position, while not exceptional, indicates that the pairing is functional and consistent. The rank places it in the 54th percentile, meaning it outperforms just over half of all tested systems. This is a noteworthy result when considering the CPU’s performance profile.

The Core Ultra X9 388H, with an average benchmark score of 44466, sits in the 88th percentile among all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D (44573, -0.2% delta) and the Intel Core i9-13950HX (44342, +0.3% delta). These differences are negligible, meaning the CPU is effectively on par with those high-end parts. However, the GPU tells a different story. The RTX 5070’s average benchmark score of 40377 places it in the 82nd percentile among all GPUs, but its nearest rivals—such as the AMD Radeon Pro 580 (40318) and AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 (40063)—are professional workstation cards, not gaming-focused silicon. The 0.1% to 0.8% deltas are tiny, but they suggest that the RTX 5070’s raw compute is more aligned with workstation GPUs than with top-tier gaming graphics cards.

This combination of a high-percentile CPU with a mid-tier GPU results in a system that is often CPU-limited at lower resolutions but becomes GPU-bound at higher settings. The measured FPS data confirms this: at 1080p Low, the system reaches 186 FPS, which is a high frame rate but not extraordinary for a CPU with this benchmark standing. At 4K Ultra, the average drops to 41 FPS, clearly illustrating the GPU’s limitations under heavy load. The rank of 1545 reflects this balance, positioning the combo as a capable 1080p and 1440p performer, but not a 4K powerhouse.

Compared to the broader field, the combo’s rank suggests that many other configurations—likely those with higher-end GPUs—outperform it in this title. The 54th percentile ranking is a direct consequence of the RTX 5070’s modest standing relative to other GPUs, even though the CPU is in the top 12%. For gamers targeting high refresh rates at 1080p, this combo is well-suited, but for 4K enthusiasts, the data shows that the GPU becomes the limiting factor.

Settings Recommendations

The measured FPS data provides a clear picture of which settings presets offer the best experience at each resolution. For a target of 60 FPS, the Medium preset is the sweet spot at 4K. At 3840x2160, Medium averages 62 FPS with a minimum of 53 FPS and a maximum of 72 FPS. This preset provides a playable experience, though the minimum frame rate dips below 60, which could cause occasional stutter in intense firefights. The High preset at 4K averages 54 FPS, which is below the 60 FPS threshold, making it less desirable for smooth gameplay. The Low preset at 4K averages 88 FPS, offering a comfortable margin above 60 FPS, but it sacrifices visual fidelity. For the best balance of visual quality and performance at 4K, Medium is the recommended choice, as it is the highest preset that maintains an average above 60 FPS.

At 2560x1440, the options expand significantly. The High preset averages 84 FPS, which is well above the 60 FPS target and should provide a smooth experience on most displays. The Medium preset averages 97 FPS with a minimum of 82 FPS, offering better performance with only a slight reduction in visual quality. The Low preset pushes to 136 FPS, which is ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors, but the visual downgrade may be noticeable. The Ultra preset averages 63 FPS, barely meeting the 60 FPS target, but the minimum frame rate is not reported, leaving some uncertainty about consistency. For most users at 1440p, the High preset is the best recommendation, as it delivers a solidly playable frame rate without requiring a significant drop in graphical settings.

At 1920x1080, all presets are highly playable. The High preset averages 115 FPS, which is excellent for most monitors. The Medium preset averages 132 FPS with a minimum of 112 FPS, providing a robust experience with headroom for demanding scenes. The Low preset reaches 186 FPS, which is ideal for competitive play on 144Hz or 165Hz displays. The Ultra preset averages 86 FPS, which is still above 60 FPS and offers the best visual quality. Given the data, the Medium preset at 1080p is the best overall recommendation, as it balances a high average frame rate (132 FPS) with a minimum of 112 FPS, ensuring smooth performance even during heavy action. For those with high-refresh-rate monitors seeking maximum responsiveness, the Low preset is viable, but Medium offers a better visual experience with minimal performance cost.

Across all resolutions, the Medium preset consistently offers the most balanced experience, providing frame rates that are either at or above the 60 FPS target while maintaining reasonable visual fidelity. The Ultra preset is only recommended at 1080p, where the GPU has enough headroom to keep the average above 60 FPS.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured frame rates for Lockdown Protocol with this combo show a clear scaling pattern across resolutions and settings. At 3840x2160, the Low preset delivers an average of 88 FPS. Moving to Medium, the average drops to 62 FPS, with a minimum of 53 FPS and a maximum of 72 FPS. The High preset averages 54 FPS, and the Ultra preset averages 41 FPS. This represents a steep decline from Low to Ultra, with the Ultra preset delivering less than half the frame rate of the Low preset. The gap between Medium and High is 8 FPS, while the gap between High and Ultra is 13 FPS, indicating that the Ultra preset carries a significant performance penalty.

At 2560x1440, the Low preset averages 136 FPS, which is a substantial improvement over 4K. The Medium preset averages 97 FPS, with a minimum of 82 FPS and a maximum of 111 FPS. The High preset averages 84 FPS, and the Ultra preset averages 63 FPS. The scaling from Low to Ultra shows a 73 FPS drop, but the important observation is that the High preset remains above 60 FPS, making it a viable option at this resolution. The Medium preset’s minimum of 82 FPS ensures that even the most demanding scenes stay well above the 60 FPS threshold.

At 1920x1080, the Low preset reaches 186 FPS, which is the highest average across all tested configurations. The Medium preset averages 132 FPS, with a minimum of 112 FPS and a maximum of 152 FPS. The High preset averages 115 FPS, and the Ultra preset averages 86 FPS. The data shows that at 1080p, even the Ultra preset maintains an average above 60 FPS, making it the only resolution where the highest settings are fully playable. The difference between Low and Ultra is exactly 100 FPS, highlighting the dramatic impact of settings on performance.

The frame rate data also reveals how the GPU scales with resolution. At 4K, the average FPS across all settings is roughly 61 FPS, while at 1440p it rises to 95 FPS, and at 1080p it reaches 130 FPS. This indicates that the RTX 5070 is more than capable of handling Lockdown Protocol at lower resolutions, but it becomes increasingly strained as pixel count rises. The minimum frame rates reported only for Medium settings show that at 4K, the minimum is 53 FPS, at 1440p it is 82 FPS, and at 1080p it is 112 FPS, further confirming that the GPU’s performance degrades with resolution, but the CPU’s contribution remains consistent.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is built on the Blackwell 2.0 architecture using a 5 nm process from TSMC, with a die size of 263 mm² containing 31,100 million transistors. It features 12 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192-bit bus, providing a memory bandwidth of 672.0 GB/s. The GPU’s base clock is 2325 MHz, with a boost clock of 2512 MHz, and its memory runs at 1750 MHz (28 Gbps effective). These specifications position the RTX 5070 as a mid-range to upper-mid-range GPU, and the benchmark data reflects this.

In Lockdown Protocol, the GPU’s role is critical at higher resolutions and settings. At 4K Ultra, the average FPS is 41, which is below the 60 FPS target, indicating that the GPU is the primary bottleneck. The VRAM usage is not directly measured, but the 12 GB capacity is sufficient for the game’s demands, as there are no reported memory-related issues in the data. The GPU’s memory bandwidth of 672.0 GB/s is a key factor in maintaining playable frame rates at 1440p High, where the average reaches 84 FPS.

The RTX 5070’s benchmark scores show an average of 40377, placing it in the 82nd percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Radeon Pro 580 (40318) and the AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 (40063), with deltas of 0.1% and 0.8%, respectively. This suggests that the RTX 5070’s raw performance is comparable to these workstation cards, but it is not a top-tier gaming GPU. The measured FPS data corroborates this, as the GPU struggles to maintain 60 FPS at 4K Ultra but excels at 1080p and 1440p.

The GPU’s compute capabilities include 6144 shading units, 192 TMUs, and 80 ROPs, with 48 ray tracing cores and 192 tensor cores. The FP32 performance is 30.87 TFLOPS, which is a modest figure for modern gaming. The pixel rate is 201.0 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 482.3 GTexel/s. These specifications, combined with the clock speeds, determine the GPU’s performance in Lockdown Protocol. The data shows that at 1080p Medium, the GPU delivers 132 FPS, indicating that it is not heavily taxed at this resolution. However, at 4K, the GPU’s limits become apparent, particularly with the Ultra preset.

The GPU’s 12 GB VRAM is a notable asset, as it allows for high-resolution textures without stuttering. The GDDR7 memory type, while newer, does not dramatically change performance in this game, as the bandwidth is the more significant factor. The 192-bit bus is narrower than some higher-end GPUs, but it is sufficient for the game’s requirements at the tested settings. Overall, the RTX 5070 serves as a capable GPU for Lockdown Protocol, but it is not designed for 4K Ultra gaming, as evidenced by the 41 FPS average.

CPU Role

The Intel Core Ultra X9 388H is a mobile processor with 16 cores and 16 threads, based on the Panther Lake architecture on a 3 nm process from Intel. Its base clock is 2.10 GHz, with a boost clock of 5.10 GHz, and it has a TDP of 25 W. The CPU features 18 MB of shared L3 cache, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 192 KB of L1 cache per core. It supports LPDDR5X memory on a dual-channel bus, with a memory bandwidth of 153.6 GB/s.

In Lockdown Protocol, the CPU’s role is most evident at lower resolutions and settings, where the GPU is not the bottleneck. At 1080p Low, the system reaches 186 FPS, which is a high frame rate that relies on the CPU’s ability to feed the GPU with enough data. The CPU’s boost clock of 5.10 GHz is a key asset, as it ensures high single-threaded performance, which is important for FPS games. The 16 cores provide ample multi-threading capability, but the game likely does not utilize all of them, given that the CPU and GPU scores are closely matched.

The CPU’s benchmark scores show an average of 44466, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D (44573, -0.2% delta) and the Intel Core i9-13950HX (44342, +0.3% delta). This indicates that the Core Ultra X9 388H performs nearly identically to these competitors, which are known for strong gaming performance. The Cinebench R23 multicore score is 18911, and the single-core score is 2200.5, showing a balanced performance profile. The PassMark multithread score is 36811, and the single-thread score is 4280, further corroborating its capability.

The CPU’s memory bandwidth of 153.6 GB/s is sufficient for the game’s needs, as it does not appear to be a limiting factor. The 18 MB of L3 cache is shared across all cores, which helps with data access patterns in gaming workloads. The CPU’s integrated graphics, Arc B390, are not used in this configuration, as the RTX 5070 handles all rendering tasks.

At 4K resolution, the CPU’s role diminishes, as the GPU becomes the primary constraint. The data shows that at 4K Ultra, the average FPS is 41, which is far below the 1080p Low result of 186 FPS. This indicates that the CPU is not the bottleneck at higher resolutions, and the GPU’s limitations dominate. However, at 1080p and 1440p, the CPU’s high single-thread performance ensures that frame rates remain high, even with the Ultra preset at 1080p delivering 86 FPS.

The CPU’s 16 threads are a notable feature, as many games are optimized for 8 or fewer threads. In Lockdown Protocol, the extra threads may not provide a significant benefit, but they ensure that background tasks do not interfere with gameplay. The CPU’s power efficiency, with a TDP of 25 W, is also a consideration for mobile systems, but it does not directly impact the measured frame rates. Overall, the Core Ultra X9 388H is a strong gaming CPU that pairs well with the RTX 5070, providing high frame rates at lower resolutions while allowing the GPU to dictate performance at 4K.