Minimum

The Intel Core i7-12700KF paired with the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT delivers a performance profile in Minimum that is heavily dictated by resolution, with the GPU becoming the primary bottleneck only at higher settings. The data shows a clear scaling pattern: at 1080p, the combo is capable of frame rates that far exceed standard display refresh rates, while at 4K, the demands on the graphics card become significant. This analysis interprets the measured results to illustrate where the performance ceiling lies for this specific configuration.

Resolution Scaling

The transition from 1920x1080 to 3840x2160 reveals a dramatic shift in workload. At 1080p with Low settings, the system achieves an average of 300 FPS, a figure that indicates the CPU is the primary limiting factor, as the GPU is not being fully stressed. Moving to 4K at the same Low preset, the average drops to 104 FPS, a reduction of 196 FPS. This substantial decrease underscores that even at Low settings, the jump to 4K quadruples the pixel count, placing a much heavier load on the Radeon RX 7900 XT.

The scaling becomes even more pronounced when examining the High preset. At 1080p, the average is 193 FPS, which is still remarkably high. At 1440p, this falls to 124 FPS, and at 4K, it drops to 67 FPS. This progression shows that the GPU is beginning to hit its limits, but the CPU is still able to feed it enough data to maintain playable rates. The most telling data point is the Ultra preset: at 1080p, the average is 147 FPS; at 1440p, it is 95 FPS; and at 4K, it plummets to 51 FPS. The 4K Ultra result is the only configuration that dips below the 60 FPS threshold, indicating that this is the point where the graphics card is saturated, and the frame rate becomes entirely GPU-bound.

The data suggests that for this game, the i7-12700KF provides ample headroom at 1080p and 1440p, allowing the RX 7900 XT to stretch its legs. The limiting component shifts from the CPU at lower resolutions to the GPU at 4K, particularly with higher graphical presets. The 4K Medium result, with an average of 80 FPS and a min of 68 FPS, shows that the GPU can handle the resolution if the settings are moderated, but the Ultra preset at 4K proves to be a step too far for a stable experience.

How This Combo Ranks

In the grand scheme of tested configurations, this pairing holds a position of 739 out of 3712 combos for Minimum. This places it in the top 20% of all tested systems, a strong showing that reflects the capabilities of both components. The rank percentile is a composite measure, and the benchmark results explain why it does not sit higher: the CPU's average benchmark score is 35365, which places it in the 85th percentile of all CPUs, while the GPU's average score of 13745 places it in only the 55th percentile of all GPUs.

This discrepancy is noteworthy. The CPU is a top-tier performer relative to the broader market, while the GPU is more mid-pack in its own benchmark percentile. The combination's overall rank in Minimum is thus constrained by the GPU's relative standing. The data shows that the i7-12700KF is not the bottleneck for this game; it is the RX 7900 XT that determines the upper limits of performance. This is further supported by the fact that the CPU's nearest rivals, such as the Intel Core i7-12700K with a deltaPct of 0.2, have nearly identical average scores, confirming that the processor is operating at the top of its class. The GPU's nearest rivals, including the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT with a deltaPct of 1.5, are very close in average score, indicating that the graphics card is competitive but not exceptional within its peer group.

FAQ

Q: What is the maximum average frame rate achievable with this combo?

A: The highest average FPS recorded is 300 at 1920x1080 resolution with Low settings. This is the peak performance point for this configuration.

Q: Can this system maintain 60 FPS at 4K resolution?

A: Yes, but not on the highest preset. At 4K with Medium settings, the average is 80 FPS with a minimum of 68 FPS. At 4K High, the average drops to 67 FPS, and at 4K Ultra, it falls below 60 FPS to 51 FPS.

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

A: The Intel Core i7-12700KF has an average benchmark score of 35365. Its closest rival, the Intel Core i7-13700T, scores 35403, a deltaPct of -0.1, meaning the rival is marginally faster. The i7-12700K scores 35287, a deltaPct of 0.2, meaning the i7-12700KF is slightly faster.

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

A: At 2560x1440, the Low preset achieves an average of 193 FPS, while the Ultra preset achieves an average of 95 FPS. This is a reduction of 98 FPS when moving from the lowest to the highest settings.

Q: Is the GPU or CPU the limiting factor for this game?

A: The data indicates the GPU is the primary limiter at higher resolutions and settings. At 1080p Low, the 300 FPS average suggests a CPU limit, but as resolution and settings increase, the frame rates drop significantly, demonstrating the GPU's workload is the constraining factor.

Q: What is the average FPS at 1080p with Medium settings?

A: At 1920x1080 with Medium settings, the average FPS is 230, with a minimum of 195 and a maximum of 264.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured data provides a comprehensive look at performance across three resolutions and four settings presets.

1920x1080 (1080p):

• Low: 300 FPS average.
• Medium: 230 FPS average, with a minimum of 195 and a maximum of 264.
• High: 193 FPS average.
• Ultra: 147 FPS average.

2560x1440 (1440p):

• Low: 193 FPS average.
• Medium: 148 FPS average, with a minimum of 126 and a maximum of 170.
• High: 124 FPS average.
• Ultra: 95 FPS average.

3840x2160 (4K):

• Low: 104 FPS average.
• Medium: 80 FPS average, with a minimum of 68 and a maximum of 92.
• High: 67 FPS average.
• Ultra: 51 FPS average.

The data shows a consistent pattern: each step up in resolution or settings yields a significant drop in frame rate. The 1080p results are all exceptionally high, suggesting that the system is overkill for this resolution. The 1440p results remain very strong, with the Ultra preset still clearing 90 FPS. The 4K results are the most demanding, with only the Low and Medium presets providing frame rates well above 60 FPS.

GPU Role

The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is the decisive component for this game’s performance in most scenarios. Its memory configuration includes 20 GB of GDDR6 on a 320-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 800.0 GB/s. This ample memory capacity and bandwidth are sufficient for the demands of Minimum even at 4K, as the frame rates are not limited by memory constraints. The GPU's clock speeds are a base of 1387 MHz, a game clock of 2025 MHz, and a boost clock of 2394 MHz.

These clocks, combined with the RDNA 3.0 architecture, produce a measured performance that is strong but not top-tier. The GPU's percentile vs all GPUs is 55, and its average benchmark score is 13745. This is significantly lower than the CPU's percentile of 85, which explains why the combo's overall rank is not higher. The benchmark results for the GPU in synthetic tests, such as a Passmark G3D score of 29009 and a 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5623, confirm its position in the market. The data suggests that while the RX 7900 XT is a capable card for high-refresh 1440p gaming and solid 4K gaming, it is the component that will cause frame rates to dip at 4K Ultra in this title. The rasterization power is there, but the 4K Ultra preset demands more than it can deliver to maintain a 60 FPS average.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS, the optimal settings depend heavily on the target resolution and refresh rate. For 1920x1080 displays, the Ultra preset is the clear choice. With an average of 147 FPS, it provides a high-fidelity experience that exceeds the requirements of most 1080p monitors, which typically cap at 144Hz or 165Hz. Even the Low preset at 300 FPS is excessive, so there is no reason to sacrifice visual quality.

For 2560x1440, the Ultra preset remains the best option for a premium experience, delivering 95 FPS. This is still a very playable frame rate for fast-paced third-person shooters. If a higher refresh rate is a priority, the High preset offers a 124 FPS average, which is a significant jump and could justify the slight reduction in graphical detail. The Medium preset at 148 FPS is also viable for competitive play, but the visual trade-off from High to Medium is more noticeable than from Ultra to High.

For 3840x2160, the recommendation is more nuanced. The Ultra preset, with an average of 51 FPS, is not recommended for smooth gameplay. The High preset, at 67 FPS, is the minimum viable option for a 60 FPS experience, but it leaves little headroom for demanding scenes. The Medium preset, at 80 FPS with a minimum of 68 FPS, provides a more comfortable margin and is the best balance of visual quality and performance for 4K. The Low preset at 104 FPS is smooth, but the graphical compromises are substantial. The data suggests that for a stable 4K experience, Medium settings are the sweet spot for this combination.