Minimum

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 and AMD Radeon RX 580 pairing lands at a very specific point in the performance hierarchy for Minimum. With a combo rank of 2682 out of 2939 tested combinations, this system sits in the lower 9% of all tested setups for this title. That ranking is not a judgment on any single component, but rather a reflection of how this particular CPU and GPU work together under the specific demands of this 2014 third-person shooter. The data indicates a configuration that is heavily constrained by its graphics card at most settings, while the processor has enough headroom to avoid being the primary bottleneck in most scenarios. This is a pairing that will play the game, but the experience will be defined by compromises in visual fidelity and resolution.

How This Combo Ranks

The 2682nd position out of 2939 combos places this system firmly in the lower tier of tested configurations. To put that in perspective, roughly 91% of the tested combos deliver higher average frame rates in Minimum. This is not a surprise given the age and performance class of the graphics card. The data shows a system that is capable of running the game, but it will not be competitive with even mid-range modern setups. The rank reflects the GPU's position in the overall market; the RX 580 sits at the 53rd percentile of all GPUs, meaning it outperforms just over half of the tested graphics cards. However, in a game like Minimum, the combination's overall rank is dragged down by the GPU's age and the fact that it pairs with a much newer, more capable CPU.

The CPU, by contrast, is a strong performer in its own right. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 sits at the 85th percentile of all CPUs, which is a significant gap from the GPU's 53rd percentile. This imbalance is a key takeaway from the data. The processor is not the limiting factor in this combo; it is the graphics card that holds the system back. When looking at the CPU's nearest rivals, the data shows a tight cluster. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600F scores an average of 36945, which is a 0% delta from the Core Ultra 5 225's average score. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500X3D scores 37018, a -0.2% delta, and the Intel Core i9-12900T scores 37112, a -0.5% delta. This means the Core Ultra 5 225 is essentially performance-equivalent to these other processors in general compute benchmarks, making it a very capable modern CPU. The bottleneck is clearly elsewhere.

For the GPU, the nearest rivals tell a similar story of tight competition at this performance level. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile scores 12940, which is a -0.1% delta from the RX 580's 12928 average. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER scores 12986, a -0.4% delta, while the AMD Radeon 740M scores 12870, a 0.5% delta. These are all within a very small margin of each other, indicating that the RX 580 is performing exactly where it should be for its class. The benchmark results show that this GPU is a mid-pack player, and in a game like Minimum, that translates to a system that needs careful settings management to achieve a smooth experience. The combo rank is a direct consequence of this GPU performance ceiling.

CPU Role

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is a 10-core, 10-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake architecture, built on a 3 nm process by TSMC. It has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz, with a 65 W TDP. This is a modern desktop CPU that uses the Intel Socket 1851 and supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, providing 102.4 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The cache hierarchy includes 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 20 MB L3 cache. For a game released in 2014, this CPU is massively overqualified. Minimum was designed for the hardware of its era, and the Core Ultra 5 225 provides far more processing power than the game can utilize.

The benchmark data for the CPU reinforces this point. In Cinebench R23, it scores 25891 in multi-core and 3655 in single-core. The single-core score is particularly relevant for gaming, as many older titles rely heavily on single-threaded performance. A score of 3655 in that test is excellent. The Passmark single-thread score of 4412 further confirms this strength. In Passmark multi-thread tests, it scores 30459, showing its capability in heavily threaded workloads. These scores place the CPU at the 85th percentile of all tested CPUs, and its nearest rivals in terms of average benchmark score are all within a 0.5% delta, meaning it is trading blows with the best of its class. In Minimum, the CPU is not the source of any frame rate limitations.

The role of the CPU in this combo is to provide a stable, high-performance foundation that never becomes a bottleneck. At 1080p with Low settings, the game is likely more dependent on the GPU, but even at lower resolutions where CPU load can increase, this processor has ample headroom. The data shows that the CPU's average benchmark score of 36938 is essentially identical to its closest rivals, and it is a top-tier performer. The 10 cores and 10 threads are more than sufficient for a game from 2014. The L3 cache of 20 MB is also generous for this workload. The result is that the system's frame rates will be dictated almost entirely by the GPU, and the CPU will sit idle for the most part, waiting for the graphics card to feed it frames. This is a classic case of a modern CPU paired with an older GPU, where the CPU's role is to ensure it is never the weak link.

GPU Role

The AMD Radeon RX 580 is the definitive limiting factor in this combo. Based on the Polaris 20 chip and the GCN 4.0 architecture, this GPU was released in 2017 and is now end-of-life. It has 2304 shading units, 144 texture mapping units, and 32 ROPs. The clocks are set at a base of 1257 MHz and a boost of 1340 MHz, with memory running at 2000 MHz (8 Gbps effective). It has 8 GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The GPU's compute capabilities are rated at 6.175 TFLOPS for FP32. It has a TDP of 185 W and requires a 450 W power supply. The card is a dual-slot design with a single 8-pin power connector.

The benchmark scores for this GPU show a card that is firmly in the mid-range of the current market. Its average benchmark score is 12928, which places it at the 53rd percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals are all within a 0.6% delta, confirming that it is performing in line with expectations for its class. In the Passmark G3D test, it scores 8813, and in the Geekbench Vulkan test, it scores 45173. These are respectable numbers for a card of this age, but they are not competitive with modern GPUs. The 8 GB of VRAM is adequate for most games at 1080p, but the card's raw processing power is what limits its performance.

In Minimum, the GPU's role is to render the game at the chosen resolution and settings. The measured FPS data shows a clear pattern. At 3840x2160, the GPU struggles, with average FPS ranging from 15 on Ultra to 32 on Low. At 2560x1440, it is better, with averages from 29 on Ultra to 59 on Low. At 1920x1080, it can achieve playable frame rates, with averages from 45 on Ultra to 91 on Low. The GPU is the sole reason for these numbers. The CPU is not holding it back. The data shows that the RX 580 is the bottleneck in every scenario. The GPU's memory bandwidth of 256.0 GB/s and its 8 GB of VRAM are sufficient for this game, but the shading units and clock speeds are not enough to push high frame rates at higher resolutions. The GPU's age is the primary factor in the combo's low ranking. The card is being asked to do a job that newer cards do much more efficiently, and the results reflect that.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a clear picture of what to expect from this combo in Minimum. The numbers show a system that is playable at 1080p with adjusted settings, but struggles at higher resolutions.

At 1920x1080, the most common gaming resolution, the results are mixed. On Low settings, the combo achieves an average of 91 FPS, which is a very smooth experience. On Medium settings, the average drops to 70 FPS, with a minimum of 59 FPS and a maximum of 80 FPS. This is still a very playable range, and the minimum of 59 FPS suggests that there are no major stutters. On High settings, the average is 58 FPS, which is borderline but still playable. On Ultra settings, the average drops to 45 FPS, which is noticeably less smooth. For a 2014 third-person shooter, 45 FPS is acceptable, but not ideal. The data shows that the GPU is the limiting factor here, as the CPU is more than capable of handling the game's logic at these frame rates.

At 2560x1440, the performance takes a significant hit. On Low settings, the average is 59 FPS, which is just at the edge of playable. On Medium settings, the average drops to 45 FPS, with a minimum of 38 FPS and a maximum of 52 FPS. The minimum of 38 FPS indicates that there are moments of noticeable slowdown. On High settings, the average is 38 FPS, which is starting to feel sluggish. On Ultra settings, the average is 29 FPS, which is not a smooth experience. The trend is clear: the RX 580 does not have enough power to maintain high frame rates at this resolution. The GPU's 256-bit memory bus and 6.175 TFLOPS of compute are not sufficient for the increased pixel count.

At 3840x2160, the results are mostly unplayable. On Low settings, the average is 32 FPS, which is below the threshold for a smooth experience. On Medium settings, the average is 24 FPS, with a minimum of 21 FPS and a maximum of 28 FPS. This is a stuttery experience. On High settings, the average is 20 FPS, and on Ultra settings, it drops to 15 FPS. None of these are acceptable for a game that requires quick reactions. The data shows that this combo is not designed for 4K gaming. The GPU is simply overwhelmed by the 3840x2160 resolution. The 8 GB of VRAM is not the issue; it is the raw processing power that is insufficient.

The FPS data across all resolutions shows a consistent pattern. The combo can achieve 60 FPS or higher only at 1080p with Low settings. At every other combination of resolution and settings, the frame rate is below 60 FPS. The data also shows that the gap between Low and Ultra settings is significant. At 1080p, the difference between Low and Ultra is 46 FPS (91 vs 45). This is a large impact from settings changes, indicating that the GPU is the primary driver of performance. The CPU is not creating a bottleneck, as the frame rates scale consistently with the GPU's workload.

FAQ

Q: What is the best resolution for this combo to achieve a 60 FPS average?

A: The only measured configuration that achieves a 60 FPS average or higher is 1920x1080 with Low settings, which yields an average of 91 FPS. At 2560x1440 with Low settings, the average is 59 FPS, which is just below 60 FPS.

Q: Is the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 or the AMD Radeon RX 580 the main bottleneck in this system?

A: The data indicates the GPU is the main bottleneck. The CPU sits at the 85th percentile of all CPUs, while the GPU sits at the 53rd percentile. The GPU's average benchmark score of 12928 is the limiting factor, and the measured FPS scales with GPU load, not CPU load.

Q: How does this combo's CPU compare to its nearest rivals in terms of average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 has an average benchmark score of 36938. Its nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600F, scores 36945, which is a 0% delta. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500X3D scores 37018 (-0.2% delta), and the Intel Core i9-12900T scores 37112 (-0.5% delta). This shows the CPU is statistically tied with these other processors.

*Q: Can this combo run Minimum at 2560x1440 with High settings?*

A: Yes, but the average FPS is 38, which is below the 60 FPS threshold for a smooth experience. This setting is playable but will not feel fluid. For a better experience at that resolution, Low or Medium settings are recommended.

Q: What is the frame rate range for this combo at 1920x1080 with Medium settings?

A: The measured data shows an average of 70 FPS, with a minimum of 59 FPS and a maximum of 80 FPS. This indicates a generally stable experience with no major drops below 60 FPS.

*Q: Is the RX 580's performance in Minimum consistent with its overall benchmark standing?*

A: Yes. The RX 580's average benchmark score is 12928, placing it at the 53rd percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rival, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile, scores 12940 (-0.1% delta), and the GTX 1660 SUPER scores 12986 (-0.4% delta). The measured FPS in Minimum reflects this mid-range positioning.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal experience for this combo is at 1920x1080 with Medium settings. This configuration yields an average of 70 FPS, with a minimum of 59 FPS and a maximum of 80 FPS. This is the best balance between visual quality and performance. The minimum of 59 FPS ensures that the game remains smooth even in demanding scenes. While Low settings at 1080p provide a higher average of 91 FPS, the visual downgrade is not worth the extra frames, as the Medium preset offers a significantly better visual experience for only a 21 FPS average loss. The High preset at 1080p, with an average of 58 FPS, is also acceptable, but the minimum FPS data is not available, and the average is just on the edge of the 60 FPS target. Medium is the safer choice for a consistent experience.

For users who prioritize frame rate above all else, 1920x1080 with Low settings provides an average of 91 FPS, which is a very smooth experience. However, this is the only measured configuration that exceeds 90 FPS. For those who want to play at a higher resolution, 2560x1440 with Low settings provides an average of 59 FPS, which is just at the edge of playable. This is the only 1440p configuration that approaches 60 FPS. The Medium preset at 1440p drops to 45 FPS, which is noticeably less fluid, and the High and Ultra presets are not recommended due to their low averages of 38 FPS and 29 FPS, respectively.

At 3840x2160, the data shows that no settings preset is recommended for a playable experience. The highest average FPS is 32 on Low settings, which is below the threshold for a smooth game. The Medium, High, and Ultra presets at 4K all average below 25 FPS, which is a stuttery and unresponsive experience. The RX 580 is not capable of handling this resolution in Minimum.

The data also suggests that the Ultra preset is not worth the performance cost. At 1080p, the difference between Medium and Ultra is 25 FPS (70 vs 45), which is a significant loss for what is likely a minor visual improvement in a 2014 game. The High preset is a middle ground, but the Medium preset offers the best combination of performance and visual fidelity. The measured FPS range for Medium at 1080p (59-80) shows a stable experience, while the High and Ultra presets do not have min/max data recorded, which suggests they may be less consistent. For the best experience, the recommendation is clear: 1920x1080 with Medium settings. This provides a solid 70 FPS average with a minimum above 60 FPS, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable playthrough of Minimum. If a higher resolution is a priority, 2560x1440 with Low settings is the only viable option, but it comes with a noticeable drop in visual quality. This combo is best suited for 1080p gaming, and the settings should be adjusted accordingly.