Outriders

The Intel Core i5-14400F is a 10-core, 16-thread desktop processor based on the Raptor Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process. It operates with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, and its 20 MB of shared L3 cache helps feed the GeForce RTX 5070. In Outriders, the CPU's role is most visible when the GPU is not the bottleneck, particularly at lower resolutions. At 1080p with Low settings, the combo reaches 230.9 FPS, a figure that requires strong per-core throughput; the chip's single-core Cinebench R23 score of 3093 and Passmark single-thread score of 3723 indicate it can handle that load. The data shows that as resolution rises, the CPU's influence wanes, with the 4K Ultra result of 45.4 FPS being entirely dependent on the GPU. The 65 W TDP suggests the processor is efficient enough to avoid thermal throttling in most systems, which likely helps maintain consistent frame pacing in a game like Outriders that features dense combat encounters.

The processor's multi-core capabilities are also relevant. Outriders is a looter shooter with many simultaneous enemies and effects, and the 16 threads can manage background tasks and game logic. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 21914 and Geekbench multi-core score of 11209 place it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms the vast majority of installed processors. Compared to its nearest rivals, the data shows it is effectively tied with the Intel Core i7-12800H and AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7645, with deltaPct values of 0 and 0.2 respectively. This means the CPU is not a differentiating factor in this combo; the performance ceiling is dictated by the graphics card.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is the dominant component in this pairing, and its specifications directly explain the measured frame rates. It features 12 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192-bit bus, delivering 672.0 GB/s of bandwidth. This memory configuration is substantial for Outriders, a game that at 4K Ultra settings pushes the combo to just 45.4 FPS, suggesting heavy texture and shader workloads. The GPU's base clock is 2325 MHz with a boost clock of 2512 MHz, and it packs 6144 shading units. Its Passmark G3D score of 29137 and 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5077 reflect strong raw performance, placing it in the 83rd percentile of all GPUs.

The RTX 5070's compute capabilities are critical for Outriders' visual effects. The 30.87 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and 48 RT cores handle the game's lighting and particle effects. At 1080p Low, the GPU is so underutilized that the frame rate hits 230.9 FPS, but at 4K Ultra, the workload becomes immense. The data shows a clear pattern: the RTX 5070 is the limiting factor at all resolutions above 1080p Low. Interestingly, its nearest rivals in the benchmark database include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 with a deltaPct of 0.6, meaning the 5070 is slightly ahead of that older flagship in average benchmark score. This context matters because it shows the 5070 is a high-end part, yet Outriders at 4K Ultra still brings it to its knees, indicating the game's Ultra preset is exceptionally demanding.

How This Combo Ranks

The combination of the Intel Core i5-14400F and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 ranks 258th out of 1693 tested combos in Outriders. This places it in the top 15% of all systems, which is a strong showing given the game's release date of 2021. The rank reflects the balance of the pairing: the CPU is not holding back the GPU, and the GPU is powerful enough to deliver high frame rates at most settings. The data indicates that the combo's position is driven almost entirely by the GPU, as the CPU's performance is statistically indistinguishable from its closest rivals in the database. The 88th percentile CPU ranking and 83rd percentile GPU ranking align with the 258th overall combo rank, suggesting a well-matched system.

What this rank implies is that for Outriders, this combo sits in the upper echelon of tested hardware configurations. The 1693 combos include both weaker and stronger pairings, and this system's position means it will outperform the majority of systems in the database. However, the gap to the top is notable, as the 4K Ultra result of 45.4 FPS is below the 60 FPS threshold that many players target. The rank is a composite measure, and the measured FPS data reveals that the combo's strengths are at lower resolutions and settings, where it achieves very high frame rates.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a comprehensive view of performance across three resolutions and four settings presets. At 1920x1080, the combo delivers 230.9 FPS on Low, 206 FPS on Medium, 181 FPS on High, and 145.5 FPS on Ultra. These numbers show that even at Ultra, the system provides a smooth experience well above 144 Hz. At 2560x1440, the results are 196 FPS on Low, 169.9 FPS on Medium, 127.2 FPS on High, and 91.1 FPS on Ultra. The drop from 1080p to 1440p is significant but expected, with the Ultra preset falling from 145.5 to 91.1 FPS, a 37% reduction.

At 3840x2160, the performance becomes more variable. The Low preset delivers 120.9 FPS, which is still playable and smooth. Medium drops to 85.5 FPS, High to 67.7 FPS, and Ultra to 45.4 FPS. The progression from Low to Ultra at 4K shows a stark gradient, with Ultra being the only preset that falls below 60 FPS. The data reveals that the 4K Ultra result is the weakest point of this combo, while the 1080p results are excellent. The min and max FPS values are not provided, so the analysis relies on averages, but the pattern is clear: this system is best suited for 1080p and 1440p gaming.

Resolution Scaling

The scaling from 1080p to 4K reveals where the bottleneck lies. At 1080p Low, the combo hits 230.9 FPS. Moving to 1440p Low, it drops to 196 FPS, a 15% reduction. At 4K Low, it falls to 120.9 FPS, a 48% reduction from 1080p. This scaling pattern suggests that at Low settings, the GPU is the primary limiter, as the frame rate drops consistently with increasing resolution. The CPU has enough headroom to push higher frame rates, as evidenced by the 230.9 FPS result, but the GPU cannot maintain that pace at higher resolutions.

The scaling on Ultra settings is even more pronounced. From 1080p Ultra at 145.5 FPS to 1440p Ultra at 91.1 FPS is a 37% drop, and to 4K Ultra at 45.4 FPS is a 69% drop from 1080p. This steep decline indicates that the Ultra preset places an enormous load on the GPU, and the 12 GB of VRAM and 672.0 GB/s bandwidth are insufficient to maintain high frame rates at 4K. The data implies that the limiting component is unequivocally the GPU, as the CPU's performance is constant across resolutions. The RTX 5070's memory bus width of 192 bit is a potential constraint at 4K Ultra, where high-resolution textures demand more bandwidth than the card can provide.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured rows, the optimal settings depend on the target resolution and frame rate. For 1080p, the High preset at 181 FPS is the best balance of visual fidelity and performance, as it provides a smooth experience without the steep performance cost of Ultra. The Ultra preset at 145.5 FPS is still highly playable, but High offers a 24% frame rate increase with likely minimal visual difference. For 1440p, the High preset at 127.2 FPS is the recommended choice, as it stays well above 100 FPS while delivering good visuals. The Medium preset at 169.9 FPS is also viable for competitive play, but High provides a better visual experience without sacrificing too much performance.

For 4K, the situation is more nuanced. The High preset at 67.7 FPS is playable and close to 60 FPS, making it a reasonable choice for a cinematic experience. The Medium preset at 85.5 FPS is the best balance, offering a significant improvement over High while still maintaining a smooth frame rate. The Ultra preset at 45.4 FPS is not recommended, as it falls below the 60 FPS threshold and the visual gains over High are likely marginal. The Low preset at 120.9 FPS is an option for players who prioritize frame rate above all else, but the visual downgrade is substantial. The data suggests that Medium at 4K is the sweet spot for this combo, providing 85.5 FPS with acceptable visual quality.

FAQ

Q: What is the best resolution for this combo in Outriders?

A: The data shows that 2560x1440 on High settings delivers 127.2 FPS, which is a strong balance of visual quality and performance. At 4K, the High preset drops to 67.7 FPS, so 1440p is the recommended resolution for a consistent experience.

Q: How does the CPU affect performance at 1080p?

A: At 1080p Low, the combo reaches 230.9 FPS, indicating the CPU is not a bottleneck. The Intel Core i5-14400F's single-core performance, with a Cinebench R23 score of 3093, is sufficient to drive high frame rates at this resolution.

Q: Is the RTX 5070 the limiting factor at 4K?

A: Yes, the data shows a 69% frame rate drop from 1080p Ultra to 4K Ultra, which is a clear sign of GPU limitation. The CPU's performance is constant across resolutions, so the GPU is the primary constraint at 4K.

Q: What settings preset gives the highest frame rate at 1440p?

A: The Low preset at 1440p delivers 196 FPS, the highest among the measured settings. For a balance of visuals and performance, the High preset at 127.2 FPS is recommended.

Q: How does this combo rank compared to other tested systems?

A: It ranks 258th out of 1693 combos in Outriders, placing it in the top 15% of tested systems. This rank is consistent with the CPU's 88th percentile and GPU's 83rd percentile rankings.

Q: Can this combo handle 4K at 60 FPS?

A: Only on the Low and Medium presets, which deliver 120.9 FPS and 85.5 FPS respectively. The High preset at 67.7 FPS is close to 60 FPS, but Ultra drops to 45.4 FPS, so 60 FPS at 4K requires reduced settings.