Palworld

# Palworld: Intel Core i7-12700K + Intel Arc B390

This combination of the Intel Core i7-12700K processor and Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics places near the bottom of the tested hardware pool for Palworld, ranking 2607th out of 2944 combos. The data shows a system that is heavily constrained by its graphics solution, with the CPU's substantial processing power largely going untapped in this survival title. Benchmark results indicate that this configuration is best suited for lower resolutions and reduced settings, where playable frame rates are achievable.

How This Combo Ranks

The combo's position of 2607 out of 2944 tested configurations places it in the 12th percentile of all systems evaluated for Palworld. This is a decidedly low ranking, indicating that the vast majority of hardware combinations deliver superior performance in this game. The measured FPS data confirms this assessment, with the system struggling to maintain smooth gameplay at higher settings and resolutions.

At 1920x1080 with Low settings, the combo achieves 84 FPS average, which is the only configuration in the measured data that approaches what most players would consider highly fluid gameplay. However, this performance drops off dramatically as settings increase. The Ultra preset at 1080p yields just 40 FPS average, while 1440p Ultra drops to 26 FPS. At 4K resolution, the system falls below playable thresholds across all settings, with even Low settings managing only 31 FPS average.

The GPU's individual benchmark percentile of 9 places it among the weakest graphics solutions in the database, with nearest rivals including the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX (1.3% ahead), GeForce 800M (1.5% ahead), GT 625 OEM (2.5% ahead), and GT 710 (2.7% ahead). This context is crucial for understanding the combo's overall ranking — the Arc B390's integrated graphics are the primary bottleneck, not the processor. The CPU, by contrast, ranks at the 84th percentile among all processors, demonstrating that the processor is far more capable than the graphics solution allows it to demonstrate.

CPU Role

The Intel Core i7-12700K brings substantial processing capability to this configuration. With 12 cores and 20 threads, it offers strong multi-threaded performance that shows in its benchmark results: Cinebench R23 multicore scores 19784, while Geekbench multicore reaches 15790. The processor's boost clock of 5.00 GHz and base clock of 3.60 GHz provide the clock speed headroom that benefits games with heavy simulation elements.

Palworld, as a survival game with world persistence and creature AI, can leverage multiple cores. The CPU's 3DMark scores demonstrate scaling from 2065 in 2-thread tests to 9979 in max-thread tests, indicating that the processor can distribute workloads effectively across its cores. The 25 MB shared L3 cache and 1.25 MB L2 per core provide ample fast memory for game logic and entity tracking.

However, the data suggests that in this specific combo, the CPU is not the limiting factor. Even at 4K Ultra, where the system averages just 15 FPS, the processor's capabilities far exceed what the graphics solution can handle. The nearest CPU rivals — Intel Core i5-13600T (0.1% behind in average score), Core i7-12700KF (0.2% behind), Core i7-13700T (0.3% behind), and Core 5 213PE (0.4% behind) — all sit within a narrow performance band, confirming that the i7-12700K is a solid mid-to-high-tier processor whose potential is unrealized here.

The CPU's PassMark multithread score of 34404 and single-thread score of 4013 indicate strong general-purpose performance. For Palworld specifically, the processor's ability to maintain high clock speeds across multiple cores helps with the game's world simulation, but the graphics bottleneck means these advantages rarely translate into visible FPS gains.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B390 is the decisive factor in this combo's performance. Built on a 3 nm process with the Xe3-LPG architecture and Panther Lake chip, this integrated graphics solution presents a paradox: modern architecture but limited execution resources. With 1536 shading units, 48 texture mapping units, and 24 raster output units, the GPU has modest raw processing capability. Its 7.680 TFLOPS FP32 throughput and 60.00 GPixel/s pixel rate provide context for its benchmark showing.

The GPU's 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 1482 places it at the 9th percentile of all GPUs, with its nearest rivals being older NVIDIA discrete solutions. The GT 520MX, 800M, GT 625 OEM, and GT 710 all score within 2.7% of the Arc B390, which illustrates just how limited this integrated graphics solution is for modern gaming. These rivals are all entry-level parts from previous generations, underscoring the Arc B390's position at the bottom of the current graphics hierarchy.

Memory bandwidth is "System Dependent" with system-shared memory, which in Palworld's open-world environment can create additional bottlenecks. The GPU's base clock of 300 MHz and boost of 2500 MHz show significant dynamic range, but the low base clock suggests power management priorities that may not favor sustained gaming loads. The 80 W TDP and integrated form factor (IGP slot width, no power connectors) indicate this is designed for mobility and efficiency rather than gaming performance.

DirectX 12 Ultimate support (12_2) and Vulkan 1.4 compatibility mean the GPU can technically run modern rendering features, but the execution resources are insufficient to translate these features into competitive frame rates. The 12 ray tracing cores provide hardware RT capability, but at this performance level, enabling such features would likely be counterproductive.

Measured FPS Breakdown

At 1920x1080, the system shows its best performance. Low settings deliver 84 FPS average, which is the only measured configuration that clears the 60 FPS threshold. Medium settings drop to 68 FPS average (with a range of 58 to 79 FPS), still playable but with noticeable dips. High settings reduce performance to 53 FPS average, while Ultra falls to 40 FPS average. This progression shows a predictable scaling curve, with each settings tier costing roughly 15-20% performance.

At 2560x1440, the system struggles more significantly. Low settings achieve 56 FPS average, which is marginally playable. Medium settings drop to 45 FPS average (range of 38 to 52 FPS), dipping below smooth gameplay thresholds. High settings manage 35 FPS average, while Ultra falls to 26 FPS average. The resolution increase from 1080p to 1440p costs roughly 33% performance across most settings, which is a substantial penalty.

At 3840x2160, the system is largely unplayable. Low settings achieve only 31 FPS average, Medium drops to 25 FPS average (range of 21 to 29 FPS), High falls to 19 FPS average, and Ultra bottoms out at 15 FPS average. These numbers indicate that 4K gaming is not viable with this combination, regardless of settings. The scaling from Low to Ultra at 4K shows a 52% performance reduction, demonstrating that the GPU is severely resource-constrained at this resolution.

Cross-resolution analysis reveals interesting patterns. The jump from 1080p Low (84 FPS) to 1440p Low (56 FPS) represents a 33% drop, while 1440p Low to 4K Low (31 FPS) is a 45% drop. This non-linear scaling suggests that the Arc B390's memory bandwidth limitations become more pronounced at higher resolutions, consistent with its system-shared memory architecture.

FAQ

Q: Can this combo run Palworld at 1080p with playable frame rates?

A: Yes, at lower settings. The data shows 84 FPS average at 1080p Low and 68 FPS average at 1080p Medium. However, High settings drop to 53 FPS and Ultra falls to 40 FPS, which may be below acceptable thresholds for some players.

Q: What is the best resolution for this system?

A: The measured data indicates 1920x1080 is the only resolution where the system consistently achieves playable frame rates. At 1440p, only Low settings (56 FPS) approach playability, while 4K is unplayable across all settings, with the highest average being 31 FPS at Low.

Q: How does the Arc B390 compare to its nearest GPU rivals?

A: The Arc B390's 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1482 puts it just ahead of the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX (1463, 1.3% behind), GeForce 800M (1460, 1.5% behind), GT 625 OEM (1446, 2.5% behind), and GT 710 (1443, 2.7% behind). These are all older entry-level parts, indicating the Arc B390 performs at a similar level.

Q: Is the CPU or GPU the bottleneck in this configuration?

A: The GPU is clearly the limiting factor. The Core i7-12700K ranks at the 84th percentile among all CPUs, while the Arc B390 ranks at the 9th percentile among GPUs. The processor's strong benchmark scores (Cinebench R23 multicore of 19784) cannot compensate for the graphics solution's limitations.

Q: What frame rates can be expected at 1440p Medium settings?

A: The measured data shows 45 FPS average at 1440p Medium, with a minimum of 38 FPS and maximum of 52 FPS. This is borderline playable but may experience noticeable stuttering during intense gameplay moments.

Q: How does the system perform at 4K Ultra settings?

A: Poorly. The average frame rate is 15 FPS at 3840x2160 Ultra, which is far below playable thresholds. Even at 4K Low settings, the system only manages 31 FPS average, indicating that 4K resolution exceeds the Arc B390's capabilities.

Settings Recommendations

The measured FPS data provides clear guidance for optimizing the Palworld experience with this hardware. At 1920x1080, the Medium preset (68 FPS average, 58 FPS minimum) offers the best balance of visual quality and performance. The jump from Low (84 FPS) to Medium (68 FPS) costs 16 FPS but likely delivers noticeably improved visuals. High settings (53 FPS) dip below the 60 FPS threshold and may introduce perceptible stuttering, while Ultra (40 FPS) is too demanding for smooth gameplay.

At 2560x1440, the Low preset (56 FPS) is the only configuration that maintains acceptable frame rates. Medium settings (45 FPS average, 38 FPS minimum) may be tolerable for players who prioritize visual fidelity over smoothness, but the minimum frame rate suggests potential dips into uncomfortable territory. High (35 FPS) and Ultra (26 FPS) settings are not recommended for this resolution.

At 3840x2160, no settings configuration provides a playable experience. The highest average FPS is 31 at Low settings, which still falls below the 60 FPS target and would feel sluggish in a game requiring quick reactions. Players with 4K displays should either reduce resolution to 1080p or consider that this hardware is not suitable for Palworld at native 4K.

For the best overall experience, the data supports using 1080p with Medium settings as the primary recommendation. This configuration achieves 68 FPS average with a minimum of 58 FPS, keeping frame times relatively consistent. The 58 FPS minimum indicates that even during demanding scenes, the system stays close to the 60 FPS target. Players who require absolute smoothness can drop to Low settings for 84 FPS average, while those who want improved visuals at the cost of some fluidity can try High settings at 53 FPS average, accepting occasional dips below 50 FPS.