The Medium

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT combination delivers a broad range of performance in The Medium, with results that scale predictably across resolutions and presets. The data indicates this pairing is capable of high-refresh 1080p and 1440p play, while 4K requires careful settings management. This analysis breaks down the measured FPS, the CPU and GPU contributions, and the optimal settings for the best experience.

CPU Role — cores, clocks, and how they relate to this game's results

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a 16-core, 32-thread processor based on the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Granite Ridge. It operates on the AMD Socket AM5 platform with a base clock of 4.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The processor’s substantial 128 MB of L3 cache and 4 nm process node from TSMC are key architectural features. In synthetic benchmarks, it scores 42,018 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 2,259 points in single-core, alongside a Geekbench multi-core score of 26,736 and single-core score of 3,064. Its PassMark multithread score is 70,255, and its single-thread score is 4,737.

This CPU’s performance places it in the 95th percentile among all tested CPUs, indicating top-tier capability. While The Medium is primarily a GPU-bound horror title, the processor’s high single-core performance ensures that frame pacing and draw call handling are not bottlenecks, particularly at lower resolutions where the GPU is less strained. The 3DMark 8-thread score of 9,259 and 16-thread score of 16,374 suggest that the CPU has ample headroom for any background tasks or game logic demands. The 128 MB of L3 cache is beneficial for holding larger working sets of game data, which can reduce latency in complex scenes. For this specific game, the CPU’s role is to provide consistent, high-frequency performance that allows the RX 7900 XT to operate at its full potential, ensuring that the measured FPS is purely a reflection of GPU capabilities rather than CPU limitations.

How This Combo Ranks

The combination of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Radeon RX 7900 XT achieves a combo rank of 632 out of 3,724 tested combinations in The Medium. This places the pairing in the top 17% of all systems tested, a strong result that underscores the high-end nature of both components. The rank reflects the balanced performance of this setup, where the powerful CPU does not hold back the GPU, allowing it to deliver its measured frame rates across the board.

The CPU itself is virtually unmatched in its performance tier. Its average benchmark score of 75,779 is nearly identical to its nearest rivals, with the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755 scoring 75,738 (a 0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D scoring 75,716 (also a 0.1% delta). The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 trails slightly at 75,488, a 0.4% delta, while the AMD EPYC 8224P scores 75,582, a 0.3% delta. This shows the 9950X3D is at the very top of the CPU hierarchy, providing a performance ceiling that few other processors can match.

On the GPU side, the Radeon RX 7900 XT sits in the 55th percentile among all GPUs, which is a more mid-pack position. Its average benchmark score of 13,745 is closely contested by several other cards. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT scores 13,543, a 1.5% delta (meaning the 7900 XT is slightly faster), while the AMD Radeon 660M scores 13,812, a -0.5% delta. The NVIDIA RTX A2000 Mobile and AMD Radeon RX 570X are also within a 0.9% delta. This suggests that while the CPU is elite, the GPU’s performance is good but not top-of-the-line, which explains why the combo rank, while high, is not in the top 100. The overall ranking confirms the synergy of the parts, where the CPU’s excellence compensates for the GPU’s more modest standing.

FAQ

*Q: What is the highest average FPS this combo can achieve in The Medium?*

A: The highest measured average FPS is 161, achieved at 1920x1080 resolution with Low settings. At 2560x1440 with Low settings, the average drops to 136 FPS, and at 3840x2160 with Low settings, it is 107 FPS.

*Q: Can this system handle 4K Ultra settings in The Medium?*

A: No, the data shows that at 3840x2160 with Ultra settings, the average FPS is 38. This is below the 60 FPS threshold for smooth gameplay, indicating that Ultra settings at 4K are not playable with this configuration.

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

A: At 2560x1440, the average FPS with Low settings is 136, while with High settings it is 61. This represents a 75 FPS difference, or roughly a 123% increase in frame rate when switching from High to Low.

Q: Are the frame times stable at 1080p Medium settings?

A: Yes, the data shows a minimum FPS of 86 and a maximum of 116 at 1920x1080 Medium settings, with an average of 101 FPS. The min and max values are relatively close to the average, indicating consistent frame delivery.

Q: How much of a performance hit does the Ultra preset incur compared to Medium?

A: At 1920x1080, the Ultra preset averages 57 FPS, while Medium averages 101 FPS. This is a 44 FPS decrease, or a 43% performance penalty for using Ultra settings over Medium at this resolution.

Q: Does the GPU’s benchmark percentile align with its in-game performance?

A: The GPU sits in the 55th percentile in general benchmarks, but its in-game performance is more nuanced. It delivers playable frame rates at High settings across all resolutions, but it cannot handle Ultra at 4K, which aligns with its mid-pack standing rather than a top-tier position.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data for The Medium reveals a clear performance hierarchy across the three resolutions and four settings presets. At 1920x1080, the system shows its strength, with Low settings producing an average of 161 FPS, which is ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors. Medium settings at 1080p yield an average of 101 FPS, with a minimum of 86 and maximum of 116, providing a smooth experience. High settings at 1080p drop the average to 72 FPS, while Ultra settings bring it down further to 57 FPS. This shows that at 1080p, the combo is capable of exceeding 100 FPS on Medium, but the Ultra preset struggles to maintain a consistent 60 FPS.

Moving to 2560x1440, the performance scales down as expected. Low settings still deliver a high average of 136 FPS, making it a viable option for competitive play. Medium settings at 1440p produce an average of 85 FPS, with a minimum of 72 and a maximum of 98, which is a solid result for a high-resolution experience. High settings at 1440p average 61 FPS, which is just above the 60 FPS threshold, but it may dip in demanding scenes. Ultra settings at 1440p average 48 FPS, which is not ideal for a smooth experience, suggesting that this preset is too demanding for the GPU at this resolution.

At 3840x2160 (4K), the GPU’s limitations become more apparent. Low settings at 4K produce an average of 107 FPS, which is remarkably playable and shows the raw power of the RX 7900 XT when visual effects are reduced. Medium settings at 4K average 67 FPS, with a minimum of 57 and maximum of 77, which is a playable range but with noticeable dips. High settings at 4K average 48 FPS, which is below the 60 FPS target and may feel stuttery in action sequences. Finally, Ultra settings at 4K average only 38 FPS, which is a poor experience and confirms that this combination is not suited for maxed-out 4K gaming in this title.

GPU Role — VRAM, clocks, and how they relate to this game's results

The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is built on the RDNA 3.0 architecture with the Navi 31 chip, codenamed Plum Bonito. It features 20 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 320-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 800.0 GB/s. The GPU has a base clock of 1387 MHz, a game clock of 2025 MHz, and a boost clock of 2394 MHz. With 5,376 shading units, 336 TMUs, and 192 ROPs, it is a substantial piece of hardware. Its FP32 performance is rated at 51.48 TFLOPS, and it supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.4, and OpenGL 4.6. The card has a TDP of 300 W and requires a 700 W power supply, with dual 8-pin power connectors.

In The Medium, the GPU’s role is dominant, as the game’s fixed-camera angles and heavy post-processing effects are demanding on the renderer. The 20 GB of VRAM is ample for this title, even at 4K with high-resolution textures, ensuring no memory-related stutters or texture pop-in. The high bandwidth of 800 GB/s allows for fast data transfer, which is crucial for the game’s dual-reality mechanic that renders two worlds simultaneously. The GPU’s benchmark scores reflect a mid-range to high-end positioning; it scores 29,009 in PassMark G3D and 71,068 in Geekbench Vulkan, but its DirectX 12 score is only 110. This mixed performance profile aligns with the observed in-game results, where the card excels at lower settings but struggles with the highest presets. For a horror title like The Medium, which relies on atmosphere and lighting, the GPU’s ray tracing cores (84 RT cores) are present but not heavily utilized, as the game’s shadows and reflections are primarily rasterized. The data shows that the GPU’s performance is the limiting factor at 4K Ultra, while at 1080p, it is more than sufficient to provide a high refresh rate experience.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for The Medium depend on the target resolution and desired frame rate. For a 1080p display, the Medium preset is the best choice, delivering an average of 101 FPS with a minimum of 86 FPS. This provides a smooth, stutter-free experience that is well above the 60 FPS threshold, and the visual quality is significantly better than Low. High settings at 1080p reduce the average to 72 FPS, which is still playable, but the frame rate drop is noticeable. Ultra at 1080p is not recommended, as the 57 FPS average falls below the ideal threshold.

For 1440p gaming, the Medium preset is again the sweet spot, offering an average of 85 FPS with a minimum of 72 FPS. This ensures a fluid experience with good visual fidelity. The High preset at 1440p produces an average of 61 FPS, which is borderline; it may be acceptable for slower-paced horror gameplay, but the risk of drops below 60 FPS is high. Low settings at 1440p remain an option for those who prioritize frame rate above all, with an average of 136 FPS, but the visual sacrifice is substantial. Ultra at 1440p should be avoided, as the 48 FPS average indicates a compromised experience.

At 4K resolution, the choices are more constrained. Low settings are the only preset that provides a consistently smooth experience, averaging 107 FPS. This is a viable option for players who want to play at 4K without sacrificing performance. Medium settings at 4K average 67 FPS, which is playable but with a minimum of 57 FPS, suggesting occasional dips that may be noticeable. High and Ultra settings at 4K are not recommended for a good experience, as they produce averages of 48 FPS and 38 FPS respectively, which are too low for a horror game that relies on tension and pacing. The data strongly suggests that the best overall experience involves using the Medium preset at 1080p or 1440p, or Low settings at 4K, to ensure frame rates remain consistently above 60 FPS.