The Technomancer

The Technomancer, a 2016 Action RPG, presents an interesting test for modern hardware. This analysis examines the Intel Core i5-11400F paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, using measured FPS data to determine how this combination handles the game's demands. The data shows a pairing that is heavily GPU-bound at higher resolutions, but with a CPU that can keep pace at lower settings where frame rates climb significantly.

How This Combo Ranks

This specific combination of the Intel Core i5-11400F and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 ranks 418th out of 3696 tested combos for The Technomancer. That places it in the top 12% of all configurations tested, indicating a strong performance tier. This high percentile is largely driven by the GPU's raw power, which is the dominant factor in this game's performance. The CPU, while not a bottleneck at the tested resolutions, does not boost the combo into the top echelon, as those ranks are likely reserved for pairings with top-tier processors that can push even higher minimum frame rates.

The ranking reflects a balance where the RTX 4080's immense capabilities are fully utilized. The i5-11400F, with its 6 cores and 12 threads, provides sufficient compute to feed the GPU at 4K and 1440p. However, the data suggests that the system's overall rank is a direct reflection of the GPU's 86th percentile standing among all GPUs, rather than the CPU's 71st percentile. In essence, this combo confirms the GPU's dominance in this title, with the CPU playing a supporting role that does not detract from the overall high performance.

GPU Role

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 is the undisputed performance driver in this configuration. Its specifications are formidable: 16 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 256-bit bus provides a massive 716.8 GB/s of bandwidth. This is critical for a game like The Technomancer at high resolutions, as it allows for large texture sets and complex scenes to be rendered without stuttering. The GPU's 76 RT cores and 304 Tensor cores are present, though The Technomancer's age means these features are likely not heavily utilized. The core specifications, such as the 9728 shading units, are more relevant to the raw rasterization performance this game demands.

The clock speeds are also a factor. The base clock of 2205 MHz and boost clock of 2505 MHz are high, ensuring the GPU operates at peak efficiency. The memory clock runs at an effective 22.4 Gbps. The GPU's performance is reflected in its benchmark scores, with a Passmark G3D score of 34457 and a 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 6567. This raw power translates directly to the high frame rates observed. The GPU's nearest rival in benchmark scores is the RTX 4080 SUPER, which is only 0.1% faster, and it outperforms the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X by 1.1%. This shows the RTX 4080 is at the top of its class, and in this game, that means it can deliver playable to exceptionally high frame rates even at 4K.

FAQ

Q: Can this combo run The Technomancer at 4K with high settings?

A: Yes. The measured data shows an average of 70 FPS at 3840x2160 with High settings. This is a smooth, playable experience for most users.

Q: What is the best resolution for maximum frame rate?

A: According to the data, 1920x1080 with Low settings yields the highest average frame rate at 214 FPS. This is the only configuration in the measured data that exceeds 200 FPS.

Q: Is the CPU a bottleneck for the RTX 4080 in this game?

A: The data suggests it is not a significant bottleneck. At 1080p Low, the average FPS is 214, which is very high. While the CPU may limit the absolute maximum, it still allows the GPU to produce frame rates far beyond what is needed for a smooth experience.

Q: How does the RTX 4080 compare to its closest rivals?

A: Benchmark results indicate the RTX 4080 is virtually tied with the RTX 4080 SUPER, which is only 0.1% faster. It is also 1.1% faster than the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X and 2.6% faster than the AMD Radeon RX 6750 GRE 12 GB in average benchmark scores.

Q: Is there a big performance jump between Medium and Ultra settings?

A: Yes, the jump is significant. At 2560x1440, the average FPS drops from 149 on Medium to 100 on Ultra, a 49 FPS difference. This is a substantial cost for the visual fidelity gained.

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

A: The measured average FPS at 2560x1440 is 186 on Low and 128 on High. This shows a 58 FPS drop when moving to High, indicating that the higher settings place a substantial load on the GPU.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The measured FPS data provides a clear picture of performance scaling across resolutions and settings.

At 3840x2160 (4K), the RTX 4080 shows its strength. With Low settings, the average FPS is 107, which is highly playable. Moving to Medium brings the average down to 82 FPS, with a minimum of 70 and a maximum of 94. High settings yield an average of 70 FPS, still a solid 60+ experience. However, Ultra settings drop the average to 55 FPS, which may be too low for gamers who prefer a locked 60 FPS experience.

At 2560x1440 (1440p), performance is excellent across the board. Low settings produce an average of 186 FPS, which is exceptional for a high-resolution display. Medium settings average 149 FPS, with a minimum of 127 and a maximum of 172. High settings still deliver a very high average of 128 FPS. Even at Ultra, the average remains at 100 FPS, providing a smooth and highly responsive experience.

At 1920x1080 (1080p), the frame rates are extremely high, showcasing the GPU's power. The Low preset averages 214 FPS, and Medium follows closely at 195 FPS, with a minimum of 166 and a maximum of 224. High settings average 184 FPS. Even the most demanding Ultra preset maintains a high average of 152 FPS. At this resolution, the game is easily driven, and the frame rates are limited more by the CPU's capability than the GPU's.

Settings Recommendations

For a balance of visual quality and performance, the High preset at 2560x1440 is the standout choice. The data shows an average of 128 FPS, which is well above the 60 FPS threshold for smooth gameplay and takes advantage of high-refresh-rate monitors without sacrificing visual fidelity. This setting provides a significant visual upgrade over Medium while still offering a massive performance headroom.

For users with a 4K display, the High preset at 3840x2160 is the best option. The average of 70 FPS is sufficient for a smooth experience on most displays. The Medium preset offers a higher average of 82 FPS, but the visual jump to High is often worth the 12 FPS trade-off. The Ultra preset should be avoided at 4K, as the 55 FPS average dips below the 60 FPS target that many consider the minimum for a comfortable experience.

At 1080p, the Ultra preset is the clear recommendation. With an average of 152 FPS, there is no performance penalty for enabling the highest settings. Even the most demanding scenes will be handled with ease, and the visual improvements over High are essentially free. This makes 1080p the ideal resolution for players who want to max out all graphical options without concern for frame rate drops.

CPU Role

The Intel Core i5-11400F, a Rocket Lake processor, serves as the supporting component in this pairing. Its 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, are sufficient for The Technomancer. The game, released in 2016, is not known for being heavily multi-threaded, and the i5-11400F's 12 MB of shared L3 cache provides adequate memory hierarchy for the data the CPU needs to process. Its 14 nm process node and 65W TDP are characteristics of its generation, but they do not hinder its performance in this title.

The CPU's benchmark scores show it to be a competent mid-range part. A Cinebench R23 multicore score of 14340 and a single-core score of 2024 indicate solid processing power. Its Passmark multithread score is 16908, and its single-thread score is 2981. The CPU's performance is nearly identical to its nearest rivals, with a delta of only 0.3% compared to the AMD EPYC 7H12 and -0.4% against the Intel Core i5-12450H. This shows it holds its own against both server and newer mobile parts.

In The Technomancer, the CPU's role becomes more apparent at lower resolutions. The data shows that at 1080p, the average FPS is 214 on Low settings, which is likely near the CPU's frame rate ceiling for this game. It is not a bottleneck in the traditional sense, as it allows for incredibly high frame rates, but it does prevent the RTX 4080 from achieving even higher numbers. At 4K, the CPU is less of a factor, as the GPU is clearly the limiting component. The i5-11400F provides enough throughput to ensure the GPU is fed with data, allowing it to perform at its full potential without being held back by the processor.