The Technomancer

The Technomancer, a 2016 Action RPG, presents a demanding workload for the Intel Core i5-13400F paired with the Intel Arc B390. Measured frame rate data across three resolutions and four quality presets reveals a system that is fundamentally constrained by its graphics processor, with the CPU providing ample headroom. The benchmark results show a predictable scaling pattern from 1080p to 4K, where the Arc B390’s performance ceiling becomes increasingly apparent, making the choice of resolution and settings the single most critical factor in playability.

Resolution Scaling

The measured FPS data shows a clear and consistent decline as resolution increases, which is typical for a system where the GPU is the primary bottleneck. At 1080p with Low settings, the combo achieves an average of 79 FPS. Moving to 1440p at the same Low setting drops the average to 52 FPS, a reduction of 27 FPS or approximately 34%. At 4K with Low settings, the average falls further to 28 FPS, which is a 51 FPS drop from the 1080p result and represents a 64% decrease in performance. This steep curve indicates that the Arc B390’s rendering capabilities are quickly overwhelmed by the pixel count increase.

The scaling pattern is similar across other settings. With High settings, the average FPS goes from 52 at 1080p, to 34 at 1440p, and finally to 19 at 4K. This is a consistent relative drop of roughly 35% when moving from 1080p to 1440p, and then another 44% when moving from 1440p to 4K. The Ultra preset shows the same trend, starting at 40 FPS at 1080p, dropping to 26 FPS at 1440p, and reaching a low of 15 FPS at 4K. The data suggests that the limiting component is unambiguously the GPU, as the frame rate is highly sensitive to the number of pixels being processed.

The 1080p to 1440p transition is the most significant step for maintaining playability. At Medium settings, the system delivers 61 FPS at 1080p, but this falls to 40 FPS at 1440p. While the 1440p Medium result is still technically playable, the 4K results are not. The minimum FPS recorded for Medium settings is 52 at 1080p, 34 at 1440p, and 19 at 4K. These minimum values indicate that frame pacing and stutter become more pronounced at higher resolutions, further reinforcing that the GPU is working at its limit. The overall pattern in the data shows that this combination is best suited for 1080p gaming, with 1440p being a stretch for higher settings and 4K generally out of reach for a smooth experience.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B390 is an integrated graphics processor based on the Xe3-LPG architecture, built on a 3 nm process. Its role in this system is to render all frames, and the benchmark data shows it is the decisive factor in performance. The GPU has a base clock of 300 MHz and a boost clock of 2500 MHz, with a TDP of 80 W. Its memory configuration is listed as "System Shared," meaning it relies on the system’s main memory for both capacity and bandwidth, which is described as "System Dependent." This shared memory architecture is a significant limitation, as the bandwidth available to the GPU is not dedicated and can be a bottleneck, especially at higher resolutions where more data needs to be moved.

The GPU’s compute resources include 1536 shading units, 48 texture mapping units, and 24 raster output units. It also features 12 ray tracing cores. The measured texture rate is 120.0 GTexel/s and the pixel rate is 60.00 GPixel/s. The FP32 performance is rated at 7.680 TFLOPS. These specifications, while seemingly modest for a desktop discrete GPU, are typical for an integrated solution. The Arc B390’s performance percentile versus all GPUs is 9, which places it in the lower echelon of graphics processors. Its average benchmark score from 3dmark Steel Nomad DX12 is 1482. When compared to its nearest rivals, it is only 1.3% ahead of the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX, 1.5% ahead of the GeForce 800M, 2.5% ahead of the GT 625 OEM, and 2.7% ahead of the GT 710. These are all older, low-end or integrated parts, confirming that the Arc B390 is not positioned for high-performance gaming.

The impact of the GPU is evident in the frame rates. At 1080p with Low settings, the 79 FPS average is the highest achieved. However, this is a far cry from what a dedicated mid-range GPU would deliver. The 4K Ultra result of 15 FPS is essentially unplayable, and even the 4K Low result of 28 FPS is below the threshold for a smooth experience. The GPU’s clock speeds, while reaching a high boost of 2500 MHz, cannot compensate for the limited memory bandwidth and the overall low compute throughput relative to modern gaming demands. The system shared memory means that the GPU’s performance will vary depending on the speed and configuration of the system’s DDR4 or DDR5 memory, making the results in this data set specific to the test configuration. The data shows that the Arc B390 is the primary constraint, and its capabilities define the playable envelope for this game.

CPU Role

The Intel Core i5-13400F is a 13th Generation Raptor Lake desktop processor with 10 cores and 16 threads. It has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The CPU’s cache configuration is substantial, with 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 20 MB of L3 cache. Its TDP is 65 W. In this system, the CPU’s role is to feed the GPU with draw calls and game logic, and the benchmark data suggests it is more than capable of doing so.

The CPU’s performance metrics are strong. Its average benchmark score is 25292, and it holds a percentile rank of 77 against all CPUs. In Cinebench R23, it scores 22604 in multi-core and 3191 in single-core. These are healthy numbers for a modern mid-range processor. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS, with a score of 25284 and a delta of 0%, and the Intel Core 5 120, with a score of 25362 and a delta of -0.3%. This indicates that the i5-13400F is right in the middle of its performance class, trading blows with other capable chips.

The evidence that the CPU is not the bottleneck comes from the scaling behavior. If the CPU were the limiting factor, we would expect to see frame rates that are similar across different resolutions, as the CPU’s workload would be the ceiling. Instead, we see a dramatic drop in FPS as resolution increases. At 1080p Low, the system produces 79 FPS, but at 4K Low, it produces only 28 FPS. This inverse relationship between resolution and frame rate is the classic signature of a GPU-limited scenario. The CPU is capable of producing frames faster than the GPU can render them, so the GPU becomes the wall.

Furthermore, the CPU’s 10 cores and 16 threads are sufficient for a 2016 Action RPG. The game’s engine is unlikely to be able to fully utilize all 16 threads, but the strong single-core performance of 3191 in Cinebench R23 ensures that the main game thread will have plenty of headroom. The CPU’s boost clock of 4.60 GHz on its performance cores provides the necessary speed for latency-sensitive tasks. In this configuration, the i5-13400F is not a limiting factor. The data supports the conclusion that the CPU has ample performance reserves, and its role is to provide a stable platform for the GPU. The bottleneck is clearly the Intel Arc B390, and any attempts to increase frame rates would need to focus on reducing the GPU’s workload.

How This Combo Ranks

The combination of the Intel Core i5-13400F and the Intel Arc B390 ranks 2500 out of 2825 tested combos for The Technomancer. This places it in the bottom 11.5% of all configurations tested, a ranking that is heavily influenced by the GPU’s limited performance. The rank is a direct reflection of the measured FPS data, which shows that this combo is only capable of playable frame rates at 1080p with lower settings.

The high rank number, 2500, indicates that a vast majority of other tested combos deliver better performance in this game. The combo’s position is not due to a weak CPU; the i5-13400F is a solid performer. Instead, it is the Arc B390’s low GPU percentile rank of 9 that drags the overall combo down. The GPU’s benchmark score of 1482 and its close proximity to very old parts like the GeForce GT 710 and GT 520MX highlight its position at the bottom of the GPU hierarchy. A system with this CPU and a more powerful discrete GPU would rank significantly higher, as the CPU has the headroom to support much faster graphics cards.

The data shows that the combo is not well-suited for a demanding title like The Technomancer, even though the game is from 2016. The rank of 2500 out of 2825 is a clear indicator that users of this configuration will have to make significant compromises in terms of resolution and visual quality to achieve a playable experience. The combo is more suited for older or less demanding titles, but for this specific game, its performance is at the lower end of the spectrum. The measured data confirms that this is a GPU-bound pairing, where the CPU’s capabilities are largely untapped.

FAQ

Q: What is the best resolution to play The Technomancer with this combo?

A: The measured data shows that 1920x1080 is the only resolution where the combo achieves consistently playable frame rates. The average FPS at 1080p ranges from 40 to 79 depending on the preset, while 1440p ranges from 26 to 52 and 4K ranges from 15 to 28.

Q: How does the Intel Arc B390 compare to other GPUs in terms of benchmark scores?

A: The Arc B390 has an average benchmark score of 1482. Its nearest rivals are the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX with a score of 1463 and a delta of 1.3%, the GeForce 800M with a score of 1460 and a delta of 1.5%, and the GT 625 OEM with a score of 1446 and a delta of 2.5%.

Q: Is the Intel Core i5-13400F a bottleneck for the Intel Arc B390 in this game?

A: No, the data indicates the CPU is not the limiting factor. The frame rate drops significantly as resolution increases, which is a classic sign of a GPU bottleneck. The i5-13400F has an average benchmark score of 25292 and a percentile rank of 77, showing it has sufficient performance headroom.

Q: What is the measured FPS at 1440p Medium settings?

A: At 2560x1440 with Medium settings, the combo achieves an average FPS of 40, with a minimum FPS of 34 and a maximum FPS of 46.

Q: What are the core and clock specifications of the CPU?

A: The Intel Core i5-13400F has 10 cores and 16 threads. Its base clock is 2.50 GHz and its boost clock is 4.60 GHz. It has a 20 MB shared L3 cache.

Q: Does the GPU have its own dedicated memory?

A: No, the Intel Arc B390 uses "System Shared" memory. Its memory size, type, and bus width are all listed as "System Shared," and its bandwidth is listed as "System Dependent," meaning it relies on the system’s main memory.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The following is the complete measured FPS data for The Technomancer with the Intel Core i5-13400F and Intel Arc B390.

At 1920x1080, the results are as follows:

• Low Settings: Average FPS is 79. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.
• Medium Settings: Average FPS is 61. The minimum FPS is 52 and the maximum FPS is 70.
• High Settings: Average FPS is 52. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.
• Ultra Settings: Average FPS is 40. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.

At 2560x1440, the results are as follows:

• Low Settings: Average FPS is 52. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.
• Medium Settings: Average FPS is 40. The minimum FPS is 34 and the maximum FPS is 46.
• High Settings: Average FPS is 34. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.
• Ultra Settings: Average FPS is 26. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.

At 3840x2160, the results are as follows:

• Low Settings: Average FPS is 28. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.
• Medium Settings: Average FPS is 22. The minimum FPS is 19 and the maximum FPS is 25.
• High Settings: Average FPS is 19. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.
• Ultra Settings: Average FPS is 15. No minimum or maximum FPS was recorded.

The data shows a clear hierarchy. The 1080p Low setting is the only configuration that breaks the 60 FPS barrier, achieving 79 FPS. The 1080p Medium and High settings are playable, with averages of 61 and 52 FPS respectively. The 1080p Ultra setting drops to 40 FPS. At 1440p, all settings are below 60 FPS, with Low at 52 FPS and High at 34 FPS. The 4K results are uniformly low, with the highest average being 28 FPS at Low settings. The minimum FPS data points, particularly the 19 FPS minimum at 4K Medium, suggest that the experience at 4K will involve significant frame drops and stuttering. The maximum FPS values, such as 70 at 1080p Medium, show that the system can hit higher frame rates in less demanding scenes, but the averages are more representative of the overall experience.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combo are at 1920x1080 resolution. The data shows that the 1080p Medium preset provides the best balance of visual quality and performance. It achieves an average FPS of 61, which is above the 60 FPS target for smooth gameplay. The minimum FPS of 52 is still comfortable, and the maximum of 70 indicates there is some headroom. This preset offers a significant improvement in visual fidelity over Low settings while maintaining a solid frame rate.

For users who prioritize a higher frame rate over visual quality, the 1080p Low preset is the best choice. It delivers an average of 79 FPS, which is the highest measured for this configuration. This setting will provide the most responsive experience and is ideal for fast-paced action. However, it will look noticeably worse than Medium or High.

The 1080p High preset is also viable, with an average of 52 FPS. This is a playable frame rate for a single-player Action RPG, though it is not as fluid as the 60 FPS achieved with Medium. The 1080p Ultra preset, with an average of 40 FPS, is at the lower edge of playability and may be preferred by users who value visual effects over frame rate stability.

At 1440p, the data suggests that only the Low preset, with an average of 52 FPS, offers a remotely smooth experience. The Medium preset at 1440p has an average of 40 FPS, which is playable but with more noticeable stutter. The High and Ultra presets at 1440p, with averages of 34 and 26 FPS respectively, are not recommended for a good gameplay experience. At 4K, no preset is recommended, as even the Low preset only achieves an average of 28 FPS, which is below the threshold for comfortable play. The best experience per the measured rows is unequivocally at 1080p with the Medium preset, as it is the highest quality setting that maintains an average above 60 FPS.