Undisputed

The Intel Core i5-14600K paired with the Intel Arc B370 produces a highly constrained gaming experience in Undisputed, where the data reveals a system that is firmly bottlenecked by its graphics solution. The measured frames per second (FPS) across all resolutions and settings tell a clear story of a processor with substantial headroom that is never fully utilized, while the GPU struggles to maintain smooth gameplay even at lower graphical presets. This analysis breaks down the performance metrics from the FACT PACK to show exactly where the limits lie and what the data suggests for users of this combination.

Resolution Scaling

The FPS data across the three tested resolutions provides a textbook illustration of GPU-bound scaling. At 1080p with Low settings, the system achieves an average of 115 FPS. When the resolution is increased to 1440p at the same Low preset, the average drops to 83 FPS, a decrease of 32 FPS. Moving up to 4K at Low settings further reduces the average to 52 FPS, marking another 31 FPS loss. This pattern of significant performance degradation with each resolution step is a primary indicator that the rendering workload is overwhelming the graphics processor, rather than the CPU.

The trend becomes even more pronounced at higher graphical presets. At High settings, the system delivers 68 FPS at 1080p, but this falls to 49 FPS at 1440p and then to 31 FPS at 4K. The scaling from 1080p to 4K at High settings represents a loss of 37 FPS, or roughly 54% of the 1080p performance. This substantial drop-off when increasing pixel count is a classic sign that the GPU's fill rate and shading capabilities are the limiting factors. The CPU is not the constraint here; if it were, we would expect to see a smaller performance delta between resolutions, as the CPU's workload would remain relatively constant while the GPU's workload scales with pixel count.

The data shows that the Arc B370's performance curve is steeply negative as resolution climbs. For instance, at Medium settings, the system manages 83 FPS at 1080p, but only 60 FPS at 1440p and a mere 38 FPS at 4K. The 4K result at Medium is particularly telling, as it falls below the 40 FPS threshold that many consider the minimum for playable, non-twitch gameplay. Even at Low settings, the 4K average of 52 FPS is not consistently smooth, suggesting that the GPU is operating near its absolute limits at this resolution. The data indicates that 1080p is the only resolution where this combo can approach high refresh rates, and only at the cost of lower graphical settings.

CPU Role

The Intel Core i5-14600K is a 14-core, 20-thread processor based on the Raptor Lake architecture, with a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. Its benchmark results are robust, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24491 and a single-core score of 2064. In the broader context, this CPU sits in the 90th percentile of all processors tested, and its average benchmark score of 48618 places it in close competition with the Intel Xeon Gold 5318H, which scores 48698 (a delta of -0.2%), and the AMD EPYC 4345P, which scores 48470 (a delta of 0.3%). These figures establish the i5-14600K as a high-performance part with significant multi-threaded and single-threaded capability.

However, the measured FPS data in Undisputed suggests that this CPU power is largely untapped. The most direct evidence is the FPS scaling pattern discussed previously. A CPU-bound scenario would typically show similar FPS numbers across different resolutions, as the CPU's frame preparation time would be the bottleneck. Here, we see FPS drop dramatically with each resolution increase, which means the GPU is failing to keep up with the CPU's output. At 1080p Low, the 115 FPS average is likely close to the CPU's maximum frame generation limit in this game, but as the resolution rises, the GPU's rendering time increases, and the CPU is left waiting for the graphics card to finish its work.

The processor's 24 MB of shared L3 cache and dual-channel memory support are more than adequate for a sports title like Undisputed. The high boost clock of 5.30 GHz is also beneficial for the single-threaded tasks that often dominate game logic and physics. Yet, none of this can compensate for the GPU's limitations. The data shows that the i5-14600K is not the source of the performance bottleneck. It is a capable component that is being held back by its pairing. The system's ranking in this game, which places it at 2592 out of 2813 tested combos, further underscores that the performance is not representative of what this CPU can achieve when paired with a more powerful graphics card.

GPU Role

The Intel Arc B370 is an integrated graphics processor (IGP) with a 25 W TDP, based on the Xe3-LPG architecture and built on a 3 nm process. Its specifications are modest, featuring 1280 shading units, 40 texture mapping units, and 20 render output units. The memory is listed as "System Shared," meaning it relies on the system's main memory rather than dedicated VRAM, and its bandwidth is "System Dependent." The GPU's benchmark results are extremely low; it scores 1184 in 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, placing it in the 5th percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals in this benchmark include the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5570, which scores 1186 (a delta of -0.2%), and the AMD Radeon HD 7650M, which scores 1192 (a delta of -0.7%). This places the Arc B370 in a performance tier that is nearly two decades old.

This limited GPU performance is the primary driver of the FPS numbers seen in the measured data. The FP32 throughput of 6.144 TFLOPS and a pixel rate of 48.00 GPixel/s are simply too low to handle the demands of modern game rendering at high resolutions and detail levels. At 1080p Ultra, the system averages only 44 FPS, which is below the standard for smooth gameplay. At 4K Ultra, the average plummets to 20 FPS, which is essentially unplayable. These figures are not a reflection of the CPU's capabilities; they are a direct consequence of the Arc B370's inability to process the required number of pixels and shader operations in a timely manner.

The data shows that the GPU's role is to be the definitive performance limiter. With a boost clock of 2400 MHz and a base clock of 300 MHz, the GPU is running at its maximum speed but still cannot deliver acceptable frame rates at higher settings. The lack of dedicated VRAM and reliance on system memory further compounds the issue, as memory bandwidth is a critical factor in high-resolution gaming. The system's performance at 4K High (31 FPS) and 4K Medium (38 FPS) highlights that even reducing the graphical load does not bring the GPU into a comfortable performance range. The Arc B370 is simply not designed for the demands of Undisputed at these resolutions and settings.

Settings Recommendations

Based on the measured FPS data, the optimal settings for this combination depend heavily on the user's target resolution and tolerance for frame rate dips. The data provides a clear hierarchy of performance across presets and resolutions.

For 1080p gaming, the Medium preset offers the best balance. The system achieves an average of 83 FPS with a minimum of 70 FPS and a maximum of 95 FPS. This is a smooth, playable experience that stays comfortably above the 60 FPS threshold. While the Low preset yields a higher average of 115 FPS, the visual quality trade-off is significant, and the Medium preset's minimum FPS of 70 ensures that even intense gameplay moments will not cause noticeable stuttering. The High preset at 1080p (68 FPS) is also viable, but its average is already lower than the Medium preset's minimum, making it a riskier choice for maintaining consistent frame times. The Ultra preset at 1080p (44 FPS) is not recommended, as it falls below the 60 FPS target.

At 1440p, the options are more limited. The Low preset provides an average of 83 FPS, which is good, but the visual fidelity will be noticeably reduced. The Medium preset averages 60 FPS with a minimum of 51 FPS and a maximum of 69 FPS. This is borderline playable, but the minimum FPS indicates that there will be instances where the frame rate dips below the 60 FPS mark. The High preset at 1440p (49 FPS) is not recommended for a smooth experience, and the Ultra preset (32 FPS) is unplayable. For 1440p, the Low preset is the only one that guarantees a consistently high frame rate, while Medium is a compromise that may be acceptable for users who prioritize visual quality over absolute smoothness.

For 4K gaming, the situation is dire. The Low preset is the only one that achieves an average above 30 FPS, with a score of 52 FPS. This is technically playable but will not feel smooth. The Medium preset (38 FPS) and High preset (31 FPS) are below the 40 FPS threshold, and the Ultra preset (20 FPS) is not viable. The data suggests that 4K is not a recommended resolution for this hardware combination, as even the lowest settings struggle to maintain a stable frame rate.

FAQ

Q: Is the Intel Core i5-14600K or the Intel Arc B370 the limiting factor in this system?

A: The data clearly identifies the Intel Arc B370 as the bottleneck. This is evident from the FPS scaling: when resolution increases from 1080p to 4K, performance drops significantly (e.g., from 115 FPS to 52 FPS at Low settings), indicating the GPU is overwhelmed. The CPU's high benchmark scores (90th percentile) show it has ample headroom that is not being utilized.

*Q: Can this system play Undisputed at 4K Ultra settings?*

A: No. The measured average FPS at 3840x2160 with Ultra settings is 20 FPS, which is far below the threshold for playable gameplay. This is a direct result of the GPU's low performance, as it ranks in the 5th percentile of all GPUs.

Q: What is the best settings preset for 1080p gaming with this combo?

A: The Medium preset at 1920x1080 is the recommended choice. It provides an average of 83 FPS, with a minimum of 70 FPS and a maximum of 95 FPS, offering a smooth experience without the significant visual compromises of the Low preset.

Q: How does the Intel Arc B370 compare to its nearest rivals in terms of raw GPU score?

A: The Arc B370's 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1184 is nearly identical to its closest competitors. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5570 scores 1186 (-0.2% delta), the ATI Radeon HD 5770 scores 1190 (-0.5% delta), and the AMD Radeon HD 7650M scores 1192 (-0.7% delta). This shows the GPU is in a very low performance tier.

Q: Does the CPU's performance change the outcome at different resolutions?

A: No. The CPU's performance is consistently high, but the FPS results are dictated by the GPU. For instance, the CPU's Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 24491, yet the system still only manages 31 FPS at 4K High. This indicates that the CPU is not the constraint.

Q: Is the 1440p Medium preset a good option for this system?

A: It is a borderline option. The average FPS is 60, but the minimum FPS is 51, meaning the game will sometimes run below 60 FPS. For users who prefer visual quality over a rock-solid frame rate, it is acceptable, but the Low preset at 1440p (83 FPS) is a safer choice for smoother performance.

Measured FPS Breakdown

The following section details the exact measured average FPS values for each resolution and settings preset combination, as provided in the data.

1920x1080 (1080p):

• Low: Average 115 FPS.
• Medium: Average 83 FPS, with a minimum of 70 FPS and a maximum of 95 FPS.
• High: Average 68 FPS.
• Ultra: Average 44 FPS.

2560x1440 (1440p):

• Low: Average 83 FPS.
• Medium: Average 60 FPS, with a minimum of 51 FPS and a maximum of 69 FPS.
• High: Average 49 FPS.
• Ultra: Average 32 FPS.

3840x2160 (4K):

• Low: Average 52 FPS.
• Medium: Average 38 FPS, with a minimum of 32 FPS and a maximum of 43 FPS.
• High: Average 31 FPS.
• Ultra: Average 20 FPS.

The data shows a clear and consistent pattern: performance scales directly with the graphical workload, and the system's ability to maintain high frame rates diminishes rapidly as resolution and settings increase. The 1080p Medium and Low presets are the only configurations that provide an average FPS above 80, while the 4K Ultra preset is the lowest performer at 20 FPS.

How This Combo Ranks

In the specific benchmark for Undisputed, this combination of the Intel Core i5-14600K and Intel Arc B370 is ranked 2592 out of 2813 tested combos. This places it in the bottom 8% of all systems tested, a position that is almost entirely attributable to the graphics card. The CPU's individual performance is not the issue, as it holds a 90th percentile ranking against all other CPUs.

The combo's ranking is a direct reflection of the GPU's limitations. The Arc B370's 3DMark score of 1184 places it in the 5th percentile of all GPUs, and its nearest rivals are all legacy or low-power parts. When this GPU is paired with a high-end CPU like the i5-14600K, the result is a severely unbalanced system. The CPU's potential is wasted because the GPU cannot translate its processing power into higher frame rates. The data shows that the system's performance in Undisputed is poor, and the ranking serves as a clear indicator that this hardware pairing is not suited for demanding gaming scenarios. The high CPU score and low GPU score create a significant performance gap that cannot be overcome by any settings adjustment, as the GPU is the definitive limiting factor in every measured configuration.