SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i3-12100TE + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090

Get a comprehensive performance analysis of your gaming rig with detailed benchmarks, bottleneck detection, and upgrade recommendations

Build Configuration

Select your components

PROCESSOR (CPU)

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GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

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84 Score

Top 16% Ranking

84 / 100

HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 16% of systems. Excellent for 1440p Ultra or 4K High gaming.

1440p Ultra4K High

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio

CPU Bottleneck

CPU

70%

GPU

98%

Your CPU is limiting system performance. Consider upgrading to a faster processor to better utilize your GPU.

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i3-12100TE

2,475 Benchmark Score

Top 30% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090

79,842 Benchmark Score

Top 2% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

Market Position

How your build compares to others

Budget

0-30

Mid-Range

30-60

High-End

60-85

Enthusiast

85-100

Your Build

Game Performance Benchmarks

Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles

View All Games →

Performance Insights

Tips to maximize your system

Strong Performance

Excellent for 1440p gaming. Most games will run at high/ultra settings smoothly.

Bottleneck Detected

CPU Bottleneck - Upgrading the weaker component will improve overall performance.

Compatible Games See what you can play Compare CPUs Find upgrades Compare GPUs Find upgrades

Performance Tiers Explained

90-100

Ultimate

4K Ultra gaming, VR ready, ray tracing enabled, professional workloads

4K 60+ FPS VR Ready

70-89

High-End

1440p Ultra or 4K High settings, excellent for modern AAA titles

1440p Ultra 4K High

50-69

Mid-Range

1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium, great value for most gamers

1080p Ultra 1440p Med

30-49

Entry Level

1080p Medium settings, suitable for eSports and older titles

1080p Med eSports

0-29

Legacy

Basic gaming, older titles, consider upgrading for modern games

720p-1080p Low Older Games

The pairing of the Intel Core i3-12100TE with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is a study in extremes, creating a desktop configuration where the GPU's massive computational lead is perpetually waiting on a modest, power-efficient processor. Benchmark data shows a combined percentile of 71, placing this system above the majority of configurations, but the component-level disparity is stark: the CPU sits at the 49th percentile while the GPU commands the 92nd percentile. This is not a balanced performer; it is a specialized tool where the graphics card dominates the workload, and the CPU serves primarily as a functional gateway rather than a driving force.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i3-12100TE is a 4-core, 8-thread processor based on the Alder Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process. It operates with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz, all within a 35 W TDP. This low power envelope is a defining characteristic, positioning the chip for efficiency-constrained systems rather than high-performance desktops. The processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory via a dual-channel bus and provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, ensuring modern connectivity standards are available even in this entry-level core configuration.

The benchmark scores reflect a processor that is competent for everyday tasks but not built for heavy multi-threaded lifting. In Cinebench R23, the CPU scores 8558 points in multi-core and 1208 points in single-core. The single-core result is respectable for a 4.00 GHz boost clock, indicating solid responsiveness in lightly-threaded applications. However, the multi-core score reveals the limitation of physical core count; with only 4 cores, heavily parallel workloads will struggle. The Cinebench R20 results (3594 multi-core, 507 single-core) and R15 results (862 multi-core, 121 single-core) follow the same pattern, confirming a consistent performance profile across different rendering tests.

The average benchmark score of 2475 places this CPU in the 49th percentile of all processors, meaning it is statistically average in the broader market. Its nearest rivals, such as the Intel Core i5-8600 (avg score 2454, deltaPct 0.8) and the Intel Xeon D-1540 (avg score 2467, deltaPct 0.3), show that the i3-12100TE is essentially performance-equivalent to older 6-core desktop parts in aggregate benchmarks. The data indicates that while the architecture is modern, the core and thread count limits its ability to pull away from older, higher-core-count designs. For real workloads, this means the CPU is adequate for office productivity, web browsing, and light coding, but it will be the definitive bottleneck in any scenario demanding substantial multi-core processing, such as video rendering or complex simulations.

FAQ

Q: What is the combined performance percentile of this CPU and GPU pairing?

A: The build holds a combined percentile of 71, indicating it outperforms 71% of all recorded configurations in the database.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rivals in average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100TE has an average benchmark score of 2475. It is 0.3% ahead of the Intel Xeon D-1540 (2467) and 0.8% ahead of the Intel Core i5-8600 (2454), but 0.7% behind the Intel Core i5-9500T (2493) and 0.9% behind the Intel Core i5-1155G7 (2496).

Q: What is the GPU's memory bandwidth and capacity?

A: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 features 32 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus, delivering a bandwidth of 1.79 TB/s.

Q: What is the power draw of the GPU and what PSU is suggested?

A: The GPU has a TDP of 575 W, and the suggested PSU for the system is 950 W.

Q: Does this configuration have measured FPS data for games?

A: No, the data set contains no measured FPS rows for this exact CPU and GPU combination.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the CPU and GPU?

A: The CPU has a launch MSRP of $125, and the GPU has a launch MSRP of 1,999 USD.

Q: What is the GPU's single-core and multi-core performance percentile?

A: The GPU is in the 92nd percentile of all GPUs, while the CPU is in the 49th percentile of all CPUs.

Usage Scenarios

High-Refresh Gaming: The RTX 5090 is engineered for extreme frame rates, and its 92nd percentile ranking confirms its top-tier status. However, the i3-12100TE's 49th percentile standing suggests it may struggle to feed the GPU in CPU-bound scenarios, potentially limiting performance in esports titles at high refresh rates. The GPU's raw power is undeniable, but the CPU's single-core score of 1208 in Cinebench R23 indicates it can handle standard gaming loads, though it may not sustain the highest possible FPS in all titles.

Streaming: Streaming requires both a strong CPU for encoding and a powerful GPU for rendering the game. The RTX 5090's tensor cores are capable of handling encoding tasks, which can offload work from the CPU. The i3-12100TE's 4 cores are sufficient for basic streaming overlays and light multitasking, but its low multi-core score of 8558 in Cinebench R23 means it will struggle with concurrent game streaming and other background applications. The GPU's capabilities mitigate this, but the CPU remains a weak link for a smooth streaming experience.

Video Editing: Video editing software often benefits from GPU acceleration, and the RTX 5090's 104.8 TFLOPS of FP32 performance will accelerate effects and rendering significantly. However, timeline scrubbing and export processes also rely on CPU performance. The i3-12100TE's multi-core score of 8558 in Cinebench R23 is below average, indicating that export times will be longer than on systems with higher-core-count processors. The GPU accelerates the process, but the CPU will be the primary limiter in complex editing workflows.

3D Rendering: This workload is heavily parallel, favoring CPUs with many cores. The i3-12100TE's 4 cores and 8558-point multi-core score in Cinebench R23 are a poor match for tasks like Blender or V-Ray CPU rendering. The RTX 5090, however, can be used for GPU rendering, bypassing the CPU's weakness. The GPU's 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 18355 indicates exceptional graphics performance, making GPU-accelerated rendering the only viable path for serious 3D work on this system.

Software Development: Compilation times are sensitive to multi-core performance. The i3-12100TE's 8 threads will compile code at a moderate pace, but its average benchmark score of 2475 means it is not a speed demon. For light scripting or web development, the CPU is more than adequate. For large C++ projects or full system builds, developers will notice the CPU's limitations, though the fast storage and memory options available on the platform can help mitigate some delays.

Student and Office Work: This is where the pairing makes the most sense. The i3-12100TE's 35 W TDP ensures low power consumption, and its 1208 single-core score in Cinebench R23 is more than enough for word processing, spreadsheets, and web research. The RTX 5090 is overkill for these tasks, but it does not hinder them. The system will be highly responsive in everyday applications, and the massive 32 GB VRAM buffer is irrelevant for this workload, making this a very expensive but functional office machine.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The platform is built around the Intel Socket 1700, which supports the Core 12th Gen series. The CPU supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving builders flexibility, though the dual-channel bus means bandwidth is limited compared to high-end platforms. The CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, allowing for fast NVMe storage and the RTX 5090's PCIe 5.0 x16 interface. The motherboard choice will dictate memory type and VRM quality, but the socket is a mature platform with many options.

The most logical upgrade for this system would be the CPU. The i3-12100TE, with its 4 cores, is the primary bottleneck. A user could upgrade to a higher-core-count Alder Lake processor on the same socket, which would dramatically improve multi-threaded performance without changing the platform. The RTX 5090 has a TDP of 575 W, and the suggested PSU is 950 W, which provides significant headroom for a more power-hungry CPU. The current 35 W TDP CPU is far below the PSU's capacity, meaning a future CPU upgrade with a much higher TDP would still be well within the power supply's capabilities. The GPU's 1x 16-pin power connector should be compatible with modern ATX 3.0 power supplies, ensuring a clean upgrade path for the processor.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is a monolithic powerhouse built on the Blackwell 2.0 architecture and manufactured on TSMC's 5 nm process. The chip, designated GB202, contains 92,200 million transistors on a 750 mm² die. It features 21,760 shading units, 680 texture mapping units, and 176 render output units. The core operates at a base clock of 2017 MHz and boosts up to 2407 MHz. The memory subsystem is exceptionally robust, with 32 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus, yielding a bandwidth of 1.79 TB/s.

The GPU's benchmark scores are nothing short of dominant. It achieves a Passmark G3D score of 39,650 and a Geekbench Vulkan score of 376,728, placing it in the 92nd percentile of all GPUs. Its average benchmark score of 79,842 is nearly identical to the NVIDIA Tesla P100 PCIe 16 GB (79,605, deltaPct 0.3), indicating it trades blows with a high-end compute card. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 18,355 further confirms its gaming and rendering prowess. The RTX 5090's 170 RT cores and 680 tensor cores provide dedicated hardware for ray tracing and AI workloads, and its FP32 throughput of 104.8 TFLOPS is staggering for a consumer card. The pixel rate of 423.6 GPixel/s and texture rate of 1,636.8 GTexel/s ensure that it can fill frames and apply complex textures without breaking a sweat.

Who Should Build It

This system is for a narrow audience: users who demand absolute maximum GPU performance and are willing to accept a weak CPU. The primary target is a gamer or content creator who plays at 4K resolution or uses GPU-accelerated rendering exclusively. At 4K, the GPU is often the bottleneck, and the RTX 5090's 92nd percentile performance ensures it will deliver maximum frame rates in the most demanding titles. The CPU's 49th percentile ranking will be less impactful at this resolution, as the load shifts to the GPU.

Content creators who rely on GPU-accelerated workflows, such as DaVinci Resolve or Blender Cycles with OptiX, will see massive benefits from the RTX 5090's 104.8 TFLOPS of compute power. For these users, the CPU is merely a controller, and the i3-12100TE is sufficient to manage the data flow. Software developers who work on GPU compute or machine learning projects will also find the RTX 5090's tensor cores and 32 GB of VRAM invaluable. However, students and office workers should not consider this build; the CPU is adequate for their tasks, but the GPU's cost and power draw are entirely unnecessary for document editing or web browsing. Small business workstations that require CUDA acceleration for specific applications could benefit, but the overall system is unbalanced for general professional use.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU benchmarks show a consistent, average performance profile. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 8558 and single-core score of 1208 are typical for a 4-core Alder Lake chip. The Cinebench R20 scores of 3594 and 507, and R15 scores of 862 and 121, follow the same pattern. The CPU's average benchmark score is 2475, placing it in the 49th percentile, with nearest rivals including the Intel Core i5-8600 (deltaPct 0.8) and the Intel Core i5-9500T (deltaPct -0.7).

The GPU benchmarks are exceptional. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score is 18,355. The Geekbench OpenCL score is 334,370, and the Vulkan score is 376,728. Passmark results vary by API, with DirectX 11 scoring 341 and DirectX 12 scoring 185, while the G3D score is 39,650 and GPU Compute is 26,756. The GPU's average benchmark score is 79,842, placing it in the 92nd percentile, with nearest rivals like the AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (deltaPct 1.1) and the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 64X (deltaPct -1.4). The combined picture is one of extreme imbalance: a top-tier GPU paired with a mid-pack CPU. The combined percentile of 71 is pulled up almost entirely by the GPU's high ranking.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build pairing the Intel Core i3-12100TE with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090. The CPU is a low-power (35 W TDP), 4-core Alder Lake part, while the GPU is a 575 W, 32 GB GDDR7 monster. The build's overall tier, based on the combined percentile of 71, is above average, but this is entirely due to the GPU's performance. The CPU is a bottleneck in most CPU-bound tasks, but the system is exceptionally capable in GPU-accelerated workloads. This is not a balanced general-purpose PC; it is a specialized configuration for users who prioritize graphics performance above all else.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data clearly identifies the CPU as the primary bottleneck. The CPU is in the 49th percentile, while the GPU is in the 92nd percentile, creating a massive performance gap. In CPU-bound workloads, such as 3D rendering with the CPU or complex physics simulations, the i3-12100TE's 4 cores will limit performance, preventing the system from utilizing the RTX 5090's full potential. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 8558 is low, and any task that relies on this metric will be slow.

Conversely, in GPU-bound workloads, such as 4K gaming or GPU rendering, the RTX 5090 will operate near its maximum capacity. The CPU's single-core score of 1208 in Cinebench R23 is sufficient to feed the GPU in most scenarios at high resolutions, where the GPU is the limiting factor. The FPS scaling in games will be heavily dependent on the resolution and game title. At 1080p, the CPU will likely limit frame rates. At 4K, the GPU will be the primary driver. Since there is no measured FPS data, these conclusions are estimated from the benchmark scores, but the percentile disparity makes the bottleneck direction clear. The system is balanced only in the sense that the GPU's strengths can compensate for the CPU's weakness in specific, GPU-accelerated tasks.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i3-12100TE + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090

Power Build

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i3-12100TE

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Strong Performance

Bottleneck Detected

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

FAQ

Usage Scenarios

Upgrade Path and Platform

GPU Analysis

Who Should Build It

Benchmark Performance

Build Overview

Balance and Bottleneck

4K Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

1440p Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

1080p Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

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