SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i3-12300 + NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

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

86 / 100
HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 14% of systems. Excellent for 1440p Ultra or 4K High gaming.

1440p Ultra4K High

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
CPU Bottleneck
CPU
73%
VS
GPU
99%

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

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i3-12300

3,532 Benchmark Score
Top 27% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

117,088 Benchmark Score
Top 1% 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 Intel Core i3-12300 and NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation form a desktop pairing that targets a specific niche: high-efficiency professional workstations and compact builds. The data shows a combined percentile of 75, placing this configuration in the upper quartile of all tested hardware combinations. This pairing is defined by a stark contrast in component tiers; the CPU sits at the 55th percentile among all CPUs, while the GPU ranks at the 95th percentile among all GPUs. This asymmetry is the defining characteristic of the build, making it a platform where graphical and compute-heavy tasks will heavily outweigh CPU-bound workloads in performance headroom.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i3-12300 is a 4-core, 8-thread processor based on the Alder Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process. It features a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, with a 60 W TDP. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 12 MB L3 cache. This is a locked multiplier part, indicated by `multiplierUnlocked: false`, meaning overclocking is not supported.

Benchmark results place this CPU in a specific performance tier. In Cinebench R23, it scores 1724 points in single-core and 12211 points in multi-core. The multi-core score is particularly telling for a 4-core part; it demonstrates strong scaling efficiency. The average benchmark score of 3532 places it at the 55th percentile globally. The nearest rivals are instructive: the Intel Xeon W-1290TE and Intel Core i5-10600K both score 3532 and 3533, respectively, with a 0% deltaPct. This means the i3-12300 effectively trades blows with older 10th-generation 6-core processors (like the i5-10600K) in aggregate performance.

For real workloads, the single-core performance is exceptional. The R23 single-core score of 1724 is a high-water mark for this class of processor, ensuring snappy responsiveness in everyday tasks and strong performance in lightly-threaded applications. The multi-core score, while lower than higher-core-count rivals, is sufficient for moderate parallel workloads. The data suggests that the CPU will be the limiting factor in heavily multi-threaded scenarios like 3D rendering, but it will not hold back gaming or general productivity tasks. The 55th percentile ranking confirms this is a mid-pack CPU, not a high-end compute engine.

Balance and Bottleneck

The performance asymmetry between the CPU and GPU creates a predictable bottleneck profile. The CPU’s average benchmark score is 3532, while the GPU’s average score is 117088. This massive delta indicates that in GPU-accelerated tasks, the CPU is unlikely to be the limiting factor. However, in CPU-bound tasks, the GPU will be severely underutilized.

The data shows the CPU is at the 55th percentile and the GPU is at the 95th percentile. This means in gaming at lower resolutions or with low graphical settings, the i3-12300 could struggle to keep up with the RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation, capping frame rates. Conversely, in GPU-intensive workloads like 4K rendering or machine learning inference, the GPU will dominate the frame time or compute time. The 60 W TDP of the CPU and the 70 W TDP of the GPU suggest a balanced power draw, but the performance headroom is entirely on the GPU side. The Intel Core i3-12300T, a lower-power variant, scores 3525, just 0.2% lower, indicating that the standard i3-12300 is already near the efficiency ceiling for this architecture. The bottleneck is clear: the CPU is the constraining factor for high-FPS, CPU-bound scenarios, while the GPU provides the headroom for everything else.

Usage Scenarios

High-Refresh Gaming: The RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation is a top-tier GPU (95th percentile), but the i3-12300 is not. At 1080p or 1440p with high refresh rates, the CPU's 4 cores may limit frame rates in esports titles or games with heavy simulation logic. The data suggests the GPU can push very high frame rates, but the CPU's 55th percentile ranking may prevent it from hitting the highest possible FPS marks. This is a capable gaming system, but not an optimal one for extreme refresh rates.

Streaming: The GPU supports hardware encoding via its Ada Lovelace architecture, which offloads the streaming workload from the CPU. The CPU’s 8 threads can handle the game logic and streaming overhead, but the 4 cores may be a limitation if the game is also CPU-intensive. The x264 encoder preset would need to be tuned, but the GPU-based NVENC (implied by the architecture) would provide a smoother experience.

Video Editing: This is a strong scenario. The GPU’s 20 GB of VRAM and high compute throughput (19.17 TFLOPS FP32) will accelerate effects, rendering, and color grading significantly. The CPU’s single-core strength (1724 in R23) will keep the timeline responsive. Multi-core tasks like exporting can be slower than higher-core CPUs, but the GPU acceleration in modern editors compensates heavily.

3D Rendering: The CPU is the bottleneck here. With a multi-core score of 12211 in R23, it is far behind 8-core or 12-core rivals. For CPU-based rendering engines, this system will be slow. However, for GPU-accelerated renderers (like Octane or Redshift), the RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation is exceptional, offering high-end performance that will drastically reduce render times.

Software Development: The 4-core/8-thread configuration is adequate for compilation tasks, but not stellar. The single-core speed ensures fast navigation and IDE responsiveness. Large codebases with parallel builds will take longer than on higher-core-count CPUs. The 20 GB GPU memory is useful for running local virtual machines or certain development tools, but the CPU is the limiting factor for heavy compilation.

Student and Office Work: This system is overkill for standard office tasks, but it is not inefficient. The i3-12300’s single-core performance ensures snappy application launches and multitasking. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 is available, but the discrete GPU will be used for any graphics acceleration. The 60 W CPU TDP and 70 W GPU TDP mean the system is quiet and cool, making it a comfortable workstation for a dorm room or small office, though the high-end GPU is unnecessary for spreadsheets and documents.

Who Should Build It

The data indicates this build is for professionals who need massive GPU compute power in a small, low-power form factor but do not require high-end CPU multi-threading. The target user is a content creator working with video or 3D graphics, where the GPU is the primary accelerator. The 95th percentile GPU ranking supports this. The 55th percentile CPU ranking means the user should not be a heavy CPU renderer or a data scientist running CPU-bound simulations.

Specifically, this suits video editors using GPU-accelerated timelines, 3D artists using GPU renderers, and machine learning engineers running inference or small-scale training models. The 20 GB VRAM and 280.0 GB/s bandwidth are suited for large textures and datasets. Students in engineering or design fields would benefit from the GPU power, but may find the CPU limiting for complex simulation software. Small business workstations requiring CUDA acceleration for tasks like architectural visualization or product design would also find this pairing appropriate, provided the software is GPU-accelerated. For gamers, this is a 1440p or 4K gaming machine, not a 1080p esports machine, due to the CPU bottleneck.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The platform is based on Intel Socket 1700, which supports the Alder Lake architecture. The CPU supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, with a dual-channel memory bus. The PCIe interface is Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU, while the GPU uses a PCIe 4.0 x16 interface. This means the system is ready for modern storage and expansion cards.

The TDP figures are low: the CPU is 60 W, and the GPU is 70 W. The suggested PSU for the GPU is 250 W, indicating that a modest power supply is sufficient. The data shows the GPU has no power connectors, drawing power directly from the PCIe slot, which simplifies cabling. A sensible next upgrade would be to replace the CPU with a higher-core-count Alder Lake or Raptor Lake processor (that fits the LGA 1700 socket) to alleviate the CPU bottleneck in multi-threaded tasks. The existing DDR4 or DDR5 memory can be carried over, and the 250 W PSU headroom (based on the GPU's suggested PSU) leaves ample room for a more power-hungry CPU, though the exact wattage of a new CPU would need to be checked against the PSU. The motherboard is the key upgrade path; ensure it has a robust VRM to handle a higher-end CPU.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS rows exist for this exact combination. The FACT PACK contains no `measuredFps` data, so frame rate discussions must be framed as estimates based on benchmark scores. The GPU is a top-tier part (95th percentile), and the CPU is mid-range (55th percentile). In GPU-bound games at 1440p or 4K with ultra settings, the system should perform exceptionally well, likely pushing high frame rates in most titles. The 20 GB VRAM ensures no memory-related stuttering in high-texture games.

However, in CPU-bound scenarios, specifically at 1080p with lower graphical settings, the i3-12300 will likely cap performance. The data suggests the GPU can handle frame rates well beyond what the CPU can deliver in such cases. For example, in a fast-paced shooter, the CPU's 4 cores may be a limiting factor, causing frame rate drops in heavy combat. In contrast, in a slow-paced strategy game, the GPU will handle the graphics, and the CPU will manage the simulation, which might perform adequately but not at the highest levels. The estimates point to a system that is excellent for 1440p and 4K gaming, but not a dedicated 1080p high-refresh competitive machine.

FAQ

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

A: The combined percentile is 75, placing it in the upper quartile of all tested hardware combinations.

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

A: The Intel Core i3-12300 has an average score of 3532, which is identical to the Intel Xeon W-1290TE (3532) and within 0.2% of the Intel Core i3-12300T (3525).

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

A: The GPU has 20 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 160-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 280.0 GB/s.

Q: What is the TDP of the GPU and the suggested power supply?

A: The GPU has a TDP of 70 W, and the suggested PSU is 250 W.

Q: Does the CPU support overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (`multiplierUnlocked: false`), so overclocking is not supported.

Q: What is the process node for the GPU?

A: The GPU is built on a 5 nm process by TSMC.

Q: What is the CPU's Cinebench R23 multi-core score?

A: The CPU scores 12211 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core.

Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build (buildClass: "desktop") that pairs a mid-range CPU with a high-end workstation GPU. The overall tier is defined by the combined percentile of 75, placing it above the majority of systems. The CPU is a 4-core Alder Lake part, while the GPU is an Ada Lovelace workstation card. This is not a balanced gaming rig; it is a professional workstation where the GPU is the primary compute engine. The 55th percentile CPU and 95th percentile GPU create a lopsided system, but one that is highly specialized for GPU-accelerated tasks. The low TDPs (60 W CPU, 70 W GPU) make it suitable for compact and quiet builds, and the 250 W PSU suggestion indicates a low overall system power draw.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU's average benchmark score is 3532, placing it at the 55th percentile. Its nearest rival, the Intel Xeon W-1290TE, matches this score exactly with a 0% deltaPct. The GPU's average benchmark score is 117088, placing it at the 95th percentile. It is 1.6% behind the AMD Radeon PRO W7700 and 2.4% ahead of the NVIDIA Tesla V100 SXM2 16 GB. The combined picture is one of extreme GPU strength and modest CPU performance. In Geekbench, the GPU scores 124812 in OpenCL and 109364 in Vulkan. The CPU scores range from 173 (Cinebench R15 single-core) to 12211 (Cinebench R23 multi-core). The data shows a system that will excel in GPU-bound workloads but will be held back by the CPU in multi-threaded CPU tasks.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation is a workstation GPU based on the AD104 chip, built on a 5 nm process by TSMC. It features 6144 shading units, 192 TMUs, and 64 ROPs, along with 48 RT cores and 192 tensor cores. The memory subsystem is 20 GB of GDDR6 on a 160-bit bus, yielding a bandwidth of 280.0 GB/s. The base clock is 720 MHz with a boost clock of 1560 MHz, and the memory runs at 1750 MHz (14 Gbps effective). The board is dual-slot, 168 mm long, and has no power connectors, drawing all power from the PCIe slot.

The compute capabilities are substantial: the GPU delivers 19.17 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and 19.17 TFLOPS of FP16 (1:1 ratio). The pixel rate is 99.84 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 299.5 GTexel/s. The 48 RT cores and 192 tensor cores indicate strong ray tracing and AI acceleration capabilities. The 95th percentile ranking (average score 117088) places it among the top 5% of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals include the NVIDIA GB10 (0.3% faster) and the AMD Radeon PRO W7700 (1.6% faster). For rendering workloads, this GPU is a powerhouse. The 20 GB VRAM is critical for large scenes and high-resolution textures, and the 280.0 GB/s bandwidth supports high-throughput compute tasks. The FP32 performance of 19.17 TFLOPS makes it suitable for scientific computing and deep learning inference, while the RT cores provide hardware-accelerated ray tracing for visualization and rendering. The lack of power connectors and 70 W TDP make it extremely efficient for the performance it delivers, fitting into SFF workstations where space and power are limited. The 4x mini-DisplayPort 1.4a outputs support multi-monitor professional setups.