SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i5-14600 + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

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

Build Configuration

Select your components

PROCESSOR (CPU)

▼

GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

▼

93 Score

Top 7% Ranking

93 / 100

ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 7% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio

Well Balanced

CPU

93%

GPU

93%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i5-14600

44,889 Benchmark Score

Top 7% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

27,565 Benchmark Score

Top 7% 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

Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

4K Gaming Ready

Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

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 i5-14600 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 form a desktop pairing that sits in the 81st combined percentile of all builds, indicating a high-tier configuration for demanding workloads. The processor, a 14-core, 20-thread Raptor Lake-R part with a 65 W TDP, delivers strong multi-threaded performance, while the GPU, an Ampere-based flagship with 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, offers massive compute and rendering capabilities. This combination is characterized by a balanced profile where the CPU provides excellent single-core responsiveness and the GPU dominates parallel tasks, though the data indicates a slight performance edge for the CPU relative to its rivals compared to the GPU’s position. This analysis interprets the benchmark scores to define the system's strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i5-14600 is a desktop processor built on the Raptor Lake architecture, using Intel’s 10 nm process node with a die size of 257 mm². It features 14 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 24 MB L3 cache. This configuration supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory and includes ECC support, positioning it as a versatile option for both consumer and entry-level workstation tasks. The processor also integrates UHD Graphics 770, which provides basic display output without a discrete GPU.

Benchmark results place the i5-14600 in the 89th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 44,889. In Cinebench R23, it scores 30,464 in multi-core and 4,300 in single-core, showing a solid balance between parallel throughput and single-threaded responsiveness. The Geekbench scores of 14,680 multi-core and 2,424 single-core reinforce this profile. Compared to its nearest rivals, the i5-14600 is nearly identical to the Intel Core i9-12900KS (deltaPct -0.5) and the AMD EPYC 4344P (deltaPct -0.5), while edging out the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D by 0.7% and the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H by 1%. This places the i5-14600 in a performance tier that matches a previous-generation flagship and a modern server chip, indicating that its 14-core design is competitive for both gaming and productivity.

For real workloads, the Cinebench R15 scores of 3,070 multi-core and 433 single-core suggest that the CPU handles lightly-threaded tasks such as office applications and web browsing with high efficiency, while the R20 multi-core score of 12,794 indicates strong performance in video encoding and 3D rendering. PassMark results further highlight its capabilities: integer math at 117,078, floating-point math at 85,759, and extended instructions at 25,674 are all high figures, while data compression at 434,620 and encryption at 25,082 show that the CPU is well-suited for archiving and security-related tasks. The single-thread score of 4,167 (PassMark) confirms that the boost clock of 5.20 GHz delivers excellent per-core performance, which is critical for gaming and legacy software that relies on few cores.

Balance and Bottleneck

The balance between the Intel Core i5-14600 and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 is defined by their respective percentiles: the CPU sits in the 89th percentile, while the GPU sits in the 73rd percentile. This 16-point gap suggests that the processor has more relative headroom than the graphics card, meaning that in most workloads, the RTX 3090 is the limiting factor when both are fully utilized. The combined percentile of 81 reflects this slight imbalance, with the CPU capable of feeding the GPU without becoming a bottleneck in most scenarios.

In CPU-bound tasks like physics simulations or data encryption, the i5-14600’s PassMark physics score of 2,330 and encryption score of 25,082 indicate that it can sustain high throughput, but the GPU’s compute performance will not influence these results. Conversely, in GPU-bound tasks like 3D rendering or gaming at high resolutions, the RTX 3090’s passmark G3D score of 26,645 and 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5,118 will dictate frame rates, and the CPU will have spare capacity. The data shows that for gaming, the system is more likely to be GPU-limited, especially at higher settings, while for productivity, the CPU’s multi-threading is sufficient to avoid holding back the GPU.

The lack of measured FPS data for this exact combination means that FPS scaling cannot be quantified, but the benchmark scores allow for an estimated frame rate analysis. The CPU’s single-core performance (Cinebench R23 single-core 4,300) is strong enough to avoid limiting the GPU in most titles, while the GPU’s raw compute (35.58 TFLOPS FP32) provides ample headroom for high-refresh gaming. However, in scenarios where frame rates exceed the GPU’s output capability, the CPU will become the bottleneck, but this is unlikely at 4K resolution where the GPU’s pixel rate of 189.8 GPixel/s will limit performance first.

Benchmark Performance

The Intel Core i5-14600 achieves an average benchmark score of 44,889, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs. This score is within 0.5% of the Intel Core i9-12900KS (45,094) and the AMD EPYC 4344P (45,122), and it is 0.7% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D (44,573) and 1% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (44,466). These deltas show that the i5-14600 is effectively a peer of a previous-generation flagship, with the 14-core design providing competitive multi-threaded performance. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30,464 is particularly strong for a 65 W part, indicating efficient power delivery to all cores.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 achieves an average benchmark score of 27,565, placing it in the 73rd percentile of all GPUs. This score is 0.5% higher than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile (27,435) and the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (27,425), but it is 1% lower than the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 (27,839) and 1.1% lower than the AMD Radeon RX 7800M (27,883). The GPU’s percentile position is notably lower than the CPU’s, which means that in this pairing, the GPU is the weaker link relative to its own product class. However, the RTX 3090’s 24 GB memory and 936.2 GB/s bandwidth are exceptional for rendering, and the 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5,118 indicates strong DirectX 12 performance.

The combined picture shows a system where the CPU is a top-tier performer, while the GPU is a solid upper-mid-range part by current standards. The 81st combined percentile reflects this, with the CPU’s high score partially compensating for the GPU’s lower relative standing. In practice, this means that the system excels in CPU-intensive tasks like software compilation or physics simulation, while still providing very good GPU performance for gaming and rendering, but it will not match the top-tier GPU systems in frame rates.

Who Should Build It

This build targets users who need a high-performance CPU for multi-threaded workloads and a GPU with substantial memory for large datasets. Gamers at 1440p or 4K resolution will benefit from the RTX 3090’s 24 GB VRAM and 936.2 GB/s bandwidth, which can handle high-resolution textures and ray tracing effects, while the i5-14600’s single-core score of 4,300 (Cinebench R23) ensures that frame pacing remains stable. Content creators working with 4K or 8K video will find the CPU’s Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30,464 and the GPU’s 35.58 TFLOPS FP32 compute to be a capable combination for rendering and encoding.

Software developers will appreciate the CPU’s PassMark integer math score of 117,078, which accelerates code compilation, and the GPU’s 328 tensor cores, which can accelerate machine learning inference. Students and small business workstations will benefit from the CPU’s 89th percentile position, which handles office suites and spreadsheet analysis with ease, while the GPU’s 73rd percentile is overkill for these tasks but provides future-proofing. The ECC memory support on the CPU is a specific advantage for workstation users who require data integrity, making this build suitable for financial modeling or scientific computing where errors are unacceptable.

FAQ

Q: What is the CPU’s multi-core performance compared to its closest rival?

A: The Intel Core i5-14600 scores 30,464 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 0.5% lower than the Intel Core i9-12900KS, indicating nearly identical performance.

Q: Does the GPU support ray tracing?

A: Yes, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 has 82 RT cores, and its DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2) API support includes ray tracing features.

Q: What memory types does the CPU support?

A: The Intel Core i5-14600 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, with a dual-channel memory bus.

Q: What is the GPU’s position among all GPUs?

A: The RTX 3090 is in the 73rd percentile of all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 27,565.

Q: Is the CPU unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked: false), so the CPU cannot be overclocked via multiplier adjustment.

Q: What is the GPU’s memory bandwidth?

A: The RTX 3090 has a memory bandwidth of 936.2 GB/s, which is very high due to its 384-bit bus and GDDR6X memory at 19.5 Gbps effective.

Q: What is the combined performance percentile of this build?

A: The combined percentile is 81, indicating a high-tier desktop system overall.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The RTX 3090’s 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5,118 and the CPU’s single-core Cinebench R23 score of 4,300 suggest that this system can drive high frame rates at 1440p. At 4K, the GPU’s pixel rate of 189.8 GPixel/s becomes the limiting factor, but the 24 GB VRAM prevents texture-related bottlenecks.

Streaming: The CPU’s 20 threads and PassMark data compression score of 434,620 provide ample headroom for encoding video while gaming, though the lack of measured FPS data means streaming performance is estimated from these scores.

Video editing: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30,464 and the GPU’s 35.58 TFLOPS FP32 compute accelerate timeline rendering and effects, while the 24 GB VRAM allows for large preview buffers.

3D rendering: The CPU’s PassMark floating-point math score of 85,759 and the GPU’s 328 tensor cores provide strong performance for both CPU-based and GPU-accelerated rendering, with the 936.2 GB/s memory bandwidth moving data quickly.

Software development: The CPU’s integer math score of 117,078 speeds up compilation, and the 89th percentile position ensures that multi-threaded build tools run efficiently. The ECC memory support adds reliability for long builds.

Student and office work: The CPU’s single-thread score of 4,167 (PassMark) handles office applications with ease, and the integrated UHD Graphics 770 can drive displays without the discrete GPU for power savings, though the RTX 3090 remains available for heavier tasks.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 is based on the GA102 chip, built on Samsung’s 8 nm process node with 28,300 million transistors on a 628 mm² die. It has 10,496 shading units, 328 texture mapping units, and 112 render output units, along with 82 RT cores and 328 tensor cores. The GPU operates at a base clock of 1395 MHz and a boost clock of 1695 MHz, with memory clocked at 1219 MHz (19.5 Gbps effective). The 24 GB GDDR6X memory runs on a 384-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 936.2 GB/s. The pixel rate is 189.8 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 556.0 GTexel/s, with FP32 performance at 35.58 TFLOPS and FP16 at the same rate (1:1).

Benchmark results show the RTX 3090 achieving a PassMark G3D score of 26,645 and a 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5,118. The Geekbench OpenCL score of 172,758 and Vulkan score of 53,927 indicate strong compute and graphics API performance. The GPU’s 73rd percentile position is lower than the CPU’s, but its nearest rivals—the RTX 4070 Mobile and RX 6700 XT—are within 0.5%, meaning the RTX 3090 is still competitive with newer mid-range parts. The 328 tensor cores accelerate AI workloads like DLSS, while the 82 RT cores handle ray tracing, and the 24 GB VRAM is a key advantage for rendering large scenes or training models without memory overflow. The GPU’s power consumption is 350 W, requiring a 750 W suggested PSU, and it uses a 12-pin power connector.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build (buildClass: desktop) combining a 14-core Intel Core i5-14600 with a 24 GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090. The CPU is from the Core 14th Gen series, released on January 7, 2024, with a launch MSRP of $255, while the GPU is from the GeForce 30-series, released on August 31, 2020, with a launch MSRP of 1,499 USD. The combined percentile of 81 places this system in the upper tier of all builds, with the CPU performing in the 89th percentile and the GPU in the 73rd percentile. This pairing is best described as a high-end productivity system with strong gaming capability, where the CPU’s multi-threading and the GPU’s massive memory pool complement each other. The CPU’s performance is nearly identical to the i9-12900KS, while the GPU’s performance is comparable to the RTX 4070 Mobile, making this a system that excels in compute-heavy tasks but is not at the absolute top of GPU performance.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i5-14600 uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the GPU uses PCIe 4.0 x16, meaning the CPU has bandwidth headroom for future expansion. The 65 W TDP of the CPU is low, but the RTX 3090 has a 350 W TDP, and the suggested PSU is 750 W, which provides adequate headroom for the current configuration. The platform supports ECC memory, which is a unique feature for this class of CPU, and the integrated UHD Graphics 770 allows for troubleshooting or basic display without the discrete GPU.

For a sensible next upgrade, the GPU is the primary candidate for replacement, given its 73rd percentile position compared to the CPU’s 89th percentile. Upgrading to a newer GPU with higher performance would better balance the system, as the CPU has headroom to feed a faster graphics card. Alternatively, adding more memory or faster DDR5 modules would benefit the CPU’s multi-threaded workloads, as the current setup does not specify memory capacity. The PCIe Gen 5 support on the CPU ensures that a future GPU using Gen 5 will not be bottlenecked by the platform, and the 750 W PSU leaves some room for a more power-hungry GPU, though a higher-wattage PSU would be needed for top-tier parts. The socket is end-of-life for new CPU releases, so a platform change would be required for a CPU upgrade, but the i5-14600’s performance is sufficient to avoid an immediate need for that.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i5-14600 + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i5-14600

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Optimal Performance

4K Gaming Ready

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

Balance and Bottleneck

Benchmark Performance

Who Should Build It

FAQ

Usage Scenarios

GPU Analysis

Build Overview

Upgrade Path and Platform

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

Related Processors

Related Graphics Cards

Compare Your CPU

Compare Your GPU

Related PC Builds

Same CPU with Different GPUs

Same GPU with Different CPUs

Other Popular Builds