SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-14900HX + Intel Arc A550M

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

96 / 100
ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 4% 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
95%
VS
GPU
96%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-14900HX

56,004 Benchmark Score
Top 5% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

Intel Arc A550M

49,737 Benchmark Score
Top 4% 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 i9-14900HX paired with the Intel Arc A550M is a laptop configuration that places near the top of the performance hierarchy. The CPU is a 24-core Raptor Lake-HX Refresh part, while the GPU is an Alchemist-generation Arc 5 Mobile chip. This combination targets a 89th percentile position overall, indicating a high-performance mobile platform. The data presented here is derived from synthetic benchmarks, as no measured frame rate data exists for this exact pairing.

GPU Analysis — VRAM, bandwidth, clocks, RT/tensor hardware, what the benchmark scores mean for rendering

The Intel Arc A550M is a mobile discrete GPU built on the Xe-HPG architecture and the DG2-512 chip. It is manufactured on a 6 nm process at TSMC, with a die size of 406 mm² housing 21,700 million transistors. The GPU operates with a base clock of 900 MHz and a boost clock of 2050 MHz. Memory is provided via 8 GB of GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus, delivering a bandwidth of 224.0 GB/s. The memory clock is 1750 MHz, which translates to 14 Gbps effective.

The rendering pipeline of the Arc A550M includes 2048 shading units, 128 texture mapping units, and 64 raster output units. For ray tracing, it has 16 dedicated RT cores. The pixel rate is 131.2 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 262.4 GTexel/s. Compute performance is rated at 8.397 TFLOPS for FP32 and 16.79 TFLOPS for FP16, the latter operating at a 2:1 ratio. The card supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, making it feature-complete for modern gaming titles.

Benchmark results for the GPU show a Geekbench OpenCL score of 49894 and a Geekbench Vulkan score of 49580. These scores place the Arc A550M at the 86th percentile among all GPUs. The average benchmark score is 49737. Compared to its nearest rivals, the data shows a mixed picture. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti scores 49957, which is only 0.4% higher. The AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 scores 50001, also 0.5% higher. The AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT is 2.4% ahead with a score of 50951. Conversely, the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT trails by 2.6%, scoring 48477.

For rendering workloads, the 8 GB VRAM capacity is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p textures, though higher-resolution assets may require careful management. The 224.0 GB/s bandwidth is a limiting factor for heavy data streaming, but the 16 RT cores provide hardware acceleration for ray-traced effects. The FP32 throughput of 8.397 TFLOPS suggests the GPU is capable of handling real-time graphics and moderate compute tasks. The Vulkan score of 49580 is particularly relevant for modern game engines that leverage this API for lower overhead, indicating strong performance in Vulkan-based titles. The OpenCL score of 49894 shows similar competence in general-purpose compute, which is useful for applications that offload tasks to the GPU.

Benchmark Performance — exact CPU and GPU scores, percentile positions, and what the combined picture is

The CPU benchmarks are comprehensive, covering Cinebench, Geekbench, and Passmark suites. In Cinebench R15, the i9-14900HX scores 4574 in multi-core and 310.5 in single-core. Cinebench R20 results show 15616 multi-core and 2204 single-core. Cinebench R23, a more demanding workload, yields 30055 multi-core and 2181.5 single-core. Geekbench scores are 17511 for multi-core and 2330 for single-core.

Passmark results are extensive. The multi-thread score is 43778, while single-thread is 4175 (duplicated as passmark_singlethread). Specific workloads show: data compression at 539965, data encryption at 32619, extended instructions at 31247, find prime numbers at 193, floating point math at 112273, integer math at 157375, physics at 2638, and random string sorting at 60861. The CPU's average benchmark score is 56004, placing it at the 91st percentile among all CPUs.

The combined percentile for this CPU+GPU pairing is 89, indicating that the system as a whole outperforms 89% of configurations in the database. The CPU's nearest rivals are tightly clustered. The Intel Core 7 253PQE has an average score of 55919, a mere 0.2% behind. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 scores 56273, which is 0.5% ahead. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 also sits 0.5% ahead with 56306. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX leads this group by 1% with a score of 56555.

The GPU's nearest rivals are similarly close in scoring. The RTX 5070 Ti is essentially tied at 0.4% ahead, and the RX Vega 64 is 0.5% ahead. The RX 6900 XT is the most significant outlier at 2.4% ahead, while the RX 6800 XT is 2.6% behind. This clustering suggests that the Arc A550M performs at a level comparable to several high-end desktop and mobile GPUs, despite being a mobile part.

The combined picture is one of a high-performing laptop platform. The CPU is clearly the stronger component, ranking at the 91st percentile, while the GPU sits at the 86th percentile. This indicates that the CPU has more headroom relative to the GPU, which is a common trait in high-end mobile workstations where the processor is expected to handle heavy multi-threaded tasks. The overall 89th percentile ranking confirms that this pairing is well above average, suitable for demanding applications.

CPU Analysis — cores, clocks, architecture, what the benchmark scores mean for real workloads

The Intel Core i9-14900HX is a mobile processor from the Core 14th Gen series, built on the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-HX codename. It is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node, with a die size of 257 mm². The CPU features 24 cores and 32 threads, a configuration that leverages a hybrid architecture of performance and efficiency cores. The base clock is 2.20 GHz, which can boost up to 5.80 GHz. The thermal design power (TDP) is 55 W.

Cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5, running on a dual-channel memory bus. The CPU supports ECC memory, which is a notable feature for workstation reliability. PCIe connectivity is provided via Gen 5, with 16 lanes available from the CPU. The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770, providing a fallback display output. The socket is Intel BGA 1964, and the multiplier is unlocked, allowing for overclocking in supported systems. The production status is active, with a release date of January 7, 2024.

The benchmark scores paint a clear picture of a processor that excels in multi-threaded workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30055 is indicative of strong rendering performance, suitable for 3D modeling and video editing. The single-core score of 2181.5 in R23 is equally impressive, ensuring snappy responsiveness in everyday tasks and good performance in lightly threaded applications. The Geekbench multi-core score of 17511 and single-core score of 2330 corroborate this dual strength.

Passmark results highlight specific strengths. The integer math score of 157375 and floating point math score of 112273 show robust arithmetic processing, beneficial for scientific computing and financial modeling. The data compression score of 539965 is excellent for archival and file management tasks. Data encryption at 32619 indicates hardware-accelerated security features are effective. Extended instructions at 31247 show good performance in AVX-512 and similar workloads. The physics score of 2638 is moderate, suggesting gaming physics simulations will run smoothly. The prime number finding score of 193 is low, but this is a specific workload that does not reflect general performance.

The 91st percentile ranking confirms that this CPU is among the top tier of all processors tested. The nearest rival, the Intel Core 7 253PQE, is only 0.2% behind, showing that the i9-14900HX is at the leading edge of mobile computing. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and AI 9 HX PRO 470 are 0.5% ahead, which is within the margin of error. The Threadripper PRO 3955WX, a desktop part, is only 1% ahead, highlighting the i9-14900HX's capability to challenge desktop CPUs in multi-threaded scenarios.

FAQ

Q: What is the overall performance percentile of this CPU and GPU combination?

A: The combined percentile for the Intel Core i9-14900HX and Intel Arc A550M is 89, meaning it outperforms 89% of all configurations in the database.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rival?

A: The i9-14900HX has an average benchmark score of 56004. The Intel Core 7 253PQE is the closest rival with a score of 55919, which is 0.2% behind.

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

A: The Intel Arc A550M has 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 224.0 GB/s.

Q: Does the CPU support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900HX supports ECC memory, which is beneficial for error-correcting workloads.

Q: What is the GPU's ray tracing capability?

A: The Intel Arc A550M has 16 dedicated RT cores, enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing in supported games and applications.

Q: How does the GPU compare to the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT?

A: The Arc A550M has an average benchmark score of 49737, which is 2.6% higher than the RX 6800 XT's score of 48477.

Q: What is the CPU's boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900HX has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz.

Balance and Bottleneck

The benchmark data reveals a distinct performance hierarchy between the CPU and GPU. The CPU sits at the 91st percentile, while the GPU is at the 86th percentile. This 5-point gap indicates that the CPU is the stronger component relative to the GPU. In multi-threaded workloads such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation, the CPU will be the primary driver of performance, and the GPU will not be a limiting factor.

For gaming, the bottleneck shifts to the GPU. The Arc A550M's 86th percentile ranking, while strong, is lower than the CPU's. This means that in graphics-intensive scenarios, the GPU will likely be the first component to reach its limit. The CPU's high single-thread score of 4175 in Passmark ensures it can feed the GPU with data without becoming a bottleneck in most titles. However, in CPU-bound games with high physics simulation, the CPU's physics score of 2638 may become a factor.

The FPS scaling data is not available for this exact combination, as no measured FPS rows exist. However, based on the benchmark scores, the GPU's Vulkan score of 49580 and OpenCL score of 49894 suggest it can handle modern APIs efficiently. The CPU's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30055 indicates that it will not bottleneck the GPU in scenarios where the GPU is the limiting factor. Conversely, in compute-heavy workloads that leverage the CPU's 24 cores, the GPU's 8.397 TFLOPS FP32 performance will be secondary.

The memory subsystem is a potential point of imbalance. The CPU supports dual-channel DDR4/DDR5, while the GPU has 224.0 GB/s bandwidth. If the system uses slower DDR4 memory, the CPU's performance could be constrained, affecting overall balance. The GPU's 8 GB VRAM is adequate for 1080p gaming but may be insufficient for 4K textures, causing the system to rely on system memory, which could introduce stutter.

Who Should Build It

This configuration is suited for users who need a high-performance laptop for both productivity and gaming. The CPU's 24 cores and 32 threads make it ideal for content creators working with video editing, 3D animation, and software development. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30055 ensures that rendering tasks will complete quickly. The Passmark integer math score of 157375 is advantageous for developers compiling large codebases.

Gamers at 1080p and 1440p will find the Arc A550M capable, given its 86th percentile ranking and 8 GB VRAM. The GPU's 16 RT cores provide hardware ray tracing, enabling visual enhancements in supported titles. The Vulkan score of 49580 suggests good performance in modern game engines that use this API.

Students in engineering or computer science fields will benefit from the CPU's multi-threaded performance for simulations and data analysis. The ECC memory support is a plus for research environments where data integrity is critical. Small business workstations handling financial modeling, database management, or CAD software will see strong performance from the CPU's floating point math score of 112273 and data compression score of 539965.

The 91st percentile CPU ranking makes this a top-tier choice for professionals who require maximum processing power on the go. The GPU's 86th percentile ensures that graphical tasks are handled competently, though it is not the primary strength of this pairing. Users who prioritize CPU-bound workloads over GPU-bound ones will find this configuration well-balanced.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-14900HX uses the Intel BGA 1964 socket, which is a mobile socket. This means the CPU is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The GPU, being an Arc A550M, is also a mobile part and is not swappable. Therefore, the upgrade path for this laptop configuration is limited to components that are not soldered, such as memory and storage.

The CPU supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus. Upgrading to faster DDR5 modules could improve memory bandwidth, which may help the CPU reach its full potential in memory-intensive tasks. The GPU's memory is fixed at 8 GB, so VRAM cannot be expanded.

PCIe Gen 5 is supported with 16 lanes from the CPU, which allows for high-speed NVMe SSDs. Upgrading to a Gen 5 SSD could reduce load times and improve data transfer rates for large files. The GPU uses PCIe 4.0 x16, which is still a capable interface for the A550M's bandwidth needs.

The CPU's TDP is 55 W, and the GPU's TDP is 60 W. Combined, this is a modest power draw for a high-performance laptop. There is no suggested PSU listed, but the power delivery system in the laptop will be designed to handle this load. A sensible next upgrade would be to ensure the system has sufficient cooling to maintain boost clocks, as the CPU's 5.80 GHz boost is dependent on thermal headroom. Adding more RAM or a faster SSD would be the most practical upgrades, as the core components are fixed.

Build Overview

This is a laptop-class build, as indicated by the buildClass field. The pairing of the Intel Core i9-14900HX and Intel Arc A550M represents a high-end mobile workstation or gaming laptop. The CPU is a 24-core, 32-thread processor from Intel's Core 14th Gen, based on the Raptor Lake architecture. The GPU is an Intel Arc A550M, a discrete mobile GPU from the Alchemist generation.

The overall tier of this configuration is high, with a combined percentile of 89. The CPU is the standout component, ranking at the 91st percentile, while the GPU is also strong at the 86th percentile. This places the system in the upper echelon of laptop performance, suitable for demanding professional workloads and high-refresh-rate gaming.

The CPU's average benchmark score of 56004 and the GPU's average score of 49737 combine to create a system that excels in both compute and graphics tasks. The architecture is modern, with support for the latest PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 memory standards. The production status of the CPU is active, while the GPU is end-of-life, which may affect future driver support. This is a balanced, high-performance laptop configuration that is well-suited for users who need desktop-class performance in a portable form factor.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS rows exist for this exact combination, so all frame rate figures are estimates based on the benchmark scores. The GPU's Geekbench Vulkan score of 49580 and OpenCL score of 49894 indicate strong performance in modern graphics APIs. The CPU's single-thread score of 4175 in Passmark ensures that it will not bottleneck the GPU in most gaming scenarios.

For 1080p gaming, the Arc A550M's 86th percentile ranking suggests it can handle most titles at high settings. The 8 GB VRAM is sufficient for 1080p textures, and the 224.0 GB/s bandwidth is adequate for this resolution. The 16 RT cores provide hardware ray tracing, which can be enabled in supported games with a moderate performance hit.

At 1440p, the GPU will be more challenged. The 8 GB VRAM may become a limitation in some titles with high-resolution textures, and the 128-bit memory bus will restrict bandwidth. The GPU's FP32 throughput of 8.397 TFLOPS is modest for 1440p gaming, so users may need to reduce settings to maintain playable frame rates.

For 4K gaming, this configuration is not ideal. The GPU's memory bandwidth and compute power are insufficient for consistent high-frame-rate gaming at this resolution. Users should expect to lower settings significantly or use upscaling techniques to achieve playable performance.

The CPU's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30055 indicates that it can handle modern game physics and AI computations. The Passmark physics score of 2638 is moderate, suggesting that in CPU-bound games, the system will perform well. The overall gaming experience will be solid at 1080p and acceptable at 1440p, with the CPU providing a strong foundation for the GPU to operate.