SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-14900KS + Intel Arc A580

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

Build Configuration

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PROCESSOR (CPU)

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GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

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97 Score

Top 3% Ranking

97 / 100

ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 3% 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

97%

GPU

97%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-14900KS

81,127 Benchmark Score

Top 3% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

Intel Arc A580

57,756 Benchmark Score

Top 3% 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 i9-14900KS paired with the Intel Arc A580 is a study in extremes, combining the fastest consumer desktop CPU on the market with a mid-range graphics card. The benchmark data shows a system where the processor operates in an entirely different performance tier than the GPU, resulting in a build that excels in CPU-bound productivity but is constrained in gaming scenarios. This analysis is based solely on the provided benchmark data, which contains no measured FPS rows for this combination; all gaming performance figures are estimated from the component scores.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-14900KS is the flagship of the Raptor Lake Refresh generation, built on Intel's 10 nm process with a die size of 257 mm². It houses 24 cores and 32 threads, a configuration designed to dominate heavily threaded workloads. The core layout combines performance and efficiency cores, though the FACT PACK does not specify the exact split. The base clock of 3.20 GHz is modest, but the boost clock of 6.20 GHz is the defining feature, representing the highest single-core frequency available in this data set. This clock speed, combined with an unlocked multiplier, makes it a premier choice for overclocking, though the 150 W TDP suggests substantial cooling requirements.

The cache hierarchy is substantial: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 36 MB L3 cache. This large pool of fast memory helps feed the 24 cores during multi-threaded operations. The processor supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory, with ECC support, giving builders flexibility in platform cost and capacity. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes directly, which is critical for connecting the fastest NVMe storage and potentially a future GPU, although the Arc A580 here uses PCIe Gen 4.

Benchmark results confirm the CPU's dominant position. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 50995 is exceptional, indicating that rendering, video encoding, and compilation tasks will complete in a fraction of the time compared to lower-tier parts. The single-core score of 7199 in the same test reinforces its strength in lightly threaded applications like legacy software or certain game engines. The Geekbench multi-core score of 23931 and single-core score of 2692 align with this narrative. Passmark results show specific strengths: integer math at 212644 and floating-point math at 153975 are massive numbers, while data compression at 803368 highlights its server-grade throughput. The average benchmark score of 81127 places it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms 96% of processors tested.

Relative to its nearest rivals, the i9-14900KS is statistically tied with the Intel Xeon w5-3535X (deltaPct 0) and AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX (deltaPct 0). It holds a marginal 0.5% lead over the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 and Intel Xeon 638. This indicates that while the Core i9 is a top-tier part, the performance gap to the next set of high-end workstation chips is negligible. For real workloads, this means the i9-14900KS is not just fast; it is at the absolute ceiling of what the benchmark suite measures, making it ideal for professionals who cannot tolerate waiting on CPU-bound tasks.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU and GPU benchmark scores present a clear picture of a system that is heavily unbalanced. The CPU's average benchmark score is 81127, placing it in the 96th percentile. In contrast, the GPU's average benchmark score is 57756, placing it in the 87th percentile of all GPUs. The combined percentile for the pairing is 92, which is pulled down by the GPU. This gap is the defining characteristic of the build.

In 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, the Arc A580 scores 2229. This is a moderate result, indicating it can handle modern DirectX 12 titles at 1080p with some settings adjusted, but it will struggle at higher resolutions or with maximum ray tracing. The Geekbench compute scores show the GPU's raw capability: 91657 in OpenCL and 79381 in Vulkan. These numbers suggest the GPU is more capable in compute tasks than its gaming frame rates might imply, which is typical for Intel Arc architecture.

The CPU's Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 21417 and Geekbench multi-core score of 23931 demonstrate that this processor will never be the bottleneck in any workload. The combined picture is that of a top-4% CPU paired with a top-13% GPU. In productivity software that uses the CPU, this system will rank among the fastest available. In gaming, the CPU will sit idle waiting for the GPU to catch up. The data does not include a pair rank by FPS, but the percentile delta is massive. This is a system where the processor's potential is largely untapped unless the user runs multi-threaded productivity software.

GPU Analysis

The Intel Arc A580 is built on the Xe-HPG architecture, using the DG2-512 chip manufactured on TSMC's 6 nm process. The chip contains 21,700 million transistors on a 406 mm² die, with a transistor density of 53.4M / mm². This is a complex chip for its market segment. The GPU has 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, yielding a memory bandwidth of 512.0 GB/s. This bandwidth is a key strength, allowing the GPU to feed its 3072 shading units efficiently.

The core clocks are set to 1700 MHz base and 2000 MHz boost. The memory runs at 2000 MHz with 16 Gbps effective speed. The GPU is equipped with 192 texture mapping units and 96 render output units. It features 24 ray tracing cores, which provide hardware acceleration for DirectX Raytracing. The pixel rate is 192.0 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 384.0 GTexel/s. Compute performance is rated at 12.29 TFLOPS for FP32 and 24.58 TFLOPS for FP16 (2:1 ratio). The GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.

For rendering and creative workloads, the 12.29 TFLOPS of FP32 compute is respectable, but the 512.0 GB/s memory bandwidth is the standout feature for large textures and high-resolution compositing. The 8 GB VRAM is adequate for 1080p and some 1440p work, but it will limit texture sizes in heavy 3D scenes. The 24 ray tracing cores allow for hardware-accelerated RT, but the overall performance level suggests that full ray tracing at high settings will be challenging. The GPU's percentile ranking of 87 places it above the majority of GPUs, but its nearest rivals tell a nuanced story: it is 0.6% slower than the AMD Radeon RX 5600 OEM, 0.7% faster than the AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE, and 1.1% slower than the AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT. This places the Arc A580 in the performance tier of older flagship cards and newer mid-range options, making it a capable but not elite GPU.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The platform is built around the Intel Socket 1700, which is the final stop for the Core 14th Gen series. The motherboard must support DDR4 or DDR5 memory, and the dual-channel memory bus is a requirement. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, which are ideal for the fastest storage options, while the GPU uses PCIe 4.0 x16. The TDP of the CPU is 150 W, while the GPU has a TDP of 175 W, requiring a PSU with a suggested rating of 450 W. The GPU requires two 8-pin power connectors.

A sensible next upgrade, according to the data, would be a GPU with a higher average benchmark score. The CPU is already in the 96th percentile, so it has headroom to support a GPU in the 95th percentile or higher. The system's PCIe 5.0 lanes for the CPU and PCIe 4.0 for the GPU mean that newer, faster GPUs will not be bottlenecked by interface bandwidth in most cases. The memory support for both DDR4 and DDR5 means users could upgrade memory without changing the motherboard, though moving to a higher-speed DDR5 kit would be the logical choice if the board supports it. The 150 W CPU TDP and 175 W GPU TDP mean the 450 W PSU is the minimum recommendation; a higher-wattage unit would provide more headroom for overclocking the unlocked CPU multiplier. The upgrade path is clear: the CPU is the endgame for this socket, so any future performance gains must come from the GPU or memory. Given the CPU's strength, upgrading the GPU to a higher-tier Arc or competing card would rebalance the system for gaming.

FAQ

Q: What is the performance tier of the Intel Core i9-14900KS?

A: The CPU scores 81127 average, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, statistically tied with the Intel Xeon w5-3535X and AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX.

Q: How much memory bandwidth does the Arc A580 have?

A: The Arc A580 has a 256-bit memory bus with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, providing a bandwidth of 512.0 GB/s.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the CPU?

A: The launch MSRP is $689.

Q: Does the CPU support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900KS supports ECC memory, along with both DDR4 and DDR5 types.

Q: What is the gaming performance of this combination at 1080p?

A: The data contains no measured FPS for this combination. Based on the GPU's 87th percentile ranking and 3DMark score of 2229, it is estimated to handle 1080p gaming well on high settings, but the CPU will not be a limiting factor.

Q: What is the process node for the CPU and GPU?

A: The CPU is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process, while the GPU is manufactured on TSMC's 6 nm process.

Q: What PCIe generation does the GPU use?

A: The GPU uses a PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, while the CPU provides 16 lanes of PCIe Gen 5.

Gaming Performance

The FACT PACK contains no measured FPS data for this specific CPU-GPU combination. The `measuredFpsUltraByGame` field is empty, and `dataIsMeasured` is false. Therefore, all gaming performance figures are estimates derived from the benchmark scores and percentile rankings. The Arc A580’s 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2229 and its 87th percentile ranking indicate that it is positioned between older high-end cards and current mid-range offerings. In practical terms, this suggests the GPU can deliver playable frame rates at 1080p resolution with high or ultra settings in most titles.

However, the performance will vary significantly by game. The GPU's 8 GB VRAM and 512.0 GB/s bandwidth are sufficient for 1080p textures, but 1440p gaming will require lowering some settings to maintain smooth performance. The 24 ray tracing cores mean that games with ray tracing enabled will run, but the frame rates will drop considerably, likely requiring the use of upscaling technologies. The CPU’s single-core score of 7199 in Cinebench R23 ensures that even the most CPU-intensive game engines will not bottleneck the GPU. In esports titles like Counter-Strike or Valorant, the frame rates will be limited by the GPU but should still exceed 100 FPS at 1080p low settings. In AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Alan Wake 2, the player should expect to use a mix of high and medium settings at 1080p to achieve 60 FPS. At 1440p, the GPU will struggle, and at 4K, the system will not be viable for modern AAA gaming. The estimated frame rates are thus heavily dependent on resolution and settings, but the CPU will never be the reason for a frame rate drop.

Balance and Bottleneck

This system is unequivocally CPU-bound in gaming scenarios. The CPU’s 96th percentile score versus the GPU’s 87th percentile creates a massive imbalance. In any game that is not heavily multi-threaded, the i9-14900KS will be waiting for the Arc A580 to render frames. The FPS scaling is entirely dependent on the GPU’s performance. The data shows that the CPU can handle far more data than the GPU can process. For example, in a game that relies on single-core performance, the CPU’s 4815 Passmark single-thread score is ample, but the GPU’s 2229 3DMark score will cap the frame rate.

Conversely, in productivity workloads like video encoding or 3D rendering, the bottleneck shifts to the CPU. The CPU’s Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 50995 will be the limiting factor, while the GPU’s compute capabilities (91657 OpenCL) can assist in GPU-accelerated rendering but cannot compensate for the CPU’s raw power. The combined percentile of 92 reflects this: it is high due to the CPU, but not as high as it would be with a stronger GPU. The benchmark data indicates that the GPU is the limiting component for any workload that relies on rasterization or ray tracing. The CPU is the limiting component for workloads that rely on physics simulation, logic, or data compression. For a balanced system, the GPU would need to be upgraded to a model with a score closer to 80000, which would place it in the top 5% of GPUs.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build that pairs the pinnacle of Intel's consumer CPU line with a mid-range Intel Arc GPU. The Intel Core i9-14900KS is a 24-core, 32-thread processor with a 6.20 GHz boost clock, representing the absolute top tier of consumer processing power. The Intel Arc A580 is an 8 GB graphics card with 3072 shading units and a 512.0 GB/s memory bandwidth, representing a capable 1080p gaming and compute solution. The combined percentile of 92 places this system in the upper echelon of all builds tested, but the gap between the components is significant. The CPU is in the 96th percentile, while the GPU is in the 87th percentile. This is not a balanced gaming rig, but it is an exceptional workstation for CPU-intensive tasks.

The system’s class is desktop, and its overall tier is high-end due to the CPU. The GPU, while not flagship, is still above average, making this a system that can do almost anything, but with a clear performance ceiling in graphics-heavy applications. The data suggests this is a platform designed for a future GPU upgrade; the CPU has enough headroom to support any current GPU without becoming a bottleneck. The build is a statement of CPU capability first, with gaming as a secondary consideration.

Who Should Build It

This combination targets users whose primary workload is CPU-bound and who require gaming as a secondary function. Content creators who edit video, render 3D scenes, or compile code will see exceptional performance from the 24 cores and 32 threads, with the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 50995 ensuring rapid export times. Software developers building large projects will benefit from the high integer math score of 212644 and the 803368 data compression score, which accelerate build processes. Students in engineering or data science fields will find that the CPU handles simulations and heavy multitasking with ease, though they may not need the full power of the i9-14900KS. Small business workstations that run virtual machines or handle large databases will appreciate the 36 MB L3 cache and ECC memory support.

For gamers, this build is only sensible if they play at 1080p and prioritize high refresh rates in less demanding titles. The Arc A580’s 87th percentile ranking makes it a good 1080p card, but the CPU’s cost and power are wasted on most games. Those who play at 1440p or 4K should not consider this pairing, as the GPU will be the bottleneck. The ideal user is a professional who occasionally games, not a gamer who occasionally works. The system is also suited for researchers running single-threaded legacy applications, where the 6.20 GHz boost clock is unmatched. Finally, hardware enthusiasts who want the fastest consumer CPU available and plan to upgrade the GPU later will find this to be a solid foundation, as the CPU’s 96th percentile ranking ensures it will remain relevant for years to come.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-14900KS + Intel Arc A580

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i9-14900KS

Intel Arc A580

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

Benchmark Performance

GPU Analysis

Upgrade Path and Platform

FAQ

Gaming Performance

Balance and Bottleneck

Build Overview

Who Should Build It

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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