SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 5 235A + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D

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

94%

GPU

99%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core Ultra 5 235A

48,201 Benchmark Score

Top 6% Market Ranking

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GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D

178,050 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

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 Ultra 5 235A paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D is an asymmetric desktop combination that pairs a mid-range 14-core processor with a flagship 24 GB graphics card. The data shows a clear performance hierarchy: the GPU ranks in the 98th percentile among all GPUs, while the CPU sits in the 90th percentile, creating a system where the graphics card dictates the experience in most modern workloads. No measured FPS rows exist for this exact combination, so all gameplay discussion must be framed as estimates derived from the benchmark scores and component specifications.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture using a 5 nm TSMC process, housing 76,300 million transistors on a 609 mm² die. The GPU features 14,592 shading units, 456 texture mapping units, and 176 raster operation processors. For ray tracing, it includes 114 dedicated RT cores, while 456 tensor cores handle AI-accelerated workloads. The memory subsystem is substantial: 24 GB of GDDR6X on a 384-bit bus delivers 1.01 TB/s of bandwidth, which is critical for high-resolution textures and large dataset manipulation.

Clock speeds are set at a 2280 MHz base and 2520 MHz boost, with memory running at 1313 MHz (21 Gbps effective). The raw compute figures are equally imposing: FP32 performance reaches 73.54 TFLOPS, with FP16 matching at 73.54 TFLOPS (1:1). Pixel fill rate is 443.5 GPixel/s, and texture rate is 1,149.1 GTexel/s. These numbers place the RTX 4090 D in elite territory, as confirmed by its 98th percentile ranking among all GPUs.

Benchmark scores reinforce this dominance. In 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, the card scores 8,587 points. Geekbench OpenCL results show 278,621 points, and Vulkan scores reach 246,941 points. The average benchmark score of 178,050 is telling when compared to nearest rivals: the NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell is only 2.2% ahead, the A100 SXM4 80 GB is 3.1% ahead, and the RTX 5000 Ada Generation is 3.6% ahead. The RTX 4090 D actually beats the A100 SXM4 40 GB by 4.9%, demonstrating that this consumer card outperforms a data-center accelerator in these specific tests.

For rendering, the combination of 24 GB VRAM and 1.01 TB/s bandwidth means 4K texture packs and complex scenes fit comfortably in memory, while the RT cores provide hardware acceleration for ray-traced effects. The 73.54 TFLOPS FP32 throughput handles heavy compute tasks like viewport rendering and simulation. The 114 RT cores are the key differentiator for real-time ray tracing, as the tensor cores accelerate DLSS and other AI-based upscaling methods.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A uses the Intel Socket 1851 platform, which supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The memory bus provides 102.4 GB/s of bandwidth, which is adequate for the 14 cores but does not match the GPU’s 1.01 TB/s. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes, ensuring the GPU has sufficient bandwidth for data transfer, though the RTX 4090 D itself uses PCIe 4.0 x16.

The CPU has a TDP of 65 W, while the GPU’s TDP is 425 W. The suggested PSU for this GPU is 800 W, which provides substantial headroom for the entire system. A sensible next upgrade would focus on the processor, as the RTX 4090 D’s 98th percentile performance outclasses the CPU’s 90th percentile. Moving to a higher-core-count Intel Socket 1851 part would balance the system without requiring a motherboard change, since the socket and memory support remain identical. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU provides basic display output but is not intended for gaming workloads, so the discrete GPU is essential for any serious rendering.

The GPU is end-of-life, with the GeForce 50 series listed as its successor, but the 24 GB VRAM and 1.01 TB/s bandwidth remain relevant for current titles. The CPU is marked as active production status, so the upgrade path is open on the processor side. Memory is limited to dual-channel DDR5, which caps bandwidth at 102.4 GB/s — a potential bottleneck for memory-intensive tasks, but not for gaming where the GPU does the heavy lifting.

FAQ

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

A: The build ranks in the 94th percentile overall, combining a CPU in the 90th percentile with a GPU in the 98th percentile.

Q: How does the RTX 4090 D compare to its closest rival, the RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell?

A: The RTX 4090 D has an average benchmark score of 178,050, which is 2.2% lower than the RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell’s 182,109.

Q: What memory type and bandwidth does the CPU support?

A: The CPU supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, and it does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the GPU’s memory capacity and bus width?

A: The GPU has 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus, providing 1.01 TB/s of bandwidth.

Q: Does the CPU have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 execution units, which is sufficient for basic display output but not for gaming.

Q: What is the transistor count difference between the CPU and GPU?

A: The CPU has 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, while the GPU has 76,300 million transistors on a 609 mm² die.

Q: What is the CPU’s multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The CPU scores 32,633 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, with a single-core score of 4,607 points.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data indicates a significant imbalance between the CPU and GPU. The GPU’s average benchmark score of 178,050 dwarfs the CPU’s 48,201, and the percentile gap (98 vs 90) confirms that the GPU is the dominant component. In gaming workloads, the RTX 4090 D will be the limiting factor only at very high resolutions or with ray tracing enabled; at lower resolutions, the CPU’s 14 cores and 5.00 GHz boost clock may struggle to feed the GPU enough frames.

The CPU’s PassMark scores provide context: multi-threaded performance is 38,392, while single-thread is 4,557. Integer math scores 88,626, and floating-point math reaches 118,778. These figures show a capable processor, but the 14 threads (14 cores, no hyperthreading) mean heavily threaded workloads like video encoding will not scale as well as competing 16-core parts. The nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380, scores 48,171 — only 0.1% higher — indicating the CPU is competitive with its direct peers.

For gaming, the bottleneck shifts based on resolution. At 1080p, the CPU’s single-thread performance (4,607 in Cinebench R23) will likely cap frame rates in CPU-bound titles, as the GPU has massive headroom. At 4K, the GPU’s memory bandwidth and compute power become the primary constraint, and the CPU’s 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth is sufficient. The 65 W CPU TDP versus the 425 W GPU TDP highlights where the power and heat go — the GPU is the clear performance driver.

Who Should Build It

This pairing targets users who require maximum GPU compute power without needing a top-tier CPU. The RTX 4090 D’s 24 GB VRAM and 73.54 TFLOPS FP32 performance make it ideal for 3D rendering, video editing with heavy effects, and AI model inference. Content creators working with 8K footage or large 3D scenes will benefit from the memory capacity, while developers using CUDA-accelerated libraries will see strong performance in the OpenCL and Vulkan benchmarks.

Gamers at 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled are the primary target, as the GPU’s 114 RT cores and 456 tensor cores handle DLSS and path tracing efficiently. The CPU’s 90th percentile ranking is sufficient for most titles at 4K, where the GPU is the bottleneck. Students and small business workstations handling CAD or scientific computing will find the 24 GB VRAM useful for large datasets, though the 14-core CPU may limit multi-threaded throughput compared to higher-core options.

The build is less suited for competitive gamers at 1080p, where the CPU’s single-thread performance will hold back the GPU’s potential. Similarly, users running heavily multi-threaded workloads like 3D animation rendering will see the CPU become the limiting factor, as its 14 threads are outclassed by the GPU’s raw compute. For a balanced system, the CPU should be upgraded to a higher-tier Socket 1851 part, but for GPU-bound tasks, this configuration is well-matched.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU+GPU combination, so all frame rate expectations are estimates derived from the GPU’s benchmark scores and the CPU’s performance relative to its rivals. The RTX 4090 D’s 98th percentile ranking and 73.54 TFLOPS FP32 throughput indicate it can handle any current title at maximum settings, subject to CPU limitations.

At 4K resolution, the GPU’s 24 GB VRAM and 1.01 TB/s bandwidth are the deciding factors. Games with high-resolution textures will load entirely into memory, and the 114 RT cores enable ray-traced effects without severe performance penalties. The CPU’s 5.00 GHz boost clock and 4,607 single-core Cinebench R23 score are adequate for 4K gaming, where the GPU is typically the bottleneck. Expect frame rates in the 60-100 FPS range for demanding titles with ray tracing, and higher for less intensive games.

At 1440p, the balance shifts slightly toward the CPU. The 14 cores provide enough threads for modern game engines, and the single-thread performance is strong (4,557 in PassMark single-thread). However, in CPU-bound scenarios like open-world games with many NPCs, the Ultra 5 235A may limit frame rates to around 100-120 FPS, while the GPU could push higher. At 1080p, the CPU becomes the primary constraint, and frame rates may be capped by the processor’s single-thread performance rather than the GPU’s capabilities.

Esports titles are a different story. The CPU’s 90th percentile ranking suggests it can handle competitive shooters at high frame rates, but the GPU is overkill for these games. The RTX 4090 D will not be the bottleneck; instead, the CPU’s memory bandwidth (102.4 GB/s) and cache hierarchy (24 MB L3) will dictate performance, likely resulting in high but not record-breaking frame rates.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A is a 14-core, 14-thread processor from the Core Ultra Series 2, built on Arrow Lake architecture using a 3 nm TSMC process. The die contains 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² area, with a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The cache hierarchy includes 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3.

Benchmark results show a balanced performer. Cinebench R23 multi-core scores 32,633 points, while single-core reaches 4,607 points. In R20, the scores are 13,705 multi-core and 1,934 single-core, and in R15, 3,289 multi-core and 464 single-core. PassMark results are varied: multi-threaded performance is 38,392, single-thread is 4,557, integer math scores 88,626, and floating-point math is 118,778. Data compression scores 393,800, and encryption reaches 30,136, indicating strong throughput for these workloads.

The 3 nm process node gives the CPU a power efficiency advantage, with a 65 W TDP that is modest compared to the GPU’s 425 W. This allows for easier cooling and lower system power draw, but the lack of hyperthreading means 14 threads is the maximum, which is a limitation for heavily threaded workloads. The nearest rivals confirm its positioning: the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 scores 48,171 (0.1% higher), while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX scores 48,287 (0.2% higher). The AMD EPYC 4345P is 0.6% higher at 48,470, and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 is 0.6% lower at 47,918.

The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 EU is present but not intended for gaming; it provides basic display output and video decoding. The CPU supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth, which is adequate for most applications but not exceptional. The 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes ensure fast connectivity for the GPU and NVMe drives, though the GPU itself uses PCIe 4.0.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build that pairs the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A (Arrow Lake, Socket 1851) with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D (Ada Lovelace). The combined percentile is 94, placing it in the top tier of all systems. The CPU is a mid-range processor with a 90th percentile ranking, while the GPU is a flagship card in the 98th percentile.

The build class is desktop, and the overall tier is high-end due to the GPU’s dominance. The CPU’s 65 W TDP and the GPU’s 425 W TDP mean the system requires robust cooling, with the suggested PSU of 800 W providing sufficient headroom. The GPU’s triple-slot width and 304 mm length require a spacious case, and the 1x 16-pin power connector needs a compatible power supply.

This pairing is not balanced in the traditional sense — the GPU outclasses the CPU by a wide margin — but it is a deliberate choice for GPU-bound workloads. For 4K gaming, rendering, and AI compute, the RTX 4090 D is the star, and the CPU is sufficient to keep up in these scenarios. The lack of measured FPS data means performance estimates are based on benchmark scores, but the hardware specifications leave no doubt about the system’s capability.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s average benchmark score is 48,201, ranking in the 90th percentile among all CPUs. The GPU’s average benchmark score is 178,050, ranking in the 98th percentile among all GPUs. The combined percentile is 94, indicating a top-tier system overall.

The GPU’s nearest rivals show its position: the RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell is 2.2% ahead, the A100 SXM4 80 GB is 3.1% ahead, the RTX 5000 Ada Generation is 3.6% ahead, and the A100 SXM4 40 GB is 4.9% behind. The CPU’s nearest rivals are closer: the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 is 0.1% ahead, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX is 0.2% behind, the AMD EPYC 4345P is 0.6% behind, and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 is 0.6% ahead.

The combined picture is clear: this system is built around the GPU. The CPU’s 48,201 average score is sufficient for most tasks, but the GPU’s 178,050 average score is more than three times higher, reflecting the performance gap. In GPU-bound workloads like 3D rendering and 4K gaming, this configuration excels. In CPU-bound workloads like physics simulation or data compression, the CPU’s 90th percentile ranking means it will perform well but not at the same elite level as the GPU. The PassMark physics score of 2,437 and find prime numbers score of 392 highlight that the CPU is not a compute monster, but it is a competent partner for the flagship GPU.

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 5 235A + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core Ultra 5 235A

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 D

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

GPU Analysis

Upgrade Path and Platform

FAQ

Balance and Bottleneck

Who Should Build It

Gaming Performance

CPU Analysis

Build Overview

Benchmark Performance

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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