SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus + Intel Arc A580

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

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
98%
VS
GPU
97%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus

84,003 Benchmark Score
Top 2% 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
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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

# Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus + Intel Arc A580

This pairing combines Intel's flagship 24-core Arrow Lake Refresh desktop processor with Intel's mid-range Alchemist-generation discrete GPU. The CPU sits in the 96th percentile of all processors with an average benchmark score of 84,003, while the GPU ranks in the 87th percentile with an average score of 57,756. Together, this desktop build achieves a combined percentile of 92, indicating a high-tier system overall. The data shows a processor with exceptional multi-threaded capability paired with a GPU that competes in the upper-midrange segment, creating an interesting balance of compute-heavy productivity power and capable 1080p gaming performance.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus is a 24-core, 24-thread desktop processor built on Intel's 3 nm process at TSMC, with a transistor count of 17,800 million on a 243 mm² die. It belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 family under the Arrow Lake Refresh codename. The base clock runs at 3.70 GHz with a boost clock reaching 5.80 GHz, and the multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking headroom for enthusiasts. The TDP is rated at 125 W, which is modest for a 24-core flagship. Cache configuration includes 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and a shared 36 MB L3 cache.

Benchmark results reveal a processor that excels in heavily threaded workloads. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score reaches 51,731, while the single-core score hits 7,303. The R20 results show 21,727 multicore and 3,067 single-core, and the older R15 test produces 5,214 multicore and 736 single-core. These numbers indicate that the 290K Plus maintains strong scaling across different rendering workloads. PassMark tests reinforce this picture: multithread score of 60,860, single-thread score of 4,823, integer math at 166,194, floating-point math at 214,760, and extended instructions at 52,338. Data compression scores 698,346, while encryption reaches 52,563 and random string sorting hits 79,744.

The CPU's 96th percentile ranking places it among the top processors available. Compared to its nearest rivals, the 290K Plus edges out the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K by a 0.2% deltaPct, with an average score of 84,003 versus 83,807. It also leads the AMD EPYC 4584PX by 1.1% and the AMD EPYC 9135 by 1.2%. The AMD EPYC 7F72 is slightly ahead at 85,072, representing a -1.3% deltaPct against the 290K Plus. These comparisons show that the 290K Plus sits in a competitive cluster of high-end processors, trading blows with server-class EPYC parts in raw average benchmark scores.

For real workloads, the Cinebench scores translate to fast video rendering, 3D modeling, and simulation tasks. The PassMark physics score of 3,315 suggests strong computational physics performance. The combination of high single-thread scores and dominant multicore results means the processor handles both lightly threaded applications and massively parallel workloads with ease. The 3 nm process node contributes to efficiency, though the 125 W TDP is the specified power envelope for the chip.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU delivers a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 51,731, which is a strong result for a 24-thread processor. Single-core performance in the same test reaches 7,303, indicating excellent per-thread capability. In PassMark, the multithread score of 60,860 and single-thread score of 4,823 place the processor in the 96th percentile of all CPUs. The average benchmark score of 84,003 confirms consistent high performance across multiple test suites.

The GPU side shows more modest results. In 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, the Arc A580 scores 2,229. Geekbench OpenCL yields 91,657, while Vulkan scores 79,381. These figures place the GPU in the 87th percentile of all GPUs. The average benchmark score of 57,756 puts it in the same league as the AMD Radeon RX 5600 OEM (58,085, deltaPct -0.6%), the AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE (57,367, deltaPct 0.7%), the Intel Arc A570M (58,239, deltaPct -0.8%), and the AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT (58,392, deltaPct -1.1%). The Arc A580 is essentially neck-and-neck with these rivals, with deltas under 1.1% in all cases.

The combined picture is a system where the CPU vastly outperforms the GPU in relative terms. The 96th percentile CPU versus 87th percentile GPU creates a notable imbalance. In CPU-bound workloads, the system will perform at flagship levels. In GPU-bound scenarios, the Arc A580 becomes the limiting factor. The combined percentile of 92 reflects this asymmetry, placing the overall build above most systems but below what the CPU alone could achieve with a higher-tier GPU.

It is important to note that no measured FPS rows exist for this exact CPU+GPU combination. The FACT PACK contains no measuredFps data, so all frame rate discussions below are estimates derived from the benchmark scores rather than direct measurements.

FAQ

Q: How does the Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus compare to the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K?

A: The 290K Plus has an average benchmark score of 84,003, which is 0.2% higher than the 285K's 83,807. In practical terms, this is a negligible difference, placing the two processors at near-identical performance levels.

Q: What is the GPU's performance percentile and how does it compare to nearby rivals?

A: The Intel Arc A580 is in the 87th percentile of all GPUs with an average score of 57,756. Its closest rival is the AMD Radeon RX 5600 OEM at 58,085 (-0.6%), followed by the Intel Arc A570M at 58,239 (-0.8%), and the AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT at 58,392 (-1.1%). The AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE trails slightly at 57,367 (0.7%).

Q: Does this system use DDR5 memory and what is the bandwidth?

A: Yes, the CPU supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The memory bandwidth is rated at 115.2 GB/s. The system also supports ECC memory, which is notable for workstation-class reliability.

Q: What is the CPU's socket and does it support PCIe Gen 5?

A: The processor uses Intel Socket 1851 and provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU. The GPU uses a PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, so it will run at full bandwidth without bottlenecking from the bus.

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

A: The Arc A580 features 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 512.0 GB/s. The memory clock runs at 2000 MHz with 16 Gbps effective speed.

Q: How does the CPU's single-thread performance compare to its multicore performance?

A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score is 7,303, while the multicore score is 51,731, a ratio of roughly 7:1. PassMark shows 4,823 single-thread versus 60,860 multithread, indicating strong scaling across the 24 cores.

Q: Is the GPU suitable for ray tracing workloads?

A: The Arc A580 has 24 ray tracing cores and supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2). However, the 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2,229 suggests moderate ray tracing capability, best suited for lighter RT effects rather than fully ray-traced scenes at high resolutions.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The system is built on Intel Socket 1851, which supports the Arrow Lake Refresh generation. The CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, while the GPU connects via PCIe 4.0 x16. Memory support includes DDR5 with dual-channel configuration and a bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s, along with ECC memory support for error-correcting workloads. The integrated graphics is an Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU unit, which provides a fallback display output if the discrete GPU is removed or fails.

The GPU has a TDP of 175 W and requires two 8-pin power connectors. The suggested PSU is 450 W, which is ample for this single-GPU configuration. Given that the CPU TDP is 125 W and the GPU is 175 W, the total system draw is well within the 450 W recommendation. The GPU is dual-slot in width, fitting most standard ATX cases. Display outputs include one HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 2.0 connectors, supporting multi-monitor setups.

For a sensible next upgrade, the data indicates the GPU is the weaker component in this pairing. The CPU's 96th percentile ranking leaves little room for improvement on the processor side. A GPU upgrade would yield the largest performance gains, particularly for gaming and GPU-accelerated rendering. The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot supports modern GPUs, and the 450 W PSU recommendation suggests that a higher-tier GPU may require a PSU upgrade alongside. The platform itself is current with Gen 5 PCIe lanes and DDR5 memory, so no motherboard or memory changes would be necessary.

Who Should Build It

This system targets users who prioritize CPU-heavy workloads while still wanting a capable discrete GPU. The 24-core processor with a 96th percentile ranking suits content creators working with video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation. The Arc A580's 87th percentile GPU performance supports 1080p gaming at high settings, making this a balanced machine for gamers who also do productivity work. Students in engineering or computer science programs will benefit from the CPU's multithreaded performance for simulations and code builds, while the GPU handles graphics coursework and light gaming. Small business workstations running data analysis, virtualization, or database workloads will leverage the CPU's 24 threads and ECC memory support, though the GPU adds unnecessary cost for pure compute tasks. The system also suits developers who need fast compilation times, as the PassMark data compression score of 698,346 and integer math score of 166,194 indicate rapid build and file processing capabilities.

Gaming Performance

Since no measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU+GPU combination, all frame rate figures below are estimates based on the benchmark scores. The Arc A580's 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2,229 and Geekbench Vulkan score of 79,381 suggest performance in the upper-midrange GPU tier. In the 87th percentile of all GPUs, the A580 can be expected to handle 1080p gaming at high settings for most titles, with frame rates typically in the 60-100 FPS range depending on the game. At 1440p, the 8 GB VRAM and 512.0 GB/s bandwidth become limiting factors, with frame rates dropping to 40-70 FPS in demanding titles. The CPU's strong single-thread score of 7,303 in Cinebench R23 ensures minimal bottlenecking in CPU-bound scenarios, allowing the GPU to reach its full potential. Esports titles and older games will run at high frame rates exceeding 144 FPS at 1080p given the CPU's high single-thread performance. Ray tracing workloads will be modest, with the 24 RT cores providing playable but not exceptional performance in RT-enabled titles.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data reveals a significant imbalance between CPU and GPU performance. The CPU sits in the 96th percentile while the GPU is in the 87th percentile, creating a scenario where the GPU will almost always be the limiting factor in gaming and GPU-accelerated workloads. The CPU's average benchmark score of 84,003 dwarfs the GPU's 57,756, indicating that the processor has far more headroom than the graphics card can utilize. In CPU-bound tasks like compilation, rendering, or data processing, the system performs at flagship levels. In GPU-bound workloads such as gaming at high resolutions or GPU rendering, the Arc A580 becomes the bottleneck. The 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 2,229 is the only GPU-specific data point, and it confirms the GPU's midrange positioning. For gaming at 1080p, the CPU can easily feed the GPU, but at 1440p or 4K, the GPU's 8 GB VRAM and 12.29 TFLOPS FP32 performance will limit frame rates. The combined percentile of 92 reflects this asymmetry — the system is strong overall but does not reach the heights that the CPU alone could achieve.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build pairing the flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus processor with the Intel Arc A580 graphics card. The CPU is a 24-core, 24-thread Arrow Lake Refresh part on the 3 nm node, with a 96th percentile ranking and an average benchmark score of 84,003. The GPU is an Alchemist-generation part on the 6 nm node with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, a 256-bit bus, and a 87th percentile ranking with an average score of 57,756. The combined percentile of 92 places the whole system in the top 8% of builds. The CPU is in the same performance class as the Core Ultra 9 285K and AMD EPYC server processors, while the GPU trades blows with the Radeon RX 5600 OEM and RX 6950 XT. This is a workstation-class CPU paired with a midrange GPU, creating a system that excels in compute-heavy tasks while offering solid 1080p gaming capability.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: At 1080p, the CPU's strong single-thread performance (7,303 in Cinebench R23) will drive high frame rates, while the GPU's 87th percentile ranking supports 100+ FPS in esports and moderately demanding titles. The 8 GB VRAM is sufficient for 1080p textures, and the 512.0 GB/s bandwidth prevents memory bottlenecks at this resolution.

Streaming: The 24-core CPU provides ample headroom for encoding while gaming. The PassMark multithread score of 60,860 ensures that simultaneous game and encode workloads will not cause frame drops. The GPU's 12.29 TFLOPS FP32 performance handles the rendering side, though streaming at 1440p may strain the GPU.

Video editing: The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 51,731 makes timeline scrubbing and export rendering fast. The 36 MB L3 cache and 24 threads accelerate effects processing. The GPU's 8 GB VRAM supports GPU-accelerated effects, though 4K timelines may exceed its capacity.

3D rendering: The CPU's 51,731 Cinebench R23 multicore score excels in CPU-based renderers. The GPU's 12.29 TFLOPS FP32 and 24 RT cores provide acceleration for GPU renderers, though the 8 GB VRAM limits scene complexity.

Software development: PassMark integer math at 166,194 and data compression at 698,346 indicate fast compilation and build times. The 24 threads handle parallel builds efficiently, and the 96th percentile CPU ranking ensures responsiveness in large codebases.

Student and office work: The CPU's single-thread score of 4,823 in PassMark ensures snappy application responsiveness. The ECC memory support adds reliability for long-running academic computations. The GPU provides adequate acceleration for office suites and light CAD work, though it is overkill for basic productivity.

GPU Analysis

The Intel Arc A580 is built on the Xe-HPG architecture using the DG2-512 chip on a 6 nm TSMC process. It contains 21,700 million transistors on a 406 mm² die, with a transistor density of 53.4M per mm². The GPU has 3,072 shading units, 192 texture mapping units, and 96 raster operation units, along with 24 ray tracing cores. Clock speeds are 1700 MHz base and 2000 MHz boost, with memory clocked at 2000 MHz for 16 Gbps effective speed. The 8 GB GDDR6 memory runs on a 256-bit bus, delivering 512.0 GB/s of bandwidth. Pixel rate is 192.0 GPixel/s, and texture rate is 384.0 GTexel/s. Compute performance is 12.29 TFLOPS FP32 and 24.58 TFLOPS FP16 with a 2:1 ratio.

In benchmark terms, the A580's 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2,229 places it in the 87th percentile of GPUs. Geekbench OpenCL and Vulkan scores of 91,657 and 79,381, respectively, confirm consistent performance across different APIs. The GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, ensuring broad compatibility with modern titles. The 24 ray tracing cores enable hardware-accelerated ray tracing, though the modest Steel Nomad score suggests RT performance is adequate for light effects rather than heavy scene loads. The 8 GB VRAM is a limiting factor at higher resolutions, but the 512.0 GB/s bandwidth mitigates some of the capacity constraints. For rendering workloads, the FP32 performance of 12.29 TFLOPS provides solid compute capability for GPU-accelerated renderers, while the 24.58 TFLOPS FP16 performance accelerates AI and machine learning tasks that use half-precision. The TDP is 175 W with a suggested PSU of 450 W, and the card requires two 8-pin connectors. Display outputs include one HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 2.0, supporting high refresh rate monitors and multi-display configurations. The GPU's release date is October 9, 2023, and it remains in active production, with Battlemage listed as its successor.