SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4010

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

88 / 100
HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 12% of systems. Excellent for 1440p Ultra or 4K High gaming.

1440p Ultra4K High

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
98%
VS
GPU
79%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus

84,003 Benchmark Score
Top 2% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4010

2,893 Benchmark Score
Top 21% 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

Strong Performance

Excellent for 1440p gaming. Most games will run at high/ultra settings smoothly.

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 9 290K Plus paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4010 is a desktop combination that sits at the 57th percentile overall, a figure that reflects a stark asymmetry between its two components. The CPU is a top-tier enthusiast part, ranking in the 96th percentile among all processors, while the GPU ranks in only the 18th percentile among all graphics cards. This pairing creates a system where the processor’s immense compute capability is largely untapped in graphics-bound scenarios, making the balance of the build a central consideration for any potential user.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data indicates a pronounced bottleneck at the GPU in nearly every graphics-intensive workload. The RTX 4010’s average benchmark score is 2893, placing it in the 18th percentile of all GPUs, while the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus achieves an average benchmark score of 84003, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs. The delta between these two percentile positions is the clearest evidence of imbalance: the CPU is operating in a performance tier that the GPU cannot feed in real-time rendering tasks.

In terms of FPS scaling, there is no measured data for this exact combination, but the benchmark results allow for a reasoned estimate. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2893 is nearly identical to that of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, which scores 2907, a delta of -0.5%. This means the RTX 4010’s raw graphics throughput is on par with a mainstream mid-range card from the same generation, despite having far less memory. Consequently, in games at any resolution above 1080p, the frame rate will be dictated almost entirely by the GPU’s rendering capability. The CPU’s single-thread score of 7303 in Cinebench R23 and multi-thread score of 51731 in the same test are far beyond what is required to keep up with the RTX 4010, so CPU-side frame pacing issues are unlikely to be the limiting factor.

Conversely, in non-graphics workloads, the bottleneck reverses entirely. For tasks like data compression, encryption, or multi-threaded rendering, the GPU is irrelevant, and the system’s performance is defined by the CPU’s 24 cores and 24 threads. The PassMark multi-thread score of 60860 and the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 51731 put the processor in a class where the GPU’s presence is negligible. This is a system that excels at compute-heavy tasks but will struggle to translate that power into high-refresh gaming at higher resolutions.

The practical implication of this balance is that users must prioritize their workloads. If the primary use is gaming, the GPU will be the limiting factor, and the CPU’s potential will remain largely idle. If the primary use is professional content creation or software compilation, the opposite is true, and the GPU will simply handle display output while the CPU does the heavy lifting. The 57th combined percentile reflects this compromise, placing the entire system in the middle of the pack despite having a top-tier processor.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s benchmark performance is exceptional across both single-threaded and multi-threaded tests. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 51731 and single-core score of 7303 demonstrate a processor that is 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, which averages 83807, and 1.1% ahead of the AMD EPYC 4584PX, which averages 83090. The data also shows a 1.2% lead over the AMD EPYC 9135, which averages 82980, while trailing the AMD EPYC 7F72 by -1.3%, which averages 85072. These deltas place the 290K Plus firmly in the upper echelon of desktop processors, with its average benchmark score of 84003 being only marginally below the EPYC 7F72.

In older Cinebench versions, the trend continues. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 21727 and single-core score of 3067, along with the Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 5214 and single-core score of 736, all point to a processor that excels in both bursty single-thread tasks and sustained multi-thread workloads. The PassMark suite reinforces this, with a single-thread score of 4823 and a multithread score of 60860. The integer math score of 166194 and floating-point math score of 214760 indicate strong arithmetic throughput, while the extended instructions score of 52338 suggests solid SIMD performance.

The GPU’s benchmark performance is far more modest. The single 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2893 places it in the 18th percentile of all GPUs. It is -0.5% behind the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, -0.6% behind the RTX PRO 4000 Blackwell SFF, and -0.7% behind the RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB. It is also -1% behind the NVIDIA Quadro P600. These are extremely tight margins, with less than a 1% difference separating all four rivals, meaning the RTX 4010 is functionally equivalent in raw rasterization performance to these cards, despite its smaller memory pool and narrower bus.

The combined picture is one of extreme contrast: a CPU that outperforms most rivals by a small but consistent margin, paired with a GPU that is statistically indistinguishable from several mid-range options. The 57th combined percentile is a direct result of this disparity, dragging an otherwise elite processor down to a system-level average tier.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus is built on the Arrow Lake Refresh architecture, manufactured on a 3 nm process by TSMC. It features 24 cores and 24 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.80 GHz. The multiplier is unlocked, allowing for overclocking. The chip includes 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache, totaling 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die.

The benchmark scores reveal a processor that is exceptionally strong in multi-threaded workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 51731 is a clear indicator of its capability in rendering and compilation tasks. The PassMark multithread score of 60860 and the data compression score of 698346 further confirm its prowess in parallel processing. The data encryption score of 52563 and the random string sorting score of 79744 show that it handles both memory-intensive and cryptographic workloads with ease.

Single-thread performance is equally impressive. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 7303 and the PassMark single-thread score of 4823 place it among the fastest processors for tasks that rely on low latency and high clock speeds, such as legacy software or lightly-threaded games. The boost clock of 5.80 GHz is the highest frequency listed in the pack, and the 3 nm process node contributes to efficient power delivery, though the TDP is listed at 125 W.

For real-world workloads, the data suggests that this CPU can handle nearly any task thrown at it. The find prime numbers score of 503 is a lower result, indicating that very specific integer-heavy algorithms may not scale as well, but this is an outlier compared to the rest of the suite. The floating-point math score of 214760 and integer math score of 166194 are both strong, making the CPU suitable for scientific computation and financial modeling. The 36 MB of L3 cache and dual-channel DDR5 memory support with a bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s provide ample data throughput for multi-threaded applications.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: At 1080p, the RTX 4010’s 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 2893, which is within 0.5% of the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, suggests that it can deliver playable frame rates in many titles. However, the GPU’s 4 GB of VRAM and 96.00 GB/s of bandwidth will limit texture quality and resolution. The CPU’s single-core performance is more than sufficient, so the frame rate will be capped by the GPU. At higher resolutions, the GPU becomes the definitive bottleneck, and the system will likely not sustain high refresh rates above 1440p.

Streaming: The CPU’s 24 cores and 24 threads provide ample headroom for software encoding while gaming. The PassMark multithread score of 60860 indicates that the CPU can handle the encoding workload without significant impact on game performance. The GPU lacks dedicated AV1 encoding, but the CPU’s raw power can compensate. The GPU’s 18th percentile ranking means that the gaming experience will still be limited by the RTX 4010, but the streaming side is well-covered.

Video editing: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 51731 and the PassMark floating-point math score of 214760 make this CPU an excellent choice for video editing. Rendering timelines and applying effects will be fast. The GPU’s 4 GB VRAM may be insufficient for complex GPU-accelerated effects, but for standard editing and export, the CPU will dominate the workload. The data indicates that the system will spend most of its time waiting on the CPU for export, which is a positive sign.

3D rendering: In CPU-based renderers, this system excels. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 5214 and the R20 score of 21727 are strong indicators of performance in applications like Blender’s Cycles or V-Ray’s CPU engine. The GPU’s role is minimal in these tasks, so its low percentile is not a hindrance. The 36 MB L3 cache helps with complex scenes. The system is a viable workstation for offline rendering.

Software development: The PassMark integer math score of 166194 and the data compression score of 698346 are directly relevant to compilation and code analysis. The 24 threads allow for parallel builds, and the single-thread score of 4823 ensures snappy IDE responsiveness. The system is well-suited for large codebases and continuous integration workloads. The GPU’s limited VRAM could be a constraint for GPU-accelerated compute in development tools, but the CPU handles the core tasks efficiently.

Student and office work: This is a case of massive overkill. The CPU’s performance is far beyond what is needed for document editing, web browsing, or spreadsheet analysis. The GPU’s 18th percentile is more than adequate for basic display output and 2D acceleration. The system will be extremely responsive, but the power and cost of the CPU are wasted in this scenario. A lower-tier processor would offer similar office performance without the excess.

Who Should Build It

This build is for users who prioritize CPU compute over graphics. Gamers at 1080p with a focus on high frame rates in esports titles will find the RTX 4010 adequate, but they will not be able to utilize the CPU’s full potential. Content creators, specifically video editors and 3D artists who rely on CPU rendering, will benefit the most from the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus’s multi-threaded performance. Software developers working on large codebases will appreciate the integer math score of 166194 and the 24 threads for parallel compilation.

For small business workstations that handle data processing, encryption, or database tasks, the CPU’s PassMark data encryption score of 52563 and data compression score of 698346 are valuable. The GPU is sufficient for office applications and basic visualization. Students in engineering or scientific fields who run CPU-bound simulations will find the system capable, though the GPU’s low VRAM may limit certain compute tasks. The build is not suitable for high-resolution gaming or GPU-accelerated rendering, as the RTX 4010’s 18th percentile ranking and 4 GB memory are the clear limiting factors.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4010 is based on the Ampere architecture, using the GA107 chip on an 8 nm process from Samsung. It has 4 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 64-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 96.00 GB/s. The GPU features 768 shading units, 24 texture mapping units, and 16 raster operation units. It includes 6 ray tracing cores and 24 tensor cores, which support DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.

The clock speeds are 1417 MHz base and 1762 MHz boost, with memory running at 1500 MHz or 12 Gbps effective. The pixel rate is 28.19 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 42.29 GTexel/s. The FP32 performance is 2.706 TFLOPS, which is identical to the FP16 performance at 2.706 TFLOPS, indicating a 1:1 ratio. The GPU has a TDP of 50 W and requires no power connectors, with a suggested PSU of 250 W. It is a single-slot card measuring 163 mm in length and 69 mm in height, with four mini-DisplayPort 1.4a outputs.

In terms of benchmark performance, the 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2893 places it in the 18th percentile. This score is nearly identical to the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, which scores 2907, a delta of -0.5%. The RTX 4010 also trails the RTX PRO 4000 Blackwell SFF by -0.6% and the RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB by -0.7%. These minimal deltas indicate that the RTX 4010’s raw rasterization performance is competitive with these cards, but the 4 GB VRAM is a severe limitation for modern games at high settings or for any texture-heavy workload. The 64-bit memory bus and 96.00 GB/s bandwidth further restrict its ability to handle large datasets, making it a card suited for 1080p gaming at reduced settings or for basic display tasks.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The CPU uses the Intel Socket 1851 and supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, which is a plus for workstation reliability. The CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes, offering high-bandwidth connectivity for future GPUs and NVMe drives. The integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units, providing a fallback display output.

The GPU uses a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and has a TDP of 50 W, with a suggested PSU of 250 W. The CPU has a TDP of 125 W, so the total system power draw is modest, leaving significant headroom in the 250 W PSU recommendation. A sensible next upgrade would be to replace the RTX 4010 with a higher-tier GPU, as the CPU’s 96th percentile performance can easily support a much faster graphics card. The PCIe Gen 5 lanes on the CPU ensure that a future GPU will not be bandwidth-limited. Memory upgrades are also straightforward, as the dual-channel DDR5 support allows for increased capacity and speed, though the current bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s is already substantial.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build that combines a top-tier enthusiast CPU with a low-end GPU. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus ranks in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4010 ranks in the 18th percentile of all GPUs. The combined percentile is 57, placing the system in the middle of the pack overall. The build’s class is desktop, and it is best described as a compute-focused workstation with limited gaming capability. The CPU’s performance is in the elite tier, as evidenced by its average benchmark score of 84003, which is within 1.3% of the AMD EPYC 7F72. The GPU’s performance is in the entry-level to mid-range tier, with its score of 2893 being statistically tied to several mainstream cards.

FAQ

Q: What is the CPU’s average benchmark score and percentile?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus has an average benchmark score of 84003, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the GPU’s 3DMark score compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The RTX 4010 scores 2893 in 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, which is 0.5% behind the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB and 0.7% behind the RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB.

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

A: The combined percentile is 57, reflecting the stark difference between the CPU’s 96th and the GPU’s 18th percentile rankings.

Q: How much VRAM does the RTX 4010 have and what is its memory bandwidth?

A: The RTX 4010 has 4 GB of GDDR6 memory with a 64-bit bus and a bandwidth of 96.00 GB/s.

Q: What is the CPU’s boost clock and core count?

A: The CPU has 24 cores and 24 threads, with a boost clock of 5.80 GHz and a base clock of 3.70 GHz.

Q: Does the system support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the CPU supports ECC memory, which is listed as a feature.

Q: What is the suggested PSU wattage for the GPU?

A: The suggested PSU for the RTX 4010 is 250 W, while the CPU’s TDP is 125 W.

Gaming Performance

There are no measured FPS rows available for this exact combination of the Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4010. The FACT PACK contains no measuredFps data, so all frame rate figures discussed here are estimates derived from the benchmark scores. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2893, which is within 0.5% of the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB’s score of 2907, suggests that the RTX 4010 can deliver playable performance in many titles at 1080p with medium to low settings. The CPU’s single-thread score of 7303 in Cinebench R23 ensures that it will not bottleneck the GPU at this resolution.

At 1440p, the GPU’s 4 GB of VRAM and 96.00 GB/s bandwidth will become a severe constraint, likely causing texture pop-in and reduced frame rates. At 4K, the system will struggle, as the RTX 4010’s 18th percentile ranking is simply too low for high-resolution gaming. The CPU’s multi-thread performance will not help in this scenario, as the frame rate is dictated by the GPU. For esports titles at 1080p with low settings, the system may achieve high frame rates, but for AAA games, the estimates point to moderate performance at best. The data indicates that this is not a gaming-first build, and the GPU should be upgraded for a better experience.